The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) will administer the $22 million grant over the next seven years beginning with nearly 6,000 seventh grade low-income students in 16 school districts this year through GEAR UP programs and (eventually) college scholarships to increase preparation and enrollment for post-secondary education.

The Washington, D.C., metro area’s 2013 median household income ($90,149) was not statistically different from 2010, the first full year after the last recession, when it was $90,316 in 2013 dollars, according to new statistics released today, Sept. 18, from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, the nation’s most comprehensive data source on American households.

Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, today, Sept. 17, announced the agency will resume the periodic mailing of Social Security Statements--once every five years for most workers--while encouraging each prson to create a secure my Social Security account to immediately access his or her Statement online, anytime.

Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA), who represents part of Prince William County/Manassas area, has introduced legislation authorizing the use of military force against international terrorist groups. This includes the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and al Qaeda and its affiliates, like al Nusra, Ansar al Sharia, al Shabaab and Boko Haram, while encouraging close coordination with NATO and regional allies.

Mauricio Florian-Polanco, a 39-year-old illegal immigrant from Guatemala who was residing in Manassas pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to commit immigration document fraud, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

During the week of Aug. 18-22, road construction work at Manassas National Battlefield Park will occur on North Chinn Road, South Chinn Road, New York Avenue, and the Groveton Confederate Cemetery parking area. The affected roadways and parking areas will be closed to traffic during construction activities.

A representative from Senator Mark Warner’s office will hold remote office hours in Manassas, on Thursday, Aug. 21, to speak with Virginia residents who need assistance with a Federal agency or to pass along a concern to the Senator.

Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) has called for Congress to stay in session to complete the work the elected officials have been elected to do. The practice of taking an August recess is outdated, Wittman contended.