Prince William County's Department of Historic Preservation reports that it submitted the "1902 Brentsville Colored and White Poll Books" to the Virginia Association of Museums Top 10 Most Endangered Artifacts list, "to bring awareness to these unique and important pieces of history." The poll books were selected as part of the Top 10. There will be public voting for up to $5,000 in funds that would go to preserve the 116-year-old books. Voting is Jan. 15-24 at http://www.vamuseums.org/?page=top10

Virginia House of Delegates leaders congratulated Ralph Northam Saturday, Jan. 13, on his inauguration as the 73rd Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Legislation recognizing six Virginia tribes: the Chickahominy, the Eastern Chickahominy, the Upper Mattaponi, the Rappahannock, the Monacan, and the Nansemond-has passed Congress and is on its way to the President for his signature. Many of these include descendants of Pocahontas’ Virginia Powhatan tribe Kaine and Warner worked with Democratic and Republican colleagues to ensure that the bill made it through to final passage. These tribes had received official recognition from the Commonwealth of Virginia, but had not received federal recognition, which will grant the tribes legal standing and status in direct relationships with the U.S. government.

The Dec. 14 recount for Virginia’s 40th House District concluded, and Delegate Tim Hugo’s victory was reaffirmed, winning an eighth term by 99 votes. The 40th District includes parts of Fairfax and Prince William counties.

Voters in the Fredericksburg area filed suit Dec. 6 to seek a new election in House District 28. This is the only remedy available to voters who were given an incorrect ballot on Election Day. This decision comes after the State Board of Elections admitted that 147 voters were misassigned into the wrong House District where the margin is separated by 82 votes.

Patricia Richie-Folks, candidate for Manassas City Treasurer, responds to Manassas Observer's Candidate Questionnaire. Questionnaires received after deadline for the Nov.3 Manassas Observer appear online.

Governor Terry McAuliffe has announced a new statewide partnership between the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and Hope Street Group, to support and equip teachers to engage local and state policymakers in education policy development.

On Saturday, Aug. 26, and Sunday, Aug. 27, the Democratic Party of Virginia will host its second statewide Weekend of Action prior to the general election.