Author: Potomac Local News

Fredericksburg

Heads-Up, Drivers: Here’s Where VDOT Is Doing Road Work This Week

By Potomac Local News

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – If you’re traveling through the Fredericksburg region this week, expect to see crews working along Interstate 95 and several major routes in surrounding counties. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released its list of scheduled lane closures and maintenance activity for May 4–10, 2025. All work is weather permitting, and up-to-date info is available on 511Virginia.org.

According to a press release from VDOT, drivers are advised to use caution, stay alert, and plan for possible delays when traveling through active work zones.

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Breaking News

Parents Charged with Murder After 2-Year-Old Found Dead in Hotel Room

By Potomac Local News

DUMFRIES, Va. – A two-year-old girl was found dead at the Red Roof Inn in Dumfries earlier this month, prompting a homicide investigation that led to the arrest of both of her parents on multiple felony charges, including murder and child neglect.

According to Prince William County Police, officers were called to the hotel at 17113 Dumfries Road on April 16 at 4:29 p.m. after fire and rescue crews reported the child was deceased. Preliminary findings showed no visible signs of trauma or immediate medical issues. A second child, under the age of six, was also in the room and was unharmed. That child has since been placed in the care of trusted parties.

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Obituaries

Obituary: Benjamin Franklin Pruitt Jr. (1948-2025)

By Potomac Local News

Benjamin Franklin Pruitt, Jr., 76, of Spotsylvania, VA, passed away peacefully at home on April 29, 2025, surrounded by love and family.

Born on July 6, 1948, in Washington, DC, Ben lived a life of deep service, devotion, and integrity. He served proudly with the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC, rising to the rank of Detective and earning multiple commendations for his exemplary work over two decades. After retiring from the force in 1989, he continued his commitment to public safety and community service as a Deputy Sheriff in McCormick, South Carolina, where he started and led a successful D.A.R.E. program that positively impacted countless young lives.

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Prince William

Police Blotter: Snake Evicted From Courthouse, Fatal Crash in Woodbridge

By Potomac Local News

A black snake found inside the Stafford County Courthouse was safely removed Thursday morning without objection—or appeal.

Deputies discovered the snake slithering down a hallway and quickly intervened. First Sergeant E.D. Chinault apprehended the reptile, humorously dubbed “Rocky Bal-Boa,” and relocated it to nearby woods.

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Fredericksburg

Sip, Stroll, and Soak Up the Sun: First Friday Brings Fun to Fredericksburg Tonight

By Potomac Local News

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Downtown Fredericksburg is rolling out the welcome mat for May’s First Friday celebration, and the weather couldn’t be better. With sunshine, temperatures climbing into the upper 80s, and only a slight chance of evening showers east of I-95, it’s shaping up to be a prime night to enjoy art, culture, food, and drink in the heart of the city.

From 5 to 9 p.m., the streets will come alive with gallery openings, live music, and unique pop-up experiences. Thanks to the Sip & Stroll program, visitors 21 and up can carry beverages from participating restaurants and shops until 8:30 p.m. To make getting around easier, a free trolley shuttle will run throughout the event.

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Features

The Addams Family Musical Haunts the Stage at Manassas Park High

By Potomac Local News

MANASSAS PARK, Va. – The Manassas Park High School Theatre Department is bringing a delightfully spooky classic to life this week with performances of The Addams Family Musical. The show runs from May 1 through May 4 and promises an evening filled with laughter, eerie tunes, and all the charm of the famously offbeat Addams clan.

In a post on social media, Manassas Park City Public Schools invited the community to enjoy “a spooktacular night of laughter, music, and macabre fun,” encouraging folks to snag tickets before they disappear. The musical, based on the iconic characters created by Charles Addams, follows the family’s hilarious antics as daughter Wednesday falls in love with someone “normal.”

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Stafford

Stafford Wants Your Help Fixing Traffic—and Has a Big Project on the Way

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County is tackling two major traffic challenges — and it’s asking residents to weigh in while preparing to break ground on a major intersection upgrade.

The county is seeking public input on two of its most congested and crash-prone corridors: Garrisonville Road (VA 610) and Warrenton Road (US 17). Both routes have been flagged for safety and congestion concerns. The county plans to apply for state funding through the Virginia SMART SCALE program in 2026 to study each area under the PATHS (Program for Affordable Transportation Hotspot Solutions) program.

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News

Early Voting Kicks Off in Virginia Lt. Governor Race—Lateef Doubles Down on Anti-Casino Stance

By Potomac Local News

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Early voting is now underway in Virginia’s Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor, and one Northern Virginia candidate is making a bold stand on gambling.

Prince William County School Board Chairman Dr. Babur Lateef, one of five Democrats seeking the nomination, is campaigning hard against proposals to expand casino gambling in the state—particularly a push to build a casino in Tysons Corner. He argues that Virginia, which has operated with budget surpluses in recent years, doesn’t need gambling revenue to fund its government.

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Fredericksburg

Cleanup Continues at Drained Canal in Fredericksburg; Investigation into Cause Ongoing

By Potomac Local News

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – City work crews have now removed more than 15 tons of debris from the drained canal running through Fredericksburg and made several key repairs to its aeration system, according to the latest update from city officials.

The city says cleanup efforts are expected to continue through Wednesday, after which the canal will be refilled. That process could take between three and five days using pumps, though rainfall may accelerate the timeline. A photo shared by the city government shows piles of debris lining the canal bed as part of the extensive restoration work.

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News

Big Changes Coming to Stafford’s School Buses—Here’s What Parents Need to Know

By Potomac Local News

Part 2: Fixing the Bus Problem — New Plans for Transportation in Stafford

Stafford County Public Schools has faced mounting criticism over its student transportation system. From late buses to no-shows, families voiced their frustration during connection sessions held by Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith earlier this year. In response, Smith is moving quickly. “We can’t wait another year,” he said. “The data showed our biggest bottleneck was at the elementary level. That’s where we had to start.”

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