Author: Potomac Local News

Manassas Park

Manassas Park Holds Memorial Day Flag Ceremony at City Hall

By Potomac Local News

The City of Manassas Park held its Memorial Day Flag Ceremony indoors on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Governing Body Board Room on the second floor of City Hall (100 Park Central Plaza). The event was relocated indoors due to forecasted rain, ensuring the community could safely participate in this important tribute.

The ceremony honored the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who gave their lives in defense of the nation. It served as a solemn remembrance ahead of Memorial Day weekend, highlighting the sacrifices that preserve American freedoms.

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Politics

State Sen. Tara Durant Suspends Bid for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District

By Potomac Local News
Delegate Tara Durant (R-Fredericksburg, Stafford)

Virginia State Sen. Tara Durant (R-Stafford, Fredericksburg) has suspended her campaign for the Republican nomination in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, according to multiple sources.

Durant informed Virginia Scope reporter Brandon Jarvis that she is stepping back from the congressional race to focus on defending her state Senate seat in the 2027 election. She has not yet issued a formal public statement, but the suspension has been confirmed.

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Stafford

Update: Charges Filed in Fiery Tractor-Trailer Crash That Shut Down I-95 Southbound in Stafford County

By Potomac Local News

Virginia State Police have released new details and filed charges in connection with the fiery two-vehicle crash that fully closed Interstate 95 southbound on May 14, 2026.

According to VSP Public Information Coordinator Matthew Demlein, the crash occurred at approximately 5:45 a.m. on I-95 southbound at the 138-mile marker.

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Podcast

Woodbridge Supervisor Jeannie LaCroix: New Businesses, Route 1 Revitalization & Community Updates

By Potomac Local News

Woodbridge District Supervisor Jeannie LaCroix joins the Potomac Local Podcast for an important conversation about the future of Woodbridge.

In this engaging discussion, Supervisor LaCroix shares exciting updates on new businesses in the area — including the recent grand opening of Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center. She also discusses ongoing efforts to revitalize Route 1, ways the county is supporting local families, honoring veterans, and opportunities for residents to get involved in the community.

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Traffic

VRE Brings Back Fireworks Trains for July 4

By Potomac Local News
A Virginia Railway Express train pulls into the Fredericksburg train station. [Photo: Uriah Kiser/PLN]

Fireworks Trains on Saturday, July 4, 2026, to help locals celebrate Independence Day and the nation’s 250th anniversary without the usual traffic headaches.

Trains will operate on the Manassas and Fredericksburg lines, stopping at select stations. They will arrive in Washington, D.C., around 5 p.m. at L’Enfant or Union Station and depart south around 11 p.m. after the National Mall fireworks show. Tickets go on sale June 1 through Eventbrite and cost $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12. Each rider will receive a commemorative LED sparkler.

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Manassas

Community Rallies as Bennett School Named to 2026 Most Endangered Historic Places List

By Potomac Local News
Manassas residents, preservation advocates, and local officials gather at the Manassas Museum Plaza on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, during the “Save Bennett School” community event. Speakers called for the preservation of the 118-year-old historic building, which was recently added to Preservation Virginia’s 2026 Most Endangered Historic Places list.

Community members, preservation advocates, and local officials gathered Wednesday evening at the Manassas Museum Plaza to call for the preservation of the historic Old Bennett School, a 118-year-old building facing demolition as part of Prince William County’s planned judicial center expansion.

Logan Parham of Preservation Virginia announced that the Old Bennett School has been added to the organization’s 2026 Virginia’s Most Endangered Historic Places list. The annual list highlights significant historic resources across the commonwealth that face imminent threats.

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Prince William

OWL Fire Department Mourns Longtime Member Danny Thompson

By Potomac Local News

“It is with deep sadness that OWL Volunteer Fire Department announces the passing of Life Member Daniel “Danny” Thompson,” OWL Volunteer Fire Department announced. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

“Rest easy, Danny. Thank you for your many years of service and dedication,” the department added.

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Schools

Over Half of Stafford High Students Absent After Graffiti

By Potomac Local News

“We understand that incidents like this can cause concern and anxiety for students, parents, guardians, faculty and staff,” the sheriff’s office said. “After carefully reviewing all available evidence and information, the Sheriff’s Office has found no evidence indicating these threats pose a credible risk to the school community at this time.”

“The language used in the graffiti does not reflect the values of our school community,” Stafford High Principal Chelsea Tryon wrote in a letter to families.

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Police Seek Missing 17-Year-Old

By Potomac Local News

“Autumn Van Zandt was last seen on May 19, 2026 at approximately 1:00 p.m. Autumn is a 17 year old female and is described as 5’7, 135 lbs., brown hair, and brown eyes,” Fredericksburg Police announced. “Autumn was last seen wearing a black top and jean shorts with a red purse and has a heart shaped tattoo on the left/right side of her hip.”

She is known to frequent the downtown area of Fredericksburg and Southpoint Shopping area in Spotsylvania County and was last seen traveling with Ronnie Reel (DOB 11/17/1986). Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fredericksburg Police Department at 540-373-3122. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by texting “FPDtip” and the information to 847-411 or via the FPD Tip app.

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Stafford

Stafford County Honors WWII Aviators Memorial Day

By Potomac Local News

The ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. Friday, May 22 at Stafford Regional Airport (95 Aviation Way, Fredericksburg, VA 22406), featuring the Rise Above mobile history exhibit with a 160-degree theater, interpretive displays, and a restored P-51 Mustang. Keynote speakers include Rise Above Exhibit Director Chris Allen and Stafford County Board of Supervisors Chairman Deuntay Diggs.

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