Author: Potomac Local News

Prince William

FBI, Prince William police raid Red Carpet Inn in Dumfries in trafficking investigation

By Potomac Local News
[Submitted Photo by: Betty Amanda Murray, used with permission]

Federal and local law enforcement conducted a joint operation at the Red Carpet Inn on Dumfries Road on January 15, targeting suspected drug distribution and sex trafficking activity.

The FBI and Prince William County Police Department executed multiple search warrants at the motel, located at 17005 Dumfries Road in Dumfries. Authorities say the action stems from a multiyear investigation focused on criminal activity at the location. Several arrests were made, though officials did not immediately release the number or names of those taken into custody.

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Politics

Democrats win two Virginia House seats in special elections

By Potomac Local News

“Voters in two Virginia House of Delegates districts elected Democratic candidates Tuesday in special elections prompted by lawmakers leaving the General Assembly to join Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger’s administration,” The Center Square reported. “In House District 11, voters elected Gretchen Bulova, who won 68.8% of the vote, or 5,599 ballots cast, according to unofficial results from the Virginia Department of Elections.”

“Voters also decided a separate special election in House District 23, [Woodbridge and North Stafford,] where Democrat Margaret Angela Franklin won with 77.2% of the vote, or 2,773 ballots, according to unofficial election results,” The Center Square reported.

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Stafford

Stafford School Board elects new chair and vice chair for 2026

By Potomac Local News
Warner

Dr. Elizabeth Warner has been elected chair of the Stafford County School Board, and Dr. Sarah Chase will serve as vice chair. The unanimous vote took place during the board’s annual organizational meeting on January 13, 2026.

Warner represents the Griffis-Widewater District and has served on the board for six years. She will take on roles in several committees this year, including the Joint School Working Committee and the Finance and Budget Committee. Chase, who represents the Falmouth District and has served for nine years, will also hold committee assignments including Governance, Legislative, and Head Start.

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News

Prince William Chamber CEO Says Departure Is Voluntary, Unrelated to Investigation

By Potomac Local News

Prince William Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Robert “Bob” Sweeney is leaving the organization after choosing not to renew his contract, a move that follows a period of leadership turnover and reporting about an internal leadership investigation that Sweeney now disputes.

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Publisher's Post

Help Us Spot What’s New in Your Neighborhood

By Potomac Local News
Photo: Alex Knight/Unsplash

One of my favorite things to do at Potomac Local News is tell stories about what’s popping up around the corner — new restaurants, new shops, “coming soon” signs, and even businesses quietly closing their doors.

Those stories consistently do well, and there’s a simple reason why: people love knowing what’s changing in their community.

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Politics

Voters head to polls Tuesday in House District 23 special election

By Potomac Local News

Voters in parts of Prince William and Stafford counties will head to the polls Tuesday, January 13, to decide who will represent them in the Virginia House of Delegates’ 23rd District in a special election.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. in both counties. Voters who are in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot.

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Stafford

Former Stafford School Board chair appointed to county Planning Commission

By Potomac Local News

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our community with my recent appointment to the Planning Commission by Supervisor Maya Guy,” Maureen Siegmund posted on Facebook. “After four years on the School Board, I’ve seen firsthand how decisions about growth, land use, and infrastructure directly impact our schools, neighborhoods, and families.”

“I’m also thankful to the Board of Supervisors who confirmed my appointment and I look forward to joining this team and to the conversations that will come,” Siegmund added. “It’s an honor to keep listening, learning, and working on behalf of the place we call home.”

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Health

Hospitals Warn of Severe Flu Surge as ERs Fill Across Northern Virginia

By Potomac Local News
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical center sits at 2300 Opitz Boulevard in Woodbridge.

Area hospitals are warning residents that a serious flu and respiratory illness surge is straining emergency departments across Northern Virginia, prompting health leaders to urge patients with mild to moderate symptoms to seek care outside hospital emergency rooms when possible.

Hospitals across Virginia and Northern Virginia are reporting a significant increase in flu and other respiratory illnesses, putting pressure on emergency departments and extending wait times for patients.

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Schools

Virginia first state to opt into Education Freedom Tax Credit program

By Potomac Local News
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) held a bill signing ceremony at Beanstalk, an indoor vertical farming company near Manassas. [Photo: Alan Gloss]

The Education Freedom Tax Credit, also called the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC), allows individuals and businesses to receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit—up to $1,700—when donating to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). These funds will provide scholarships to help families pay for private school tuition, tutoring, educational therapies, and other services beginning in 2027.

In his announcement, Youngkin emphasized the program’s potential to help students with the greatest needs and praised former President Trump and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for their support of education choice. Eight SGOs, including two Virginia-based organizations—Step Up, Virginia! and the Torah Education Scholarship Fund—have been approved to serve local students.

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