Author: Potomac Local News

Breaking News

Gerry Connolly, Longtime Northern Virginia Congressman, Has Died

By Potomac Local News
Connolly

FAIRFAX, Va. – Congressman Gerald E. Connolly, a veteran Northern Virginia lawmaker known for his decades of public service and deep ties to the region, died peacefully at his home this morning, surrounded by family, according to a statement released by his loved ones.

“It is with immense sadness that we share that our devoted and loving father, husband, brother, friend, and public servant, Congressman Gerald E. Connolly, passed away peacefully at his home this morning surrounded by family,” the statement read.

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Pets

Fluffy Pomeranian Mix Puppies Hit Adoption Floor at Prince William Animal Shelter

By Potomac Local News

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Four playful pups are looking for their forever homes starting today at the Prince William County Animal Shelter.

These 10-week-old bundles of joy—one male and three females—are a fluffy mix of 79% Pomeranian, 14% American Eskimo, and a touch of Terrier, Spaniel, and Chihuahua. While their DNA is diverse, their irresistible charm is 100% ADORABLE.

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Fredericksburg

Repairs Start This Week on Fredericksburg’s Historic Courthouse Bell Tower

By Potomac Local News

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Crews began structural repairs to the historic Renwick Courthouse bell tower on Monday, May 19, marking the start of a four-month restoration effort to preserve one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Scaffolding will be installed around the bell tower in the project’s first phase. Greensboro, N.C.-based WxTite, LLC was selected for the job following a competitive bidding process. According to city spokeswoman Caitlyn McGhee, the company was chosen for its experience working on historic buildings and its expertise in traditional restoration methods.

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Manassas

Backyard Chicken Proposal Clucked Out by Manassas City Council

By Potomac Local News

MANASSAS, Va. – A plan to allow backyard chickens within city limits has stalled after the Manassas City Council chose not to move forward during its May 20, 2025, work session.

The proposal resurfaced after growing public interest over the past year. Manassas previously explored the idea in 2021 but paused it amid concerns over noise, odor, neighborhood impacts, and enforcement challenges. Under current rules, chicken coops must be 250 feet from neighboring homes — making them nearly impossible on most residential lots.

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News

Stafford to Kick Off Virginia’s 250th With Special Memorial Day Ceremony Featuring The Old Guard

By Potomac Local News
Service members assigned to the Military District of Washington Joint Armed Forces Color Guard prepare to present the national colors on the infield stage at Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fl., February 16, 2025. The service members were in Daytona to participate in the national anthem performance during the pre-race ceremonies for the 67th Annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Cup Series Race. (U.S.Army photo by SGT. Gabriel J. Bacchus)

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County will honor America’s fallen heroes with a special Memorial Day Ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10 a.m. The event will be held at the Armed Services Memorial on the campus of the George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center, located at 1300 Courthouse Road in Stafford.

This year’s program will feature a special appearance by The Old Guard, the U.S. Army’s Third Infantry Regiment. Known as the Army’s official ceremonial unit and the escort to the president, The Old Guard performs military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, guards the Tomb of the Unknowns around the clock, and represents the Army at ceremonies in the nation’s capital and beyond.

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Features

‘We Did It Together’: Fredericksburg Couple Celebrates Side-by-Side Doctorate Degrees From Liberty University

By Potomac Local News

SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. – What began as an unexpected career pivot has led to an achievement for one Fredericksburg-area couple. Drs. Edmond and Sherri Bergeron, both United States military veterans, recently earned their Doctorates in Education from Liberty University—crossing the stage together on May 8, 2025, after four years of hard work, determination, and mutual encouragement.

A New Mission After Military Service

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Stafford

Stafford Could Strip Data Centers of Automatic Approval in Three Zones

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. – The Stafford County Board of Supervisors will consider a sweeping proposal on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, that could dramatically change how and where data centers operate. The proposed changes, which the county planning commission will first review, include stricter zoning rules, expanded development standards, and long-term operational oversight to reduce impacts on nearby communities.

Data Centers May Lose “By-Right” Status in Three Zones

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Manassas

Big Plans for Mathis Avenue: Manassas Wants Your Ideas for Shopping Center’s Future

By Potomac Local News

MANASSAS, Va. – The City of Manassas is moving ahead with the next phase of its $16 million purchase of the Manassas Shopping Center, and residents are invited to help shape what comes next.

City officials will present details about the property at 9018 Mathis Avenue and ask residents for their ideas on its future. Both meetings will cover the same information, giving people the flexibility to attend the date that works best for them.

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Fredericksburg

Crash Shuts Down I-95 Local Lanes Near Rappahannock Bridge Saturday Night

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County Fire and Rescue says all northbound lanes of Interstate 95 were shut down around 8:45 p.m. Saturday in the area of mile marker 132.9/133, just north of the Rappahannock River bridge, following a traffic crash. Drivers were urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

About 15 minutes later, the Virginia Department of Transportation clarified that the closure affected the local lanes of I-95 northbound. In a social media post just before 9 p.m., VDOT said the entrance ramps to I-95 northbound from Exit 130 (Route 3) in Fredericksburg were closed due to the crash near mile marker 132.

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Fredericksburg

Big Changes Coming to Spotsylvania Bus Routes Starting May 19

By Potomac Local News
A Fredericksburg Regional Transit bus serves a bus stop at the Stafford County Courthouse. [Photo: Uriah Kiser/Potomac Local News]

According to FXBGo!, the adjustments come after extensive community feedback gathered through its Transit Strategic Plan. The updated routes aim to streamline service, reduce travel times, and better connect riders to key destinations throughout Spotsylvania County.

As part of the update, FXBGo! will retire letter-based route names, switching to a number-only naming system designed to make navigating the system easier for riders. New maps and updated schedules reflecting the changes will be available at Central Station and online at rideFXBGO.com.

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