U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly announced he will retire at the end of his current term in Congress. Connolly, who has represented Virginia’s 11th Congressional District since 2009, shared the news in a letter to supporters. He cited a recent cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatments, stating the cancer had returned despite initial progress.
Connolly served Prince William County residents until 2022, when redistricting left the 11th District comprising only Fairfax County. He also announced he will step down as Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee. Connolly emphasized his pride in his more than 30 years of public service and thanked his family, staff, and constituents.
His term ends in 2026.
Here’s the full press release:
Dear Friends,
I want to begin by thanking you for your good wishes and compassion as I continue to tackle my diagnosis. Your outpouring of love and support has given me strength in my fights – both against cancer and in our collective defense of democracy.
When I announced my diagnosis six months ago, I promised transparency. After grueling treatments, we’ve learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned. I’ll do everything possible to continue to represent you and thank you for your grace.
The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress. I will be stepping back as Ranking Member of the Oversight Committee soon. With no rancor and a full heart, I move into this final chapter full of pride in what we’ve accomplished together over 30 years. My loving family and staff sustain me. My extended family – you all have been a joy to serve.
Your friend and public servant,
Gerry Connolly
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Stafford County Fire and Rescue units responded to a structure fire at approximately 11:40 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in the 00 block of Churchill Lane in the western part of the county. Crews arrived about eight minutes later to find heavy fire coming from the front and roof of a two-story, single-family residence. The fire was brought under control in about 40 minutes. The sole occupant evacuated safely and is being assisted by the American Red Cross. One firefighter was evaluated for a minor medical emergency. The Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
Here’s the full press release:
Overnight Fire Damages Stafford Home
Stafford, VA—At approximately 11:40 P.M. on Sunday, April 27th, Stafford County Fire and Rescue units (SCFR) responded for a structure fire in the 00 block of Churchill Lane in the western part of the county. First arriving units marked on scene approximately 8 minutes later and reported heavy fire coming from the front and roof of a large, two-story, single-family residence. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire, despite structural instability, and brought the structure fire under control in approximately 40 minutes.
The single occupant of the residence was able to evacuate prior to the arrival of units and is being assisted by the American Red Cross. One firefighter was evaluated for a minor medical emergency.
The fire is under routine investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office.
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Two Prince William County police officers were involved in an officer-involved shooting on April 26, 2025, at 9:58 a.m. at the Westminster at Lake Ridge Senior Living Home, located in the 12100 block of Clipper Drive in Woodbridge (22192).
Officers responded to a call about a male in crisis armed with a knife. Upon making contact with the man inside the residence, he approached the officers with the weapon. After the man disregarded commands, the officers discharged their service weapons, firing multiple rounds. Following the initial confrontation, the man attacked a 91-year-old woman, leading the officers to discharge their weapons again.
Officers provided first aid to both the male and the female. The woman was flown to an area hospital with serious injuries and is expected to recover. The male died at the scene. No officers were injured, and the incident remained contained to the residence.
Investigators determined the involved parties were related. Another adult female was inside the residence at the time but was not injured. The identity of the deceased, preliminarily identified as a 26-year-old man, is pending confirmation.
At the request of Chief Peter Newsham, the Prince William County Police Department requested the regional Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) to conduct an independent investigation. The officers involved will be placed on routine administrative leave. More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.
Here’s the full press release:
Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation – On April 26 at 9:58AM, two Prince William County police officers were involved in an officer-involved shooting at the Westminster at Lake Ridge Senior Living Home located in the 12100 block of Clipper Drive in Woodbridge (22192). Preliminarily, officers were called to the scene in reference to a male in crisis who was armed with a knife.
Upon making contact with the male inside the residence he approached the officers with the knife. Officers gave the man commands which he disregarded. The officers discharged their service weapons firing multiple rounds. After the initial confrontation with the officers, the man then began to attack the victim, identified as a 91-year-old woman, leading to officers discharging their weapons again.
Officers provided first aid to both the male and the female. The female was flown to an area hospital for serious injuries and is expected to recover. The male died at the scene. No officers were injured during the incident, which remained contained to the residence.
During the investigation officers determined the parties involved were related. There was also one additional adult female inside the residence during the incident who was not injured. The identity of the deceased, preliminarily identified as a 26-year-old man, is waiting to be confirmed.
The Prince William County Police Department, at the request of Chief Peter Newsham, has requested the regional Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) to oversee the investigation as an independent body. The involved officers will be placed on routine administrative leave. More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.
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FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — A 21-year-old Woodbridge woman was killed early Friday morning in a crash on Interstate 495, Virginia State Police said.
The crash occurred at approximately 1:50 a.m. on April 25, 2025, in the northbound lanes near the Old Dominion Drive overpass. According to state police, a fully loaded tractor-trailer was slowing down due to traffic from a nearby work zone when it was struck from behind by a sedan traveling northbound.
The sedan became lodged underneath the rear of the tractor-trailer. The driver, identified as Danielle Foreman, 21, of Woodbridge, Va., died at the scene.
The tractor-trailer was hauling produce at the time of the crash. No injuries were reported for the driver of the truck.
The crash remains under investigation by Virginia State Police.
U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman’s campaign spent nearly $39,000 at a Florida bookstore where his twin brother, Alexander Vindman, held book signings for his bestseller, according to a report by the New York Post. The expenses have raised questions about potential misuse of campaign funds. Read the full report.
The news comes the same week Vindman, a Democrat, opened a second congressional district office in Fredericksburg, where he pledged to fight “extreme policies” in Washington. Read more from Fredericksburg Free Press.
Virginia’s 7th Congressional District covers a mix of suburban and rural communities in Northern and Central Virginia. It includes eastern Prince William County, all of Stafford, Spotsylvania, and King George, Caroline, Culpeper, Madison, Orange, and Greene counties, as well as the independent city of Fredericksburg.
The district has become increasingly competitive in recent election cycles, reflecting its diverse and growing population. Once a Republican stronghold, it has shifted in recent years due to demographic changes and redistricting, making it a key battleground in state and national politics.
The Manassas City Police Department, which has a school resource officer (SRO) stationed at the school, confirmed that the alert was a false alarm caused by a technology error. Police say they were already on the scene when the alert was issued and remained in constant communication with school administrators throughout the incident.
Manassas City Public Schools also confirmed that the building was secured as a precaution and that the “all-clear” was issued by 9:13 a.m. Normal school operations have since resumed.
“We appreciate your understanding and support as we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our school community,” the school division said in a statement to families.
Police spokeswoman Alexis Williams emphasized that “everything is okay” and that no threat to students or staff occurred.
Dumfries
At 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 21, 2025, fire and rescue units were dispatched to the 17000 block of Washington Street in Dumfries. Crews arrived to find smoke and flames coming from the home. Firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control. While no injuries were reported, the fire caused major damage, displacing three adults and seven children. The Red Cross is assisting the affected family. According to the Fire Marshal’s Office, the fire was sparked by lint in the home’s dryer vent hose, which ignited nearby clothing.
Woodbridge
On Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 9:53 a.m., firefighters responded to the 4000 block of Hardy Ridge Drive in Woodbridge, where they encountered an active kitchen fire rapidly spreading. Fire crews managed to extinguish the flames. One occupant and a neighbor were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and later released. The blaze caused significant structural damage, and the home was deemed unsafe to occupy by the Building Official. The Red Cross is providing aid to two adults and two children. The Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire originated on the stovetop and was accidental.
Updated 1:35 p.m.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal townhouse fire Thursday morning in Woodbridge as 73-year-old Narendar Kumar Jain.
Fire and rescue units were dispatched at 6:22 a.m. on April 17, 2025, to the 14100 block of Madrigal Drive, behind BJ’s Wholesale Club on Worth Avenue, after a neighbor reported smoke coming from an adjoining home. When crews arrived, they found smoke showing from the townhouse and began search operations.
Jain, the sole occupant of the home, was found inside and removed by firefighters. He was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is being conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Investigators also discovered the circuit breaker to the home’s smoke detectors was in the “off” position. Fire officials noted that while it’s unclear whether functioning smoke detectors would have changed the outcome in this case, they emphasized the critical role smoke detectors play in saving lives.
“Smoke detectors offer the best protection for you and your family to alert to a fire and allow ample time to safely escape the area,” Prince William County Fire and Rescue stated in a release. “Everyone should routinely check their smoke detectors and change batteries on a regular basis.”
The fire was quickly extinguished, and no other injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Prince William County Fire Marshal’s Office.
The National Weather Service has issued a Frost Advisory for many regions, warning residents that cold overnight temperatures could damage sensitive plants.
The advisory is in effect from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. Thursday, April 17, covering much of central, northern, and northwest Virginia, portions of Maryland including northern and central counties, and parts of eastern West Virginia.
Temperatures are expected to dip to between 33 and 36 degrees, creating conditions favorable for frost to form. Tender vegetation, including spring flowers, garden plants, and early crops, could be harmed or killed if left unprotected.
Areas under the advisory include:
Central and northern Virginia counties, including Prince William, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Fauquier
Residents are urged to take action tonight by covering sensitive plants or bringing them indoors if possible.
The cold snap follows a day of gusty northwest winds and cooler-than-average temperatures, and high pressure settling over the region overnight will allow for rapid cooling under clear skies.
Precautionary Tips:
- Cover outdoor plants with cloths, sheets, or frost blankets
- Move potted plants inside or into a sheltered location
- Water plants lightly before covering to help retain warmth
- Stay with Potomac Local News for the latest local weather updates.
BRISTOW, Va. — A pickup truck driver was hospitalized Tuesday morning after a collision with an Amtrak train near the Bristow Road railroad crossing, just south of Manassas.
According to Prince William County Fire and Rescue, the crash occurred at 9:21 a.m. on April 15, 2025. A southbound Amtrak train had departed Manassas Station only minutes before when it struck a privately owned pickup truck at the crossing on Bristow Road, east of Nokesville Road.
Emergency crews arrived quickly on the scene and extricated the driver from the vehicle. The driver was then transported by ground to a regional medical facility. Authorities have not yet released the driver’s name or condition.
“There were no injuries reported on the train,” officials with Fire and Rescue said in a statement.
Amtrak spokeswoman Kimberly Woods confirmed that Train 151, traveling from New York to Roanoke, was involved in the collision.
“At approximately 9:20 a.m. ET, an occupied vehicle obstructing the track came into contact with the train in Manassas, Va.,” said Woods. “There have been no reported injuries to the 137 passengers or crew onboard. Amtrak is working with local law enforcement to investigate the incident.”
The crash caused delays along the busy passenger rail corridor as emergency personnel cleared the scene and began the investigation. Local law enforcement has not yet released additional details about what caused the vehicle to be on the tracks at the time of the collision.
Photo courtesy of Prince William County Fire and Rescue.
