Manassas

Former Manassas Fire Official Justin Laidler Passes Away at 37

By Uriah Kiser

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of former Master Technician and Assistant Fire Marshal Justin M. Laidler,” the City of Manassas Fire & Rescue Department reported on Facebook. Laidler, born February 10, 1989, died July 20, 2026, after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of ALS; he served the department for more than 15 years before joining Frederick County Fire & Rescue as a Deputy Fire Marshal in September 2025.

He passed away at home in Woodstock surrounded by family and is survived by his wife Brittany and their three children, Grayson, Kellen, and Savannah. A celebration of life is planned for August 1 at Strasburg High School, with burial to follow at Sunset View Memorial Gardens in Woodstock.

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What’s Next for Manassas After Mayor Davis-Younger Steps Down?

By Uriah Kiser

Manassas is staring at big changes — and Eugene “Doc” Brown wants a seat at the table.

In this Potomac Local News podcast interview, longtime community advocate Eugene Brown sits down with Uriah Kiser to talk about his run for Manassas City Council, the controversial 167-apartment project planned next to the historic Meredith House, new affordable housing at the old DMV site on Godwin Drive, the city’s ongoing school challenges, and the political transition as Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger prepares to step down.

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What’s an ADU? Manassas Council Debates Rules for Secondary Homes on Single-Family Lots

By Uriah Kiser

As Northern Virginia grapples with housing costs and limited options for families, aging residents, and multigenerational households, the Manassas City Council is moving forward with rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to align with state law while addressing local realities.

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Manassas Board Member Demands Expensive AI Software Before Banning ChatGPT Plagiarism

By Uriah Kiser
Manassas School Board member Diana Brown

A Manassas City Public Schools board member is urging the purchase of potentially expensive new AI detection software before the board explicitly tells students that copying and pasting from ChatGPT counts as plagiarism and cheating.

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Meredith House Social Club Closing in Manassas Amid Financial Struggles, Redevelopment Debate

By Uriah Kiser
The Christmas lights are up on Meredith House in Downtown Manassas, a newly renovated, 165-year-old house turned social club.

The Meredith House social club, a renovated historic venue in Downtown Manassas, will close its doors after serving as a community gathering place. Founder and President Sean Porter announced the decision Tuesday, citing insurmountable financial challenges.

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Historic Character vs. Density: Residents Challenge Center Street Project at ARB Work Session

By Potomac Local News
Proposed Center Street redevelopment rendering showing the multifamily building wrapping around the historic Meredith House at the intersection of Center and Zebedee streets in Old Town Manassas. The design, discussed at the July 8, 2026, Architectural Review Board work session, has drawn significant public concern over scale, massing, and compatibility with the historic district. (Rendering courtesy of project design team / Penny Design Group)

The City of Manassas Architectural Review Board (ARB) held a work session on materials and details for the proposed Center Street redevelopment in Old Town Manassas on July 8, 2026, following prior sessions on May 19, June 2, and June 16.

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Manassas Road Work: Godwin Drive and Nokesville Road Closures Start Today

By Potomac Local News

City of Manassas reported that beginning today, July 13, through August 14, motorists can expect road closures and intermittent delays at the intersection of Godwin Drive and Nokesville Road due to VDOT culvert work. Work will take place weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This schedule aims to minimize impacts during peak commute times in the Northern Virginia area as infrastructure improvements continue.

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Team USA Watch Party in Manassas Cheers On USMNT Despite 4-1 Loss to Belgium in World Cup Round of 16

By Potomac Local News

Fans gathered at East Coast Wings and Grill on Liberia Avenue in Manassas on Monday, July 6, 2026, to cheer on the U.S. Men’s National Team as it faced Belgium in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.

Prince William County Supervisor Yesli Vega (Coles District) hosted the watch party, rallying supporters in the Coles District amid the nation’s recent 250th birthday celebrations.

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Manassas Celebrates America 250 with Fireworks and Community Spirit

By Potomac Local News

The City of Manassas shared highlights from its America 250 celebration on Facebook, posting favorite firework trail photos from the evening and inviting residents to share their own photos, videos, and moments in the comments. City of Manassas reported.

The event marked a key part of Northern Virginia’s ongoing America 250 commemorations, bringing families and community members together for an evening of fireworks and patriotic festivities in the City of Manassas.

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Manassas Students Graduate from Police Camp, Learn Law Enforcement Basics

By Potomac Local News

More than a dozen local students wrapped up an engaging week of hands-on learning at the Manassas Police Camp, earning recognition from city leaders during the June 22, 2026, Manassas City Council meeting.

Sergeant Shauna Moller of the Manassas Police Department’s Community Services Section, who led the program, highlighted the cadets’ achievements and thanked the many partners who make the free camp possible.

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