Manassas

BREAKING: False Lockdown Alarm at Osbourn High School in Manassas

By Potomac Local News
Osbourn High School. [Courtesy of Homes.com]

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.

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Electra.aero Secures $115 Million to Launch Ultra Short Takeoff Aircraft

By Potomac Local News
Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short aircraft. [Photo courtesy of Electra]

Led by Prysm Capital, the funding round brings on Jay Park as a new board member. The EL9 uses blown-lift and hybrid-electric technology to offer the agility of a helicopter, the quiet of an electric vehicle, and the cost-efficiency of a fixed-wing aircraft. Electra has already secured over 2,200 pre-orders worth more than $10 billion and is working with the U.S. military through multiple SBIR contracts to explore defense applications.

Electra’s CEO, Marc Allen, says the EL9 represents a leap forward in advanced air mobility, with capabilities that can transform commercial air travel and military logistics alike.

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Civil War-Era Artillery Shell Unearthed at Historic Liberia House in Manassas

By Potomac Local News
A Civil War-era Schenkl artillery shell, still unexploded, was uncovered during stream restoration work behind the Liberia House in Manassas. The shell was safely removed and documented by authorities. [Photo: Manassas Museum]

MANASSAS, Va. — A piece of American history has been unearthed at the Liberia House, one of the most historically significant sites in Northern Virginia.

During a stream restoration project on the property on April 9, 2025, contractors uncovered a Civil War-era three-inch Shankle artillery shell, a rare and potentially dangerous artifact dating back over 160 years. The find was made during excavation work intended to reroute the stream back to its original course as part of a more comprehensive stormwater management effort.

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Tour the Liberia House from Basement to Attic in Manassas

By Potomac Local News

MANASSAS, Va. — There’s more than meets the eye at Liberia House, one of the most historic homes in Northern Virginia. On April 19 at 2 p.m., you’ll get the rare chance to explore every level of the house—from its mysterious basement to the sunlight-filled attic—during a guided tour offered in both English and Spanish.

This special “Basement to Attic Tour” invites visitors to experience the stunning architecture of the home and learn stories of the people who once lived there, including soldiers, servants, and presidents. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children. To reserve a spot, visit cityofmanassas.recdesk.com.

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Fire Damages Apartment on Oliver Court in Manassas; Four Displaced

By Potomac Local News
Emergency crews work to extricate a driver from a pickup truck after it was struck by an Amtrak train at a railroad crossing on Bristow Road near Manassas on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The driver was transported to a regional hospital with injuries. No one on board the train was hurt. Photo courtesy of Prince William County Fire and Rescue.

MANASSAS, Va. — Firefighters from the City of Manassas, Manassas Park, and Prince William County responded to an apartment fire this afternoon at 8872 Oliver Court, just off Liberia Avenue, where smoke was seen billowing from a second-story unit in a three-story building.

The fire broke out in a bedroom on the second floor shortly before 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15. According to Manassas Fire Chief Edward Mills, the unit was unoccupied at the time. Crews arriving at the scene reported smoke showing but no visible flames from outside.

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The Five Things You Need to Know About This Year’s Manassas Farmers Market

By Potomac Local News

The Historic Manassas Farmers Market is back for the 2025 season — and it’s bringing fresh produce, handmade goods, and community vibes to Downtown Manassas all spring, summer, and fall.

Whether you’re a market regular or planning your first visit, here are five things to know about this year’s market:

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Bill Reeder, Founding Dean of George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, Dies After Battle with Cancer

By Potomac Local News

MANASSAS, Va. — Bill Reeder, the founding dean of George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), died over the weekend after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by family in hospice care, according to a message shared by current Dean Rick Davis.

Reeder joined George Mason University in 2001 and led the newly established CVPA for 14 years. Under his leadership, the college expanded its offerings to include now-thriving programs in Film and Video Studies, Computer Game Design, and Arts Management. These additions played a pivotal role in shaping the college into a comprehensive institution for arts education.

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SuperCon Returns to Manassas with Star Power, Cosplay, Gaming, and After-Hours Fun

By Potomac Local News

SuperCon is back in downtown Manassas and promises a weekend packed with geek culture, gaming, cosplay, and a brush with Hollywood.

The convention, hosted by ARTfactory, will take place Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at 9419 Battle Street. This year’s headliner is Jamie Flanagan, a Bram Stoker Award-winning writer and actor known for their work on Netflix series including “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” “Midnight Mass,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher,” as well as AMC Shudder’s “Creepshow” and “Peacock’s Hysteria!”.

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Manassas School Board Reviews Plan to Adopt New Math Curriculum for 2025-26 School Year

By Potomac Local News
The Manassas City Public Schools Board approved its new budget on June 10.

MANASSAS, Va. — The Manassas City School Board on Tuesday heard an update on the division’s plan to adopt a new primary mathematics curriculum resource, set to be implemented in the 2025-26 school year.

Dr. Ed Stevenson, director of instruction, and Deputy Superintendent Craig Gefeller presented the plan and explained how the state’s accelerated rollout of new math standards forced the division to revise its typical adoption process.

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Manassas School Board Celebrates Metz Wrestlers, Musicians, and Osbourn Robotics Champions

By Potomac Local News

The Manassas City School Board meeting on Tuesday, April 8, opened with a series of uplifting spotlights showcasing the accomplishments of students and staff across the school division.

From regional wrestling champions to student coders designing robots, the evening was filled with celebration, applause, and pride in student success.

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