More donuts are coming to Dumfries
A new Dunkin’ has been approved for Barracks Row at Quantico, joining a planned Sonic drive-thru at the growing shopping center.
👉 Check out where the 16th Dunkin’ in Prince William County is going.
Tattoo shops may finally get a fair shot in Fredericksburg
City council members signaled they’re ready to ease zoning rules that have long pushed tattoo parlors to the city’s fringes.
👉 Read how one shop owner hopes change is finally coming.
More pay on the way for Manassas school staff
The Manassas School Board approved a $1.5 million boost for employee raises after City Council added extra funding to next year’s budget.
👉 See what else is on the schools’ unfunded priorities list.
Local voices help shape Virginia’s business future
Fredericksburg-area leaders joined the Virginia Chamber’s Blueprint 2035 tour, offering ideas to keep the Commonwealth at the top for business.
👉 See how they’re helping guide the state’s economic vision.
Come face-to-face with fascinating reptiles today in Triangle
Reptile World returns to Locust Shade Park, offering a hands-on show with live reptiles from around the globe.
👉 Plan your visit to the Jean C. Smith Amphitheater in Triangle.
OmniRide connects seniors with resources in Woodbridge
OmniRide hosted its second Senior Summit at the Ferlazzo Building, offering helpful info, demos, and local services for older adults and caregivers.
👉 Take a look at what the summit featured—from chair yoga to transportation tips.
Schwarzenegger to speak at Mount Vernon on July 4
Arnold Schwarzenegger will headline a naturalization ceremony at George Washington’s Mount Vernon on Independence Day, welcoming more than 100 new U.S. citizens. The former California governor and Hollywood star became a U.S. citizen himself in 1983.
👉 Read more from InsideNoVa
Route 17 reopens after tractor trailer fire
A portion of Route 17 in Stafford County was closed Tuesday following a tractor trailer fire. The road between Lendall Lane and Melchers Drive has since reopened.
👉 Traffic alert here
Heat advisory remains in effect
The National Weather Service says heat index values could climb as high as 107 today. Residents are encouraged to stay cool, check on neighbors, and take it easy outdoors.
👉 See the latest advisory
VRE slows Manassas line trains due to heat
Extreme heat triggered speed restrictions on Virginia Railway Express trains Tuesday. Riders on the Manassas line should brace for potential delays again today.
👉 Follow updates on X
Judge to decide on Digital Gateway lawsuit in July
A lawsuit filed by Gainesville residents to block the Prince William Digital Gateway project has gone to trial. The judge will issue a ruling sometime after July 7.
👉 Full story from Prince William Times
Broadband expansion finishes early in Prince William County
A major broadband upgrade wrapped up five months ahead of schedule and under budget, delivering high-speed internet to 474 underserved areas.
👉 Read more on Facebook
Community Resource Fair coming Saturday
Stop by Chinn Park Library on Saturday to meet local departments and learn about services supporting health, wellness, and sustainability.
👉 Event Info
Live music series kicks off with NOVA Live
Five nights of music begin June 25 as Bailey Hayes opens the NOVA Live series at 5 p.m. in Prince William County.
👉 See the full schedule
New property maintenance pilot program underway
Prince William County is testing a pilot program to improve response times and collaboration on property maintenance issues.
👉 Learn more
Archery classes open for all ages
Try your hand at archery this summer. Beginner, intermediate, and family-friendly classes are available and include all equipment.
👉 Register here
Dangerously hot weather continues Tuesday—Extreme Heat Warning in effect
Heat index values could reach 110 again Tuesday across our area, with the worst conditions between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.—please check on neighbors, stay cool, and don’t leave kids or pets in the car.
Stay safe and follow all heat safety precautions—this is serious summer heat.
Aquia and Falmouth races take shape for Stafford County’s 2025 election
The Aquia race heats up as Monica Gary changes her mind about stepping down, while Falmouth sees a rematch-minded Democrat up against a newcomer.
Check out FXBGAdvance’s article and see the full breakdown of who’s running and how much they’ve raised so far
Catch Prince William County on national TV this Saturday
The RV There Yet? crew explores Manassas, local parks, historic sites, and more in their Discovery Channel feature.
Set your DVR or watch it live Saturday at 8:30 a.m. — or catch the replay on YouTube
One more chance to catch the fireworks in Manassas Park
Signal Hill Park lights up on Saturday, July 5 with fireworks, food trucks, and family fun.
Bring your blankets and enjoy a festive night under the stars
Explore local services at the Prince William County Community Resource Fair
Sponsored
Head to Chinn Park Library on Saturday for a free, all-ages event packed with health, safety, and environmental resources.
See what your local government and nonprofits are offering — and thank you to Prince William County Government for sponsoring Potomac Local News!
Stafford School Board to vote on $3M design contract for Hartwood Elementary rebuild
A special meeting Tuesday will decide whether to award Samaha Associates a contract to adapt a prototype design for the new school at Westlake.
Get the meeting details and learn what’s on the agenda
Fredericksburg is hiring a new Parks & Rec Director
The city is offering up to $145,000 to find someone to lead its parks, rec programs, and bring the 2021 Master Plan to life.
See the full job listing and apply online
At Home stores in Manassas and Leesburg are closing
The home décor retailer is shutting down 26 locations after filing for bankruptcy—everything must go, with closing sales already underway.
Read more from InsideNoVa about which stores are affected and what’s on sale
Registered sex offender accused of raping elderly woman at Manassas assisted living facility
Police say staff intervened and detained the suspect, a convicted sex offender, after an attack on an 85-year-old woman early Thursday morning.
Read the full report from InsideNoVa
🔥 This heat means business—know the signs
An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect today, with heat indexes up to 110—and possibly as high as 115 through Thursday. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, check on neighbors, and don’t forget to bring pets inside. ☀️ See how to stay safe in this dangerous heat wave with tips from Stafford County.
🏙️ Mixed-use and green space and parking, oh my!
The city is asking residents how they want to see the Manassas Shopping Center transformed after spending \$16 million to buy the property. 📋 Share your thoughts on what should come next for this key part of the Mathis Avenue corridor.
⚖️ Digital Gateway lawsuit enters overtime
A lawsuit against the PW Digital Gateway project saw a fifth day added as tensions ran high in the courtroom. 📰 Get the latest on the Oak Valley HOA’s fight and what’s next for the data center project.
🍽️ Free summer meals start today in Prince William
Kids and teens can grab free meals starting Monday at Woodbridge Middle School as part of the county’s summer meal program. 📍 Find a location and learn more about how to participate.
⛸️ Skate your way out of the heat
When the temps hit 100, Prince William Ice Center will knock 20% off public skate admission to help you cool down in style. ❄️ Check the schedule and take a break from the blaze at Prince William Ice Center.
🌧️ Bummer, but safety first
The Town of Dumfries has canceled its Juneteenth Celebration scheduled for Thursday, June 19, due to forecasted bad weather.
👉 Get the official announcement here.
🗳️ Lateef comes up short, but proud of the campaign
Prince William County School Board Chair Dr. Babur Lateef fell short in his bid for lieutenant governor, earning just over 8% of the vote despite winning locally in Prince William.
👉 Read his full remarks and what’s next.
🗳️ Gorham wins GOP nomination in western Prince William
Gregory Lee Gorham took more than 66% of the vote in Tuesday’s primary, securing the Republican nomination in the 21st House District and setting up a race against Del. Josh Thomas this November.
👉 See the full breakdown of the primary results.
☀️ From landfill to light source
Fairfax County and Madison Energy are kicking off a 5-megawatt solar project atop the old I-95 landfill in Lorton, aiming to power 1,000 homes from land once thought unusable.
👉 Read how the project is bringing new life to the site.
🎥 Meet your mayor, Haymarket-style
Haymarket Mayor Tracylynn Pater is starring in a new video series exploring the town, local businesses, and its history—airing every two weeks on social media and the town website.
👉 Watch the first episode now.
🌳 Parks update and beach day coming up
Old Mill Park, City Dock, and the dog park in Fredericksburg are open again, but Alum Spring Park stays closed; meanwhile, next week’s final Picnic in the Park promises a sunny Beach Day bash.
👉 Get all the park details and event info here.
Let’s give a warm welcome to our newest Chamber members!
The Prince William Chamber of Commerce is kicking off a brand-new Member Expo to spotlight fresh faces and boost networking across our business community.
🗓️ Join us Friday, July 18 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Chamber Office. New members (joined within 90 days) can exhibit for free! Seasoned members pay just $75. Interested in a table?
👉 Register here to attend or exhibit
Yes, that really was an alligator outside a Fairfax County motel.
Police were called just after midnight Monday to the Budget Host Alexandria on Richmond Highway, where a guest spotted a gator outside their room — a highly unusual sight in Northern Virginia.
👉 Read what officers found and how they handled the reptilian intruder
Big plans are taking shape for Doves Landing Regional Park.
Prince William County officials shared the 35% design plan for the 308-acre park and nearby Sinclair Mill site, revealing new details and gathering feedback from neighbors at a well-attended community meeting.
👉 Catch up on the latest vision for this major outdoor space
Political sparks are flying over a new data center proposal in Woodbridge.
Current and former chairs of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors are clashing over a plan to rezone land behind the Four Seasons community for massive data center development.
👉 See who’s pushing, who’s opposing, and what’s at stake
Need a place to work and grab a latte? Spotsy’s got a new option.
Success Space, a fresh co-working hub and café, just opened its doors at the Spotsylvania Towne Centre and promises flexibility for remote workers and entrepreneurs alike.
👉 Take a look inside the new space
🪧 Big turnout in Manassas and Fredericksburg for ‘No Kings’ protest
From Manassas to Fredericksburg, more than 1,000 people rallied peacefully over the weekend as part of the national “No Kings” protest, demanding reforms in immigration and limits to executive power.
👉 Read the full Fredericksburg recap on FXBG Advance and see what happened in Manassas from InsideNoVa
🚨 Measles exposure alert for Dulles Airport and Metro riders
Health officials are working to notify passengers and Metro riders who may have been exposed to measles on June 8, after an international traveler was confirmed to be infected while passing through Dulles International Airport and riding the Silver and Red lines.
👉 See if you were potentially exposed and what to do next
🇺🇸 Trump pledges to restore historic names to Army bases
Speaking from Fort Bragg ahead of the Army’s 250th birthday celebration in Washington, former President Donald Trump said he would restore original names to several U.S. Army bases, aligning with efforts to honor the Army’s longstanding history and traditions.
👉 Read the full story from The Center Square
🦆 Duck Splash winners float away with prizes in Occoquan
The 17th Annual Duck Splash fundraiser brought smiles and support to Patriots for Disabled Divers, as volunteers and neighbors gathered to watch the little yellow ducks race and win big — congratulations to first-place winner Cathy Madigan and all ten prizewinners!
👉 See the full list of winners
FBI training may be leaving Quantico
Plans to relocate FBI training from Quantico to Alabama have sparked concern from Virginia leaders, who say the move could impact national security and the local economy.
👉 WJLA has the full story
Big change ahead for Fredericksburg’s healthcare safety net
After nearly 30 years of service, Moss Free Clinic will close its doors permanently this summer, with the board citing changing healthcare needs and expanding options for low-income patients.
👉 Fredericksburg Free Press reports on the closure
Stay in the know about crime in our region
A new online dashboard now lets you track crime incidents in near real-time across the greater D.C. area, including our local communities.
👉 InsideNoVa covers the new crime dashboard
Signal Bay Waterpark eyes July 4th splashdown
Manassas Park officials say the beloved Signal Bay Waterpark could open by Independence Day, as crews prep for a new liner and water feature installation.
👉 Check the update from the City of Manassas Park on X
Quantico Marines sharpen skills with drone tech
Marines at Camp Upshur in Quantico trained on unmanned aerial systems, boosting their ability to advise foreign partners thanks to support from the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab.
👉 The U.S. Marine Corps shared details on X
Tax hike incoming for Manassas homeowners
Manassas residents can expect to pay about 7% more on their real estate tax bills after the City Council passed a $512 million budget.
Read more from InsideNoVa and see our full coverage
Woodbridge woman charged after deadly crash
A 32-year-old woman faces involuntary manslaughter charges following a January crash on Minnieville Road that killed a 64-year-old man.
Get the full story on the charges and investigation
New elementary school coming to Potomac Shores
Prince William County Schools awarded a $55 million contract to build a new elementary school set to open in 2027 near Potomac Shores.
Check out where and when the new school is being built
Free meals for kids in Stafford this summer
Stafford County Public Schools are joining the Summer Food Service Program to ensure children can access free meals while school is out.
Find out when and where your child can eat for free
Drone Camp lands in Dumfries!
Students in grades 8–12 can join a free, one-day STEM camp to build, fly, and explore the exciting world of drones.
Learn more and sign up before spots fill up
Tragic discovery near Tyson’s Galleria
Police pulled the body of a Gainesville man from a pond near Tysons Galleria Tuesday morning, following a 911 call from a witness.
Read the latest on this developing story
Campground proposal clears big hurdle
Developers of the White Oak campground in Stafford County are celebrating after county leaders voted in favor of their plans despite strong opposition from nearby residents.
Check out what’s next for the project
Officer injured in I-95 crash expected to recover
A Prince William County police officer remains hospitalized after a semi-truck slammed into cruisers during a drug-related traffic stop near Quantico, injuring five people.
Get the full story on this serious crash
Stafford County takes legal action over clear cutting
Stafford County is asking a judge to stop timbering in the Hartwood district, arguing the land clearing violates zoning laws and proffers requiring tree preservation.
Read how the county is stepping in
Swirlie’s makes the next round—let’s keep it going!
Swirlie’s Soft Serve in Manassas is onto round two of the Northern Virginia ice cream wars, and they need your help to keep the votes coming!
Click here to vote on June 11
