Potomac Local News

Published January 16, 2026 at 11:00AM

[Submitted Photo by: Betty Amanda Murray, used with permission]

Federal and local law enforcement conducted a joint operation at the Red Carpet Inn on Dumfries Road on January 15, targeting suspected drug distribution and sex trafficking activity.

The FBI and Prince William County Police Department executed multiple search warrants at the motel, located at 17005 Dumfries Road in Dumfries. Authorities say the action stems from a multiyear investigation focused on criminal activity at the location. Several arrests were made, though officials did not immediately release the number or names of those taken into custody.

Features

Indie Film ‘Prosperity Creek’ Premieres at Virginia ARTfactory After Decade in Development

By Allison Avila Rodriguez

Published January 15, 2026 at 3:00PM

Filmmaker Zack Walsh addresses the audience during a screening of his feature film debut Prosperity Creek at the Virginia ARTfactory, where the social satire premiered for a public audience. [Photo: Allison Avila Rodriguez]

A decade-long independent filmmaking project premiered Jan. 10 at the Virginia ARTfactory in Manassas, where filmmaker Zack Walsh unveiled his first feature-length film, Prosperity Creek, to the public.

The free, ticketed screening marked the first time the completed film had been shown publicly. Seating was limited, with donations accepted, and the film was recommended for audiences ages 13 and older.

Manassas Park

B&B Theatres Breaks Ground on Luxury Cinema in Manassas Park Downtown

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 15, 2026 at 2:00PM

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Prince William

Fewer students, higher costs: Inside Prince William schools’ $352M crossroads

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 15, 2026 at 1:45PM

Lateef

Prince William County Public Schools leaders are confronting a pivotal financial decision: whether to build a $352 million high school as enrollment declines and thousands of classroom seats sit empty across the division.

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Politics

Democrats win two Virginia House seats in special elections

By Potomac Local News

Published January 15, 2026 at 9:30AM

“Voters in two Virginia House of Delegates districts elected Democratic candidates Tuesday in special elections prompted by lawmakers leaving the General Assembly to join Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger’s administration,” The Center Square reported. “In House District 11, voters elected Gretchen Bulova, who won 68.8% of the vote, or 5,599 ballots cast, according to unofficial results from the Virginia Department of Elections.”

“Voters also decided a separate special election in House District 23, [Woodbridge and North Stafford,] where Democrat Margaret Angela Franklin won with 77.2% of the vote, or 2,773 ballots, according to unofficial election results,” The Center Square reported.

Breaking News

Prince William Schools Project Enrollment Decline, Casting Doubt on 14th High School

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 14, 2026 at 6:15PM

Prince William County School Board

Prince William County Public Schools is projecting a sustained enrollment decline over the next decade—one now underscored by the fact that significantly more students are graduating than entering kindergarten—prompting renewed scrutiny of a long-planned 14th high school in the Woodbridge area.

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Opinion

Opinion: Troubled Times at the Chamber, When Businesses Need Leadership Most

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 14, 2026 at 3:00PM

Snare

The Virginia General Assembly is now in session — the very moment when business owners across Prince William County most need a steady, credible voice advocating on their behalf.

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Manassas

Manassas School Construction Update: Jennie Dean Build Advances, Osbourn Connector Finished

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 14, 2026 at 2:00PM | Updated January 14, 2026 at 4:01PM

School officials and students take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the new Osbourn High School connector, which links the Jennie L. McAfee Center to the main school building and improves safety and access for daily campus movement. [Photo: Manassas City Public Schools]

Manassas City School Board members received a positive update Tuesday night on two major school construction projects, with officials reporting steady progress at Jennie Dean Elementary School and a completed, under-budget connector at Osbourn High School.

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Stafford

Stafford School Board elects new chair and vice chair for 2026

By Potomac Local News

Published January 14, 2026 at 1:30PM

Warner

Dr. Elizabeth Warner has been elected chair of the Stafford County School Board, and Dr. Sarah Chase will serve as vice chair. The unanimous vote took place during the board’s annual organizational meeting on January 13, 2026.

Warner represents the Griffis-Widewater District and has served on the board for six years. She will take on roles in several committees this year, including the Joint School Working Committee and the Finance and Budget Committee. Chase, who represents the Falmouth District and has served for nine years, will also hold committee assignments including Governance, Legislative, and Head Start.