Potomac Local News

Published July 1, 2025 at 11:15AM

The National Wildlife Federation and EcoSchools U.S. awarded Forest Park High School the Green Flag, making it the first school in Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) to receive this prestigious recognition. The award highlights the school’s commitment to sustainability education and promoting positive environmental change within the community.

For Ashley Tayon, the school’s sustainability coordinator, and her students, the Green Flag was the main goal for the year. “It was truly an honor to be part of the new sustainability movement within PWCS,” Tayon stated in a press release, adding that the achievement was a collaborative effort among students, staff, and community partners. Their initiatives included collecting data, developing action plans, and diverting 1,600 pounds of waste from landfills.

Prince William

Modified Holiday Schedule Set for Interstate 95 and 395 E-ZPass Express Lanes on July 4

By Potomac Local News

Published July 1, 2025 at 11:15AM

Looking south along the I-95 E-ZPass Express Lanes near Springfield. [Photo courtesy of Transurban]

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Drivers planning to use the Interstate 95 and 395 E-ZPass Express Lanes on Independence Day should be aware of a modified reversal schedule designed to accommodate holiday traffic headed to the nation’s capital.

On Friday, July 4, 2025, the toll lanes will remain in northbound operation until approximately 7 p.m. to support increased traffic traveling into Washington, D.C., for fireworks and other celebrations. The lanes are expected to reopen southbound by around 8:30 p.m. to assist with the return flow of holiday travelers.

Breaking News

Dumfries Woman Struck and Killed on I-95; Her Car Found Disabled in Express Lanes

By Potomac Local News

Published July 1, 2025 at 9:56AM

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – A Dumfries woman was struck and killed early Tuesday morning while walking along Interstate 95 in Prince William County.

Virginia State Police say the crash happened at 4:56 a.m. on July 1, 2025, in the northbound lanes near mile marker 152.

Fredericksburg

Former UMW President William Anderson Remembered for Transforming the University

By Potomac Local News

Published July 1, 2025 at 9:30AM

President Anderson at the dedication of the Anderson Convocation Center, 2011. Photo by Norm Shafer.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The University of Mary Washington is mourning the loss of its former president, William M. Anderson Jr., who passed away over the weekend. Anderson served as UMW’s president from 1983 to 2006, leading the school through a period of major growth and transition.

According to a statement from the University of Mary Washington, Anderson’s 23-year presidency was the longest of any public university leader in Virginia at the time. During his tenure, the school transformed from a respected liberal arts college into a nationally recognized university.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Seeks Junior Reporter for Live FOX 5 Zip Trip Broadcast

By Potomac Local News

Published July 1, 2025 at 9:00AM

Overlooking Fredericksburg from 1,000 feet

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The City of Fredericksburg is looking for one lucky student to shine on live TV as a Junior Reporter when FOX 5 DC’s Zip Trip comes to town next month.

The selected student will join FOX 5’s team on Friday, July 25, 2025, during a live broadcast from Riverfront Park, helping to showcase what makes Fredericksburg unique. The city is inviting students to submit a short video introducing themselves and sharing why they would make a great Junior Reporter. The winning student will appear on-air, interact with FOX 5 staff, and represent Fredericksburg in front of a regional audience.

Prince William

Occoquan Bids Farewell to Events Director Julie Little, Welcomes New Art Gallery to Town

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 1, 2025 at 7:30AM

Laura D. Jones (center) cuts the ribbon at the grand opening of Laura D Jones Fine Art in Occoquan on June 29, 2025, joined by town leaders and community members. The new gallery, located at 125 Mill St, Suite #10, features original artwork and a riverfront studio space for art classes.

OCCOQUAN, Va. – The Town of Occoquan is celebrating both a heartfelt farewell and an exciting new beginning.

Julie Little, who has served as the town’s Events Director for the past eight years, is retiring. Town officials praised Little for her unwavering passion, dedication, and creativity, which helped grow beloved traditions like the Craft Festivals and bring new energy to Occoquan’s calendar of events.

Weather

‘Training’ Storms Could Bring Flooding, Damaging Winds to Our Area Tuesday

By Potomac Local News

Published June 30, 2025 at 8:00PM

A strong cold front moving into the region on Tuesday is expected to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for flooding and damaging winds during the afternoon and evening hours.

According to the National Weather Service, conditions will become increasingly unstable throughout the day, leading to likely thunderstorm activity after 4 p.m. Forecasters say the setup could produce repeated rounds of storms, raising the risk of flash flooding in low-lying and urban areas. A Flood Watch may be issued ahead of the storm’s arrival.

Fredericksburg

Riverside Adds Real-Life Mental Health Talks to Next to Normal Performances

By Potomac Local News

Published June 30, 2025 at 7:30PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is expanding the impact of its summer musical Next to Normal with a special speaker series designed to connect the themes of the show to real-life mental health experiences in the Fredericksburg region.

The musical runs from July 2 to August 3, 2025, and explores the story of a suburban family grappling with the effects of bipolar disorder, grief, and emotional trauma. With a contemporary rock score and book by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, Next to Normal won three Tony Awards and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Critics from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and The Washington Post named it one of the best shows of the year when it debuted on Broadway.

Manassas

Sudley Road Reopens After Downed Lines Repaired, Traffic Signals Restored

By Potomac Local News

Published June 30, 2025 at 3:42PM

MANASSAS, Va. – All lanes on Sudley Road are back open following an overhead communications wire issue that forced a full road closure earlier today.

Verizon completed repairs to the overhead lines by 3:29 p.m., and traffic signals are once again operating on their normal timing. City of Manassas Electric crews and police responded to the scene, with initial assistance from Verizon beginning around 1 p.m.