Potomac Local News

Published August 15, 2025 at 2:00PM | Updated August 15, 2025 at 3:40PM

Photo by Sung Jin Cho on Unsplash

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — Prince William William County Public Schools joins other public school divisions in Northern Virginia, and is rejecting the U.S. Department of Education’s directive to reverse policies that allow transgender students to use restrooms and locker rooms matching their chosen gender identity.

On Friday, August 15, 2025, Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) formally rejected the federal agency’s proposed Voluntary Resolution Agreement (VRA), calling it legally flawed and out of step with binding case law in Virginia.

Stafford

Stafford School Board 2025 Election: Where to Invest, Where to Cut Costs

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 15, 2025 at 1:00PM | Updated August 18, 2025 at 11:21AM

This fall, Stafford’s voters will choose their representatives for the School Board and Board of Supervisors for Garrisonville, Hartwood, Falmouth, and Aquia. George Washington, Rockhill, and Griffis-Widewater are up for election in 2027.

Originals

Coalition Appeals Dismissal of Lawsuit Over Historic Thoroughfare Cemetery

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 15, 2025 at 11:00AM | Updated August 15, 2025 at 3:40PM

The Coalition to Save Historic Thoroughfare has filed an appeal to overturn the recent dismissal of its lawsuit concerning the alleged destruction of a historic African-American and Native American cemetery in western Prince William County.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Opinion

VEA Must End Trusteeship, Restore Prince William Teachers’ Union

By Letters to the Editor

Published August 15, 2025 at 10:38AM

Dear Editor,

The Virginia Education Association (VEA) owes an immediate and transparent explanation to its largest local, the Prince William Education Association (PWEA). For over three years, PWEA has led all VEA locals in record-breaking member recruitment. It operates with a nearly million-dollar annual budget, maintains $500,000 in savings, owns its office, and carries no debt—unlike the VEA, which rents its headquarters outside Richmond.

Traffic

Traffic Alert: Tractor-Trailer Overturns Near Centerport Parkway

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 15, 2025 at 10:31AM

Photo: Stafford Sheriff's Office

STAFFORD, Va. – The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office says the area of Centerport Parkway at Route 1 is closed after a tractor-trailer overturned on Friday.

A photo from the scene shows the truck spilled its load near the half-loop of Centerport Parkway leading toward Interstate 95, close to the intersection with Route 1.

Obituaries

Obituary: Cathleen Carole McNeal (1947-2023)

By Potomac Local News

Published August 15, 2025 at 10:18AM

Cathleen Carole “Cathy” McNeal, 76, of Alexandria, VA, passed peacefully on March 21, 2023. Born October 6, 1947, in Cheverly, MD, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Renee Chaffee.

Cathy was preceded in death by her husband, Timothy McNeal. She is survived by her brother, Jerry Chaffee; her children, Shannon Lirio (Ronic) and Tommy McNeal (Duncan Neasham); and her granddaughter, Natalie Lirio.

Stafford

Stafford Breweries Brew Up Special Beers for America’s 250th

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 15, 2025 at 10:02AM

STAFFORD, Va. – More than 100 people gathered at Embrey Mill Town Center on Friday morning as four Stafford County craft breweries unveiled a set of beers brewed specially for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. in 2026.

The announcement came during the Fox 5 Zip Trip broadcast just after 9 a.m., where the plaza buzzed with vendors, nonprofit groups, a police and fire presence, and a live DJ providing a festive soundtrack. Each brewery created a unique beer inspired by American history and available starting today.

Health

OB/GYN and Urology Clinics Are Moving to a New Spot in Manassas—Here’s What That Means for You

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 15, 2025 at 10:00AM

MANASSAS, Va. – UVA Health said it’s opening a new multispecialty clinic in Manassas. Starting Monday, August 18, patients can head to 8691 Stonewall Road for OB/GYN and urology care—all under one roof.

The move brings together two existing offices from Sudley Road and Forestwood Lane, giving patients a more convenient, upgraded space just minutes from UVA Health Prince William Medical Center. Appointments already scheduled will automatically shift to the new spot—no action needed from patients.

News

Stafford Schools Partner with George Mason’s Direct Admissions Program

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published August 15, 2025 at 8:00AM | Updated August 15, 2025 at 3:40PM

George Mason University has partnered with local school divisions for its Direct Admissions program. [Photo/Courtesy of Visit Prince William]

Eligible Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) high schoolers will now receive admission offers directly from George Mason University (GMU), a step in the institution’s expansion into the region through the Direct Admissions program.

The program, which began in the fall of 2023, was piloted to try to reach students who may experience challenges in pursuing higher education. The release from 2023 stated that if eligible, students would not have to submit an application fee, teacher recommendations or essays.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you? 👉 Join Locals Only Already a member? Sign in

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in