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.

Event

Afternoon Matinee Movie – Under the Tuscan Sun (at BlackRock Center For The Arts)

May 31, 2026 2:45 pm -6:00 pm

BlackRock Center For The Arts

12901 Town Commons Dr

Germantown, Maryland 20874

Website Contact Social

Join us for a delightful Sunday afternoon at the BlackRock Center for the Arts as Cruise Planners Beth & Rod present a special travel-inspired matinee featuring the beloved film Under the Tuscan Sun.

Date & Time: Sunday, May 31 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

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.

Manassas Park

Signal Bay Waterpark Delays Reopening to July 11 as Renovations Wrap Up

By Potomac Local News

Published June 30, 2025 at 3:00PM

MANASSAS PARK, Va. – Signal Bay Waterpark will now open on Thursday, July 11, city officials announced Friday, marking the latest delay in the park’s summer season.

The waterpark typically opens Memorial Day weekend, but the city had already postponed this year’s opening due to ongoing renovations. Officials initially hoped to welcome guests by June 23, and later targeted July 4. Now, the city says “everything else is ready to go” — they’re just waiting on the delivery and installation of a new water feature.

Manassas

Police Investigate Death of Man Found Near Railroad Tracks in Manassas

By Potomac Local News

Published June 30, 2025 at 2:45PM

[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

MANASSAS, Va. – Authorities in Prince William County are investigating the death of a 45-year-old man who was found unconscious along a roadside in Manassas.

Prince William County police officers were called to the area of Rixlew Lane near the railroad tracks at 3:51 p.m. on Thursday, June 27. When they arrived, they found the man unresponsive on the side of the road. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Manassas

New Innovation District to Position Manassas, Prince William as a Tech Powerhouse

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published June 30, 2025 at 2:30PM

The proposed location for the Innovation District. [Courtesy]

According to a concept plan document from 2024, the goal of the Innovation District — placed around the GMU SciTech Campus — is to connect jurisdictions and industry to create “lasting benefits for the community.”

“Serving as a catalyst, convener, connector, communicator and capacity-builder, the Innovation District will be a destination for ambitious minds to fuel lasting economic growth and well-being in the City of Manassas, Prince William County and beyond,” the document states.