News

‘Be Ready to Commit—But Do It’: Colonial Forge’s EMT Students Reflect on Rigorous, Life-Changing Program

By Kelly Sienkowski

Colonial Forge High School’s Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program is more than just a class—it’s a commitment to saving lives, a fast track to high-demand careers, and a transformation of ordinary students into certified first responders before they don graduation robes. Stafford County Public Schools offers an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program as part of their Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings.

Four high school seniors—Parwin Jamal, Katherine Nicole Peterson, Leslie Benyarko, and Kaiya Vazquez—are at the finish line of one of Stafford County Public Schools’ most intensive career and technical education programs: the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) track. Each student has completed multiple levels of EMT coursework, earned certification as a Nationally Registered EMT (NREMT), and gained real-world experience through ride-alongs and emergency call response.

Go to ‘Be Ready to Commit—But Do It’: Colonial Forge’s EMT Students Reflect on Rigorous, Life-Changing Program Read more
Stafford

VDOT Updates Stafford: Road Repairs, New Bridge, and Roundabout Plans

By Potomac Local News
Photo: VDOT

STAFFORD, Va. – Local leaders got a closer look at several upcoming road and bridge improvements during the Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting on May 20, 2025.

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

Go to VDOT Updates Stafford: Road Repairs, New Bridge, and Roundabout Plans Read more
Fredericksburg

Get Ready to Pay: Fees Resume at Old Mill Park and Falmouth Beach This Weekend

By Potomac Local News

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Starting Memorial Day weekend, visitors heading to the Rappahannock River will notice something familiar at two popular parks: entrance and parking fees are back for the summer season.

At Old Mill Park in Fredericksburg, fees will be collected Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., now through Labor Day. Non-residents—those who live outside the City of Fredericksburg and Stafford County—will pay $15 per car or $5 per walk-in visitor aged 12 and up. City and county residents can enter for free with valid ID. The park remains open daily but closes from dusk to dawn.

Go to Get Ready to Pay: Fees Resume at Old Mill Park and Falmouth Beach This Weekend Read more
Event

Dialogue for Democracy

Event location

George Mason University, Buchanan Hall

4379 Mason Pond Drive

Fairfax, Virginia 22030

Add to Calendar

High school students from across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region are invited to participate in Dialogue for Democracy at George Mason University!

Hosted by the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, this event offers high school students an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about democracy, civic engagement, and the importance of understanding different perspectives.

Go to Dialogue for Democracy Read more
Prince William

Shooting Behind Woodbridge Shopping Center Leaves Three Injured

By Potomac Local News
File photo of police lights
Photo: Scott Rodgerson / Unsplash

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Police say three men were injured in a shooting that broke out Wednesday afternoon, May 21, 2025, in a wooded area behind a busy shopping center on Smoketown Road.

According to an update from Prince William County Police, the incident occurred in the 14200 block of Smoketown Road, behind the center that includes stores such as Mom’s Organic Market and Ross Dress for Less. Officers responded to reports of a shooting and found two men with gunshot wounds. A third victim was later confirmed.

Go to Shooting Behind Woodbridge Shopping Center Leaves Three Injured Read more
Stafford

FBI Reviewing Agent Who Shot Man in Stafford, Now Faces Four Gun Charges

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. – The FBI is reviewing the actions of one of its off-duty agents involved in a fatal shooting earlier this year in a Stafford County neighborhood. That agent now faces four separate criminal charges stemming from unrelated firearm incidents.

The shooting occurred on February 28, 2025, in the Stratford Place subdivision. Deputies from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a reckless off-road motorcyclist. Authorities say the rider fled after being confronted by Benjamin Spinale, a 43-year-old off-duty FBI agent. The motorcyclist later returned with several family members, prompting deputies to initiate a traffic stop.

Go to FBI Reviewing Agent Who Shot Man in Stafford, Now Faces Four Gun Charges Read more
Manassas

Council Reviews Design for New Home2 Suites Hotel at Cannon Branch

By Potomac Local News

MANASSAS, Va. – The City of Manassas is moving forward with plans for a new extended-stay hotel at the Landing at Cannon Branch. At a May 20, 2025, work session, the City Council reviewed architectural plans for a Home2 Suites by Hilton, a four-story, 100-room hotel that will become the second Hilton-branded property in the development.

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

Go to Council Reviews Design for New Home2 Suites Hotel at Cannon Branch Read more
Stafford

Stafford Residents Demand Action on Data Centers—County Orders Full Review of Rules

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. – A surge of public opposition to large-scale data center development dominated the May 20, 2025, Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, leading county leaders to unanimously order a full review of the rules governing these rapidly expanding facilities.

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

Go to Stafford Residents Demand Action on Data Centers—County Orders Full Review of Rules Read more
Health

Sentara’s New Virtual Nurses Are Already Freeing Up Time and Improving Patient Care

By Potomac Local News

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center has launched a new virtual nursing program that’s already changing how nurses care for patients—and how patients experience care.

The hospital’s Virtual Registered Nursing (VRN) Program allows experienced nurses to connect with patients through 50-inch screens in hospital rooms, handling admissions, discharges, and patient education remotely. The goal: give bedside nurses more time to focus on hands-on care, while still ensuring patients get one-on-one attention.

Go to Sentara’s New Virtual Nurses Are Already Freeing Up Time and Improving Patient Care Read more
View More Stories