“Virginia American Water is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague,” Virginia American Water insidenova.com reported. “We are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances. Our primary focus right now is supporting our employee’s family and our Virginia employees.”

A 35-year-old employee fell from a boat on May 19, around 11 a.m., in a service pond at the Virginia American Water facility in the 14400 block of Delaney Road in Dale City. He was hospitalized and died three days later on May 22. Prince William County police said no foul play is suspected and the incident appears accidental.


“Cory knew from an early age that he wanted to protect and serve others,” April Orel said. “He chose the Marine Corps because he wanted to enlist ‘with the best.’”

Sgt. Cory Orel, a Marine Corps veteran who trained at the Rescue Fire Academy in Prince William County and later served with Prince William County Fire and Rescue, died in 2025 from service-connected cancer. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation paid off the family’s mortgage in Richlands, North Carolina, as part of its Gold Star Family Home Program.


Donald Okhialeme Musa, the 12-year-old boy who was the subject of a CODI Alert issued by Virginia State Police on behalf of the Town of Dumfries Police Department, has been located safely.

Musa was last seen on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, around 6 p.m. on Olde Port Lane in Dumfries before authorities issued the alert late that evening. The alert has now been canceled.


Virginia Military Institute named Abduhu Chauhdury of Woodbridge as the new first battalion commander for the 2026-27 academic year.

Chauhdury, an electrical and computer engineering major, attended Forest Park High School. He said his high school calculus teacher, a VMI Class of 2002 graduate, inspired him to apply only to the institute. As a third-class cadet, he served as an S3 corporal, and as a second-class cadet, he was an S3 operations sergeant.


Lisa Zargarpur, member of the Prince William County School Board, announced her candidacy for Coles District Supervisor on the Prince William County Board of Supervisors.

In a Facebook post, Zargarpur said she is shifting her focus after serving on the school board. “After serving two terms on the Prince William County School Board, I am now turning my attention to a different office. I can still support our schools while working for the greater community,” she wrote.


Prince William County detectives have charged two men in the shooting death of a 42-year-old Bowling Green man. The fatal altercation happened on May 12 in the 1200 block of Potomac Vista Drive in Woodbridge.

Detectives say the incident stemmed from a narcotics transaction involving people known to the victim. Taiyon Damari Jackson, 20, of Alexandria, and William Latrale Lisenby, 23, of Lorton, face murder charges along with related firearm offenses. Both men were arrested last week and are being held without bond.


Woodbridge District Supervisor Jeannie LaCroix said that while she understands the historical significance of the Old Bennett School, practical realities and the need for courthouse expansion make full preservation difficult for taxpayers.

LaCroix, a former court reporter who walked past the 1908 building hundreds of times, shared her perspective during a May 22, 2026, appearance on the Potomac Local Podcast.


More than 1,100 community members and over 200 cars turned out for the seventh annual Vettes for Willing Warriors at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run, setting a new attendance record for the popular car show.

The event brought together car enthusiasts, families, volunteers, and local businesses to support Willing Warriors and its mission of serving wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and their families. The nonprofit provides cost-free respite stays at its 37-acre Warrior Retreat at Bull Run in Haymarket, along with programs focused on healing, recovery, and support for moral injury.


Prince William County will launch a phased pilot program to install temporary anti-panhandling signs at 12 high-traffic locations as part of a broader data-driven initiative to address panhandling and connect individuals to services.

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


View More Stories