Teachers will return to Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) on Monday, August 12, 2024. The second-largest school division in Virginia is gearing up for the return of its 92,000 students on August 19, 2024.

Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade shared her excitement for the upcoming school year in a recent message to the community.


“The fall 2024 opening date for the 95 Express Lanes Opitz Boulevard ramp was communicated to stakeholders in an update sent earlier this summer and reflects the contractor’s current schedule,” said Jacqueline Woodbridge, a spokeswoman for Transurban. She noted that the delay resulted from a shift in the contractor’s schedule, which can be affected by various factors, including weather conditions.

Potomac Local News has received emails from frustrated drivers who live near the work zone.


Prince William County Schools hosted a back-to-school event on Saturday, Aug. 3 with thousands of attendees.

Families, staff, students and volunteers gathered at Unity Reed High School to kick-off the start of the school year in the annual event. Thousands of attendees enjoyed various food vendors, music, games and activities during the event, including a hockey experience, fire preparedness, moon bounces and jump rope stations.


Prince William County’s Office of Community Safety (OCS) announced a series of listening sessions starting on Aug. 26.

Throughout the fall, OCS will host 1.5 hour-long listening sessions on a variety of safety topics, including pedestrian safety and mental health. All will be held on a Monday from 5:30 to 7 p.m.


Prince William County

Lake Ridge Marina and Splashdown Water Park, near Manassas, are closed today due to severe weather conditions. Active tornado warnings and watches, combined with the forecast of high winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding, have prompted the closures.


Tropical Storm Debby is expected to bring two to three inches of rain, possible tornadoes, and wind gusts of 40-50 mph to our area. Significant inland flooding from the Occoquan River and local creeks such as Ballywhack Creek is likely. Occoquan Town staff prepare for the storm by stocking emergency materials and cleaning drainage grates. At the same time, residents are advised to exercise caution, report power outages, and stay alert for potential flash flooding and downed power lines.

From Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta:


Press release:

WoodbridgeNaz (a Church of the Nazarene) is pleased to announce the grand reopening of the Woodbridge Nazarene Food Pantry Aug.13 featuring two events.


The Prince William County Fair is returning tomorrow (Friday, Aug. 9) for the 75th year.

It’s being held at the Fairgrounds Expo & Event Center and 10624 Dumfries Road in Manassas. Starting at 6 p.m. tomorrow and not stopping until Aug. 17, the fair will have dozens of activities, rides and attractions each day it’s open.


Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today that the Virginia Lottery’s fiscal year 2024 profits exceeded $934 million, the highest in its 36-year history. All profits from the Lottery go towards supporting K-12 public education in the Commonwealth.

Since 1999, Virginia Lottery profits have generated over $12 billion for Virginia’s K-12 public schools. 10% of the Virginia K-12 education budget comes from the Lottery. The record profits in FY24 were driven by over $5.5 billion in sales, the highest ever. Tickets were purchased at over 5,300 businesses and online, and retailers earned $142 million in commissions and bonuses. Of that $5.5 billion, players received $4.2 billion in prizes, with 77 cents returned for every dollar spent. The Lottery also recorded a low administrative cost rate of 3.8%, which will be finalized after a standard audit by the Auditor of Public Accounts.


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