A man is in jail without bond after police said he threatened to kill two women and prevented them from calling 911 during a ride near the Wawa on South Gateway Drive. The women flagged down staff for help, leading to his arrest for Simple Assault and Preventing a 911 Call.

Elsewhere in Stafford, a woman parked awkwardly outside the Hartwood Animal Hospital admitted to drinking a bottle of vodka before driving. She was arrested for DUI with a blood alcohol content above 0.2 and held on a $2,500 bond.


MANASSAS, Va. – Northern Virginia could face more than 400 hours of power outages a year by 2030, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Energy, raising alarms about the region’s ability to keep up with the explosive growth of artificial intelligence and data centers.

The report, released in July, highlights a significant imbalance: while demand from AI infrastructure and data centers is expected to surge by 50 gigawatts nationally, the U.S. is retiring 104 gigawatts of firm generation—like natural gas and coal plants—with only 22 gigawatts of firm replacement power planned. The gap puts pressure on the electric grid and raises the risk of prolonged outages across the country.


STAFFORD, Va. – The folks at Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation just told Potomac Local News that hikers now have more to explore at Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve in Stafford. A 1.2-mile extension to the popular Boykin’s Landing Trail is officially open—bringing the total length from Raven Road to 4.4 miles.

The new trail hugs Potomac Creek’s shoreline before climbing toward Crow’s Nest Point Trail. It’s a quiet escape in a fast-growing part of Northern Virginia, where the preserve protects mature hardwood forests and offers hiking and paddling.


The event, held in the parking lot of Target at Stafford Marketplace, featured music, giveaways, children’s book readings, and the collection of filled Empower Packs—backpacks stocked with school supplies for students in need.

SCOUT, which stands for Strengthening Community through Outreach, Understanding, and Trust, was unveiled at 9 a.m. to applause and chants of “Roll out SCOUT!” led by School Board Chair Maureen Siegmund. The vehicle is designed to bring educational resources, enrollment help, wellness information, and support services directly into neighborhoods across Stafford County.


STAFFORD, Va. – The folks at Stafford County’s Capital Projects department just let Potomac Local News know they’re holding a design public hearing on a project that could ease traffic at a key local intersection.

The Poplar Road and Truslow Road Intersection Improvement Project aims to widen Poplar Road and add new turning lanes at its intersection with Truslow and Robeli Farms roads. The hearing happens Wednesday, August 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Stafford High School, 63 Stafford Indians Lane in Fredericksburg.


STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – Deputies are continuing to search for a man who fled a traffic stop and crashed near the Giant grocery store on Town and Country Drive Thursday afternoon.

The suspect, identified as Andre Bennett Jr., 44, of King George, remains at large as of 8 a.m. Friday, August 1, 2025. Deputies believe he evaded capture overnight by hiding in a wooded area near Baron Park Road. A law enforcement presence remains in the White Oak Road area, and residents may continue to see increased activity.


A man shaving in his vehicle on Town Square Circle was assaulted without warning Wednesday morning, according to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. A known suspect reportedly attacked the man unprovoked. A warrant for assault and battery has been obtained but not yet served.

Later that day, a woman reported a disturbing incident at Discount Tobacco and Vape on Deacon Road. She told deputies that an employee touched and kissed her without consent. The suspect was arrested and charged with assault and battery and sexual battery, and is being held without bond.


As Next to Normal prepares to close on August 3, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is already looking ahead—unveiling the first details of its 2026 season, which promises to blend musical nostalgia, literary beauty, and patriotic charm.

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STAFFORD, Va. – A new dog park is opening soon in Stafford County’s Rock Hill District, and the community is invited to celebrate. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 10 a.m. at 2085 Mountain View Road, just south of Margaret Brent Elementary School.

The park’s name—chosen by residents through a contest—will be revealed at the event. The naming honors retired and deceased working dogs from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office and other local agencies.


On August 26, 2025, the Stafford County School Board will vote to name High School 6, which is currently under construction and slated to open in the near future. The Board will also finalize the school’s mascot and colors at that time.

The two names under consideration are:


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