News

Happy Independence Day from Potomac Local News

By Uriah Kiser

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, we at Potomac Local News wish all our neighbors in Stafford, Prince William, Fredericksburg, and across Northern Virginia a very happy and safe Independence Day. May your day be filled with family, friends, good food, fireworks, and gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy.

Stay safe in the heat: The National Weather Service forecasts dangerously hot conditions tomorrow with an Extreme Heat Warning in effect. Expect a high near 103°F, with a heat index up to 111°F, and a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Hydrate often, limit time outdoors, check on neighbors, and follow local guidance.

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Seeks Public-Private Partners for Historic Renwick Complex Adaptive Reuse

By Potomac Local News

Fredericksburg City Council received an update during its June 23, 2026, work session on efforts to find public-private partners for the adaptive reuse of the Historic Renwick Complex. Planning and Historic Resources Division Manager Kate Schwartz presented a draft solicitation for concept proposals under the Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act (PPEA).

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Launches Two-Year Pilot for Downtown Street Closures Following Community Survey

By Potomac Local News
A view of Downtown Fredericksburg from above Hurkamp Park [Photo: Fredericksburg City]

During the June 23, 2026, City Council work session, officials heard presentations on survey results and proposed policies for special events and street closures. The initiative aims to support community-benefiting events while addressing long-standing input from residents and businesses.

Chris Allen, Executive Director of Fredericksburg Main Street, presented findings from an August 2025 survey that drew more than 700 responses, including 326 Fredericksburg residents, 91 business owners or managers, 46 event organizers, and 37 city employees, plus others.

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Event

Cyd Rowley Open Studio Weekend

Cyd Rowley Studio

10449 Metropolitan Ave

Kensington, Maryland 20895

Website Contact Social

Join me during this National Craft Open Studios weekend, a celebration of Amrican craft organized by the American Craft Council (ACC). Come visit my studio July 18-19th, 11am-5pm at 10449 Metropolitan Ave, Kensington, MD. Please drop in, see how my work is created, tour my studio and try your hand at hammering some metal.

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Prince William

QTS Withdraws Supreme Court Appeal, Ending Proposed Digital Gateway Data Center Project

By Potomac Local News
QTS data center in Manassas [Photo: Google Maps]

QTS has withdrawn its final appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court, effectively terminating the proposed Prince William Digital Gateway data center campus along Pageland Lane near Manassas National Battlefield Park.

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Traffic

VDOT Fredericksburg District: Lane Closures and Road Work in Stafford and Fredericksburg, July 5-11, 2026

By Potomac Local News

VDOT Fredericksburg District Weekly Travel Alert reported. On I-95 Northbound at Exit 143 (Aquia/Garrisonville) in Stafford County, milling and paving work will occur Monday–Friday from 9 p.m.–4:30 a.m. with single and double lane closures between mile markers 142-145.

Multiple projects are also scheduled on Route 1, Fall Hill Avenue, Princess Anne Street in the City of Fredericksburg, and various Stafford County routes including Route 17, Route 606, Route 610, Route 627, Route 652, Route 709, Route 751, and Route 1264, involving guardrail work, paving, median improvements, and resurfacing with flagging and alternating lane closures.

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Stafford

Stafford County Processes 11 Data Center Applications as State Budget Fight Looms Over Industry Incentives

By Potomac Local News

During the June 23, 2026, Board of Supervisors work session, Planning Director Michael Zuraf updated the board on the status of data center development in the county. There are currently 16 projects in the pipeline: five approved (three under construction) and 11 still under review. No new applications have been received since September 2025, following the county’s adoption of stricter ordinance and comprehensive plan amendments.

Board members and staff acknowledged community concerns about rapid growth, noise, power demands, and other impacts. However, Zuraf and county leaders emphasized that halting the 11 pending applications mid-review would not be legally viable. Virginia law limits localities’ ability to impose arbitrary pauses on lawfully submitted land-use applications, and doing so could invite legal challenges related to vested rights and due process.

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Manassas

Manassas Students Graduate from Police Camp, Learn Law Enforcement Basics

By Potomac Local News

More than a dozen local students wrapped up an engaging week of hands-on learning at the Manassas Police Camp, earning recognition from city leaders during the June 22, 2026, Manassas City Council meeting.

Sergeant Shauna Moller of the Manassas Police Department’s Community Services Section, who led the program, highlighted the cadets’ achievements and thanked the many partners who make the free camp possible.

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News

Extreme Heat Shortens Ferry Farm 250th Event; Stafford & Fredericksburg 4th Plans Move Forward with Caution

By Potomac Local News

Heat Update: Due to the National Weather Service extreme heat advisory, George Washington’s Ferry Farm has shortened its Fabulous Fourth event hours. The celebration will now end at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, in the interest of public safety.

Saturday, July 4th offers a once-in-a-lifetime family-friendly event at George Washington’s Ferry Farm commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Expect games, hands-on activities, crafts, living history demonstrations, reenactors, and programs from regional organizations.

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Police Blotter

Police Blotter: Armed Robbery at Dealership, Shooting Reported

By Potomac Local News
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

Other notable incidents included a self-inflicted gunshot wound tied to child neglect charges, a road rage brandishing, an assault arrest in Stafford County, and several fraud complaints.

This daily police blotter summarizes the most significant calls for service and arrests reported by local agencies.

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