Potomac Local News

News Links: ICE Arrests 1,300 in NoVa Suburbs, Stafford Crash Trial Delay, and Virginia Gun Ban Case Put on Hold

Published August 25, 2026 at 8:00AM

A large-scale ICE enforcement operation in the Washington suburbs, a request to delay the trial in a deadly Stafford County bus crash, a pause in the final state court challenge to Virginia’s assault weapons restrictions, and local concerns over school funding and economic development led the day’s news across Northern Virginia.

As reported by Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin, the Department of Homeland Security told Fox News that ICE carried out a large-scale operation resulting in the arrests of 1,328 people in the country illegally over a 14-day period in Virginia and Maryland. Nearly 400 of those arrested had criminal convictions or pending charges, including a Salvadoran national wanted by Richmond police on a murder warrant. Other cases involved individuals with records for attempted murder, rape, sexual battery, kidnapping, robbery and driving while intoxicated. The operation primarily focused on suburbs around Washington, D.C., in both states.

Manassas

Dems OK school board hopeful who rejects evolution, partner in alleged secret-vote lawsuit — and won’t answer questions

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 24, 2026 at 3:00PM

Manassas & Manassas Park Cities Democratic Committee graphic identifying its endorsed candidates, including (bottom row) Manassas City School Board candidates Lisa Stevens, Murina Dove and Marcus Still. The full ticket graphic was posted to the committee’s Facebook page. (Courtesy Manassas & Manassas Park Cities Democratic Committee)

The Manassas & Manassas Park Cities Democratic Committee has publicly backed a slate of candidates that includes two Manassas City School Board hopefuls whose records have drawn scrutiny, but neither the committee nor the candidates responded to detailed questions about those issues.

A graphic circulated by the committee under the heading “Our Democratic Ticket” lists Murina V. Dove and Marcus Still among its endorsed candidates for the Manassas City School Board, alongside incumbent Lisa Stevens. Early voting begins September 18 and the general election is November 3. The race is officially nonpartisan.

Manassas Park

Park panel greenlights 321 units on old car lot

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 24, 2026 at 1:00PM

A rendering of the proposed 321-unit mixed-use development at 8503 and 8505 Euclid Avenue in Manassas Park. The project would replace an existing auto sales and service site with mostly income-restricted apartments, ground-floor retail along Bank Street, Career and Technical Education space, and structured parking. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning and related waivers on a 4-1 vote. (Courtesy of RST Development)

The Manassas Park Planning Commission voted 4-1 to recommend approval of a rezoning and related waivers that would allow a 321-unit mixed-use redevelopment of a former auto sales and service site near the city center.

The recommendation covers Rezoning RZ 2026-01, Zoning Waiver WAI 2026-01A, and Public Facilities Waivers PFW 2026-01A through PFW 2026-01D and PFW 2026-01F. The motion, subject to the fourth submission of the general development plan and a proffer statement dated August 12, 2026, now advances to the Governing Body for a final decision.

Event

2026 Ocean, River Cruises and Guided Tours Showcase

September 19, 2026 9:00 am -2:00 pm

BlackRock Center For The Arts

12901 Town Commons Dr

Germantown, Maryland 20874

Website Contact Social

Dreaming about your next vacation? Join Cruise Planners Beth Borrego and Rod Rodriguez for an inspiring day devoted to ocean and river cruises, guided tours, luxury travel and unforgettable destinations!

Meet representatives from AmaWaterways, Collette, Oceania Cruises and Premier World Discovery. Hear informative presentations, ask questions, explore exciting vacation possibilities and discover which travel experience may be the perfect fit for you.

Manassas

Gathered on Center Adds a New Retail Concept to Historic Downtown Manassas

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 24, 2026 at 10:00AM | Updated August 24, 2026 at 4:23PM

Alexandra “Alex” Striemer of Bejeweled Era smiles inside Gathered on Center, the new retail co-op at 9082 Center Street in Historic Downtown Manassas, where she offers permanent jewelry among the shop’s mix of locally curated goods, gifts and experiences.

Historic Downtown Manassas has a new retail destination. Gathered on Center, a co-op at 9082 Center Street, brings together multiple creative small businesses under one roof.

The shop is led by entrepreneurs Terri Johnson, Karissa Terry, and Jasmine Oglesby. Shoppers will find an evolving mix of locally curated goods, gifts, and experiences. Among the offerings is permanent jewelry from Bejeweled Era.

Newslinks

News Links: PWCS Students Return to Class, Statewide Ballot Measures, and Regional Updates

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 24, 2026 at 8:00AM

Prince William County Public Schools, the second-largest division in Virginia, opened the 2026-27 school year today while regional residents tracked water use, climate planning, student achievements, and upcoming constitutional amendments.

According to Prince William County Public Schools, Monday, August 24, 2026, marks the first day of school for the division, the second-largest in Virginia.

Fredericksburg

Dog Krazy Celebrates 20 Years in Fredericksburg

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 23, 2026 at 9:50AM

Kelly Sankowski reports outside Dog Krazy at 307 William St. in downtown Fredericksburg during the store’s 20th anniversary celebration on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.

Dog Krazy marked 20 years in business on Saturday, Aug. 22.

We stopped by the downtown Fredericksburg location at 307 William St. to check in on the celebration.

Manassas

BREAKING: Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger to Vacate Office Sept. 30

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 21, 2026 at 5:17PM

Manassas Mayor Michele Davis Younger [Photo: Mike Beaty]

Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger will leave office nearly three months earlier than previously announced, the City of Manassas confirmed Friday.

In a news release issued Friday afternoon, the city said it has received Davis-Younger’s written resignation letter. She will vacate her seat effective Sept. 30, 2026, following her final City Council meeting on Sept. 28.

Podcast

Meet Saniaa Purdie: New Reporter Covering Prince William & Stafford Schools

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 21, 2026 at 3:00PM

<a href="https://rss.com/podcasts/potomaclocalnews/3085727/">Meet Saniaa Purdie: New Reporter Covering Prince W | RSS.com</a>

A rising senior at Potomac Senior High School is about to become one of the most important new voices covering Northern Virginia schools this fall.

Traffic

VDOT Plans Overnight Lane Closures on I-95 in Stafford and Near Fredericksburg Aug. 23-29

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 21, 2026 at 2:00PM

“Single and double lane closures are scheduled on I-95 southbound near Exit 143 (Aquia/Garrisonville) in Stafford County for pavement markings between mile markers 142-145, along with alternating lane closures between Exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton) and Exit 130 (Route 3) for bridge maintenance over the Rappahannock River, and construction-related closures at Exit 126 (Spotsylvania),” the Virginia Department of Transportation reported in its Fredericksburg District Weekly Travel Alert for Aug. 23–29, 2026. Work occurs primarily overnight Sunday through Thursday, weather permitting, with all lanes reopening by early morning.

Local drivers in Stafford and the Fredericksburg area should also expect daytime alternating lane closures on Route 1 for roadway reconstruction between Corporate Drive and Russell Road, plus ongoing improvements at the I-95 Exit 126 interchange that include overnight single and double lane closures and limited on-ramp restrictions. Check 511 Virginia for real-time updates before traveling.