Last Tuesday night, May 19, 2026, I sat through a seven-hour Board of Supervisors meeting in Stafford County—the kind of marathon session that reveals exactly how local government really works. The main event was the approval of Virginia’s third Buc-ee’s mega travel center off I-95 at Exit 140. In a 5-2 vote, the board greenlit a project poised to become one of the county’s top taxpayers, bringing in an estimated $2 million annually.
That matters. Stafford just hiked property taxes—adding thousands to the burden on families already squeezed by higher grocery, gas, electric, and data center-driven costs. Commissioner of the Revenue Scott Mayausky noted Buc-ee’s could rank as the fourth-largest taxpayer in a county with a billion-dollar-plus budget. For residents footing the bill in one of Virginia’s fastest-growing counties, this is real relief.
Virginia State Sen. Tara Durant (R-Stafford, Fredericksburg) has suspended her campaign for the Republican nomination in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, according to multiple sources.
Durant informed Virginia Scope reporter Brandon Jarvis that she is stepping back from the congressional race to focus on defending her state Senate seat in the 2027 election. She has not yet issued a formal public statement, but the suspension has been confirmed.
Virginia State Police have released new details and filed charges in connection with the fiery two-vehicle crash that fully closed Interstate 95 southbound on May 14, 2026.
According to VSP Public Information Coordinator Matthew Demlein, the crash occurred at approximately 5:45 a.m. on I-95 southbound at the 138-mile marker.
Join us on Sunday, May 31st, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM for a beautifully curated afternoon celebrating the romance and inspiration of European travel. We recommend arriving at 2:45 PM for the best seating. We’ll begin with a brief presentation highlighting unforgettable journeys along Europe’s iconic rivers with AmaWaterways, followed by a special screening of Under the Tuscan Sun — a heartwarming story set against the breathtaking landscapes of Tuscany and the transformative power of embracing life abroad. A minimum $5 per person donation to Manna Food Center is required to attend, and we are proud to match donations up to $500. You may also elect to donate more. Non-perishable food donations are also warmly welcomed. Raffle proceeds will benefit Manna as well, helping provide nourishment and support to families in our community. Come immerse yourself in the beauty of Europe, enjoy wonderful company, and make a meaningful difference. We look forward to welcoming you.
Woodbridge District Supervisor Jeannie LaCroix joins the Potomac Local Podcast for an important conversation about the future of Woodbridge.
In this engaging discussion, Supervisor LaCroix shares exciting updates on new businesses in the area — including the recent grand opening of Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center. She also discusses ongoing efforts to revitalize Route 1, ways the county is supporting local families, honoring veterans, and opportunities for residents to get involved in the community.
Fireworks Trains on Saturday, July 4, 2026, to help locals celebrate Independence Day and the nation’s 250th anniversary without the usual traffic headaches.
Trains will operate on the Manassas and Fredericksburg lines, stopping at select stations. They will arrive in Washington, D.C., around 5 p.m. at L’Enfant or Union Station and depart south around 11 p.m. after the National Mall fireworks show. Tickets go on sale June 1 through Eventbrite and cost $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12. Each rider will receive a commemorative LED sparkler.
Community members, preservation advocates, and local officials gathered Wednesday evening at the Manassas Museum Plaza to call for the preservation of the historic Old Bennett School, a 118-year-old building facing demolition as part of Prince William County’s planned judicial center expansion.
Logan Parham of Preservation Virginia announced that the Old Bennett School has been added to the organization’s 2026 Virginia’s Most Endangered Historic Places list. The annual list highlights significant historic resources across the commonwealth that face imminent threats.
“It is with deep sadness that OWL Volunteer Fire Department announces the passing of Life Member Daniel “Danny” Thompson,” OWL Volunteer Fire Department announced. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
“Rest easy, Danny. Thank you for your many years of service and dedication,” the department added.
“We understand that incidents like this can cause concern and anxiety for students, parents, guardians, faculty and staff,” the sheriff’s office said. “After carefully reviewing all available evidence and information, the Sheriff’s Office has found no evidence indicating these threats pose a credible risk to the school community at this time.”
“The language used in the graffiti does not reflect the values of our school community,” Stafford High Principal Chelsea Tryon wrote in a letter to families.
“Autumn Van Zandt was last seen on May 19, 2026 at approximately 1:00 p.m. Autumn is a 17 year old female and is described as 5’7, 135 lbs., brown hair, and brown eyes,” Fredericksburg Police announced. “Autumn was last seen wearing a black top and jean shorts with a red purse and has a heart shaped tattoo on the left/right side of her hip.”
She is known to frequent the downtown area of Fredericksburg and Southpoint Shopping area in Spotsylvania County and was last seen traveling with Ronnie Reel (DOB 11/17/1986). Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fredericksburg Police Department at 540-373-3122. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by texting “FPDtip” and the information to 847-411 or via the FPD Tip app.
