Franconia, Va. –– Metro set an all-time new Saturday ridership record during The Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear.
While the public transit agency faced many issues the day of the rally, it still did not eclipse the record set during the most recent Presidential Inauguration.
Saturday’s event put on my John Stewart and the Comedy Central cable TV network drew more than 200,000 to the nation’s capital over the weekend, according to initial reports.
Metro registered 825,437 passenger trips on Saturday, making it the largest number of people ever to ride the subway on a Saturday since a Gulf War rally in 1991, according to a Metro spokeswoman.
The line to get Metro fare cards at the Franconia-Springfield station had more than 300 people in it about 11 a.m. Saturday, and Metro police had to turn drivers away from parking in the station’s parking garage.
Each subway line in the Metro system reported delays throughout the day, and there were reports of a major escalator malfunction at the L’Enfant Plaza station.
The new Metro ridership record is not that far off from their all-time record of 866,681 passenger trips, recorded the day before Barack Obama’s Presidential Inaugural.
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Since August 2024, Potomac Local News has seen significant growth in our email newsletter readership, with our audience expanding from 14,747 subscribers in August to 18,252 subscribers in February 2025.
(AP) — Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Sunday and predicted six more weeks of wintry weather, his top-hatted handlers announced to a raucus, record-sized crowd at Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania.
Phil was welcomed with chants of “Phil, Phil, Phil,” and pulled from a hatch on his tree stump shortly after sunrise before a member of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club read from a scroll in which he boasted: “Only I know — you can’t trust A.I.”
At approximately 2:45 P.M. on Saturday, February 1st, units with Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) responded to a reported structure fire in the 100 block of Aquia Creek Road, near Aquia Creek. Callers reported a neighboring residence on fire, and first arriving units marked the scene less than 10 minutes later and confirmed fire and smoke coming from the rear and roof of a single-family residence.
Due to a lack of hydrants in the area, crews had to utilize rural water operations to shuttle water to the scene. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and bring it under control in approximately an hour, despite the roof collapsing.
The residence was not occupied at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. The fire is under routine investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office. SCFR units were assisted on scene by Quantico Fire and Emergency Services.
(AP) — Preliminary data from the deadliest U.S. aviation accident in nearly 25 years showed conflicting readings about the altitudes of an airliner and Army helicopter when they collided near Reagan National Airport in Washington, killing everyone aboard both aircraft, investigators said Saturday.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
