Happy Thursday, everyone. Thanks for starting your day smarter with us here at Potomac Local News. Here’s what’s happening in our communities today.
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Dead heat:Â With a week to go, Virginia’s statewide races for governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general are tied, according to our survey of likely voters in the Nov. 2 general election.
Teacher union takeover: The Virginia Education Association took sweeping oversight of its Prince William chapter Monday night, entering into a memorandum of understanding with the Prince William Education Association’s executive board that strips the local chapter of much of its autonomy.
Flood watch:Â Water levels will rise in our area as a storm affects the region Friday, say the National Weather Service. A coastal flood watch will be in effect Friday morning into Saturday morning with water levels rising one to two feet higher than normal in coastal areas.Â
Walkout:Â Dozens of Loudoun County Public School students briefly walked out of classes this week chanting “Loudoun County protects rapists,” in protest over how the schools handled sexual assault.
Fred Vets Day:Â Veterans Day on Thursday, November 11, kicks off in downtown Fredericksburg with a Walking Procession starting at 10 a.m. Visitors are invited to watch the procession along the Washington Avenue Mall from Memorial Park to William and Barton Street.Â
Datacenter growth:Â Prince William officials are reviewing multiple proposals to build data centers on 2,000 acres in the Rural Crescent adjacent to the Manassas National Battlefield Park. An upcoming meeting will detail the work and the natural environment that would be lost.
Chinn turns 30:Â The Chinn Regional Library in Woodbridge turned 30-years-old. The community came together on Saturday, October 23, to celebrate. Chinn is one of seven “full service” libraries in Prince William County and was built in conjunction with the Chinn Aquatics and Fitness Center at 13065 Chinn Park Drive.
More days off: On Tuesday, the Stafford County School Board approved three additional holidays for all division staff and students. November 12, February 18, and April 15 will now be full days off instead of regular school days. The new holidays create four-day weekends for division staff and students.
Aging high rises: Following the collapse of a 40-year-old high-rise in Surfside, Fla., officials in Fairfax County and across the country are looking to prevent a similar tragedy. County staff has identified 202 high-rises in the area at least 25 years or older, including 100 that are 25-30 years old, 41 that are 30-35 years old, and 46 that are 40 years old or more.
ICYMI: On Monday, a Manassas City Councilman stepped down after being at the center of a federal investigation into his campaign practices and dropping his bid to keep his seat on the council.
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Manassas City Council will discuss a proposed tax incentive on Monday, February 10, 2025, to support Micron Technology Inc.’s planned $2 billion expansion. The deal would extend the company’s favorable semiconductor equipment tax rate through 2035, saving Micron millions annually. The expansion, backed by $275 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce, is expected to create over 400 manufacturing jobs. City officials tout the investment as a boost for local economic growth, while residents and businesses will weigh the long-term benefits.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the region, warning of four to six inches of snow, with higher totals possible. Snow will begin Tuesday afternoon, intensify Tuesday evening into overnight, and could transition to a wintry mix Wednesday morning. The storm will create hazardous travel conditions, impacting Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. Another system this weekend could bring heavy rain or a wintry mix, increasing flooding risks. Think you can predict the snowfall? Comment your guess for a chance to win a prize.
A townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced a family of five late Saturday afternoon after flames spread from the rear of the home into the attic.
Fire and rescue units responded at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, to the 3400 block of Aviary Way, near Lake Ridge Elementary School, after a resident reported seeing smoke coming from the back of their home. When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames moving up the rear of the house and into the attic. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the fire.
No injuries were reported, but the home sustained moderate damage. The Building Official declared the residence unsafe for occupancy. The American Red Cross assists two adults and three children displaced by the fire.
A suspect in a bank robbery on Route 3 was arrested thanks to a tip leading authorities to a Fredericksburg hotel.
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According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the robbery occurred at Truist Bank, located at 3600 Plank Road, next to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. A bank employee called 911 to report that a man had entered the bank and demanded money. The employee complied with the demands, and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect did not display a weapon during the robbery, and no injuries were reported. Witnesses at the scene provided law enforcement with a description of the suspect’s getaway vehicle, which was identified as a copper/orange pickup truck.
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.
