Protesters rally in Manassas and Fredericksburg against Trump policies
Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in Manassas and Fredericksburg on Saturday as part of the nationwide “Hands Off!” movement opposing the Trump administration’s policies. In Manassas, about 1,000 protesters gathered near the Social Security office. In Fredericksburg, demonstrators filled downtown with signs expressing concerns over cuts to public programs. The coordinated events were among more than 1,100 protests held nationwide.
FredNats swept to start season — but 2024 champs still shine
The Fredericksburg Nationals (0-3) dropped all three games to the Carolina Mudcats, struggling with 27 walks across the series. Despite the rocky start, fans can celebrate the 2024 Carolina League Championship at a noon ring ceremony today at Riverfront Park in Fredericksburg.
Saying goodbye to a Dumfries institution
After 34 years, Padrinos Restaurant & Bar is closing its doors. Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood presented owner Sal Basile with a proclamation recognizing his decades of service and hospitality. We’ve covered campaign events and hip-hop performances there over the years—this one’s personal.
Sal, thank you. Enjoy your well-earned retirement.
Dumfries townhouse fire displaces one
On Thursday, April 3, a fire broke out in an upstairs bathroom at a townhouse on McDowell Court. Damage from broken water lines and a closed bathroom door helped contain the flames. No injuries were reported. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced resident.
Joint Town Hall in Stafford later this month
Leaders from the Stafford County Board of Supervisors and School Board will host a Joint Town Hall on Monday, April 29, from 6–8 p.m. at Colonial Forge High School. They’ll take questions and talk about infrastructure, transportation, budget, and economic development. The meeting will not be streamed.
Elizabeth Guzman to challenge Ian Lovejoy in House District 22
A familiar face is back on the ballot in western Prince William County. Former Delegate Elizabeth Guzman, a Democrat who previously represented parts of Dale City and Fauquier County, has announced her candidacy for House District 22, challenging incumbent Republican Delegate Ian Lovejoy in this fall’s election.
In 2022, she garnered national attention for proposing legislation that would have expanded the definition of child abuse to include parents who do not affirm their child’s gender identity or sexual orientation—a move that sparked considerable debate.
Ghost hunt at Annaburg Manor
Love a good scare? Join Old Spirits Investigations for a paranormal exploration of Annaburg Manor in Manassas on April 25, 7–10 p.m. Tickets are $25. Space is limited.
Register here: cityofmanassas.recdesk.com/Community/Program
Free concert in Fredericksburg
St. George’s Episcopal Church invites you to hear The Peacemakers on Sunday, April 27 at 3 p.m. Enjoy world music and modern folk in the beautiful, acoustically rich nave. Admission is free. Donations welcome.
Learn more: stgeorgesepiscopal.net/music/concerts
Heads up: Nighttime road closures near Haymarket
Waterfall/Hopewell Road (Route 601) will be closed 10 p.m.–4 a.m. April 7–9 for drainage work near 17002 Waterfall Road. Local traffic allowed. Detour via Antioch Road and Route 55.
Manassas Park Community Center’s Easter Egg Hunts
Flashlight hunts. Photos with the Easter Bunny. Crafts, games, and golden eggs. The fun starts this Friday. Don’t miss our noon post today on potomaclocal.com for all the details and how to register.
Weather update: Cold, rainy start to the week
Expect rain through midday Monday, with one to two inches possible. Highs will only reach the upper 40s to low 50s. Skies will clear on Tuesday, but it will stay chilly with gusty winds up to 35 mph. Overnight lows tonight and Tuesday night will dip into the 20s and 30s.
Coming up on PotomacLocal.com today:
- 7 a.m. – Haymarket Police Chief hosts Senior Summit
- 11 a.m. – Goats on the Job! at Old Mill Park
- 1 p.m. – Dumfries updates 2025 event calendar
- 3 p.m. – Manassas School Board votes on collective bargaining ban
Check back all day long for fresh, local stories you won’t want to miss at potomaclocal.com.
Potomac Local Weekly Recap (March 31–April 6)
Top 5 Most-Read Stories:
- Buc-ee’s submits plans for 120-pump travel center in Stafford
- Girlfriend’s Taphouse opens in North Stafford
- Police blotter: Father, son drown; assaults reported
- Stafford schools warn of devastating cuts after Youngkin veto
- Prince William Supervisors unite on cracking down on noise
Top 5 Cities by Page Views:
- Stafford – 6,429 views
- Fredericksburg – 4,886 views
- Woodbridge – 4,264 views
- Washington, D.C. – 3,169 views
- Manassas – 1,524 views
Thanks for reading, and keep checking potomaclocal.com for the stories your neighbors are talking about.
Recent Stories
MANASSAS, Va. — Firefighters from the City of Manassas, Manassas Park, and Prince William County responded to an apartment fire this afternoon at 8872 Oliver Court, just off Liberia Avenue, where smoke was seen billowing from a second-story unit in a three-story building.
BRISTOW, Va. — A pickup truck driver was hospitalized Tuesday morning after a collision with an Amtrak train near the Bristow Road railroad crossing, just south of Manassas.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Woodbridge has been named the fastest-growing suburb in the United States, according to a new report from Travel + Leisure, shining a national spotlight on eastern Prince William County and prompting praise from local business and government leaders.
The Historic Manassas Farmers Market is back for the 2025 season — and it’s bringing fresh produce, handmade goods, and community vibes to Downtown Manassas all spring, summer, and fall.
Inspired by local physicians who were among the nation’s first to adopt the concierge medicine model, Northern Virginia is now a hub for its surging popularity. These leading physicians are redefining the patient experience with same-day appointments, direct availability, unhurried visits, and deeply personalized care:
After almost 40 years in practice, Manassas-based Internist John Cary, MD’s change to concierge medicine enabled focused attention for each individual, and the launch of his innovative diet program for those with type 2 diabetes. “The goal is to promote enough weight loss to reach an acceptable A1C of 6% with no medication,” he explains. “Achieving that can take several months of very close follow up. As I tell my patients, we are in this together.”
Jay Tyroler, MD considers his patients quite literally as family. “I believe there’s nothing more honorable than helping patients when they’re sick, or scared, or feeling vulnerable, and I care for them exactly as I would my loved ones.” Whether for a specialist referral, urgent health issue or ongoing follow up, “My patients know I’m always just a phone call away.”
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Help us Celebrate our 5 Year Anniversary by joining our OPEN HOUSE
When: April 27th 11:45AM
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
