After nearly three years of debate, the Stafford County Board of Supervisors will vote tonight, May 19, 2026, on whether to approve rezoning and a conditional use permit for a massive Buc-ee’s travel center along Interstate 95.
The meeting begins at 5 p.m. in the Board Chambers at the George L. Gordon, Jr. Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford. It will be streamed live online at https://www.regionalwebtv.com/staffordbos.
Fredericksburg police are investigating suspicious activity reported on Thursday, May 14, 2026, around 4:30 p.m. in the Lafayette Boulevard corridor. A suspect wearing a pink costume was reportedly following children in the area.
The Fredericksburg Police Department has increased patrols in the neighborhood and is asking residents to stay vigilant. Anyone who saw or interacted with the person in the pink costume is urged to contact police at 540-373-3122. Anonymous tips can be sent by texting “FPDtip” followed by the information to 847-411 or through the free FPD Tip app.
The historic Old Bennett School, a 118-year-old landmark in downtown Manassas, has been named to Preservation Virginia’s annual list of Virginia’s Most Endangered Historic Places. The designation highlights growing concerns over the building’s future as Prince William County moves forward with plans to demolish it.
Preservation Virginia is expected to formally announce the listing, bringing statewide attention to the 1908-09 school building located on the Prince William County Judicial Center campus. To mark the recognition, a public gathering will be held:
“The complaint says Virginia’s law amounts to what plaintiffs describe as a ‘flat prohibition’ on firearms and magazines commonly owned by law-abiding Americans for lawful purposes including self-defense,” The Center Square reported. “While the General Assembly chose not to adopt my amendment that specifically carves out certain firearms frequently used for hunting, I will work with the patrons to clarify this language,” Gov. Abigail Spanberger said in a statement released by the governor’s office.
The National Rifle Association, Firearms Policy Coalition and Second Amendment Foundation filed a federal lawsuit in the Eastern District of Virginia seeking to block Senate Bill 749 before its July 1 effective date. The measure bans import, manufacture, sale, purchase or transfer of certain semiautomatic firearms and magazines holding more than 15 rounds, with limited exceptions. Additional state court challenges have also been filed.
“Electricity demand is rising faster than it has in decades. Projects are getting larger and more complex. Customers need affordable and reliable power now, not years from now,” The Center Square reported.
The all-stock deal would create the world’s largest regulated electric utility, serving about 10 million customer accounts across Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida under the NextEra name. Dominion customers in those states would receive $2.25 billion in bill credits over two years after closing, with dual headquarters remaining in Richmond and Juno Beach, Florida. Dominion CEO Robert Blue would lead the regulated utilities side.
On May 10 at 5:02 p.m., officers were flagged down at the Days Inn, 7249 New Market Court in Manassas (20109), for a report of a naked man in a side lobby. The 53-year-old man became aggressive and showed signs of narcotic influence. He was detained without incident or use of force while officers called for additional help and medical services.
While seated in custody, the man became unresponsive. He was transported to a hospital where he remained in critical condition until his death on May 15. Authorities believe the death was medical in nature, possibly related to ingested narcotics. The man’s body was sent to the Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy. The investigation continues.
Manassas-based KO Distilling earned top honors at the 2026 First Landing Cup, Virginia’s premier competition for state-made spirits.
Its Bare Knuckle Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey took Best in Show, Best in Class for whiskey, Best in Category for rye whiskey, and a gold medal. The competition, organized by the Virginia Spirits Board, drew more than 100 entries judged blind by national experts. It celebrates craftsmanship tied to Virginia’s distilling history since the 1607 landing at Cape Henry.
Osbourn High School is celebrating a banner year of academic, artistic, and athletic success, highlighted during a presentation to the Manassas City Council on May 11. Principal Dr. Jennifer Chapman shared the Eagles’ achievements, painting a picture of a school community thriving through innovation, dedication, and strong support.
All qualifying performing arts programs — choir, band, and orchestra — earned Blue Ribbons with superior ratings at competitions. The choir delivered a standout Disney spectacular and earned an invitation to perform at Disney earlier in the year. Students in orchestra, band, and visual arts are advancing to state-level competitions, while the school hosted its annual art show and Rock Fest.
A 20-year-old Woodbridge man was stabbed to death early Saturday morning during an altercation at a Shell gas station in Dumfries.
Prince William County police responded to the Shell station at 17250 Dumfries Road around 12:10 a.m. May 17 and found Jonathan David Ferreyra Agapito with a stab wound near the gas pumps. Medics provided aid, but he was pronounced dead on scene.
Lynn Forkel Green joins for straight talk on outages, leadership changes, restaurant recs, and what’s next for the city. Plus summer events — Duck Splash, Newsies, Guys & Dolls & more!
What’s your take on the mayor race or those squirrels? Drop it below 👇
