Fredericksburg City Council treated the Technology Overlay District as a political promise, not just a zoning map, when it voted 7-0 after midnight to keep a data center off the Hylton tract.

The Aug. 25-26 votes denied a rezoning and a height permit for 1500 Gateway along Interstate 95, between Plank Road and Cowan Boulevard. Council did not say the overlay text itself banned the site. Members who passed the TOD in 2025, and one who was not on the dais then, said they had already told residents where data centers would go.


Amazon pulled a contested King George groundwater request, House Speaker Don Scott told regulators a Dominion-NextEra merger must not raise rates, and local schools will be closed Friday for the Labor Day weekend.

Amazon Withdraws Groundwater Permit Bid for King George Data Center


Prince William County Parks and Recreation is hosting a free doubleheader Friday at Sean T. Connaughton Plaza in Woodbridge. The evening starts with a Fridays at 5 concert from 5 to 8:30 p.m. featuring Leroy Burks & The Voodoo Whiskey Band, followed by a free outdoor showing of the movie “The Rookie” starting at 9 p.m.

The band, led by 20-year Army combat veteran Leroy Burks, has been voted Best Band in Prince William County for 2024 and 2025. The group is known for high-energy performances that mix today’s country hits with classic favorites, complete with B3 Hammond organ and fiddle. Food trucks, including Hershey’s Ice Cream, Lunchbox on Wheels and Balsamo’s Pizza, will be on site, along with beer and wine for purchase for those 21 and older. DJ Moe Vibez will perform as well.


Fredericksburg Free Press reported that local museums, historical organizations and living history groups gathered in Stafford County to share the region’s role in the nation’s history through demonstrations, exhibits and family activities spanning the colonial era and beyond.

The event at George Washington’s Ferry Farm aligned with America’s 250th celebrations, offering hands-on activities, reenactments and programs highlighting Revolutionary history in a key Northern Virginia location.


As we celebrate the Fourth of July, we at Potomac Local News wish all our neighbors in Stafford, Prince William, Fredericksburg, and across Northern Virginia a very happy and safe Independence Day. May your day be filled with family, friends, good food, fireworks, and gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy.

Stay safe in the heat: The National Weather Service forecasts dangerously hot conditions tomorrow with an Extreme Heat Warning in effect. Expect a high near 103°F, with a heat index up to 111°F, and a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Hydrate often, limit time outdoors, check on neighbors, and follow local guidance.


Heat Update: Due to the National Weather Service extreme heat advisory, George Washington’s Ferry Farm has shortened its Fabulous Fourth event hours. The celebration will now end at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, in the interest of public safety.

Saturday, July 4th offers a once-in-a-lifetime family-friendly event at George Washington’s Ferry Farm commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Expect games, hands-on activities, crafts, living history demonstrations, reenactors, and programs from regional organizations.


The Fredericksburg Area MPO’s Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee advanced its Complete Streets Plan for public review this summer, emphasizing the need for safer, more connected transportation networks as the region grows toward a projected 614,620 residents by 2055.

CTAC also ranked SmartScale funding priorities, supported further study of additional river crossings and southern routes to reduce congestion, and addressed ongoing TIP refinements and local maintenance concerns.


Are you tired of how hard it is to find out what’s really happening in your community?

Local events your family would love, school board decisions affecting your kids, tax hikes, development projects, safety updates — too often this vital information is buried, spun, or simply missing. At Potomac Local News, we’ve spent 16 years solving that problem: delivering straight facts about local events, government, and fun things to do in the community, so residents in Fredericksburg, Manassas, Woodbridge, and across Northern Virginia can stay informed and engaged.


“Our goal remains a responsible budget that lowers costs and invests in strong public schools, safe communities, affordable housing, quality healthcare, and economic opportunity – while protecting the Commonwealth’s fiscal strength,” WDBJ7 reported.

House Appropriations Chairman Delegate Luke Torian, who represents Prince William County, stressed the need for balance as budget talks stalled over data center tax policy with just days until the July 1 deadline. Tensions rose Friday amid disagreements between the Governor, House and Senate on the two-year spending plan.


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