Potomac Local

Established in 2010, PotomacLocal.com stands as the top independent source for local news in Prince William and Stafford counties, along with the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. PotomacLocal.com is regularly refreshed with the most current local news updates. Accessible online, as well as through Twitter, Facebook, and mobile devices, we strive to be your reliable source for breaking news and a hub for discovering events in your area.

National, Local

English

Newsletter (Print)

Outlet metrics

Domain Authority

Ranking

Global

#629617

United States

#148741

News and Media

#5098

Traffic sources

Monthly visitors

Articles

How a George Mason Graduate Overcame Health Challenges to Accept Her Degree

1 week ago | potomaclocal.com | Caitlyn Meisner

In late May, Samantha Lewis, an Ashburn native, did what was then thought to be an impossibility: walk across the stage for her graduation from George Mason University. Lewis, since the beginning of 2024, has faced medical struggles associated with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, FND is a condition that is caused by changes in how brain networks work rather than changes in the brain's physical structure.
On Target: Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy Launches Indoor Firearms Facility

1 week ago | potomaclocal.com | Kelly Sienkowski

The Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy (RRCJA) will soon open a new indoor firearms training facility on Lee Hill Drive, a significant addition to its training capabilities. The 9,000-square-foot space in a renovated warehouse next door to the academy includes 14 shooting lanes, a classroom, a cleaning and storage area, and full indoor pistol training capabilities.
Char-Grilled Cravings: Habit Burger Fires Up in Spotsylvania

1 week ago | potomaclocal.com | Kelly Sienkowski

On Saturday, over 200 people stood in line to check out a new habit: Habit Burger launched its first of three soft openings before opening the new Chancellor’s Crossing store on Wednesday. The California-based company’s char-grilled burgers are the star of a menu that also features chicken, sandwiches, and unusual side dishes. The new Spotsylvania location is the company’s fifth in Virginia, joining Richmond, Chantilly, Virginia Beach, and Ashburn.
After Forum No-Shows, Gorham Clinches GOP Nod in Delegate Race

1 week ago | potomaclocal.com | Uriah Kiser

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Republican Gregory Lee Gorham won the GOP nomination for Virginia’s 21st House District on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, defeating two challengers in a three-way primary and setting up a November contest against incumbent Democrat Josh Thomas. Gorham won 66.35% of the vote with 970 ballots cast in his favor. Sahar Smith finished second with 395 votes (27.02%), and Xanthe Larsen placed third with 97 votes (6.63%).
You've Helped Build Something Bigger

1 week ago | potomaclocal.com | Uriah Kiser

Fifteen years ago, we set out to do something bold—create a trusted local news source from scratch, for the communities of Prince William and Stafford counties, and the cities of Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg. Not a national chain. Not clickbait. Just real, reliable local journalism that puts people first. Today, Potomac Local News is still here—stronger, sharper, and more committed than ever—because of you.
Manassas Council Eyes Public-Private Partnership Path to Jumpstart Downtown Hotel, Garage Project

1 week ago | potomaclocal.com | Uriah Kiser

MANASSAS, Va. â The Manassas City Council is preparing to adopt a new policy framework that would allow for public-private partnerships (P3s), aiming to jumpstart long-awaited redevelopment at the Olde Towne Inn site and surrounding properties in downtown. During a June 16, 2025, City Council work session, members reviewed draft guidelines that would formally enable the city to consider proposals under Virginiaâs Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act.
Manassas City Schools Employees to Get Nearly 7% Salary Increase

1 week ago | potomaclocal.com | Caitlyn Meisner

The Manassas City Public Schools Board will approve its amended budget on June 24. Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) employees may get an additional 1.5% salary increase for the 2025-2026 school year, pending School Board approval on June 24. At the beginning of the budget process in February, the MCPS Board wasn't able to even fund a 5.5% salary increase due to budget constraints from City Council and the Commonwealth.
Heard E.T. Soar and Jaws Stalk-Here’s What It Was Like at the Kennedy Center’s Film Score Night

2 weeks ago | potomaclocal.com | Uriah Kiser

John Williams, composer of the iconic themes from Superman, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and many others, is the soundtrack of my childhood. So when the Kennedy Center invited my wife and me to Notes and Frames, a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra celebrating classic film scores, I jumped at the chance. The show, held June 6, was more than a concert—it was a cinematic time machine.
Manassas City Council Unanimously Adopts $512 Million Budget

2 weeks ago | potomaclocal.com | Caitlyn Meisner

At the Monday night meeting, Manassas City Council unanimously approved its fiscal year 2026 budget, totaling more than $512 million and following months of meetings. The budget will take effect on July 1; though the real estate tax rate will remain flat at $1.07 per $100 of assessed value, property assessments are increasing an average of 8%. The average increase for a homeowner's tax bill is expected to be about $406 starting July 1. This article is FREE to read.
‘I Saw One Giant Black Paw’: Spotsylvania Resident Recounts Backyard Bear Encounter

2 weeks ago | potomaclocal.com | Mike Salmon

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. – Spotsylvania resident Barbara Ucman was working in her garden when she heard commotion across the fence. She thought it was a dog, and but then, to her surprise, she saw a bear paw grip the top of her wood fence. “I saw one giant black paw gripping the fence top, then another, and then the head,” she said. She knew there was a reason to scream and run. “I don’t think that scared him,” Ucman said.