Potomac Local News

Woodbridge Supervisor Margaret Franklin Announces Candidacy for Virginia House of Delegates 23rd District

Published December 12, 2025 at 9:49AM

“I am announcing my candidacy for the 23rd District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates,” Prince William Times reported. “This special election is an opportunity to continue delivering for our community in Richmond.”

Franklin, 39, who currently serves her second term as the Woodbridge District representative on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, formally entered the race Thursday to succeed Del. Candi King, who Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger selected to serve as secretary of the commonwealth. The date for the resulting special election has not yet been set, and Franklin is the first candidate to declare her bid for the seat officially. King’s appointment created the vacancy in the 23rd District in Prince William and Stafford counties.

Police Blotter

Fake ICE Agent Reported in Woodbridge, Robbery Arrest at Manassas Mall, and Another Shoplifting Incident

By Potomac Local News

Published December 12, 2025 at 9:45AM

Police are investigating a disturbing report of a man impersonating a federal agent at Glen Ridge Commons Apartments in Woodbridge. On December 10, a resident said the man aggressively banged on their door around 1 p.m., wearing a black plate carrier marked “ICE,” a badge, a holstered firearm, and a black mask. He claimed to be an ICE agent, but the resident did not open the door. Authorities later confirmed he is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency.

In a separate case, a 46-year-old woman with no fixed address has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery that took place at Macy’s in Manassas Mall on November 6. The woman allegedly pulled a knife when store security tried to stop her for shoplifting. She was arrested on December 10 and is being held without bond.

Police Blotter

DUI Arrest After Crash on Hope Road

By Press Release

Published December 12, 2025 at 9:41AM

A 57-year-old man from Stafford was arrested for driving under the influence after causing an accident on Hope Road. The incident occurred when his vehicle rear-ended another car. Upon arrival, Deputy J. W. Courtney noted the driver had glassy, bloodshot eyes and a strong odor of alcohol. The driver was charged with DUI and following too closely and is being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

In another incident, a 34-year-old man was charged with petit larceny, shoplifting, and public intoxication after stealing items from a Target store on South Gateway Drive. The suspect was apprehended by First Sergeant Jacobeen and additional stolen merchandise was found in his possession. He is also being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

Newslinks

Mississippi Democrat Bennie Thompson Sparks Backlash for Calling Deadly D.C. Guard Shooting an “Unfortunate Accident”

By Potomac Local News

Published December 12, 2025 at 9:23AM

“With reference to the unfortunate accident that occurred with the National Guardsman being killed,” The Center Square reported. “It was an unfortunate situation, but you blamed it solely on Joe Biden.”

“You think that was an unfortunate accident? It was a terrorist attack,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem retorted during a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing, sharply criticizing Thompson’s description of the Nov. 26 shooting in Washington, D.C. that left one National Guard member dead and another critically wounded. (AOL)

Prince William

Hit-and-Run Kills Man in Woodbridge, Police Seek Witnesses

By Potomac Local News

Published December 11, 2025 at 3:45PM

A 68-year-old man was killed early Wednesday morning in a hit-and-run crash in Woodbridge. Police say the man, later identified as Shedrick Eugene Gibson, was found lying in the road around 6 a.m. at the intersection of Cardinal and Donald Curtis drives.

Officers performed CPR before Gibson was taken to a hospital, where he died. Investigators believe he was crossing Cardinal Drive outside of a crosswalk and wearing dark clothing when he was hit. The vehicle that struck him did not stay at the scene, and police currently have no description.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Planning Commission Rejects 1500 Gateway Data Center 7–0

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 11, 2025 at 2:00PM

A city background memo map shows the proposed 1500 Gateway Data Center site outlined in blue between Plank Road and Cowan Boulevard, stretching along Interstate 95 and adjacent to neighborhoods including Great Oaks, Snowden, and the Preserve at Smith Run.

Substation ruled inconsistent with city plan; residents blast water, trees, and transmission line impacts

The Fredericksburg Planning Commission has unanimously rejected a proposal to rezone more than 80 acres near Route 3 and Cowan Boulevard for a massive data center campus, after months of controversy over water use, tree loss, and high-voltage transmission lines near neighborhoods.

Manassas

A Closer Look: The Big Fight Over Attainable Housing at The Landing at Cannon Branch

By Potomac Local News

Published December 11, 2025 at 1:00PM

A proposal to build a 100-unit attainable housing complex at The Landing at Cannon Branch ignited one of the most intense public debates Manassas has seen in years, as residents, city staff, and council members clashed over location, financing, and the future of the city’s housing policies.

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Fredericksburg

Live Today: Why Fredericksburg’s Planning Commission Rejected the Gateway Data Center

By Potomac Local News

Published December 11, 2025 at 12:28PM

Live today at 1 p.m!

The Fredericksburg Planning Commission has unanimously rejected the proposed 1500 Gateway data center project at I-95 and Route 3, siding with residents who raised concerns about water, power, trees, and neighborhood impacts.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg School Board Appoints Dr. Brendon Albon as Chief Academic Officer

By Potomac Local News

Published December 11, 2025 at 12:20PM

“I am incredibly excited to be joining the Fredericksburg City Schools family,” Fredericksburg City Public Schools announced. “I believe that every learner, educator, and school can grow, and I am excited to be a part of the next phase of academic growth in Fredericksburg City.” “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Albon to the FCPS family,” Superintendent Dr. Marci Catlett said. “He understands the importance of educating all students to reach their fullest potential.”

Dr. Brendon Albon, a veteran education leader with more than 25 years of experience, will assume the role of Chief Academic Officer on December 15, 2025. He previously served as Assistant Superintendent for the Virginia Department of Education, where he led statewide school-support initiatives and earlier held roles in STEM and innovation, school leadership, and classroom instruction. The appointment follows the School Board’s approval and reflects the division’s focus on instructional excellence and continued academic growth.