Traffic

“VDOT’s free mobile 511 app offers information about construction, traffic, incidents and congestion as well as access to traffic cameras, weather, electric vehicle charging stations and more,” VDOT stated.

The lane-closure pause is intended to reduce congestion during peak holiday travel periods across the Commonwealth. VDOT is encouraging drivers to plan ahead using its 511 travel tools, which include real-time traffic updates, holiday travel trend maps, and hands-free phone alerts. Motorists in Northern Virginia can also check express lane schedules online, while travelers in Hampton Roads are advised to consider alternate routes due to ongoing tunnel construction and extended delays expected at the Route 17 George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge during bridge openings.


Business

“Prince William County is an amazing place to work and live, but it faces a significant shortage of flex/tech buildings, limiting its ability to attract and retain growing companies, which fuel job creation, diversify the tax base, and bolster the regional economy,” St. John Properties said.

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Features

A Gen Z–focused marketing campaign created by Prince William Public Libraries has earned national recognition from the Urban Libraries Council, which named the system a Top Innovator for 2025 in the Advocacy and Awareness category.

The award recognizes the campaign, titled “Finding a Way to Slay Among Gen Z,” which originated at Bull Run Library and featured branch manager Gregg Grunow delivering a script written by a teen volunteer using Gen Z slang to promote library services.


Stafford

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday declaring a drought watch and authorizing voluntary water conservation measures, citing a regional drought declaration and declining reservoir levels.

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Obituaries

Rose-Joann Seeger, of North Potomac MD and formerly of Haymarket VA and Wappingers Falls NY, passed away at the age of 79 after a long battle with illness. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Richard Seeger and her brother and sister-in-law John and Grace Barbaro, as well as her parents Anthony and Grace Barbaro. She is survived by her children Rachelle (Michael) Jayner and Robert (Kelly) Seeger, and her cherished grandchildren Ryan and Nicholas Jayner and Charlotte Seeger.

Born and raised in New York City and Long Island NY, Rose moved to Wappingers Falls after marrying the love of her life, Rich. They were married for 43 years until his passing in 2010, and together created a happy home for their children and dogs.


Prince William

Prince William County real estate agent and U.S. Navy veteran Vendall Robinson has been named the Republican nominee for the January 13, 2026, special election to fill the open seat in Virginia’s 23rd District House of Delegates.

Republican leaders in the 23rd District, encompassing portions of Prince William and Stafford counties, said discussions among party officials and potential candidates had reached a consensus on Robinson, citing her professional background and prior experience as a candidate. With a short window between the vacancy and the special election, party leaders said it was critical to move quickly to unify behind a nominee.


Stafford

“Units are on scene of a structure fire in the 100 block of Paradise Court,” Stafford County Fire and Rescue posted. “Please avoid the area while crews work.”

Fire and rescue units were dispatched to the 100 block of Paradise Court, where firefighters are actively working at the scene of a structure fire. Officials have not released details on injuries or the extent of damage. Motorists and residents are advised to steer clear of the area to allow emergency crews to operate safely.


Manassas

“Only two of our nine schools have met the new state designation of being On Track, however, most (with two key exceptions) also showed meaningful improvement, and if this pace continues, most of our schools will likely meet the On Track designation in a year or two,” Sara Brescia, Manassas City School Board wrote. “I will give you an earnest assessment that celebrates our areas of success, but also doesn’t sugarcoat our problems.”

“What happened at Round last year and what has been consistently plaguing Metz in student achievement is nothing less than an emergency, and it will take full-building pivots to get to where our students need us to go,” Brescia stated.


Prince William

“More than 87,000 winning Powerball tickets were sold in Virginia for the Wednesday, December 17, drawing,” Virginia Lottery reported. “Five tickets in Virginia each won a $50,000 prize in that drawing.”

Since no ticket in Virginia or anywhere matched all six numbers in the December 17 Powerball drawing, the jackpot for the upcoming Saturday, December 20, drawing is now an estimated $1.5 billion. Virginia Lottery reported that winners came from locations including Smoketown Shell, 15550 Neabsco Mills Road, Woodbridge; Tiger Market and Bakery, 3903 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria; and Safeway, 3043 Nutley Street, Fairfax. Virginia Lottery


Fredericksburg

On December 11, a resident in the 1000 block of Forest Village reported that someone had slashed the passenger-side tire of their vehicle. That same day, another victim in the 6600 block of River Road reported their wallet was stolen from their vehicle.

Fredericksburg Police also made multiple arrests this week. These included several for shoplifting—both misdemeanor and felony levels—as well as two public intoxication charges, assault and battery (including a domestic incident on a family member), and failure to comply with court orders.


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