Author: Potomac Local News

Fredericksburg

Four Fredericksburg Police officers graduate from regional justice academy

By Potomac Local News

“Today, we proudly celebrate the graduation of LE Basic Class 173 from the Rappahannock Regional Justice Academy,” Fredericksburg Police Department announced. “This milestone represents months of dedication, discipline, and hard work, and the beginning of a meaningful journey in law enforcement.”

“As these graduates take the oath and begin their careers with the Fredericksburg Police Department, we wish them long, successful, and fulfilling careers serving the City of Fredericksburg with integrity, professionalism, and pride.”

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Schools

JLARC says Virginia’s new school accountability system is an improvement but needs refinement

By Potomac Local News
VA Association of Counties State Capitol

“Growth completely masked achievement realities,” Virginia Scope reported, quoting Virginia Superintendent of Public Education Emily Anne Gullickson during a Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission meeting. “That’s limited our ability to really deliver the right support to meet individual students’ needs.”

“We want to make sure that students are making annual progress, that they are moving and that students are getting towards grade level or exceeding the grade level,” Gullickson said. “But growth cannot be more important than ensuring that students are truly prepared on the grade level content and are able to succeed and prosper upon graduation.”

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Health

Puller Veterans Care Center opens in Vint Hill after years of delays

By Potomac Local News

“The words ‘thank you’ seem insufficient,” Prince William Times reported, quoting Gov. Glenn Youngkin at Tuesday’s grand opening. “For the sacrifices that each of you have made in order to preserve the freedoms and the liberties that we hold dear, that oftentimes we take for granted.”

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Politics

Youngkin unveils final Virginia budget proposal, highlights tax relief and revenue growth

By Potomac Local News

Gov. Glenn Youngkin presented his final proposed biennial budget to Virginia lawmakers during a joint meeting of House and Senate budget committees, pointing to strong revenue growth and what he described as room to fund core services while continuing tax relief.

The proposal includes $730 million in tax relief without new or increased taxes, increased funding for Medicaid and public education, and nearly $2 billion for capital projects. Democrats control both chambers of the General Assembly, and Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger will ultimately sign the budget lawmakers adopt before it takes effect July 1.

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Stafford

Enrollment dip won’t derail long-term school capital plans, Stafford officials say

By Potomac Local News
Kindergarten students get off the bus at Park Ridge Elementary School on "transition day," Monday, August 11, 2025. [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

Stafford County Public Schools officials told the Board of Supervisors on December 16, 2025, that recent enrollment data shows a temporary slowdown in student growth, leading school leaders to continue monitoring trends rather than making significant changes to the division’s long-range Capital Improvement Plan.

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Prince William

Two women die after Manassas townhouse fire; smoke detectors credited with alerting residents

By Potomac Local News

Two women rescued from a burning Manassas townhouse have died from their injuries, officials confirmed Monday.

Firefighters were dispatched at 1:37 p.m. to the 7900 block of Flager Circle, where heavy smoke was pouring from a three-story townhouse. Crews learned that two adult females were trapped on the second floor. Firefighters rushed inside, carried the victims down the stairs, and brought them outside for treatment. Both were transported to a nearby hospital but later died.

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Politics

Franklin Rolls to Victory in Prince William, Stafford HD-23 Caucus

By Potomac Local News
Franklin/Casim

Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Angela Franklin has secured the Democratic nomination for the 23rd District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates, following an unassembled caucus held Tuesday by Democratic committees in Prince William and Stafford counties.

According to results released by the Prince William County Democratic Committee and the Stafford Democratic Committee, Franklin received 225 votes out of 334 ballots cast, or 67%, defeating Muhammed “Sef” Casim, who received 109 votes.

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Features

NOVEC offers post-holiday Christmas tree recycling in Gainesville

By Potomac Local News

“Recycling holiday greens is just another way we help area residents and the environment,” Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative said.

Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) is inviting residents to recycle their post-holiday Christmas trees and greenery at its Gainesville Technical Center, 5399 Wellington Branch Road, near Interstate 66 and U.S. 29. Drop-offs are accepted from Friday, Dec. 26, through Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, and do not need to occur during business hours. Trees and greens should be left in the parking lot area marked by orange safety cones, with all decorations, hooks, wires, and lights removed. NOVEC’s vegetation management team will process the materials into mulch to help reduce holiday landfill waste.

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Fredericksburg

Assault and Hit-and-Run Top Fredericksburg Police Blotter, Alongside Thefts and Arrests

By Potomac Local News

An assault and battery case involving a family member and a hit-and-run led the Fredericksburg Police Department’s recent crime report. A 36-year-old man from Fredericksburg was charged with domestic assault and battery, while a 31-year-old woman also from the city was arrested for failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

Also reported were two separate theft incidents: a slashed tire in the 1000 block of Forest Village and a stolen wallet from a vehicle on River Road.

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Fredericksburg

Your Library Has a Maker Lab? Fredericksburg’s Idea Space Turns 5

By Potomac Local News

What does a public library look like when it becomes a hands-on hub for creativity, media production, and lifelong learning?

In this episode of PLN, Potomac Local News founder and publisher Uriah Kiser is joined by Simon Watts, Maker Lab Specialist at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, to talk about Idea Space—the library’s maker and media facility in downtown Fredericksburg—as it marks five years of serving the community.

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