Fredericksburg

The man wanted for the rape of a child under 13 in a cold case reported earlier this month has been arrested. Authorities say he is now in custody and being held without bond.

Fredericksburg Police thanked the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance in apprehending the suspect, who was initially reported missing and known to frequent downtown Fredericksburg and the Spotsylvania Towne Centre.


Manassas

“Families and community members are invited to review the proposed materials online or attend one of our in-person review sessions,” the school division stated. “Your feedback helps us select high-quality math resources for all learners.”

Manassas City Public Schools is evaluating new instructional materials for kindergarten through 12th-grade math courses. Community members can review the materials online or sign up for in-person review sessions before the public comment period closes on January 23.


Features

The ribbon cutting for the Riverfront Park Ice Rink will now take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, following a recent postponement.

The Riverfront Park Ice Rink is part of Fredericksburg Main Street’s holiday programming in Downtown Fredericksburg. The seasonal attraction features an eco-friendly synthetic skating surface designed for skaters of all ages, with skate rentals included in ticket prices.


Politics

“I won the First District and the Second District in November without any sort of redistricting,” Virginia Scope reported. Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger said in response to questions about redrawing Virginia’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterms. “Nothing happens unless the people actually vote for it,” she added, underscoring that any change would require voter approval.

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Traffic

“Light snow showers could cause slippery road conditions in the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula over the weekend,” Virginia Department of Transportation announced. “Less than one inch of snow accumulation is forecast for most of the Fredericksburg area, with a potential for 1-2 inches of snow in northern Stafford County.”

“On Sunday afternoon and evening, gusting winds of 25-35 mph are forecast, which could lead to downed trees, tree limbs, and debris in the road,” the agency stated. “VDOT crews will mobilize in 24-hour emergency operations between late Saturday and early Sunday morning, depending on the arrival time for inclement weather in each region.”


Manassas

A barricade situation in Manassas ended peacefully Thursday after police arrested a man accused of brandishing a gun and cutting a woman with a knife during a domestic dispute. Officers responded around 7:30 a.m. to a reported fight involving weapons at a home on the 8600 block of Carlton Drive.

One man, a 26-year-old from the area, fled the scene but was detained. A witness helped officers locate a discarded firearm. Meanwhile, two other victims were found on foot nearby, one with a non-life-threatening wrist injury.


Prince William

The Prince William County School Board voted 4-3 on Dec. 3 to extend the teacher contract day by 30 minutes, a move that drew heated opposition from educators who packed the boardroom in red and warned the change would add “nearly one hundred hours of unpaid labor each year.”

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Stafford

“Due to unexpected driver absences this afternoon, we expect delays with student drop offs,” Stafford Schools stated. “Please be patient and use the My Ride K12 app for the most current information regarding your child’s bus.”

School officials said families should rely on the My Ride K12 app for real-time updates on bus locations and arrival times as transportation staff work through the staffing shortage.


Quantico

First Lady Melania Trump visited Marine Corps Base Quantico on December 8, 2025, where she spent time with children from the military community as part of a holiday-themed event. During the visit, Trump read a story to children, helped them sort donated toys for the Toys for Tots program, and joined them in making Christmas cards.

Photos from the visit show Trump greeting children, exchanging high-fives, and posing for pictures, including moments alongside Santa Claus. Santa and the First Lady were also photographed waving to children gathered on the runway at Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico.


Features

“The ARTfactory is proud to present the 22nd Annual Off the Wall High School Art Exhibit & Competition, an inspiring showcase of emerging creative talent from across the region,” ARTfactory announced. “This free event invites the community to enjoy the artwork, meet the student artists, and celebrate the top winners in each category.”

“The 2025–26 exhibit features student artwork across five categories: Art & Technology, Painting/Drawing, Poetry, Wearable Art, and Photography,” according to ARTfactory stated. “Wearable Art designs will be unveiled and judged live during the ceremony.”


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