Author: Potomac Local News

Quantico

First Lady Melania Trump Brings Holiday Cheer to Children at Marine Corps Base Quantico

By Potomac Local News
First Lady Melania Trump is led by a child to get her picture taken during her visit to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Dec. 8, 2025. Mrs. Trump told a story to children in attendance, helped sort toys for Toys for Tots, and helped them make Christmas cards. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Brandes)

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.

Go to First Lady Melania Trump Brings Holiday Cheer to Children at Marine Corps Base Quantico Read more
Features

ARTfactory to host 22nd Annual “Off the Wall” High School Art Exhibit & Competition

By Potomac Local News

“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.”

Go to ARTfactory to host 22nd Annual “Off the Wall” High School Art Exhibit & Competition Read more
Fredericksburg

VDOT: Overnight Lane Closures Set for Route 1 at Falmouth Bridge, Plus Chatham Bridge Sidewalk Closure

By Potomac Local News
Photo: VDOT

“Scheduled lane closures for road work in the Fredericksburg, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula areas, weather permitting. For updated information, check 511Virginia,” Virginia Department of Transportation announced. “Sunday – Thursday, 10 p.m.-6 a.m. Alternating lane closures on Route 1 northbound and southbound at the bridge over the Rappahannock River for pothole patching and spot concrete repairs.”

“A portion of Route 644 (Rock Hill Church Road) at Aquia Creek in Stafford County will close starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, through the morning of Monday, Dec. 22, for the removal of several trees, ahead of an upcoming project,” Virginia Department of Transportation stated. “Through traffic will be detoured during the road closure.”

Go to VDOT: Overnight Lane Closures Set for Route 1 at Falmouth Bridge, Plus Chatham Bridge Sidewalk Closure Read more
Fredericksburg

Germanna Community College Celebrates Fall 2025 Graduates at Commencement Ceremony

By Potomac Local News
Dr. Van Wilson, interim president, with Ann Marie Anderson, chair of the Local College Board. (Photo by Suzanne Rossi)

“I returned to school after nearly two decades away. My first research assignment was a D — I almost quit,” Germanna Community College reported. “But a professor reminded me, ‘You’ve been out of school for years. Don’t give up.’ And I didn’t. My joy for learning was reignited. I finally allowed myself to be the person I always wanted to be.”

The college awarded 1,042 degrees, certificates, and credentials to more than 900 graduates during Thursday evening’s ceremony at the University of Mary Washington’s Anderson Center. Student speaker LaRai Diamond-Fortune, who earned an Associate of Applied Science in criminal justice, shared her journey of returning to college after nearly two decades and encouraged fellow graduates to embrace lifelong learning and personal growth.

Go to Germanna Community College Celebrates Fall 2025 Graduates at Commencement Ceremony Read more
Prince William

Man convicted in 2024 double murder of two women in Manassas

By Potomac Local News

A Prince William County jury has found Edward Jackson Bland, 38, guilty in the 2024 killings of Leann Harris and Asia Payne, one of whom was pregnant at the time of her death. The verdict was delivered on December 11, following a trial in Prince William County Circuit Court.

Bland was convicted of multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated murder, second-degree murder, carjacking, and three firearm-related felonies. His sentencing is scheduled for June 4, 2026, according to Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth.

Go to Man convicted in 2024 double murder of two women in Manassas Read more
Features

Bonaventure Development gives back to local families with holiday toy drive

By Potomac Local News

Bonaventure Development closed out 2025 with a community‑centered push, collecting more than 100 toys in its Toys for Tots drive to support families in the Coles District of Prince William County. The effort aimed to bring holiday joy to local children, with contributions from Bonaventure team members and partners.

President Chris Cobb said the company’s commitment goes beyond building apartments, emphasizing volunteer work, charitable efforts and neighborhood partnerships as part of its mission. The toy drive was one of several initiatives Bonaventure led in recent months to strengthen community ties in and around Woodbridge.

Go to Bonaventure Development gives back to local families with holiday toy drive Read more
Fredericksburg

Washington Heritage Museums Executive Director Anne Darron to Retire in May

By Potomac Local News

“Anne’s dedication to historic preservation and her strategic vision have positioned WHM for long-term success,” Fredericksburg Advance reported. “Under her leadership, we’ve acquired an additional property, strengthened our finances and deepened our community connections. We’re grateful for her 12 years of service and look forward to welcoming a new leader who will build on this momentum.”

“Over the past 11 years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing—and contributing to—tremendous growth at WHM,” Darron said in the press release. “Yet, as much as I cherish these milestones, I feel the time is right to turn my focus toward family and the next chapter of life.”

Go to Washington Heritage Museums Executive Director Anne Darron to Retire in May Read more
Politics

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

By Potomac Local News

“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.

Go to Woodbridge Supervisor Margaret Franklin Announces Candidacy for Virginia House of Delegates 23rd District Read more
Police Blotter

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

By Potomac Local News

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.

Go to Fake ICE Agent Reported in Woodbridge, Robbery Arrest at Manassas Mall, and Another Shoplifting Incident Read more
Newslinks

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

By Potomac Local News

“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)

Go to Mississippi Democrat Bennie Thompson Sparks Backlash for Calling Deadly D.C. Guard Shooting an “Unfortunate Accident” Read more
View More Stories