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.
“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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“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.”
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.
“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.
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.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.
