Author: Potomac Local News

Politics

Redistricting Is Not a Top Priority for Spanberger

By Potomac Local News
Photo: Spanberger Facebook page

“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.

Be a Local in the Know. Get All the News & Fewer Ads. Since 2010, Potomac Local News has produced honest, trusted local news reporting. Please become a member today for 100% access, and support community journalism.

Go to Redistricting Is Not a Top Priority for Spanberger Read more
Traffic

VDOT prepares for weekend snow in Fredericksburg, Northern Neck, and Middle Peninsula

By Potomac Local News

“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.”

Go to VDOT prepares for weekend snow in Fredericksburg, Northern Neck, and Middle Peninsula Read more
Manassas

Manassas Barricade Arrest Follows Weapon Assault; Two Men Face Charges

By Potomac Local News

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.

Go to Manassas Barricade Arrest Follows Weapon Assault; Two Men Face Charges Read more
Prince William

Prince William School Board votes 4-3 to add 30 minutes to teachers’ workday starting 2026

By Potomac Local News
Photo: Prince William County Public Schools

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.”

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you. Thank you.

Go to Prince William School Board votes 4-3 to add 30 minutes to teachers’ workday starting 2026 Read more
Stafford

Stafford Schools warn of afternoon bus delays due to driver absences

By Potomac Local News

“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.

Go to Stafford Schools warn of afternoon bus delays due to driver absences Read more
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
View More Stories