Potomac Local News

Published June 19, 2025 at 1:15PM

Director Harvey at RRCJA

The Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy (RRCJA) will soon open a new indoor firearms training facility on Lee Hill Drive, a significant addition to its training capabilities. The 9,000-square-foot space in a renovated warehouse next door to the academy includes 14 shooting lanes, a classroom, a cleaning and storage area, and full indoor pistol training capabilities.

“It’ll give us the ability to send all recruits for firearms training more than just one week,” said Academy Director Michael Harvey. “Refreshers and support training will be easier to arrange.”

Weather

Severe Storms Threaten Northern Virginia Today, Heatwave Follows

By Potomac Local News

Published June 19, 2025 at 12:00PM

A strong cold front moving through the region today is expected to bring a line of powerful thunderstorms, prompting a Level 3 (Enhanced Risk) for severe weather across much of Northern Virginia, including the I-95 corridor, according to the National Weather Service in Sterling.

As of 11 a.m., temperatures were already soaring into the mid to upper 80s, with oppressive humidity making it feel even hotter. At Washington National Airport, it was 84°F with a heat index of 91°F. In Fredericksburg, it was 86°F and sunny, with wind gusts reaching 18 mph. Baltimore’s Inner Harbor was already reporting a temperature of 91°F and a heat index near 99°F.

Fredericksburg

Date Night Spotlight: La Petite Auberge in Fredericksburg

By Potomac Local News

Published June 19, 2025 at 11:15AM

Step into romance at La Petite Auberge in Fredericksburg. Enjoy a classic French menu, cozy ambiance, and memorable moments in the heart of downtown.

Spotsylvania

Char-Grilled Cravings: Habit Burger Fires Up in Spotsylvania

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published June 19, 2025 at 9:30AM

Saturday's soft opening

On Saturday, over 200 people stood in line to check out a new habit: Habit Burger launched its first of three soft openings before opening the new Chancellor’s Crossing store on Wednesday.

The California-based company’s char-grilled burgers are the star of a menu that also features chicken, sandwiches, and unusual side dishes. The new Spotsylvania location is the company’s fifth in Virginia, joining Richmond, Chantilly, Virginia Beach, and Ashburn.

Features

Whiskey Tango-6 Rocks Fundraiser for Kids with Cancer

By Potomac Local News

Published June 19, 2025 at 7:30AM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Local hard rock band Whiskey Tango-6 brought music and heart to a special cause this weekend.

The band performed at the third annual “Burn Rubber to Help Another” fundraiser on June 14 at Dominion Raceway and Entertainment. The event, organized by teen race car driver Mini Tyrrell through his nonprofit Mini’s Mission, hosted 30 families with children battling cancer from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Children’s National Hospital. Funds raised go toward research, awareness, and support for families navigating childhood cancer.

Prince William

Tomorrow: Prince William’s Juneteenth Festival

By Potomac Local News

Published June 18, 2025 at 1:15PM | Updated June 19, 2025 at 10:51AM

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Prince William County is inviting the community to celebrate freedom, unity, and culture at this year’s Juneteenth Festival, which will be held Wednesday, June 20, 2025. from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Prince William County Government Center, Sean Connaughton Plaza.

Organized by the county’s Office of Executive Management – Equity and Inclusion, the festival commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans while highlighting African American history, achievement, and culture.

Features

Ham Radio Operators to Show Off Life-Saving Skills at Field Day in Woodbridge

By Potomac Local News

Published June 18, 2025 at 11:15AM

Photo: American Radio Relay League

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Amateur radio operators will be out in force the weekend of June 28–29, as part of the 2025 American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day exercise, demonstrating how ham radio can function when modern communications fail.

Every year, the ARRL hosts Field Day to spotlight the vital role of amateur radio in emergencies. In Woodbridge, members of the Woodbridge Amateur Radio Club will set up temporary transmitting stations near Old Bridge and Smoketown Roads, at the Lake Ridge Baseball and Soccer Field, to show the public how ham radio works—especially during disasters. The event runs continuously from 8 a.m. Friday, June 27 through 6 p.m. Sunday, June 29, with peak operations from Saturday at 2 p.m. to Sunday at 2 p.m.

Politics

After Forum No-Shows, Gorham Clinches GOP Nod in Delegate Race

By Uriah Kiser

Published June 18, 2025 at 9:03AM

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Republican Gregory Lee Gorham won the GOP nomination for Virginia’s 21st House District on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, defeating two challengers in a three-way primary and setting up a November contest against incumbent Democrat Josh Thomas.

Gorham won 66.35% of the vote with 970 ballots cast in his favor. Sahar Smith finished second with 395 votes (27.02%), and Xanthe Larsen placed third with 97 votes (6.63%).

Prince William

Prince William Schools Urge Families to Update Bus Plans for 2025–26 to Improve Service

By Potomac Local News

Published June 18, 2025 at 8:00AM

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Prince William County Public Schools is asking families to notify the division whether their students will require bus transportation for the upcoming 2025–26 school year, a move aimed at improving routing efficiency and service reliability.

While some families may see this as an “opt-in” process similar to what neighboring Stafford County implemented earlier this year, PWCS says that is not the case.