Potomac Local News

Published December 1, 2025 at 3:18PM

The debate has already begun in Gainesville: which Great American Restaurants brand will open when the company launches its first Prince William County location in 2027?

On a recent episode of the Potomac Local Podcast, host Uriah Kiser and Del. Ian Lovejoy discussed the long-awaited announcement, reacting to news first reported by the Prince William Times. Great American Restaurants — the regional dining group behind Sweetwater Tavern, Mike’s American, Coastal Flats, and other popular Northern Virginia concepts — plans to open a new restaurant at 14100 Whitney Road.

Prince William

“Not Without Us:” Union Balks as PWCS Weighs Extra 30 Minutes for Teachers

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 1, 2025 at 3:00PM

Prince William County teachers delivered a warning on November 18, 2025, as the School Board reviewed data showing the division is one of only two in Virginia that still uses a seven-hour teacher workday — and board members hinted a change may be coming soon.

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.

Stafford

Stafford Revisits Data Center Rules, Proposes Grandfathering Five Major Projects

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 1, 2025 at 2:08PM

Stafford County officials will revisit their newly adopted data center regulations tonight, considering an ordinance that would exempt five previously approved developments from the stricter rules passed in October after a marathon joint hearing that stretched past 2:30 a.m.

On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, supervisors will weigh Ordinance O25-29(R). This revision would formally grandfather any data center project that had a rezoning, conditional use permit, or site plan approved on or before Oct. 21, 2025. County planners say the exemption was widely understood to be part of the board’s intent during the October vote but was never written into the final ordinance.

Event

Celebrate Hope and Joy with the New Dominion Choraliers!

December 6, 2025 7:30 pm -9:30 pm

First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City

14391 Minnieville Rd

Dale City, Virginia 22193

Website Contact Social

Celebrate the season with the New Dominion Choraliers as they present Celebrate Hope and Joy, a vibrant holiday program filled with sacred works, beloved carols, and familiar favorites from The Grinch and Irving Berlin. Under the artistic direction of Katherine Nelson-Tracey, the concerts feature string accompaniment by the founders of The Onyx Project—champions of diversity and inclusivity in the arts—along with the energetic musicians of Legacy Brass. Dancers from Dance Etc. School of the Arts add visual beauty to select musical pieces.

Performances take place Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 3:30 p.m. at First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City. Tickets: $10 per individual or $25 per family of three or more at newdominionchoraliers.org or at the door.

Prince William

VDOT Seeks Public Input on Hoadly Road STARS Study

By Potomac Local News

Published December 1, 2025 at 11:35AM

“The study team sought public input regarding corridor priorities during the previous round of public involvement earlier this year,” the Virginia Department of Transportation reported. “This feedback was used to help develop improvement alternatives that are being evaluated and presented during this round of public involvement.”

The study evaluates potential safety, operational, transit, and bicycle/pedestrian improvements along a five-mile section of Hoadly Road between Dumfries Road and Prince William Parkway, where traffic volumes range from 12,000 to 25,000 vehicles daily. Proposed alternatives apply to multiple intersections along the corridor, including Dumfries Road, Purcell Road/Dale Boulevard, and Prince William Parkway, as well as corridor-wide enhancements. Public comments are being accepted through December 15 via online survey, email, or mail.

Fredericksburg

Live2Lead FXBG Brings Global Leadership Experience to Fredericksburg in February 2026

By Potomac Local News

Published December 1, 2025 at 11:29AM

“Our goal is simple: bring world-class leadership development right here to Fredericksburg while creating a space for genuine connection, collaboration, and community growth,” Live2Lead FXBG announced. “This event is for anyone who wants to grow—professionally, personally, and as a leader in our community.”

The one-day leadership conference, founded by John C. Maxwell and streamed to only 300 host sites worldwide, will be held February 10, 2026, at the Fredericksburg Convention Center. The event will feature global speakers, interactive leadership sessions, and networking tailored to the local business community.

Schools

North Stafford captures Region 6B title, two wins from a state championship

By Potomac Local News

Published December 1, 2025 at 11:09AM

“When we went 0-10 in [2023], that was rock bottom,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “It was the most humbling experience ever. But we’ve built this thing from the ground up, brick by brick. I feel as proud as a newborn father watching the hard work these kids have put in start to pay off.” “Our goal from the beginning has been state title or bust. I wholeheartedly believe no other team in the state can beat us. The only way we lose is if we beat ourselves, and I’ve continued to preach that to the guys.”

North Stafford secured a 49–33 victory over Woodbridge in the Region 6B championship game, earning its first regional title since 2019 and advancing to host West Springfield in the Class 6 state semifinals next Saturday at 2 p.m. The Wolverines tallied 414 yards of offense, forced six turnovers, and delivered two defensive touchdowns to seal the win.

Features

VRE announces date and ticket sales details for 2025 Santa Trains

By Potomac Local News

Published December 1, 2025 at 11:06AM

“VRE’s biggest day of the year is back on Saturday, December 13, 2025,” Virginia Railway Express announced. “In-person tickets will go on sale Monday, December 1, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at designated vendor locations.” “Online tickets will be available starting Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. through Eventbrite, until sold out.”

All passengers must have a ticket regardless of age, and tickets are non-refundable. Additional details are available through VRE’s ticket sales information.

Manassas

Downtown Manassas free horse-drawn carriage rides now sold out

By Potomac Local News

Published December 1, 2025 at 11:02AM | Updated December 1, 2025 at 4:32PM

“Step into a horse-drawn carriage for a free magical ride through Downtown Manassas the first three Sundays in December 2025 (Dec. 7, 14, 21) from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.,” City of Manassas announced. “Unlike past years, we are using a carriage ride company so that you can reserve your carriage ride times early and in advance without having to wait in line as in prior years.”

All available carriage ride reservations have since been claimed, and the event is now sold out. Rides will depart from the Manassas Railroad Depot and travel through the city’s decorated downtown on the selected December dates.

Health

UVA Health opens expanded Specialty Care Manassas on Stonewall Road

By Potomac Local News

Published December 1, 2025 at 10:55AM

UVA Health has officially opened its new multispecialty clinic, UVA Health Specialty Care Manassas, at 8691 Stonewall Road. The move brings together its former OB/GYN and urology practices — formerly located on Sudley Road and Forestwood Lane — under one modern roof.

That consolidation, which began taking patients on August 18, 2025, gives the Manassas community — and patients of UVA Health Prince William Medical Center — a more convenient, spacious, and coordinated outpatient experience.