Potomac Local News

Published December 14, 2025 at 10:19PM

“Oscar Smith showed why it’s one of the elite programs in the state,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “The Tigers’ speed and strength were on display in the third quarter as they took control.” “We battled all year, and we’re proud of the way our kids competed,” said North Stafford head coach Marquez Hall.

Oscar Smith dominated North Stafford, 44-0, to claim its second consecutive Class 6 state championship and sixth overall since 2008. The Wolverines, making their first title game appearance since 2004, capped a memorable season that included a Region 6B championship and a remarkable turnaround from a winless campaign two years prior.

Breaking News

Area school divisions announce two-hour delays Monday amid icy roads and extreme cold

By Potomac Local News

Published December 14, 2025 at 10:08PM

Stafford County Public Schools to open two hours late Monday due to road conditions

“Due to current road conditions in some areas of the county, Stafford Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay schedule on Monday, December 15, 2025,” Stafford County Public Schools announced. “This delay allows for safer travel conditions in the morning while preserving instructional time for our students.”

Politics

Prince William, Stafford Democrats to Hold Dec. 16 Caucus for House District 23 Nominee

By Potomac Local News

Published December 14, 2025 at 1:31PM

Franklin/Casim

The Prince William County Democratic Committee and the Stafford Democratic Committee will hold an unassembled caucus on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, to select the Democratic nominee for the 23rd District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Voting will take place from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at two locations: the Dumfries Community Center, 17757 Main St. in Prince William County, and Porter Branch Library, Room 3, 2001 Parkway Blvd. in Stafford County.

Fredericksburg

Matt Kelly on Data Centers, City Politics, and Why Local Journalism Matters in Fredericksburg

By Potomac Local News

Published December 14, 2025 at 8:00AM

As Fredericksburg leaders debate the future of data center development, longtime local observer and former city councilor Matt Kelly says the conversation is about more than land use or tax revenue. It’s about how decisions are made — and whether residents are being fully informed along the way.

Kelly shared his views during a recent interview with Potomac Local News, recorded in the wake of the Fredericksburg Planning Commission’s unanimous rejection of the proposed Gateway Data Center.

Prince William

Data centers emerge as political flashpoint at Prince William legislative meeting

By Potomac Local News

Published December 13, 2025 at 12:18PM

McPike

Concerns over data center growth, energy infrastructure, and neighborhood impacts took center stage during a joint legislative meeting between Prince William County leaders, school officials, and state lawmakers on December 3, 2025, underscoring growing political tension around one of the region’s most lucrative — and controversial — industries.

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Weather

Fredericksburg region narrowly avoids winter weather advisory as snow targets areas north and west

By Potomac Local News

Published December 13, 2025 at 12:18PM

The Fredericksburg region narrowly missed out on a Winter Weather Advisory as a fast-moving band of snow targets portions of northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and central to northeastern Maryland late Saturday into Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

The advisory, issued by the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington office, is in effect from midnight Saturday night through 10 a.m. Sunday for areas north of Fredericksburg, including much of the Interstate 95 corridor closer to Washington and Baltimore. Forecast snowfall totals in those areas range from 1 to 3 inches, with localized totals of 4 to 5 inches possible in far northeastern Maryland.

Quantico

MCBQ issues training advisory for Dec. 12–31, warns of louder-than-usual noise on select days

By Potomac Local News

Published December 13, 2025 at 11:37AM

“Please note overnight training operations,” Marine Corps Base Quantico announced. “Louder than usual noise this day.”

“Marine Corps Base Quantico operates 43 live-fire ranges that support training from small arms to explosive demolitions to artillery fire to the delivery of live-aerial munitions,” the installation stated. “Because training on Quantico is continuous, residents can expect to always hear some noise or feel vibrations.”

Fredericksburg

Suspect Arrested in Fredericksburg Child Rape Case

By Potomac Local News

Published December 13, 2025 at 11:32AM | Updated December 14, 2025 at 10:25PM

The man wanted for the rape of a child under 13 in a cold case reported earlier this month has been arrested. Authorities say he is now in custody and being held without bond.

Fredericksburg Police thanked the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance in apprehending the suspect, who was initially reported missing and known to frequent downtown Fredericksburg and the Spotsylvania Towne Centre.

Manassas

MCPS seeks public feedback on new K–12 math textbooks and resources

By Potomac Local News

Published December 13, 2025 at 11:19AM

[Photo: Manassas City Public Schools]

“Families and community members are invited to review the proposed materials online or attend one of our in-person review sessions,” the school division stated. “Your feedback helps us select high-quality math resources for all learners.”

Manassas City Public Schools is evaluating new instructional materials for kindergarten through 12th-grade math courses. Community members can review the materials online or sign up for in-person review sessions before the public comment period closes on January 23.