Prince William

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.

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.


Weather

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

“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

Fredericksburg Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a man wanted for the rape of a child under 13. The incident was reported on December 4, 2025, by a now-adult victim who says the assault occurred eight years ago when she was 12.

Detective A. Tittle, assigned to the case, investigated the allegations and confirmed evidence supporting the victim’s account. A felony warrant for rape of a child less than 13 years of age has been issued for a 5’7”, 170-pound man from Fredericksburg. He was last seen wearing a blue jacket and red beanie. Police say he frequents the FXBGO bus line, downtown Fredericksburg, and the Spotsylvania Towne Centre.


Manassas

“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.


Features

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.


Politics

“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.


Police Blotter

A 44-year-old woman from Richmond was arrested at the Holiday Inn on Sanford Drive in Stafford County for public intoxication and possession of a controlled substance. Deputy R. A. Kehoe responded to a disturbance involving the woman, who was found sleeping in the lobby. Upon interaction, the deputy noticed her slurred speech and lethargy, leading to her arrest. A search revealed a smoking device with suspected drugs in her jacket pocket.

In other incidents, a vehicle was vandalized on Sierra Drive, and a mailbox was damaged on Tacketts Mill Road. Both incidents involved damage from blunt objects or vehicles.


Police Blotter

Police officers responded to a call about shots fired in the 17200 block of Wexford Loop in Dumfries late on December 9. The homeowner confronted a man suspected of attempting to steal from his vehicle. During the encounter, a gunshot was reportedly heard, but no injuries or property damage occurred.

The suspect, described as a black male in his late teens to early 20s, wearing dark clothing and a light-colored beanie, fled the scene on foot. No weapon was seen, and no evidence of a shooting was found. The homeowner’s car keys, believed to be in the vehicle, were missing.