STAFFORD, Va. – A late-night fire engulfed a home near Garrisonville Road, displacing 12 residents and damaging two nearby structures, according to Stafford County Fire and Rescue.
Just after 12:30 a.m. on Friday, July 18, emergency crews were dispatched to the 100 block of Dorothy Lane for a reported structure fire. First responders arrived on the scene within five minutes to find a two-story single-family home, including its attached garage, fully engulfed in flames. The fire had already spread into the attic by the time firefighters arrived.
Crews worked quickly to deploy multiple hose lines to knock down the fire while conducting a search of the home. Thanks to working smoke alarms, all occupants were alerted and safely evacuated before emergency units arrived. Three individuals were evaluated at the scene as a precaution.
The intense heat from the fire caused damage to two neighboring homes. In total, 12 people were temporarily displaced.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office.
I went in cautiously. I love musicals, but I knew the subject matter—mental illness, trauma, and grief—would be heavy. Still, after interviewing the whole cast on our podcast (the most guests I’ve ever had at once!), I had a feeling this show would be something special.
Before the performance began, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board spoke to the audience during dinner service—an unusual but fitting gesture. Their message on mental health services set the stage for the powerful experience ahead.
Next to Normal, an emotional powerhouse musical with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, explores a family’s struggle with the effects, impact, and treatment of mental illness with raw honesty and depth. On the surface, they seem like a typical American family: Dad’s an architect, Mom handles the morning chaos, and their two teens are bright and full of sass. But underneath, their world is anything but typical.
Adrianne Hick leads as Diana, a mother battling bipolar disorder and long-standing grief. Her real-life husband, Andrew Foote, plays Dan, who tries to keep the family together as things slowly unravel. Their daughter, Natalie, played by Madison Cox, fights to be noticed and understood, all while navigating a new relationship. Mason Blaine’s portrayal of their son, Gabe, is central and chilling, especially as a plot twist unfolds that’s more common in horror than in musical theatre. Adian Chapman provides much-needed comic relief as Dr. Madden, Diana’s therapist.
The show also powerfully showcases how a parent’s mental health can deeply affect their children, particularly teenagers trying to find stability and identity in the chaos.
Next to Normal is unlike anything I’ve seen at Riverside. It’s gripping, heartbreaking, and—yes—haunting. It sparked conversations that lasted for days and stayed with me long after the curtain fell.
This show is a bold choice for a nonprofit theatre, and Riverside’s decision to stage it shows a clear commitment to community connection. By portraying therapy, medication, and the pursuit of stability with honesty and heart, the show invites us all to reflect, discuss, and empathize. It’s PG-13 for themes including self-harm, substance abuse, and sexual references.
Hick and Foote are no strangers to Riverside’s stage—Adrianne has wowed audiences as Alice Murphy in Bright Star, Mother in Ragtime, and Francesca in The Bridges of Madison County. Andrew made his debut just last year as Robert Kincaid in Bridges. Together, they bring a powerful real-life chemistry to this performance that elevates the emotional weight of the story.
Next to Normal runs through August 2, 2025, and it is an absolute must-see. Bring tissues—and someone to talk to afterward. You’ll need both.
HAYMARKET, Va. – Organizers have postponed the 6th Annual Vettes for Willing Warriors Corvette Show due to the threat of heavy rain and thunderstorms this weekend. Originally scheduled for Saturday, July 19, the event will now be held on its rain date, Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run, located at 16013 Waterfall Road.
According to the National Weather Service, the region faces 50–80% chances of showers and thunderstorms Saturday, with a threat of damaging wind gusts and flash flooding due to very heavy rain rates. Temperatures will reach the upper 80s, with humidity making it feel even hotter. Severe weather potential is expected both Saturday and Sunday.
The Vettes for Willing Warriors show is one of the largest Corvette-focused events in the region and typically draws more than 200 classic and modern Corvettes, including rare and vintage models, as well as the latest high-performance editions. Enthusiasts from across the Mid-Atlantic participate, often traveling in large club convoys. Judging categories include People’s Choice, Veteran’s Choice, and a special Celebrity Award, with winners announced during a noon ceremony.
Attendees enjoy live music, grilled food served by the Knights of Columbus, and free tours of the retreat’s fully accessible residences built to support recovering veterans and their families. The show is free to attend for the public, while exhibitor registration costs $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the event.
The annual fundraiser supports Willing Warriors, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides cost-free, retreat stays and therapeutic programs for wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families. The organization operates the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run, a 37-acre property with multiple private homes, peaceful wooded trails, and spaces for counseling, cooking classes, and other reintegration services.
Founded to fill a gap in long-term recovery support, Willing Warriors has hosted thousands of service members and their loved ones since opening its doors. Events like the Corvette show play a key role in funding the organization’s operations and introducing the public to its mission.
For more information or to register for the rescheduled event on August 9, visit willingwarriors.org. Event questions can be directed to Events Coordinator Diane Lunsford.
MANASSAS, Va. – Manassas City Police are investigating an early morning shooting that left two juveniles injured.
Just after 1:15 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025, officers responded to the 8600 block of Phoenix Drive for reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they found two juveniles suffering from gunshot wounds.
Police say one victim was taken to a nearby hospital and is listed in stable condition. The second victim had minor injuries and was treated and released at the scene.
Detectives have identified several persons of interest and are reviewing photographs of possible suspects and a suspect vehicle. The vehicle is described as a gray, two-door Honda Civic with Virginia “Don’t Tread on Me” license plates.
Authorities say there is no threat to the public at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective J. Agule with the Manassas City Police Department at 703-257-8040.
11 a.m. Friday, July 28, 2025 update – Prince William County police have identified the man who died during an officer-involved shooting on July 17 near Garza Way and Potomac Mills Circle in Woodbridge as Harrison Charles Deppe, 52, of Woodbridge. The investigation remains active and is being led by the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). More information will be released as it becomes available.
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WOODBRIDGE, Va. – A 52-year-old man was shot and killed by police Wednesday afternoon near Potomac Mills mall after officers say he ran toward the shopping center armed with a crossbow.
According to Prince William County Police, officers found the man around 2:45 p.m. inside a parked vehicle on Potomac Mills Circle while searching for a suspect wanted in connection to a brandishing incident on Colchester Road the day before. In that earlier encounter, police say the man pointed a gun at someone during an unprovoked confrontation and fled the area in a vehicle.
The same man was reportedly involved in a similar incident earlier Wednesday on Birchdale Avenue, police said.
Officers spent several hours trying to negotiate a peaceful surrender, but the suspect exited his vehicle and ran toward the mall with a crossbow, police said. Officers opened fire, killing him.
No officers or bystanders were hurt. Police said the incident was “contained and isolated to the roadway” and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The suspect was identified only as a 52-year-old man from Woodbridge. His name has not been released.
Chief Peter Newsham has requested the regional Critical Incident Response Team to conduct an independent investigation. More information is expected as the investigation continues.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – It’s been a tough start to the day for residents in Prince William, Stafford, and surrounding counties as they deal with the aftermath of overnight storms—and now face dangerous heat.
Thousands lost power Wednesday night as severe thunderstorms rolled through Northern Virginia. As of 5:30 a.m. Thursday, about 850 NOVEC customers remained without electricity, down from a peak of 7,000. Reported outages include 79 in Prince William County, 63 in Stafford, 561 in Fauquier, and 136 in Loudoun. Dominion Energy reported 24 outages in Prince William and more than 500 in Fauquier.
At the same time, the National Weather Service issued a Flood Warning that remains in effect until 8:30 a.m. after heavy rainfall—up to 4.5 inches in some areas—caused creeks and streams to overflow. Roads in parts of Manassas, Manassas Park, Haymarket, Nokesville, and Gainesville were flooded, and emergency officials warn that some crossings remain impassable.
Now, the region shifts to a new threat: extreme heat. A Heat Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, with heat index values expected to reach around 105 degrees. The advisory covers Prince William, Stafford, Manassas, and Manassas Park, along with much of Northern Virginia and D.C.
Health officials are urging residents to stay indoors, drink plenty of water, and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day—especially those still without power and air conditioning.
For ongoing updates and safety tips:
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Power outage updates: novec.com/stormcenter
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Flood safety info: weather.gov/safety/flood
STAFFORD, Va. – Two men are dead following separate but deadly incidents in Stafford County within just a few hours of each other—a fatal shooting late Tuesday night and a fatal crash early Wednesday morning.
The violence began just before 11 p.m. on July 15, when deputies responded to multiple 911 calls about gunfire at the England Run Apartments in South Stafford. There, they found a 19-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds. First Sergeant M.L. Jacobeen, Deputy M.A. Holub, and Deputy S.M. Kotter provided immediate aid until medics arrived, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. His name has not been released.
Detectives worked through the night, interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence. They later determined that two shooters were involved and that the incident was targeted. By Tuesday afternoon, two juveniles had been arrested and charged in connection with the homicide. Their identities have not been made public.
Just hours later, at around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16, deputies were called to Route 3 (Kings Highway), near River Bend Drive—about five miles west of Duff McDuff Memorial Park—where they found a Honda Civic overturned in a ditch. The 32-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to crash investigators, the car had been traveling westbound when it overcorrected, causing the driver to lose control. Speed is believed to have played a role in the crash. The road was closed during the investigation but reopened around 7:30 a.m.
Both incidents remain under active investigation by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Police carried out a major multi-agency operation today tied to a violent gang-related shooting outside a popular hookah lounge earlier this year.
According to a release from the Prince William County Police Department, officers executed around 14 search warrants early Tuesday, July 16, as part of their ongoing investigation into the April 13 shooting at Babylon Café, located at 3081 Golansky Boulevard in Woodbridge.
The investigation revealed that members of the Wheels of Soul motorcycle gang were involved in assaulting a 42-year-old man outside the café. Police say the man was forcibly removed from the business into the parking lot, where he was severely beaten. Shortly after, an acquaintance of the victim approached the group, leading to a shootout with more than 80 rounds fired.
In the coordinated operation today, law enforcement conducted searches at locations across Prince William County—including Woodbridge, Manassas, and Nokesville—as well as in Stafford, Linden, Falls Church, the Hampton Roads area, and two sites in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
So far, 19 individuals have been arrested or are being sought in connection to the case.
The large-scale effort involved hundreds of personnel from multiple agencies, including the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and Virginia State Police, among others.
Police say additional information about those arrested will be released when available.
STAFFORD, Va. – A man is dead after his car flipped into a ditch early this morning on Route 3 (Kings Highway), near River Bend Drive, about five miles west of Duff McDuff Memorial Park.
According to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the scene shortly after 3 a.m. and found a Honda Civic off the roadway. The car’s driver, a 32-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Crash investigators say the vehicle had been heading westbound when it overcorrected, causing the driver to lose control. Speed is believed to have played a role in the crash.
As of 7:30 a.m., all lanes on Route 3 reopened to traffic after the crash scene was cleared.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy S.C. Martin at 540-658-4450.
According to a message from police, the incident was reported at 3:11 p.m. No one was injured, and no weapons were seen during the incident. The vehicle was not taken.
The suspect fled the scene on foot, and their direction of travel is unknown.
Officers are actively searching the area with assistance from K-9 units and a police helicopter. Authorities are urging anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it to the police immediately.
This is a developing story.
