Author: Potomac Local News

Stafford

Stafford Sheriff Shares Safety Rules, Road Closures for July 4 Celebration at Pratt Park

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. – The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July at John Lee Pratt Memorial Park.

The Star-Spangled 4th Spectacular is one of Stafford’s biggest annual traditions, featuring family-friendly activities, live music, food vendors, and a grand fireworks show to close out the night. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the fireworks will begin just before 10 p.m. The event is free and typically draws hundreds of people from across the region.

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Features

Fireworks, Food, and Free Shuttles—Here’s What’s Happening for July 4 Around Quantico and Fredericksburg

By Potomac Local News

QUANTICO, Va. – Independence Day celebrations are gearing up across the region, with events planned in both Fredericksburg and at Marine Corps Base Quantico in honor of America’s 249th birthday—and the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.

On Wednesday, July 3, Marine Corps Base Quantico will host a special celebration at Lejeune Field from 4 to 9:30 p.m., featuring a fireworks show at 9 p.m. The event is open to authorized ID card holders and promises an evening packed with family-friendly fun. Attendees can enjoy live music from Huntley—winner of the 2023 season of The Voice—and the band Full Moon Fever, plus food trucks, inflatables, a rock wall, and more. The event marks the start of festivities commemorating the Marine Corps’ 250th year.

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Prince William

Commonwealth’s Attorney Clears Officers in Fatal Shooting at Woodbridge Senior Living Facility

By Potomac Local News
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

The independent criminal investigation into the April 26 shooting at Westminster at Lake Ridge has concluded, with no charges filed against the Prince William County Police officers involved, according to a June 27, 2025, statement from the department. The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), a multi-agency group of Northern Virginia law enforcement investigators, led the probe and presented its findings to Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth. After evaluating the evidence, Ashworth determined that no criminal charges would be pursued.

The case now enters a new phase: an internal administrative review by the police department’s Office of Professional Standards. Following that, the department’s Use of Deadly Force Review Board will decide whether the officers’ actions were justified and in line with departmental policy.

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Stafford

Power Outage Shuts Part of Stafford Post Office, But You Can Still Drop Off Mail

By Potomac Local News

U.S. Post Office at 16 Lichfield Boulevard in Stafford County is partially closed today due to a power outage, according to paper signs posted on the doors.

The lights remained on inside, and a man was seen behind the full-service counter looking at his phone. While the doors to the full-service lobby were locked, customers could still enter to drop off mail and access their mailboxes.

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Prince William

Modified Holiday Schedule Set for Interstate 95 and 395 E-ZPass Express Lanes on July 4

By Potomac Local News
Looking south along the I-95 E-ZPass Express Lanes near Springfield. [Photo courtesy of Transurban]

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Drivers planning to use the Interstate 95 and 395 E-ZPass Express Lanes on Independence Day should be aware of a modified reversal schedule designed to accommodate holiday traffic headed to the nation’s capital.

On Friday, July 4, 2025, the toll lanes will remain in northbound operation until approximately 7 p.m. to support increased traffic traveling into Washington, D.C., for fireworks and other celebrations. The lanes are expected to reopen southbound by around 8:30 p.m. to assist with the return flow of holiday travelers.

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Breaking News

Dumfries Woman Struck and Killed on I-95; Her Car Found Disabled in Express Lanes

By Potomac Local News

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – A Dumfries woman was struck and killed early Tuesday morning while walking along Interstate 95 in Prince William County.

Virginia State Police say the crash happened at 4:56 a.m. on July 1, 2025, in the northbound lanes near mile marker 152.

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Fredericksburg

Former UMW President William Anderson Remembered for Transforming the University

By Potomac Local News
President Anderson at the dedication of the Anderson Convocation Center, 2011. Photo by Norm Shafer.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The University of Mary Washington is mourning the loss of its former president, William M. Anderson Jr., who passed away over the weekend. Anderson served as UMW’s president from 1983 to 2006, leading the school through a period of major growth and transition.

According to a statement from the University of Mary Washington, Anderson’s 23-year presidency was the longest of any public university leader in Virginia at the time. During his tenure, the school transformed from a respected liberal arts college into a nationally recognized university.

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Seeks Junior Reporter for Live FOX 5 Zip Trip Broadcast

By Potomac Local News
Overlooking Fredericksburg from 1,000 feet

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The City of Fredericksburg is looking for one lucky student to shine on live TV as a Junior Reporter when FOX 5 DC’s Zip Trip comes to town next month.

The selected student will join FOX 5’s team on Friday, July 25, 2025, during a live broadcast from Riverfront Park, helping to showcase what makes Fredericksburg unique. The city is inviting students to submit a short video introducing themselves and sharing why they would make a great Junior Reporter. The winning student will appear on-air, interact with FOX 5 staff, and represent Fredericksburg in front of a regional audience.

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Weather

‘Training’ Storms Could Bring Flooding, Damaging Winds to Our Area Tuesday

By Potomac Local News

A strong cold front moving into the region on Tuesday is expected to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for flooding and damaging winds during the afternoon and evening hours.

According to the National Weather Service, conditions will become increasingly unstable throughout the day, leading to likely thunderstorm activity after 4 p.m. Forecasters say the setup could produce repeated rounds of storms, raising the risk of flash flooding in low-lying and urban areas. A Flood Watch may be issued ahead of the storm’s arrival.

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Fredericksburg

Riverside Adds Real-Life Mental Health Talks to Next to Normal Performances

By Potomac Local News

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is expanding the impact of its summer musical Next to Normal with a special speaker series designed to connect the themes of the show to real-life mental health experiences in the Fredericksburg region.

The musical runs from July 2 to August 3, 2025, and explores the story of a suburban family grappling with the effects of bipolar disorder, grief, and emotional trauma. With a contemporary rock score and book by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, Next to Normal won three Tony Awards and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Critics from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and The Washington Post named it one of the best shows of the year when it debuted on Broadway.

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