Fredericksburg

The Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC), a panel advising the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO), voted 9-4 in favor of a new option, informally dubbed “CTAC Option C.” The route would use Celebrate Virginia Parkway in Stafford County and cross the river where one of the previously studied alternatives—Option D—was proposed.

During a presentation at the April 21 FAMPO Policy Committee meeting, CTAC member Al Watkins said the new route was the result of “many, many, many hours” of analysis by committee members. The preferred alternative aims to reduce environmental impacts, minimize new road construction, and improve regional traffic flow between Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg.


News

DUMFRIES, Va. — The Town of Dumfries took a significant step toward shaping its economic future on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, by voting to establish a new Economic Development Authority (EDA).

The council passed an ordinance to formally establish the authority after holding a public hearing, during which no residents spoke. The EDA is intended to act as a dedicated body focused on attracting businesses, revitalizing community spaces, and investing in local development—tools the town hopes will spur growth in key areas such as Main Street and the waterfront.


Fredericksburg

Virginia health officials have confirmed the first measles case of 2025, reported in a child from the Northwest Region who had recently traveled internationally. Health officials are now working to identify anyone who may have been exposed to the disease, including individuals who visited two medical centers in Woodbridge and Fredericksburg.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) urges residents, particularly those in these areas, to check their vaccination status and seek the MMR vaccine if needed. Measles is highly contagious, but vaccination remains the best defense against the disease.


News

STAFFORD, Va. — A new addition is coming to Stafford County’s food scene.

Bora Bora Smoothie Cafe, a growing chain known for its smoothies, açai bowls, croffles (a hybrid of croissant and waffle), and other sweet treats, is set to open its doors at 296 Garrisonville Road in North Stafford. A banner reading “Coming Soon” now hangs on the former vape shop in the Concepts building, formerly a shoe store, located near a Home Depot.


Breaking News

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — Fire crews responded to two separate house fires over the weekend that left several families displaced and sent two people to the hospital.


News

Transportation Director Rick Canizales announced a new series of public town halls during a recent episode of the Potomac Local News podcast. The sessions, to be held throughout the county, will provide residents with an opportunity to discuss their ideas, priorities, and concerns directly with transportation planners.

“We want to know what they want to see in the future,” said Canizales. “Not just what we already have going on. This is the first step in building a transportation network that’s truly community-driven.”


News

HAYMARKET, Va. — The Town of Haymarket welcomed a flavorful new addition to its dining scene on Friday, April 19, with the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Himalayan Grill, located at 6624 Watts Rd, Haymarket.

Mayor TracyLynn Pater, joined by Police Chief Allen Sibert, members of the Town Council, police officers, local business owners, family, and friends, helped celebrate the occasion. The ribbon was ceremoniously cut by Mayor Pater and Aanvi Thapa, the 8-year-old daughter of owners Nepal and Anita Thapa, who are longtime Gainesville residents.


Pets

Who could resist this adorable head tilt?

Drac is a charming, curious pup currently available for adoption at the City of Manassas Animal Adoption Center. With one look, he’ll melt your heart—and he’s hoping you’ll find him as irresistible in person as he is in photos.


Manassas Park

MANASSAS PARK, Va. — A major residential project proposed just outside Manassas Park’s borders is moving through its second round of review in Prince William County, and city leaders are taking a close look at the plan’s potential impact on local roads and services.

Representatives from D.R. Horton, the developer behind the Mayfield Crossing project, and attorney Noah Klein of Venable LLP presented an updated site plan to the Manassas Park Governing Body during its April 15, 2025, meeting. The project site, approximately 20 acres located at the intersection of Manassas Drive and Signal View Drive, is nearly surrounded by Manassas Park city limits.


Manassas

Led by Prysm Capital, the funding round brings on Jay Park as a new board member. The EL9 uses blown-lift and hybrid-electric technology to offer the agility of a helicopter, the quiet of an electric vehicle, and the cost-efficiency of a fixed-wing aircraft. Electra has already secured over 2,200 pre-orders worth more than $10 billion and is working with the U.S. military through multiple SBIR contracts to explore defense applications.

Electra’s CEO, Marc Allen, says the EL9 represents a leap forward in advanced air mobility, with capabilities that can transform commercial air travel and military logistics alike.


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