Prince William

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – A town hall meeting hosted by Prince William County Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin drew a passionate crowd Monday night, as residents of the Belmont Bay community voiced their overwhelming opposition to a proposed $100 million flyover interchange at Routes 1 and 123.

Franklin and county transportation officials presented a concept plan to elevate Route 123 over Route 1 and extend it directly into the Belmont Bay neighborhood, describing the project as a long-awaited second access point for the growing residential community. The meeting, held near the Belmont Bay neighborhood, included a presentation outlining the flyover’s features, including new trail access, a pedestrian bridge, and a reconfiguration of local roads to improve traffic flow.


Manassas

MANASSAS, Va. – Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District is officially underway, thanks to a major investment from the state.

Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced a $2.6 million grant from GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative focused on strengthening regional economies and supporting high-wage industries. Local governments, businesses, and educational institutions will contribute an additional $1.3 million, bringing the total initial investment to $3.9 million.


Features

DALE CITY, Va. – One of the region’s most popular Independence Day traditions is back: The Dale City 4th of July Parade kicks off Thursday morning at 10 a.m. along Dale Boulevard.

The festive, family-friendly event runs eastbound from Kirkdale Road to Gemini Way, with marching bands, colorful floats, and community groups making their way down the heart of Dale City. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early and bring chairs or blankets to stake out a good viewing spot.


Stafford

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.


Manassas

MANASSAS, Va. – The contract will fund a range of research and testing activities focused on hybrid-electric powertrain, power, and propulsion systems (HEPPS). Electra will apply these efforts to its EL9, a nine-passenger ultra-short takeoff and landing (Ultra-STOL) aircraft currently in development.

According to a press release from Electra, the project will deliver “valuable insights and test data to help the Army understand the benefits, trade-offs, and operational procedures associated with operating hybrid-electric propulsion systems.”


Features

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.


Prince William

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.


Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Susan Spears, President & CEO of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin to serve on the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), a state agency that plays a key role in shaping rail transportation across the Commonwealth.

The Chamber celebrated the news in a statement, saying, “The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce is honored to share that Governor Glenn Youngkin has appointed our President & CEO, Susan Spears, to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. As a trusted leader in our region, Susan will help guide the future of passenger rail throughout Virginia—bolstering connectivity, prosperity, and sustainable growth for the Fredericksburg Region and beyond. We are grateful for her dedication to advancing our local business community and supporting critical infrastructure development in the Commonwealth.”


Stafford

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.