Fredericksburg

The City of Fredericksburg is continuing its energy-efficiency efforts by converting overhead streetlights to LED fixtures, the City of Fredericksburg reported. Earlier projects converted 95 lights in the Mayfield neighborhood in fall 2024 and 82 lights in the Central Park area in late summer 2025; those two phases will generate $15,800 in yearly electricity savings after a roughly 21-month payback period, while LEDs last longer and cut greenhouse gas emissions compared with high-intensity-discharge bulbs.

City Council has approved $70,000 for FY 2026 (about 257 lights, to finish by the end of 2026) and $150,000 for FY 2027 (about 1,021 lights, expected by mid-summer 2027). By mid-2027 all streetlights on city-maintained roads should be LED, advancing the council’s goal of carbon-free municipal operations by 2035. Residents can contact the Department of Public Works at 540-372-1023 or visit FredericksburgVA.gov with questions.


Virginia

The shortfall and continued supply-demand imbalance carry particular weight for Northern Virginia, where data center expansion is a primary driver of rising load across the 13-state PJM region that includes the commonwealth. PJM is advancing measures to clear its interconnection queue, accelerate high-priority generation, and develop flexible connection frameworks for large users in an effort to restore balance and limit cost pressure on everyday customers.


Manassas

Approximately 1,082 customers are currently without power following an outage that began at 3:06 p.m. today, July 23, the City of Manassas reported. The estimated restoration time is currently unknown, and the outage affects portions of Dumfries Road, Wellington Road, Prince William Street, Hastings Drive, Manassas Mill Road, Jennie Dean Way and surrounding neighborhoods.

The city said it appreciates residents’ patience as crews work to safely restore power and will provide updates as they become available. Current outage information can be viewed at manassasutilities.org.


Event

Join us for the LLT 5K Run/Walk, a community-powered fundraiser supporting Empower Latina and our mission to uplift, empower, and create opportunities for Latina women and girls. Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, your participation helps make a meaningful impact. Lace up, show up, and empower Latina!


Features

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, the world’s longest-running play, is now on stage at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, bringing Broadway-caliber intrigue, sophisticated humor and surprising twists to the Fredericksburg area through August 23.


Manassas

Actors Theatre at the ARTfactory has rescheduled its Saturday, July 25 performance of Christopher Durang’s comedy Beyond Therapy because of the Mariachis Taco & Tequila Festival taking place next door.

The performance will now be held Thursday, July 30, at 7:30 p.m. Ticket holders for the original July 25 show will be contacted with available options, the ARTfactory said.


Prince William

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted 5-3 on July 21, 2026, to initiate a Comprehensive Plan Amendment for Catharpin Valley Estates, a proposal covering 292 acres in the Gainesville District.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in


Manassas

Washington Manassas Airport celebrated the ribbon cutting of its new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Station 41, a key step in strengthening emergency response capacity as the airport prepares for commercial passenger service.

The two-story, 4,596-square-foot facility includes a day room, dining room, full kitchen, training room, office space, and three apparatus bays for the airport’s ARFF vehicles. It is currently staffed daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is designed to improve the airport’s ability to protect tenants, operations, and future travelers.


Manassas

The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade will mark its 80th year on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, with the theme “80 Years. Still Sleighin’.” The parade steps off at 10 a.m. in downtown Manassas, sponsored by Stanley Martin Homes.

Organizers announced the theme and date in a recent post, noting Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves are ready for the season. A new Miller Toyota Santa float, designed by a contest winner, will also debut. Details on participation, sponsorships and volunteering are available at gmchristmasparade.org.


Traffic

As part of the ongoing Rappahannock Canal Trailway Improvement Project, the Canal Path will be temporarily closed Thursday, July 23, from Washington Avenue to U.S. Route 1, including Higgins Bridge on Dale Street, to allow crews to complete milling and paving after recent vegetation removal, the City of Fredericksburg announced. The work was rescheduled from the previously planned July 30-31 dates, and the detour will follow the same route used in earlier closures, with an extended path to Washington Avenue.

Crews expect to finish Thursday, though weather delays could push the closure into Friday, July 24. The temporary shutdown supports continued improvements aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility along the popular Fredericksburg trail.