Virginia

Gov. Spanberger Leads Virginia Economic Mission to United Kingdom, Italy and France

By Uriah Kiser
Gov. Abigail Spanberger seated at a desk signing a document, Virginia seal on the chair
Gov. Abigail Spanberger. File photo.

“Strengthening relationships with international employers, attracting new business investment and expanding economic opportunity in Virginia is the goal of a European trip this week by Gov. Abigail Spanberger,” The Center Square reported. The governor is joined by the secretaries of commerce and trade and of agriculture and forestry, along with officials from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Tourism Corporation and Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, and will attend the Farnborough International Airshow.

Existing Virginia employers with European roots include BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce from the United Kingdom, Selex Galileo from Italy and Airbus Group from France. The delegation is scheduled to return this weekend after meetings aimed at positioning the commonwealth as a top U.S. investment destination.

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Features

Burger King Launches Whopper Guarantee and ‘Your Way Champion’ Managers After Customer Feedback

By Uriah Kiser

“Burger King has launched a new ‘Whopper Guarantee’ promotion and designated ‘Your Way Champion’ restaurant managers to improve order accuracy and service,” WCYB reported. The moves follow a nationwide Listening Initiative that generated thousands of customer complaints about consistency, accuracy and in-restaurant experience.

Dissatisfied customers can have their Whopper remade on the spot and receive a free classic Whopper on a future visit by scanning a QR code inside the box. The changes will apply at participating Burger King locations across Virginia, including those in Northern Virginia.

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Virginia

Virginia Gun Shops Resume Assault-Style Weapon and Magazine Sales After Statewide Injunction

By Uriah Kiser
Virignia State Capitol

“Gun shops across Virginia resumed sales of assault-style weapons and large-capacity magazines today after a statewide injunction blocking enforcement of the new ban officially took effect,” WSET reported. A Washington County judge clarified that the temporary order applies statewide, preventing enforcement of the ban across the commonwealth following weeks of legal challenges over its constitutionality.

Del. Tim Griffin, R-53rd District, called the ruling a win for Second Amendment rights, while Del. Sam Rasoul, D-38th District, urged patience as the case proceeds. The attorney general’s office said the state remains confident the ban will be upheld and noted that related U.S. Supreme Court cases could inform the outcome.

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Event

11th Annual Walk to Bust Cancer

Event location

Fort Hunt Park

8999 Fort Hunt Rd

Alexandria, Virginia 22308

Add to Calendar

Join Breast Cancer Collective for the 2026 Walk to Bust Cancer on Sunday, October 18, at Fort Hunt Park in Alexandria.
Walk alongside survivors, caregivers, friends, families, and neighbors for an uplifting community event supporting access to breast cancer screening and care across the DMV.
Walk to Bust Cancer brings our community together to turn hope into action and help expand access to timely breast health care. Register to walk, gather your team, and join us at Fort Hunt Park.

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Virginia

Suetterlein, McNamara Seek Special Session to Extend Dominion-NextEra Merger Review

By Uriah Kiser

“State Sen. David Suetterlein and Del. Joe McNamara on Tuesday asked Gov. Abigail Spanberger to call a special session of the General Assembly to extend the time the Virginia State Corporation Commission has to review the proposed $67 billion Dominion Energy-NextEra merger,” Cardinal News reported. Under current law the SCC must rule within 180 days or the deal is approved by default, giving Virginia the shortest review window of any state involved.

The Roanoke County Republicans argue that forcing Virginia to decide first weakens its leverage and risks leaving Dominion ratepayers—who outnumber those in North Carolina and South Carolina—without the full benefit of any later concessions. A spokesperson said the governor is examining the merger’s effects on electricity costs, jobs and in-state renewable generation and is considering all options, including a special session.

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Manassas

Former Manassas Fire Official Justin Laidler Passes Away at 37

By Uriah Kiser

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of former Master Technician and Assistant Fire Marshal Justin M. Laidler,” the City of Manassas Fire & Rescue Department reported on Facebook. Laidler, born February 10, 1989, died July 20, 2026, after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of ALS; he served the department for more than 15 years before joining Frederick County Fire & Rescue as a Deputy Fire Marshal in September 2025.

He passed away at home in Woodstock surrounded by family and is survived by his wife Brittany and their three children, Grayson, Kellen, and Savannah. A celebration of life is planned for August 1 at Strasburg High School, with burial to follow at Sunset View Memorial Gardens in Woodstock.

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Business

Manassas Firm Picks Ohio for Factory

By Uriah Kiser

Manassas-based Electra announced Tuesday it will build its first production facility for the EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft in Springfield, Ohio, not Virginia.

The $850 million project is expected to create 1,975 jobs at a new 96-acre site next to Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport. The nine-passenger plane is designed to take off and land in as little as 150 feet and is aimed at a new market Electra calls Direct Aviation.

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg officials head to Florida after ‘Garden & Gun’ contest win

By Uriah Kiser
Downtown Fredericksburg

What began as a competitive bracket battle is evolving into a cross-state partnership.

Mayor Kerry Devine and Fredericksburg Main Street Executive Director Chris Allen will travel to DeLand, Florida, July 23-25 to meet with Mayor Christopher Cloudman and Main Street Director Stephanie Garcia Mullins.

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Manassas

What’s Next for Manassas After Mayor Davis-Younger Steps Down?

By Uriah Kiser

Manassas is staring at big changes — and Eugene “Doc” Brown wants a seat at the table.

In this Potomac Local News podcast interview, longtime community advocate Eugene Brown sits down with Uriah Kiser to talk about his run for Manassas City Council, the controversial 167-apartment project planned next to the historic Meredith House, new affordable housing at the old DMV site on Godwin Drive, the city’s ongoing school challenges, and the political transition as Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger prepares to step down.

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