STAFFORD, Va. – Nearly 40 years after Jacqueline Lord was found murdered, a jury has found Elroy Harrison guilty of her killing.
Harrison, now 67, was convicted on June 26, 2025, in Stafford County Circuit Court. A jury found him guilty of second-degree murder, abduction with intent to defile, breaking and entering with the intent to commit murder, rape or robbery, and aggravated malicious wounding.
STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – The Stafford County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday night to adopt a new ordinance that will allow speed and red light cameras in school and highway work zones, a move aimed at improving road safety across the county.
The ordinance, O25-13, amends the county’s motor vehicle code to enable the use of automated photo speed monitoring devices in designated school and work zones and authorizes the placement of red light cameras at intersections. While state law already permits speed enforcement in these zones, a county ordinance was required to allow red light camera enforcement.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts will launch its summer season with Next to Normal, a Tony- and Pulitzer-winning musical that blends rock music with raw emotion to tell the story of a family navigating the stormy waters of mental illness and grief.
The show opens July 2 and runs through August 3, 2025, marking the Riverside debut of this emotionally charged and rarely produced musical. It stars real-life couple Adrienne Hick and Andrew Foote, who previously lit up the Riverside stage in The Bridges of Madison County. Now, they return in a production that digs even deeper. “We talk about the show pretty much every waking hour,” Hick said during a recent episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast. “Sometimes we have to declare a day off from it—it’s that consuming, in a good way.”
Nestled in the heart of Stafford, Zibibbo 73 Trattoria Italiana & Bar brings the essence of Italy to Northern Virginia. With its warm ambiance and delectable menu, it’s the perfect spot for couples seeking a cozy and intimate dining experience.
Starter:
Fried Calamari
Lightly battered and fried to perfection, these tender calamari rings are served with a zesty marinara sauce, offering a delightful start to your meal.
Looking for fireworks, food, and fun this Independence Day? 🎆 Here’s a roundup of some of the best local events happening on Friday, July 4, 2025:
🇺🇸 Fabulous Fourth at Ferry Farm
WOODBRIDGE, Va. –A surge in riders across OmniRide commuter bus routes is triggering overcrowding issues on several key lines, prompting officials at the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) to weigh how and where they can expand service — especially as the region heads into a busy fall season.
Speaking during the June 5 PRTC Board of Commissioners meeting, Executive Director Dr. Bob Schneider said ridership dipped slightly in May due to seasonal factors like Memorial Day and rainy weather, but overall remains strong.
On June 16, the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO) Policy Committee approved Resolution 2550, selecting Option C—a route connecting Celebrate Virginia Parkway in Stafford County with Gordon W. Shelton Boulevard in Fredericksburg—as the preferred corridor. The approval allows consultants to complete cost estimates and finalize documents ahead of a federally required environmental review (NEPA).
Fredericksburg officials supported Option C with a 6-1 vote, and Stafford County unanimously endorsed it. Spotsylvania County declined to endorse a specific route, raising concerns about potential impacts on local roads such as Fall Hill Avenue, Bragg Road, and River Road.
This weekend marks your last chance to catch two standout productions on local stages before the curtains close for good.
At the ARTfactory in Manassas, Lend Me a Soprano wraps up its run with performances through Sunday. This fast-paced farce, written by Ken Ludwig, offers a hilarious backstage comedy that’s been praised for its sharp direction, standout cast, and intimate setting. According to a review from the ARTfactory, the show “delivers big laughs in a small space” and makes the most of its cozy venue to pull audiences into the operatic chaos. Tickets and details are available at virginiaartfactory.org.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Virginia State Senator Tara Durant (R) announced her campaign for Congress on June 18, 2025, setting up a high-stakes showdown with incumbent Rep. Eugene Vindman (D) in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District.
“As a mom, Marine wife, and conservative fighter, I’ve spent my life standing up for faith, family, and freedom,” Durant said in her announcement. “As a State Senator, I partnered with Governor Glenn Youngkin to cut taxes, back the blue, and fight back against the far-left agenda. Now I’m running for Congress to take that same fight to Washington and work with President Trump to secure our border, fully fund our police, end the reckless spending, and restore common-sense leadership.”
STAFFORD, Va. – Rock Hill Church Road is open to traffic once again after bridge maintenance wrapped up ahead of schedule.
According to a Wednesday update from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the road reopened following work on the temporary, single-lane bridge over Aquia Creek. The detour that routed drivers around the closed section via Garrisonville, Joshua, and Mountainview roads has now been lifted.
