George Mason University has selected Marion Underwood as its next provost and executive vice president, effective July 27. Underwood comes to Mason from Colorado State University, where she most recently served as provost and executive vice president. She brings 35 years of academic leadership, research and student success experience.
President Gregory Washington said Underwood’s background at institutions similar to George Mason makes her a strong fit. At Colorado State, she created the Strategic Roadmap 2025, advanced student mental health initiatives, helped refine the budget model and hired multiple academic leaders. She previously served as dean at Purdue University and the University of Texas at Dallas.
City Treasurer Donald E. Shuemaker Jr. reminded residents to submit payments on time. The current tax rate is $1.395 per $100 of assessed value for fiscal year 2026, which runs from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Real estate taxes in the city are paid in two installments each year, with the first half due Dec. 5 and the second half due June 5.
The city offers real estate tax relief for qualifying elderly and disabled homeowners. Applicants must live in the home as of July 1, meet income and net worth limits, and submit renewal forms by June 30 each year. First-time applicants can apply after that date.
Join us on Sunday, May 31st, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM for a beautifully curated afternoon celebrating the romance and inspiration of European travel. We recommend arriving at 2:45 PM for the best seating. We’ll begin with a brief presentation highlighting unforgettable journeys along Europe’s iconic rivers with AmaWaterways, followed by a special screening of Under the Tuscan Sun — a heartwarming story set against the breathtaking landscapes of Tuscany and the transformative power of embracing life abroad. A minimum $5 per person donation to Manna Food Center is required to attend, and we are proud to match donations up to $500. You may also elect to donate more. Non-perishable food donations are also warmly welcomed. Raffle proceeds will benefit Manna as well, helping provide nourishment and support to families in our community. Come immerse yourself in the beauty of Europe, enjoy wonderful company, and make a meaningful difference. We look forward to welcoming you.
Stafford County Public Schools reported a technical difficulty Wednesday morning with the geotracking software that powers the MyRide K12 bus tracking app. Parents may experience delays in seeing real-time bus locations on this near-final day of the school year.
The district said all bus delays will continue to be posted on the official delay dashboard. Officials asked families for patience as they work through the issue.
“Cory knew from an early age that he wanted to protect and serve others,” April Orel said. “He chose the Marine Corps because he wanted to enlist ‘with the best.’”
Sgt. Cory Orel, a Marine Corps veteran who trained at the Rescue Fire Academy in Prince William County and later served with Prince William County Fire and Rescue, died in 2025 from service-connected cancer. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation paid off the family’s mortgage in Richlands, North Carolina, as part of its Gold Star Family Home Program.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is searching for 15-year-old Katherine Guevara Tobar, who was last seen at 4:45 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
She is described as having black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 105 pounds. She may be wearing black sweatpants and a black hoodie.
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Donald Okhialeme Musa, the 12-year-old boy who was the subject of a CODI Alert issued by Virginia State Police on behalf of the Town of Dumfries Police Department, has been located safely.
Musa was last seen on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, around 6 p.m. on Olde Port Lane in Dumfries before authorities issued the alert late that evening. The alert has now been canceled.
Virginia Military Institute named Abduhu Chauhdury of Woodbridge as the new first battalion commander for the 2026-27 academic year.
Chauhdury, an electrical and computer engineering major, attended Forest Park High School. He said his high school calculus teacher, a VMI Class of 2002 graduate, inspired him to apply only to the institute. As a third-class cadet, he served as an S3 corporal, and as a second-class cadet, he was an S3 operations sergeant.
DUI Crash Leaves Passenger Injured
On May 24 around 1:47 a.m. on Pine View Drive, a driver was arrested after a crash that injured a passenger. Deputies observed signs of impairment including bloodshot eyes and an odor of alcohol. Two open alcoholic beverages were found near the vehicle. The 25-year-old driver from Fredericksburg was charged with driving under the influence, maiming as a result of driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, and driving without a license. The passenger was transported to the hospital for treatment.