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.”

Established in 2020, the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority oversees and funds the state’s passenger rail network, including Amtrak Virginia and Virginia Railway Express (VRE). The authority is responsible for expanding rail service through the “Transforming Rail in Virginia” initiative, which aims to improve connectivity, relieve congestion, and expand commuter and intercity rail options. Though VPRA does not operate the trains directly, it partners with Amtrak and VRE to fund operations, manage infrastructure investments, and acquire land needed for future rail expansions.

Spears’ appointment adds a regional voice to the agency’s 15-member board, which is made up of individuals appointed by the Governor to represent diverse areas of Virginia.

As head of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, Spears has championed economic development and transportation improvements across the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. Under her leadership, the Chamber has launched key initiatives such as Workforce NOW and Leadership Fredericksburg to strengthen the region’s business and talent pipelines.

Other local appointees include:

• Dr. Gregory L. Chambers of Fredericksburg – Appointed to the University of Mary Washington Board of Visitors. Chambers is the Executive Director of CRA Research LLC and brings decades of experience in business and economic analysis.
• Dr. Galam A. Khan of Stafford County – Appointed to the Advisory Council on Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. He serves as a physician and Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology at Georgetown University Medical Center.
• Naumaan Nasir of Prince William County – Appointed to the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority. He is CEO of Nasir and Associates LLC, a financial services firm.
• Brian Gottstein of Prince William County – Appointed to the Advisory Council on Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. He is a Senior Editor at The Daily Signal.

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.

Thanks to Ken for the photo and tip.
See something happening? Text us at 571-989-1695.

The National Wildlife Federation and EcoSchools U.S. awarded Forest Park High School the Green Flag, making it the first school in Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) to receive this prestigious recognition. The award highlights the school’s commitment to sustainability education and promoting positive environmental change within the community.

For Ashley Tayon, the school’s sustainability coordinator, and her students, the Green Flag was the main goal for the year. “It was truly an honor to be part of the new sustainability movement within PWCS,” Tayon stated in a press release, adding that the achievement was a collaborative effort among students, staff, and community partners. Their initiatives included collecting data, developing action plans, and diverting 1,600 pounds of waste from landfills.

Melinda Landry, sustainability coordinator for PWCS, praised Forest Park for piloting the EcoSchools program. “Their students actively addressed local environmental challenges and underscored their efforts by also winning first place at the PWCS Student Environmental Action Showcase,” Landry said. Looking ahead, the Forest Park team plans to create an outdoor classroom, establish a garden and greenhouse, and launch a mentorship program called “Forest Friends” to help other schools pursue their own Green Flag awards.

Meanwhile, Battlefield, Charles J. Colgan Sr., Gainesville, and Gar-Field High Schools were named 2024-25 Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished Schools. This national honor celebrates their commitment to rigorous STEM programs that unlock student potential.

“This recognition properly belongs to our PLTW engineering students, who unfailingly apply themselves to the toughest challenges,” said John Ruf, PLTW lead teacher at Gar-Field High. To earn the distinction, schools must offer at least three PLTW courses and meet participation benchmarks that show strong student engagement in STEM learning.

These accomplishments reflect PWCS’s broader efforts to provide high-quality, future-focused education, preparing students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. More than 6,000 schools nationwide participate in the EcoSchools U.S. program, and millions of students benefit from PLTW’s hands-on learning.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Drivers planning to use the Interstate 95 and 395 E-ZPass Express Lanes on Independence Day should be aware of a modified reversal schedule designed to accommodate holiday traffic headed to the nation’s capital.

On Friday, July 4, 2025, the toll lanes will remain in northbound operation until approximately 7 p.m. to support increased traffic traveling into Washington, D.C., for fireworks and other celebrations. The lanes are expected to reopen southbound by around 8:30 p.m. to assist with the return flow of holiday travelers.

The normal summer reversal schedule will resume on Saturday, July 5, with northbound travel in the morning and southbound travel beginning around midday.

The Interstate 95 and 395 E-ZPass Express Lanes are reversible toll lanes designed to relieve congestion on two of Northern Virginia’s most heavily traveled corridors. Spanning over 40 miles from the D.C. line to Fredericksburg, the lanes operate under a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Transurban, which manages tolling and maintenance.

The lanes use dynamic pricing, which means toll rates fluctuate based on real-time traffic conditions to ensure consistent speeds. Vehicles must have an E-ZPass transponder to use the lanes, and those with three or more occupants can travel toll-free with an E-ZPass Flex set to “HOV ON.”

On most days, the Express Lanes operate northbound in the morning to accommodate commuter traffic heading into Washington, D.C., and southbound in the afternoon and evening to handle the outbound rush. However, the schedule can change on holidays and weekends to meet shifting travel patterns.

Motorists are encouraged to check expresslanes.com or use the Express Lanes mobile app for real-time traffic updates, toll rates, and access point information.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – A Dumfries woman was struck and killed early Tuesday morning while walking along Interstate 95 in Prince William County.

Virginia State Police say the crash happened at 4:56 a.m. on July 1, 2025, in the northbound lanes near mile marker 152.

According to investigators, a 2012 Toyota Corolla was heading north when it hit Karen S. Rosa Hernandez, who was in the travel lane. She died at the scene.

Troopers found a gas can nearby and located a disabled vehicle registered to Hernandez just south of the crash, in the Express Lanes.

The incident remains under investigation.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The University of Mary Washington is mourning the loss of its former president, William M. Anderson Jr., who passed away over the weekend. Anderson served as UMW’s president from 1983 to 2006, leading the school through a period of major growth and transition.

According to a statement from the University of Mary Washington, Anderson’s 23-year presidency was the longest of any public university leader in Virginia at the time. During his tenure, the school transformed from a respected liberal arts college into a nationally recognized university.

“President Anderson’s visionary leadership laid the foundation for the University of Mary Washington as we know it today,” said current UMW President Troy Paino in the release. “His commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and student success continues to shape our mission and inspire our work.”

Anderson, who was just 36 when he became UMW’s president, oversaw more than $120 million in capital improvements, including a new library, science center, student and alumni centers, an art gallery, and several residence halls. He also pushed for the creation of the Stafford Campus, which helped pave the way for Mary Washington to earn university status in 2004.

Beyond infrastructure, Anderson supported the launch of academic programs like the Great Lives lecture series and brought technology upgrades such as a campus-wide fiber-optic network. He also strengthened community ties by bringing the Small Business Development Center to campus and founding the Community Outreach and Resources (COAR) program.

UMW’s endowment grew from $1.3 million to $24.5 million during his leadership, allowing for increased student and faculty opportunities. In recognition of his service, the school awarded him a Doctorate of Humane Letters at his final commencement in 2006 and named its athletic facility, the Anderson Convocation Center, in his honor.

Anderson, a native of South Boston, Virginia, held degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University, West Virginia College of Graduate Studies, and Virginia Tech. Before becoming UMW president, he served in various roles in higher education planning and research, including positions with the Virginia State Council of Higher Education and the West Virginia Board of Regents.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The City of Fredericksburg is looking for one lucky student to shine on live TV as a Junior Reporter when FOX 5 DC’s Zip Trip comes to town next month.

The selected student will join FOX 5’s team on Friday, July 25, 2025, during a live broadcast from Riverfront Park, helping to showcase what makes Fredericksburg unique. The city is inviting students to submit a short video introducing themselves and sharing why they would make a great Junior Reporter. The winning student will appear on-air, interact with FOX 5 staff, and represent Fredericksburg in front of a regional audience.

Submissions are being accepted now at fxbg.com/junior-reporter-contest.

The Junior Reporter spotlight is part of FOX 5’s popular Zip Trip series, which highlights communities across the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. The Fredericksburg broadcast will air live from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Riverfront Park, located at 713 Sophia Street.

Residents and visitors are invited to be part of the live audience. The event will feature interviews, local attractions, and opportunities for attendees to be featured on TV. Community members will also be able to sample products, meet vendors, and experience the excitement of a live television production.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the spirit and charm of Fredericksburg to a regional audience,” said Mayor Kerry Devine. “We encourage everyone to join us at Riverfront Park and be part of this exciting morning.”

The city encourages attendees to arrive early to be part of the festivities and show their Fredericksburg pride on screen.

OCCOQUAN, Va. – The Town of Occoquan is celebrating both a heartfelt farewell and an exciting new beginning.

Julie Little, who has served as the town’s Events Director for the past eight years, is retiring. Town officials praised Little for her unwavering passion, dedication, and creativity, which helped grow beloved traditions like the Craft Festivals and bring new energy to Occoquan’s calendar of events.

“Julie’s ability to bring people together made Occoquan’s events truly special,” the town shared in a statement. “She went above and beyond in everything she did, and we are deeply grateful for her service and the joyful memories she created.”

As the town wishes Little well in her next chapter, it also welcomes new creative energy to its arts community with the grand opening of Laura D Jones Fine Art at 125 Mill St, Suite #10. Laura is a contemporary visual artist whose work spans realism, impressionism, and abstract styles. Her gallery offers original artwork for sale and features a scenic studio space along the river, where she teaches art classes and accepts commissions.

You can learn more at lauradjonesart.com or stop by the gallery in person to explore her vibrant new addition to Occoquan’s creative scene.