Virginia State Police are asking for the public’s help with information about two recent crashes on Interstate 95 in the region.
The first happened early today, June 26, 2026. Around 4:08 a.m., a dark-colored Honda Civic traveling northbound at a possible high rate of speed left the road and overturned in the median at the 117-mile marker in Spotsylvania County. The 26-year-old male driver died from his injuries.
Manassas officials say a chemical leak at the city’s Water Treatment Plant caused no injuries or risk to drinking water.
Approximately 2,500 gallons of sodium hypochlorite leaked from a supplier’s truck hose early Thursday morning, June 25, at the plant located between Glenkirk and Rollins Ford roads in Nokesville. Staff quickly contained the spill on site and followed emergency procedures to prevent any material from reaching city or Prince William County waterways.
Prince William County police have arrested two people in the shooting death of an 18-year-old Manassas man.
Detectives charged Markiss Alexander Medrano, 18, of Manassas, and a 16-year-old male juvenile from Manassas with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Both were arrested June 25. Medrano is being held without bond, while the juvenile is at the Juvenile Detention Center. Court dates are pending.
The Fredericksburg Area MPO’s Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee advanced its Complete Streets Plan for public review this summer, emphasizing the need for safer, more connected transportation networks as the region grows toward a projected 614,620 residents by 2055.
CTAC also ranked SmartScale funding priorities, supported further study of additional river crossings and southern routes to reduce congestion, and addressed ongoing TIP refinements and local maintenance concerns.
Stafford County residents, the heaviest users of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) system, will see reduced services after the Board of Supervisors approved a nearly $660,000 cut to library operating funds for FY27.
The reduction comes despite the board’s approval of a real estate tax rate increase of more than four cents per $100 of assessed value in the FY2027 budget. That hike, combined with rising property assessments, added hundreds to nearly $2,000 or more to many homeowners’ annual tax bills.
Manassas City Public Schools is developing a new strategic plan set to launch in July 2027 that will guide the division through Fiscal Years 2028-2032. The plan will retain the current “student academic success supported by pillars” framework but deepen each pillar with more specific strategies and performance metrics.
Jennifer Cassata, Executive Director of Accountability and Finance, presented the update at the June 23, 2026, MCPS School Board meeting. She outlined the multi-phase process that began with a strategic plan steering committee convening in December 2025. The committee, representing all schools and the central office, reviewed the existing vision and mission statements and identified potential core values.In spring 2026 (Phase 1), input was gathered through meetings with principals and assistant principals, central office departments, cabinet discussions, and focus groups with teacher and school-based support staff. Board members provided additional feedback during the prior week’s retreat.
Witnesses described a suspect, and officers quickly detained Emmanuel Killeen, 24, also of Fredericksburg, nearby. Killeen was found in possession of two firearms and has been charged with two counts of carrying a concealed weapon. He is being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail and remains a person of interest in the homicide. A verbal argument between the victim and another party preceded the shooting, according to the initial investigation.
Detectives continue to process evidence at the scene. The department has increased patrol presence in the Bragg Hill area and thanked the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office for its assistance. The Fredericksburg Police Department expressed its deepest condolences to Ruiz Mejia’s family and friends.
The Town of Dumfries reported that its second Juneteenth Celebration drew a record-breaking crowd of more than 5,000 attendees to Garrison Park. The family-friendly event featured over 40 vendors, food trucks, community organizations, performances by national artist Carl Thomas and local entertainers including DJ Analyze, J. Baxtor and J.A.M., a popular Kids Zone with inflatables and activities, and no major incidents.
The celebration highlighted cultural pride, education, and community unity in Prince William County, with Town Manager Tangela Innis praising the strong turnout and support from residents, volunteers, sponsors, and public safety personnel. The event continues to grow as a premier local gathering.
