FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Potomac Local News is giving away free tickets to one of the most powerful shows of the summer—Next to Normal at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts—and entering is as simple as filling out a form.

This summer, Riverside presents a bold and emotional musical that explores the story of a suburban family facing the challenges of bipolar disorder, grief, and mental health recovery. Set to a gripping contemporary rock score, Next to Normal is a Broadway favorite and winner of three Tony Awards and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

🎟️ Enter to Win

You don’t need to write a nomination or tell a story—just enter your name and email for a chance to win. Paid members of Potomac Local News will receive an extra entry as a thank-you for supporting independent local journalism.

👉 Click here to enter the giveaway.

🏆 Prizes

We’ll randomly select three winners:

• 🥇 First Place – 4 tickets
• 🥈 Second Place – 2 tickets
• 🥉 Third Place – 2 tickets

🎉 Winners will be announced on Tuesday, July 9, 2025
🎭 Winners may select any available performance through August 3, 2025

💬 About the Show

Next to Normal follows a seemingly typical American family hiding deep emotional scars. With its raw depiction of mental illness, family trauma, and the path to healing, the show has earned praise from critics and audiences alike.

This Riverside production stars Adrienne Hick and Andrew Foote, a real-life couple returning to the stage after their acclaimed appearance in The Bridges of Madison County. Directed by Penny Ann Moss, the cast brings fresh energy and emotional depth to this acclaimed work.

🎤 Bonus: Attend a Speaker Night

Before five select performances, community leaders and mental health advocates will speak about their own experiences and local mental health resources. These talks begin at 6:30 p.m., between dinner service and the show’s curtain at 7:30 p.m.

Speaker Nights:

• July 3 – Antwaun Carey Gay, author and public servant
• July 10 – Rappahannock Area Community Services Board
• July 17 – Mental Health America Fredericksburg
• July 24 – Dr. Theron Stinar, Fredericksburg Christian Health Center
• August 3 – Randy Feltner, firefighter and mental health advocate

Attending one of these nights adds meaningful context to the show and helps continue important community conversations around mental wellness.

❤️ Why We’re Doing This

At Potomac Local News, we believe in celebrating stories that matter—and that includes the ones told on stage. This giveaway is our way of saying thank you to our readers and helping bring visibility to important mental health issues in our region.

Enter today for your chance to win. Winners will be contacted by email on Tuesday, July 9.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – A town hall meeting hosted by Prince William County Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin drew a passionate crowd Monday night, as residents of the Belmont Bay community voiced their overwhelming opposition to a proposed $100 million flyover interchange at Routes 1 and 123.

Franklin and county transportation officials presented a concept plan to elevate Route 123 over Route 1 and extend it directly into the Belmont Bay neighborhood, describing the project as a long-awaited second access point for the growing residential community. The meeting, held near the Belmont Bay neighborhood, included a presentation outlining the flyover’s features, including new trail access, a pedestrian bridge, and a reconfiguration of local roads to improve traffic flow.

But attendees quickly pushed back, questioning the need for such a large infrastructure investment. Many demanded to know which residents or businesses had requested the project — a question Franklin and staff did not answer with specifics.

“Who do you think is driving this?” asked Rob Hartwell, a member of the community’s HOA and vocal critic of the plan. “They keep saying there are neighbors who want this, but I’ve only talked to two people, and they were both here tonight.”

Hartwell said both the Belmont Bay HOA and the Concerned Citizens United for Belmont Bay are already on record opposing the project. He also challenged the project’s premise.

“This flyover was originally proposed to support over 1.5 million square feet of office and retail development — but that’s no longer happening,” he said. “We are a residential community now. We don’t need this level of access anymore.”

Franklin told attendees the proposal remains in the concept phase and emphasized that no additional funding beyond a $3 million design allocation from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority has been secured. She said the meeting’s goal was to gauge community interest before pursuing more funding.

As part of the meeting, Franklin asked residents to scan a QR code on their phones to access a survey asking whether they support the project. Several attendees raised concerns about the survey’s integrity, noting that county officials controlled the voting platform and provided no transparency about how results would be tallied or shared.

“You’re taking a secret vote?” Hartwell asked.

Franklin responded that the survey would help determine next steps, and that the county would also release a second online survey for the broader community in the coming days. She reiterated that the proposal remains “on ice” and that the county won’t move forward without public input.

Still, for many in the room, the process felt rushed and opaque.

“If you say this is for us, but can’t name who asked for it, how can we trust this process?” one woman asked from the crowd.

The current design under consideration is a scaled-back version of a 2011 plan that included a full diamond interchange. Officials said the original project was too expensive and prompted a new study in the early 2020s, resulting in the current flyover concept. County officials said the design has support from VDOT and was selected as the preferred alternative after a STAR (Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions) study.

Franklin told residents the survey results would guide her decision.

“If the majority says no, this is done,” she said. “There is no alternative on the table right now. This is the one that has made it the furthest.”

But to many in the audience, the absence of answers to key questions — including who supports the project and how the vote will be verified — left more doubt than confidence.

MANASSAS, Va. – Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District is officially underway, thanks to a major investment from the state.

Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced a $2.6 million grant from GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative focused on strengthening regional economies and supporting high-wage industries. Local governments, businesses, and educational institutions will contribute an additional $1.3 million, bringing the total initial investment to $3.9 million.

The funding supports the launch of the Innovation District centered around George Mason University’s SciTech Campus in Prince William County and the City of Manassas. The 3,800-acre district is expected to accelerate growth in sectors like life sciences, aerospace, defense, and semiconductors while helping residents build careers without leaving the region.

According to a 2024 concept plan, the Innovation District will serve as a connector between local jurisdictions, research institutions, and private industry. “Serving as a catalyst, convener, connector, communicator and capacity-builder, the Innovation District will be a destination for ambitious minds to fuel lasting economic growth,” the plan states.

Vice Mayor Mark Wolfe of Manassas said the partnership between Manassas, Prince William County, and George Mason University leverages the area’s existing strengths. “We’ve got a critical mass of technology and brain power, and frankly, money, that can come together and create a technology hub that will benefit everyone,” Wolfe said.

The district will be guided by the Innovation District Committee, a public-private partnership chaired by Amy Adams, executive director of George Mason’s Institute for BioHealth Innovation. While the committee will oversee funding, marketing, and outreach, land use decisions will remain with Manassas and Prince William County.

Several programs will roll out over the next 18 months, including a Fall 2025 launch of an International Life Science Soft Landing Program to attract global startups, a corporate mentorship initiative for senior engineering students, and a Winter 2026 launch of a Life Science Certificate Program and Young Professionals Network.

Founding partners include George Mason University, the City of Manassas Department of Economic Development, Prince William County, and private firms such as Micron, ATCC, and Employment Enterprises. Dominion Energy, IMEG, and the Prince William Chamber of Commerce are also backing the effort as SciTech Innovators.

The funding will also help pay for staffing, marketing, and accelerator programming to support start-ups and existing companies in navigating regulatory pathways, building strategic plans, and connecting with investors.

“The Innovation District will connect education, research, and industry,” Adams said. “It gives students and employers new ways to create real-world impact.”

DALE CITY, Va. – One of the region’s most popular Independence Day traditions is back: The Dale City 4th of July Parade kicks off Thursday morning at 10 a.m. along Dale Boulevard.

The festive, family-friendly event runs eastbound from Kirkdale Road to Gemini Way, with marching bands, colorful floats, and community groups making their way down the heart of Dale City. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early and bring chairs or blankets to stake out a good viewing spot.

Road closures begin at 8:30 a.m., with police directing traffic and closing intersections across the eastbound side of Dale Boulevard. Expect delays, and consider parking at nearby lots, including Mapledale Plaza, the VDOT lots near the Boys & Girls Club and Hillendale Fire Station, or Beville Middle School.

Immediately following the parade, the fun continues with Family Fun Day near Center Plaza from 12 noon to 2 p.m. This post-parade celebration features booths hosted by local nonprofits, amateur crafters, and food and drink vendors. It’s a great way to keep the patriotic energy going and support local groups.

Safety reminders for parade-goers: Stay off the parade route, especially children who may be tempted to run for candy—participants are not allowed to throw items from floats or vehicles. Bring water, sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes for the summer heat.

For questions or more information, organizers can be reached at [email protected].

STAFFORD, Va. – The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July at John Lee Pratt Memorial Park.

The Star-Spangled 4th Spectacular is one of Stafford’s biggest annual traditions, featuring family-friendly activities, live music, food vendors, and a grand fireworks show to close out the night. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the fireworks will begin just before 10 p.m. The event is free and typically draws hundreds of people from across the region.

To ensure public safety, the Sheriff’s Office is prohibiting the following items at the park:

• Tents in the concert area
• Sparklers or any personal fireworks
• Grills
• Alcoholic beverages
• Unruly or unsupervised pets

Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and plenty of water, as temperatures are expected to be in the 80s. Sunscreen and shade are also recommended.

Road Closures Begin at 9:00 p.m.

Several nearby roads will close or have restricted access to assist with traffic control following the fireworks:

1. River Road at Gordon Street – Open only for traffic exiting the park toward Kings Highway.
2. Kings Highway & Chatham Heights Road and Chatham Lane & Chatham Heights Road – Restricted access to help vehicles leave the park via River Road.
3. Chatham Drive & River Road – Also restricted to prioritize outbound traffic.

All roads will reopen once traffic has cleared from the park.

Important Note: Trolley service available earlier in the day will not serve Pratt Park. Parking is available on-site, but gates will close once the park reaches capacity. No re-entry will be allowed after that time.

For complete event details, parking info, and a full schedule of the day’s festivities, visit: https://www.tourstaffordva.com/2025/06/17/staffords-star-spangled-4th-know-before-you-go-2/

“We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable time,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.

MANASSAS, Va. – The contract will fund a range of research and testing activities focused on hybrid-electric powertrain, power, and propulsion systems (HEPPS). Electra will apply these efforts to its EL9, a nine-passenger ultra-short takeoff and landing (Ultra-STOL) aircraft currently in development.

According to a press release from Electra, the project will deliver “valuable insights and test data to help the Army understand the benefits, trade-offs, and operational procedures associated with operating hybrid-electric propulsion systems.”

“This work gives the Army a clear path forward in understanding how hybrid-electric technologies can support real operational demands, while enabling entirely new logistics capabilities,” said Donn Yates, Vice President of Government Programs at Electra. “Electra’s hybrid-electric Ultra-STOL aircraft redefines what’s possible for Army Aviation with its ability to operate from small, rugged sites, reduce fuel demand, and increase flexibility for the commander.”

Electra’s EL2 prototype aircraft has already demonstrated ultra-short takeoff and landing in under 150 feet. The EL9 is designed to operate in helicopter-sized spaces and deliver mobile power, while retaining the range and safety of a fixed-wing aircraft. Over the next 18 months, Electra will carry out a six-part effort that includes trade studies, operational analysis, modeling, simulation, and flight testing.

The company has previously flown the NASA Administrator aboard the EL2—the first time a U.S. government agency head has flown in an electric aircraft. This marks the sixth contract the Army has awarded to Electra to support the development of its Ultra-STOL technology.

QUANTICO, Va. – Independence Day celebrations are gearing up across the region, with events planned in both Fredericksburg and at Marine Corps Base Quantico in honor of America’s 249th birthday—and the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.

On Wednesday, July 3, Marine Corps Base Quantico will host a special celebration at Lejeune Field from 4 to 9:30 p.m., featuring a fireworks show at 9 p.m. The event is open to authorized ID card holders and promises an evening packed with family-friendly fun. Attendees can enjoy live music from Huntley—winner of the 2023 season of The Voice—and the band Full Moon Fever, plus food trucks, inflatables, a rock wall, and more. The event marks the start of festivities commemorating the Marine Corps’ 250th year.

Meanwhile, the City of Fredericksburg is preparing for its own full day of patriotic activities on Thursday, July 4, with a focus on downtown accessibility and fireworks safety. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead using the city’s parking map at fredericksburgva.gov, which details available public parking lots and garages.

A free shuttle will run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. between Eagles Lodge on Cool Springs Road, Ferry Farm, Patawomeck Museum & Cultural Center, and the new Visitor Center at 601 Caroline Street. Handicap parking is available only at Ferry Farm.

Several streets—including portions of Sophia, Hanover, and Charlotte Streets—will be closed from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the city’s “Festival in the Streets.” The day wraps up with fireworks at approximately 9 p.m. near Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Visitors should avoid parking along roadways near the stadium, and only use designated event parking zones to avoid ticketing or towing.

For more event details, visit fxbg.com/fourth-in-fredericksburg.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – The Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney has cleared officers involved in the fatal shooting of a 26-year-old man at a senior living facility earlier this year.

The independent criminal investigation into the April 26 shooting at Westminster at Lake Ridge has concluded, with no charges filed against the Prince William County Police officers involved, according to a June 27, 2025, statement from the department. The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), a multi-agency group of Northern Virginia law enforcement investigators, led the probe and presented its findings to Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth. After evaluating the evidence, Ashworth determined that no criminal charges would be pursued.

The case now enters a new phase: an internal administrative review by the police department’s Office of Professional Standards. Following that, the department’s Use of Deadly Force Review Board will decide whether the officers’ actions were justified and in line with departmental policy.

The incident occurred just before 10 a.m. on April 26 at the Westminster at Lake Ridge retirement community, located in the 12100 block of Clipper Drive. Police were called to the scene for a report of a man in crisis armed with a knife. Upon entering an apartment, officers encountered Joseph Anthony Cassell, who allegedly approached them with the weapon and ignored verbal commands.

Officers discharged their service weapons, striking Cassell. Police said that after the initial gunfire, Cassell attacked a 91-year-old woman—identified by police as a relative—prompting officers to fire again. Cassell died at the scene. The woman suffered serious injuries and was flown to a hospital. She is expected to recover.

No officers were injured during the encounter, which remained contained to the residence. The names of the officers involved have not been released.

The department has not announced a timeline for completing the administrative review.