Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to headline a Fourth of July naturalization ceremony in Mount Vernon, while a truck fire temporarily shut down Route 17 in Stafford. Plus, dangerous heat is slowing VRE trains and prompting new cooling options across the region.
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.
Extreme heat grips the region again this week, while election campaigns ramp up in Stafford and Manassas celebrates with fireworks, TV features, and a big community fair. Here’s what’s happening across Northern Virginia.
MANASSAS, Va. – The Hylton Performing Arts Center is inviting the community to “share in the joy of the performing arts” with the launch of subscriptions for its newly announced 2025–26 season. The announcement comes as the center celebrates its most popular shows of the current season, led by the world-renowned vocal ensemble Chanticleer.
Subscriptions for the upcoming season are on sale now and include a dynamic mix of returning audience favorites and exciting new performers. The 2025–26 season kicks off with Broadway and television star Jeremy Jordan on Saturday, September 21. Jordan is currently performing in the critically acclaimed Floyd Collins at Lincoln Center and is best known for starring roles in The Great Gatsby, Newsies, Bonnie & Clyde, NBC’s Smash, and The CW’s Supergirl.
🔥 This heat means business—know the signs
An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect today, with heat indexes up to 110—and possibly as high as 115 through Thursday. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, check on neighbors, and don’t forget to bring pets inside. ☀️ See how to stay safe in this dangerous heat wave with tips from Stafford County.
SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. – A chaotic Friday afternoon in Spotsylvania County saw both a small plane crash and a road rage shooting just minutes apart, prompting two separate investigations by Virginia State Police.
At around 2:15 p.m. on June 20, a road rage incident on Interstate 95 southbound escalated when shots were fired near the 122-mile marker. Police say the confrontation involved a black Tesla and a black pickup truck, possibly a Toyota Tacoma. The Tesla was struck multiple times by gunfire, but no one was injured. Authorities are asking anyone with information to call Virginia State Police Division II Dispatch at 804-750-8778.
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.
DUMFRIES, Va. – A beloved annual tradition at Williams Ordinary allowed visitors to step into the past—and into a tavern—during Tavern Night, hosted by the Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation.
Held at the 18th-century tavern in downtown Dumfries, the event featured reenactors, colonial-era games like Shut the Box and Nine Men’s Morris, and live music from Colonial Faire. This year’s event spotlighted proclamations tied to the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and George Washington’s appointment as commander-in-chief.
This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom rambler in Fauquier County just saw a price reduction and is ready to welcome new owners looking for peaceful country living with modern comforts.
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