It looks like this will be the last summer of barbecue and live music on Caroline Street as Billikens Smokehouse opts not to buy the antique house it operates from and closes the restaurant when the lease expires in November.
It’s a loss for everyone — including the diners, the bands that play in their outdoor venue, and especially the Shalawylo family: Greg, Sharon, and Ashlie — who have put the final touches on their special barbecue for more than 10 years.
“This is a financially motivated lawsuit that has nothing to do with patient care. Despite rumors and false assumptions, there will be absolutely no disruption of any kind in our radiology services, including mammography, women’s health services, and other vital outpatient radiology services,” Mary Washington Healthcare stated to The Fredericksburg Advance.
Virginia Medical Imaging, which has provided outpatient diagnostic imaging through a joint venture with Mary Washington Healthcare for 26 years, filed the $2.65 million suit in Fredericksburg Circuit Court after negotiations for a new agreement failed.
“The Normandy Pedestrian Bridge, which connects the Rappahannock Canal Trail to Normandy Avenue within the Normandy subdivision, has deteriorated to a point at which we have determined to temporarily close it,” the City of Fredericksburg announced. “To help maintain access to the Canal Trail during repair/construction, a temporary detour has been established via the Fall Hill Pedestrian Bridge (1,500 feet to the west) near the Fall Hill Avenue and Mary Washington Boulevard traffic circle.”
“Projects like this help ensure our trail network remains accessible, and enjoyable for years to come,” said Jenny Casarotti, Director of Parks, Recreation and Events. “We appreciate the community’s patience and support as we make these, and other improvements, throughout our Parks.”
“A woman of action,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported.
“I hope there is an awakening that comes from this tragedy,” Stephon Myers said.
City Council discussed shifting parking management on the 1000 block of Sophia Street during a June 2026 work session, weighing revenue potential against impacts on downtown businesses, employees, and Riverfront Park visitors.
The city owns approximately 37 spaces on the block near Riverfront Park, intertwined with adjacent parcels owned by Stover General in a “piano keys” pattern of alternating ownership. A legacy free parking agreement dating to roughly 2007-2009 has allowed unrestricted use, but Stover General is moving toward a paid model similar to the William Street parking garage operated by Bigos.
“Southbound Route 1 in the City of Fredericksburg is reduced to a single lane between Wellford Street and Fall Hill Avenue today (Thursday, June 11) between 11am-2pm,” the Virginia Department of Transportation reported. “Concrete work will be underway for new curb and gutter.”
“Construction finishing in June 2026 on intersection projects in this area,” VDOT announced.
“The MS in AI in Business is designed to equip students with the knowledge and applied skills to integrate AI technologies into organizational strategy, operations and innovation,” stated University of Mary Washington Provost Tim O’Donnell. “Artificial intelligence is transforming how organizations operate, compete and serve their communities. This degree will prepare graduates to lead in this field.”
“Organizations today don’t just need technical AI specialists – they need leaders who can connect data, technology and decision-making,” said Christopher Garcia, director of accreditation and graduate programs and professor of quantitative methods.
This article is part of our ongoing America 250 series, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. Our America 250 reporter, Deen Lateef, will take us to several historical sites across Fredericksburg, Manassas, and Woodbridge and introduce us to treasured places that reflect our community’s history.
“Welcome to Caroline Street @lucabeesboutique! Luca Bee’s is a brand new boutique featuring curated baby and children’s clothing with sizes 0-12yo,” Fredericksburg Main Street announced.
“Carefully curated baby & children’s clothes. Sweet styles for your little honey,” the shop’s Instagram profile states.
