Stafford County Sheriff’s Office reported that, alongside the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center and Stafford County residents, officials helped release an eagle rescued by the county’s Animal Control unit around Memorial Day. The bird received excellent care at the wildlife center before being returned to the wild.
The successful release highlights ongoing local wildlife rehabilitation efforts in Stafford County, allowing the majestic raptor to once again soar through Northern Virginia skies.
7News reported that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger not to release Jose Nahun Aleman Hernandez, an illegal immigrant charged with molesting a 5-year-old girl at a babysitter’s home in Woodbridge.
ICE lodged a detainer against Hernandez, who entered the country illegally, and DHS criticized Spanberger’s executive orders limiting cooperation with ICE and 287(g) agreements.
Music. Art. Food. Community. The Takoma Park Folk Festival brings it all together for one free, unforgettable day. Discover six stages of live music from around the world, shop an acclaimed juried craft show, enjoy international cuisine, connect with local community organizations, and let the kids explore crafts and activities in the Children's Nook. It's one of the region's most beloved traditions, and a celebration of the creativity, diversity, and welcoming spirit that has long defined Takoma Park.
New this year! Jam at the Crossroads is a place for musicians of all levels to come together and be part of the music.
On June 17 at 9:45 a.m., deputies responded to a fight in progress at the William J. Howell Library on Lyons Boulevard. The victims reported that the suspect brake-checked their vehicle and followed them into the parking lot, where he confronted them, shoved one victim, and punched the other. A witness confirmed the events. The 60-year-old man from Fredericksburg admitted to confronting the victims and throwing a punch. He was arrested and charged with two counts of assault and battery.
On June 17 at 9:26 a.m., deputies responded to Ludwell Lane for a fraud report. The victim mailed a check that was later altered and cleared for a different amount. Camera footage provided no leads. The victim provided copies of the checks to investigators.
“Virginia Senate leaders unveiled a budget proposal Tuesday that would raise an estimated $1.7 billion over two years through a new fee on data center generators,” The Center Square reported. The tiered impact fee on new generators would start Jan. 1 as part of unresolved budget negotiations with the House and Gov. Abigail Spanberger due by June 30.
The plan offers an alternative to phasing out sales tax exemptions for data centers, a key issue for Northern Virginia localities like Prince William and Stafford facing rapid industry growth and related infrastructure demands.
“Virginians are paying less at the pump this week as gasoline prices have fallen for three straight weeks, with the statewide average for regular unleaded gasoline dropping to $3.77 per gallon,” The Center Square reported. “Virginia’s average price was down from $3.91 a week ago and $4.32 a month ago.”
GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan noted prices fell in 47 states last week and could keep trending lower with steady market conditions.
The Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, a longtime regional economic development organization, has officially rebranded as Virginia’s Innovation Crossroads (VIC), aiming to position the area as a unified hub for innovation, advanced manufacturing, and talent retention.
The Dumfries Town Council unanimously approved a new policy governing the use of automated license plate reader (LPR) technology by the Dumfries Police Department during its June 16, 2026, meeting.
The policy establishes guidelines for the operation, access, retention, sharing, and auditing of data from eight Flock Safety LPR cameras. Flock Safety is an Atlanta-based company whose LPR systems are among the most widely used in Virginia.
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.
