Leesylvania State Park experienced too much of a good thing in early June, as parkgoers faced crowds and rules that are new to this riverfront park in Woodbridge.

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This summer, Prince William Public Libraries invites families and readers of all ages to dig a little deeper with the theme “Unearth a Story.” From June 15 through August 16, participants can uncover hidden worlds, explore the past, and discover something new with every page.

Summer Reading features more than 350 free programs designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and connection. Activities range from dinosaurs and prehistoric plants to gardening and everything in between.


Chief Vernon Galyen accepted the proclamation on behalf of the department. He emphasized that safety is a collaborative effort. “It’s everybody’s involved in that, not just the police department, but the community, business owners, and community leaders,” Galyen said. He noted the department’s role as first responders serving residents and businesses in the town.


The Prince William County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved two major residential developments on June 3, advancing 67 townhomes in Bristow and more than 200 new homes — including workforce and affordable units — at the Mapledale Plaza redevelopment in Dale City.

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“America’s trails connect people to the outdoors, strengthen local communities and showcase the natural beauty and history that define our nation,” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said in a news release, InsideNova reported. “These new designations expand opportunities for recreation, stewardship and exploration while helping ensure future generations can experience the landscapes and waterways that make America extraordinary.”

The U.S. Department of the Interior designated the free, 7-mile Leopold’s Preserve Trail System in western Prince William County as one of five new National Recreation Trails. The 380-acre preserve west of Haymarket features wetlands, meadows, forests, historic landscapes and more than 30 interpretive signs.


“PWCPD will be conducting a planned sobriety checkpoint in the Dumfries area this evening, June 7, from approx. 8:00pm to 2:00am,” Prince William County Police announced. “These efforts are part of law enforcement’s continued message to deter drunk and impaired driving. Drive sober, or get pulled over.”

The checkpoint is one of the department’s regular operations aimed at reducing impaired driving in Prince William County.


The incident began on Catlett Road in Fauquier County when a license plate reader flagged a stolen black Chevrolet Camaro. A deputy attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled at speeds over 100 mph, running a red light, striking a cruiser, and hitting a stop stick before a PIT maneuver sent the car into a house on Winston Place in Bealeton. A juvenile female passenger was apprehended and released to family.


“This sick illegal alien from El Salvador now faces three felony charges for raping a girl under the age of 15,” Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said, WJLA-TV reported. “DHS is asking sanctuary politicians in Prince William County, Virginia to not release this pedophile from jail and cooperate with ICE law enforcement.”

DHS states that 31-year-old Cristian Romario Saenz-Argueta, who entered the U.S. illegally, used social media to meet and then sexually assault a girl under 15 in Prince William County. He faces charges including rape by force, threat or intimidation and carnal knowledge of a child. Prince William County officials oversee policies on ICE cooperation, including a prior decision to end its 287(g) agreement.


“It is further ORDERED that this civil action be and is STAYED pending the Virginia Supreme Court’s resolution of Board of County Supervisors of Prince William County v. Oak Valley Homeowners Association. Inc.,” InsideNoVa reported. “and it is further ORDERED that by October 30, 2026, the parties file a joint status report informing the Court of the status of the litigation before the Virginia Supreme Court.”

The federal lawsuit led by Pageland Lane landowner Mary Ann Ghadban and other property owners against data center developer QTS was placed on hold as the broader challenge to the massive Digital Gateway rezoning heads to the Virginia Supreme Court. Ghadban had agreed to sell her land to QTS contingent on rezoning approval for the proposed 2,100-acre project that would feature over 22 million square feet of data centers.


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