FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Area residents may notice a heavy presence of emergency vehicles and personnel along the Rappahannock River this weekend, but it’s not a real emergency—it’s a planned water rescue training exercise.

RIVEREX 2025 kicks off Friday, June 6, and runs through Saturday, June 7. The large-scale drill will simulate swift water rescues across more than 20 miles of the river and include live-action scenarios designed to test emergency crews’ readiness, coordination, and response tactics.


Stafford County leaders are preparing to take a major step toward easing long-standing regional traffic woes.

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you. Thank you.


Police are looking for Mainor Dariel Garcia Pacheco, 19, after a domestic dispute turned violent in a Manassas parking lot. On May 28, officers responded to the 7700 block of Keara Court and found that a 33-year-old woman had been assaulted and strangled by an acquaintance. The suspect also took her phone during the altercation. The woman escaped with non-life-threatening injuries. Garcia Pacheco has not been located.

Teen, adult arrested after knife assault in Woodbridge


STAFFORD, Va. – Happy Last Day of School, Stafford students. As families head into summer break, school leaders are urging parents to start planning for next year, as the school day for some students will kick off earlier than usual.

The 2025–26 school year starts on Monday, August 11, with a special Transition Day for students entering kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades. All other students will return on Tuesday, August 12.


FALMOUTH, Va. – Stafford County is stepping up safety at one of its busiest riverfront spots.

Starting today and continuing through the summer, swift water rescue teams will be stationed at the Historic Port of Falmouth—commonly known as Falmouth Beach—on weekends to assist with emergencies. According to Stafford Fire and Rescue, water-related incidents and drownings are frequent along this part of the Rappahannock River.


Stafford County will lose one of its two seats on the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Operations Board beginning July 1, 2025, after new ridership data showed other jurisdictions posted slightly greater gains in boardings. 🚉

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you. Thank you.


Stafford County Public Schools announced the Valedictorian and Salutatorians for the Class of 2025 today. The division will host ticketed graduation ceremonies for Mountain View and Stafford HS on Friday, May 30, at 6:30 p.m. Brooke Point, Colonial Forge, and North Stafford HS will host graduation on Saturday, May 31, at 8 a.m. All ceremonies will be available through a livestream link for those unable to attend.

The school division will graduate 2,611 seniors in total, setting them on their path to success. The Class of 2025 accumulated $10,125,381 in scholarships and will go into the workforce, serve in our military, and continue their education.


STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County residents will see a higher tab when dining out, as the Board of Supervisors voted 4–3 on May 20, 2025, to increase the county’s meals tax from 5% to 6%.

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you. Thank you.


The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office invites the public to its next Coffee with a Cop tomorrow, Wednesday, May 28, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Paradise Diner, 260 Warrenton Road.

Community members, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to attend for a casual conversation with deputies. Attendees can ask questions, express concerns, and get to know the deputies serving their neighborhoods. The event aims to break down barriers, build trust, and foster meaningful relationships throughout Stafford County.


View More Stories