Republican candidates for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District faced off Wednesday evening, June 17, 2026, at a candidate forum hosted by the Fredericksburg GOP at VFW 3103 Post in Fredericksburg.
The 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. private, member-rented event drew local party members as the three contenders vying for the GOP nomination to challenge incumbent Democrat Rep. Eugene Vindman in November sought to distinguish their platforms.
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.
Prince William County is deeply immersed in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, blending local Revolutionary War history with robust educational outreach, research, exhibits, and public installations that connect residents—especially young people—to the nation’s founding story.
On June 9, 2026, Paige Gibbons Backus, Historic Site Manager with the county’s Office of Historic Preservation (part of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism), presented an overview of the Prince William County VA 250 efforts to the Board of Supervisors. The local commission, established in 2023, coordinates with state and national America 250 initiatives while emphasizing hyperlocal stories of patriots, loyalists, free and enslaved residents, and everyday contributions from Prince William’s past.
“We will do it in a way that protects consumers, targets the illicit market with clear enforcement and regulatory authority, and creates a more competitive market for small businesses and farmers,” Gov. Abigail Spanberger said in a statement, The Center Square.
The agreement would launch regulated adult-use cannabis sales on July 1, 2027, after license applications open Feb. 1. It includes a 350-store statewide cap, higher possession limits, new state and local taxes, advertising restrictions, and packaging rules, and is expected as part of the final two-year state budget due by June 30.
“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.
A domestic dispute in Woodbridge escalated into an alleged abduction, assault, and robbery, followed by a high-speed vehicle pursuit early on June 16. The suspect remains at large after fleeing officers. Additional incidents include vandalism at a local high school.
Fredericksburg Police also reported a shoplifting incident that led to two vehicle pursuits spanning multiple jurisdictions, resulting in arrests. This daily police blotter compiles the latest from area agencies.
