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Nelson Head, owner and founder of Dixie Bones BBQ in Woodbridge, Virginia, tracks wholesale prices every week so his menu prices stay as fair as possible.

Protein is back on top thanks to the MAHA movement, and southerners have been smoking and thriving on it for generations. Dixie Bones has been serving it for over 30 years, so it’s nice to see pork and beef back where they belong.


Manassas

The Manassas City School Board on Monday reviewed a revised FY 2028 budget development calendar that eliminates an early work session and advances key deadlines to allow more meaningful discussion and better preparation for a joint presentation with the city.

Director of Finance Taft Kelly presented the draft calendar during the board’s regular meeting. He explained two primary process changes from prior years.


Stafford

Automated speed enforcement cameras are now active in select Stafford County school zones as students return for the first full day of the 2026-27 school year on Wednesday, August 12.

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, working with BlueLine Solutions, has installed cameras at six schools: Edward E. Drew Middle School, Colonial Forge High School, Stafford Middle School, Stafford Elementary School, North Stafford High School, and Brooke Point High School.


Event

Dreaming about your next vacation? Join Cruise Planners Beth Borrego and Rod Rodriguez for an inspiring day devoted to ocean and river cruises, guided tours, luxury travel and unforgettable destinations!

Meet representatives from AmaWaterways, Collette, Oceania Cruises and Premier World Discovery. Hear informative presentations, ask questions, explore exciting vacation possibilities and discover which travel experience may be the perfect fit for you.


Virginia

Seven Virginia hemp businesses are asking a federal judge to block new restrictions set to take effect Saturday that would limit hemp products to 2 milligrams of total THC per package, eliminating the existing 25-to-1 CBD-to-THC exception, The Center Square reported. The change was included in the state budget passed in June without public hearings or industry input, and the companies argue it leaves them with previously legal products they can no longer sell.

A hearing is scheduled Wednesday in Roanoke on their request for a temporary restraining order. Plaintiffs, including Northern Virginia Hemp & Agriculture, say they stand to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in inventory under the new rules.


Police Blotter

The shooting happened July 5 in the 16700 block of Blackjack Oak Lane in Woodbridge. Officers responded about 10:12 p.m. and found the victim with a gunshot wound to the upper body. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Police said the victim and two acquaintances arranged to confront and rob another man, Damion Jamon Atwater. During the encounter, shots were fired that fatally struck the 16-year-old. After the shooting, Darrian King Rutherford, who had been with the victim, left in a vehicle. Officers tried to stop the vehicle and began a pursuit. Rutherford later stopped and fled on foot.


Police Blotter

In Stafford County, deputies reported arrests for assault and battery, multiple driving under the influence cases, shoplifting, narcotics possession, and public intoxication. Several fraud reports, including Sheriff’s Office impersonation scams, were also logged.

Here is a summary of recent incidents from local law enforcement.


Stafford

Contaminated water forced career staff out of Brooke’s Company 5 for nearly a month, delaying the first response to Saturday’s devastating house fire on Indian Point Road that resulted in a total loss of the property.

Two career personnel normally work 24-hour shifts at Company 5 and cross-staff Engine/Tanker 1505 and Medic 1505. Those firefighters had been staged at Company 2 since July 15 due to water quality problems, according to County Fire Chief Joseph Cardello. They returned to Company 5 on Tuesday after the latest water tests showed no hazards.


Traffic

Virginia Railway Express will operate modified service on Sunday, August 23, with northbound morning trains and southbound afternoon trains, giving Northern and Central Virginia residents a way to reach the Washington region without driving into expected gridlock from the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. The one-day service, detailed in a VRE press release, coincides with the IndyCar street race around the National Mall that is projected to draw about 140,000 visitors daily and trigger extensive road closures and parking restrictions in the District.

Tickets will cost the usual VRE rates and can be bought through the VRE Mobile app or station ticket machines. The press release does not list specific train times, stations served on each line, or the exact number of trips; a schedule PDF is available on vre.org and is subject to change. The special Sunday run also serves as a test of demand and operations for a possible regular weekend service once major projects, such as the Long Bridge expansion, are completed under VRE’s System Plan 2050. District officials are urging travelers to use transit that weekend.