By Shirleen Guerra
(The Center Square) – Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed legislation making it illegal to import, sell, manufacture, purchase, or transfer assault firearms and certain high-capacity magazines in the commonwealth beginning July 1.
Five people, including an 18-year-old and four juveniles, face charges after a mob assault on another juvenile in the England Run area of Stafford County.
Deputies responded on May 8, 2026, after camera footage showed four suspects attacking the victim on May 7 around 11 a.m. The assault stemmed from a prior incident. Detectives identified the group, learned firearms were involved, and recovered a gun during a traffic stop and search. The suspects admitted to the assault and robbing the victim of a firearm. A fifth suspect who filmed the incident was later identified and charged.
Join us for a delightful Sunday afternoon at the BlackRock Center for the Arts as Cruise Planners Beth & Rod present a special travel-inspired matinee featuring the beloved film Under the Tuscan Sun.
Date & Time: Sunday, May 31 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
A new Chick-fil-A restaurant will open its doors on Thursday, May 21, at 930 Garrisonville Road, giving the community a fresh spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Owner-operator Mike Lindblom and his team are marking the occasion with a Moove-In Party on opening day. Guests of all ages who wear cow spots — from a full suit to a simple accessory — can redeem one free entrée or kid’s meal inside or at the drive-thru. The restaurant will serve customers Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with dine-in, drive-thru, carry-out, delivery, and mobile options. It will also include an indoor play area where parents can keep an eye on their children.
Stafford County drivers will lose access to a key stretch of Rock Hill Church Road starting Monday, June 1.
The Virginia Department of Transportation plans to close Route 644 between Dunbar Drive and Van Horn Lane for a two-year bridge replacement over Aquia Creek.
The Fredericksburg City Council approved the FY 2027 budget on May 12, 2026, including approximately 8% increases in water and sewer rates effective July 1, 2026, along with a new two-tier consumption structure designed to ensure high-volume users help fund major infrastructure upgrades.
The changes support more than $110 million in projects while keeping impacts manageable for most typical households.
Drivers using the I-95/395 E-ZPass Express Lanes should note an earlier switch in direction for summer travel. Starting Thursday, May 21, 2026, the daytime reversal will begin at 10 a.m. instead of 11 a.m. to better accommodate increased summer traffic.
Overnight reversals at 1 a.m. and the Saturday reversal at 2 p.m. remain unchanged.
From Stafford County court records to a Columbia University graduation stage, Jonathan Wrenn’s path has been anything but linear.
In 2018, Potomac Local News reported on the arrest of Jonathan Wrenn in connection with a Stafford County homicide case. He later served time for his role in that incident.
Stafford County authorities have located the mother of a newborn infant discovered May 12 in a small park near Embrey Mill Road and Coriander Lane. Officials say both the mother and baby are safe and healthy.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office worked around the clock with detectives and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to resolve the case. After reviewing all evidence, authorities determined no charges would be filed. The agency emphasized that the well-being of the mother and infant remained the top priority throughout the investigation.
