‘The honor of my life’: Spanberger sworn in as Virginia’s first female governor
In remarks, former congresswoman extolled the virtues of bipartisanship and pledged to lower energy costs.
Today’s news sponsored by:
Press Rewind: Jan. 12-17
Here’s what you may have missed last week, curated by Free Press staff.
‘This doesn’t feel very collaborative:’ Caroline Board of Supervisors planning takeover of school construction projects
School board doesn’t want to relinquish control, but county attorney says supervisors are well within their rights.
More news from The Free Press
Stafford County schedules public listening session on Dominion’s Kraken
The meeting will be Jan. 29 at Brooke Point High School.
Ruther Glen man convicted for role in Olde Greenwich shooting; four others plead guilty
Logan Soulier, 18, was convicted of 24 counts, including two second-degree murder charges.
Dels. Stacey Carroll and Nicole Cole take office as part of Democratic majority in state government
Area lawmakers are part of a Democratic majority in the Virginia General Assembly.
Spotsylvania supervisors reversing course on data centers; Frazier perturbed by vice chair vote
Board voted 6-0 to suggest the planning commission recommends reverting data center design standards to guidelines and require a special use permit for projects on land zoned Industrial.
Elizabeth Warner of Griffis-Widewater elected to chair Stafford School Board
The Falmouth District’s Sarah Chase will serve as vice chairwoman.
Margaret Franklin wins special election representing part of Stafford County
The Democratic Prince William County supervisor will serve Virginia’s 23rd House of Delegates district.
Spotsylvania School Board authorizes Mitchell’s work outside the division
Board also re-elected Megan Jackson as chair and Belen Rodas as vice chair.
Hulo, Voit campaigning for role as Caroline treasurer in special election
Zachary Hulo and Priscilla Voit are competing in a special election on Feb. 3.
Press Rewind: Jan. 12-17
Here’s what you may have missed last week, curated by Free Press staff.
‘This doesn’t feel very collaborative:’ Caroline Board of Supervisors planning takeover of school construction projects
School board doesn’t want to relinquish control, but county attorney says supervisors are well within their rights.
Stafford County schedules public listening session on Dominion’s Kraken
The meeting will be Jan. 29 at Brooke Point High School.
Ruther Glen man convicted for role in Olde Greenwich shooting; four others plead guilty
Logan Soulier, 18, was convicted of 24 counts, including two second-degree murder charges.
Dels. Stacey Carroll and Nicole Cole take office as part of Democratic majority in state government
Area lawmakers are part of a Democratic majority in the Virginia General Assembly.
On the Agenda, Jan. 12-16
Your weekly look at upcoming public meetings in the region.
Board-ing school: Stafford student reps gain real experience with governance
Two new students are serving on school board, while previous reps are helping to lead a new statewide organization.
Fredericksburg writer’s ‘Eagle Air Support’ idea gets off the ground
In the program, surplus air conditioners from the University of Mary Washington will be given to Fredericksburg-area residents in need.
King George School Board adopts policy on transgender students
New policy requires school personnel to refer to students by the name and pronoun on their official record, unless they’re 18 or older, emancipated or have written instruction from parents.
Stafford sees first Black Board of Supervisors majority in county history
Deuntay Diggs was also elected chairman for a second straight year.
Vindman comes out against ‘cruel’ plan for detention center in Stafford
The Democratic congressman noted his own immigrant past in decrying facility.
King George Board of Supervisors votes Sullins chair; amends bylaws to give every district a chance
The board voted 2025 Chair William Davis as vice chair.
New members of Fredericksburg City Council take oaths of office
Ward 4 Councilor Chuck Frye named vice mayor.
Today’s news sponsored by:
Fredericksburg Biz Beat
Biz Beat Roundup: Kalahari accepting bookings for December stays
Also inside: FAAR releases 2025 housing data, local organization featured in New York Times, franchise business opens in Central Park
Biz Beat Banter: Raymond Renault
This week, Bill sits down with Raymond Renault, longtime chef and owner at La Petite Auberge in Downtown Fredericksburg.
Biz Beat Clips: Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg
This week we talk to Sandra Erickson, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg, to learn more about the local nonprofit.
Biz Beat Roundup: New eateries coming to downtown
Also inside: YMCA completes half-million-dollar project, ‘imagination village’ opens in Stafford, mixed-use project planned in Lake Anna
Biz Beat Banter: Karen Moschetto
This week, Bill sits down with longtime Fredericksburg Academy Head of School Karen Moschetto to discuss her career journey and the evolution of the school.
Sponsored Content
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Thrombectomy can dramatically improve recovery and survival rates.
SPONSORED CONTENT: From donations to destinations: How Goodwill is driving Fredericksburg’s workforce future
In April 2026, Goodwill will launch the CareerPath Accelerator, an AI-powered platform designed to bridge gaps between job seekers, training providers, and employers.
SPONSORED CONTENT: Finding calm and staying healthy during the holiday season
Tips to navigating the holidays without stress.
SPONSORED CONTENT: From diagnosis to triumph: Brett’s breast cancer journey
Seeking treatment quickly and a strong support system helped her navigate diagnosis.
SPONSORED CONTENT: Fredericksburg Fashion Week kicks off
Fashion Week celebrates proclamation, Goodwill partnership, new show launch and a lineup of exciting events
News from B101.5/WFVA
Kahn joins elite company with 400th coaching win
Marcus Kahn cemented his place among the most accomplished coaches in NCAA Division III history on Saturday, capturing the 400th win of his collegiate career as Mary Washington beat Regent.
Mary Washington Healthcare launches postpartum safety bracelet program
“I Gave Birth”: bracelet program aims to keep new moms safe.
WATCH: Rappahannock Education Farm shares lessons from first full season
Rappahannock Education Farm’s Rich Larochelle reflected on a year of getting hands dirty, from planting and weeding to harvesting across 11 acres in White Oak.
WATCH: VDOT readies equipment, salt and brine ahead of possible winter storm
Ahead of every winter storm, the Fredericksburg District VDOT office begins preparing days in advance.
Drought Watch and Warning now affect much of Northern and Central Virginia
State officials say the region is under a drought watch advisory.
News from around Virginia
Some events listings provided by The City of Fredericksburg Tourism Department and the Stafford County Tourism Department.