UMW hosts ‘Braver Angels’ debate about the effect of social media on democracy
by Rick Horner | Mar 16, 2026
Debate featured a unique format designed to promote civic discourse.
On the Agenda, March 16-20
by FFP staff | Mar 16, 2026
Your weekly look at upcoming public meetings in the region.
‘Completely not dignified’: Rep. Eugene Vindman, U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner criticize Iran war
by Jonathan Hunley | Mar 16, 2026
The Democrats continued to oppose the conflict last week.
More news from The Free Press
Severe weather update with meteorologist Sean Sublette
by Sean Sublette | Mar 16, 2026
Update on severe weather.
GALLERY: UMW Eagles move on to Elite Eight
by Jeff Kearney | Mar 15, 2026
Photo highlights of Saturday night’s win over Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Chicago on their mind: Perplexed by snub, Robinson propels Eagles to Elite 8 appearance
by Devin Payne | Mar 15, 2026
Mary Washington will play the University of Chicago in the Elite 8 on Thursday at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Spotsylvania man arrested after allegedly boarding city school bus and assaulting staff member
by Joey LoMonaco | Mar 13, 2026
Jordan Cromes, 32, faces several charges following Friday morning incident that culminated with his arrest outside JMHS.
‘From Verse to Victory:’ Caroline pastor’s 21-day devotional applies scripture to daily living
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Mar 13, 2026
Book is available on Amazon and Walmart in paperback and digital formats.
Mirror image: Eagles facing tall task to go from Sweet to Elite
by Devin Payne | Mar 13, 2026
The University of Mary Washington men’s basketball team hosts University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a trip to the Elite 8 on the line.
PODCAST: Coffee Shop Talk with Joy Crump (Cappuccino and pivot to public service at Anita’s Cafe)
by Joey LoMonaco | Mar 13, 2026
This month, managing editor Joey LoMonaco sits down with Joy Crump, the longtime partner and head chef at Foode, who became the first Black woman elected to Fredericksburg’s City Council this past November.
Fredericksburg city councilors get first look at FY27 budget
by Joey LoMonaco | Mar 12, 2026
A public hearing for the budget and real estate tax rate is scheduled for April 21.
On the Agenda, March 16-20
by FFP staff | Mar 16, 2026
Your weekly look at upcoming public meetings in the region.
‘Completely not dignified’: Rep. Eugene Vindman, U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner criticize Iran war
by Jonathan Hunley | Mar 16, 2026
The Democrats continued to oppose the conflict last week.
Severe weather update with meteorologist Sean Sublette
by Sean Sublette | Mar 16, 2026
Update on severe weather.
GALLERY: UMW Eagles move on to Elite Eight
by Jeff Kearney | Mar 15, 2026
Photo highlights of Saturday night’s win over Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Chicago on their mind: Perplexed by snub, Robinson propels Eagles to Elite 8 appearance
by Devin Payne | Mar 15, 2026
Mary Washington will play the University of Chicago in the Elite 8 on Thursday at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Three Fredericksburg-area organizations awarded grants to reduce homelessness
by FFP staff | Mar 12, 2026
The funding will go to Micah Ecumenical Ministries, Loisann’s Hope House and Empowerhouse.
Battlefield District officials in Spotsylvania hosting town hall
by FFP staff | Mar 12, 2026
Event will be held at Courtland Elementary School on March 19 at 7 p.m.
Spotsylvania supervisors oppose transmission line project, collective bargaining for public workers
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Mar 12, 2026
Board also held a moment of silence for county resident Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, who was killed in action in Kuwait on March 1.
‘Alleviating regional congestion’: Rep. Eugene Vindman presents federal grants to Stafford, Spotsylvania
by Jonathan Hunley | Mar 11, 2026
The money for transportation projects was in the appropriations bill President Donald Trump recently signed into law.
UPDATED: Expect full stops overnight on U.S. 1 near Falmouth Bridge in Fredericksburg
by FFP staff | Mar 11, 2026
Starting late Thursday, all traffic will be stopped up to 15 minutes at a time to remove signs at the intersection of Princess Anne Street and Hanson Avenue.
FCPS names Obeng as new Chief Financial Officer
by FFP staff | Mar 11, 2026
Most recently, Obeng served as finance director for Virginia’s Pamunkey Indian Tribe.
‘No one will want to work here’: Spotsylvania school officials leery of drug testing proposal
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Mar 10, 2026
School board also voted unanimously to keep Friday as a teacher workday and make April 21 a student holiday.
A new era of high school football: Three new coaches arrive in the Fredericksburg area as one big name departs
by Devin Payne | Mar 10, 2026
Hartwood, King George and Stafford recently announced new football coaches, while Colonial Forge’s John Brown stepped down after eight seasons.
Fredericksburg Biz Beat
Biz Beat Banter: Jack Scholl (Hyperion Espresso)
by Bill Freehling | Mar 17, 2026
This week, Bill sits down with Hyperion Espresso owner Jack Scholl to discuss Jack’s path to owning the iconic downtown business and the plans he has in store for it.
Biz Beat Clips: Stockyards Restaurant & Bar
by Bill Freehling | Mar 16, 2026
This week we take you to the new country-and-western-themed Stockyards Restaurant & Bar in downtown Fredericksburg.
Biz Beat Roundup: Well-known downtown business starting project
by Bill Freehling | Mar 11, 2026
Also inside: FAAR releases February housing data, store closing at mall, public hearing scheduled for Buc-ee’s project in Stafford
Biz Beat Banter: Al Fagan
by Bill Freehling | Mar 10, 2026
This week, Bill sits down with Al Fagan to discuss his long business career and path to becoming president and CEO of The Oberle Academy in Fredericksburg.
Biz Beat Clips: Graze Craze
by Bill Freehling | Mar 9, 2026
This week we take you to the new Graze Craze location in Central Park, which offers charcuterie boards for a variety of occasions.
Sponsored Content
SPONSORED CONTENT: The life-saving power of colonoscopies
by Mary Washington Healthcare | Mar 1, 2026
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
SPONSORED CONTENT: CareerPath Accelerator: Powering the future of local work in the Rappahannock region
by Sponsored Content | Feb 10, 2026
Rappahannock Goodwill Industries is actively integrating artificial intelligence career training into its workforce development services to prepare job seekers for an evolving market.
SPONSORED CONTENT: A love note to the community for Heart Month
by Sponsored Content | Jan 30, 2026
Taking care of patient hearts is personal for this echocardiographer.
SPONSORED CONTENT: Mary Washington Hospital launches lifesaving stroke procedure
by FFP staff | Dec 31, 2025
Thrombectomy can dramatically improve recovery and survival rates.
SPONSORED CONTENT: From donations to destinations: How Goodwill is driving Fredericksburg’s workforce future
by Sponsored Content | Dec 15, 2025
In April 2026, Goodwill will launch the CareerPath Accelerator, an AI-powered platform designed to bridge gaps between job seekers, training providers, and employers.
News from B101.5/WFVA
LISTEN: From champion to cellblock: Michael Nunn’s story coming to Fredericksburg
by Ted Schubel | Mar 17, 2026
Former professional boxer and 2025 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Michael “Second To” Nunn will share his story April 11th at FailSafe-ERA’s Second Chance Hall of Change Gala.
LISTEN: Plan ahead for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations
by Ted Schubel | Mar 16, 2026
As people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Kurt Erickson with the Washington Regional Alcohol Program says the most important step is making a plan before heading out.
Area road work this week
by Ted Schubel | Mar 16, 2026
For updated information, check 511Virginia.
Food Bank distribution this week
by Ted Schubel | Mar 15, 2026
Full details on the Food Bank Facebook Events Page or the free FREDFOODVA app.
PHOTOS: An army of potato planters at Rappahannock Education Farm
by Ted Schubel | Mar 15, 2026
More than 50 volunteers—turned out Saturday at Rappahannock Education Farm in White Oak to plant thousands of organic seed potatoes in a single field.
News from around Virginia
3rd Annual Community Connections Expo

The Community Connections Expo is an all-day event that connects individuals and families to free community resources and vital health services in the Fredericksburg area. Attendees will have a chance to learn what services are available to them regionally, sign up for eligible assistance, and walk away with resources they need to make meaningful changes in their lives.
Vendors include:
– nonprofit & community organizations
– businesses with free community programs
– social service providers & partners
– direct service providers offering free day of services on site such as haircuts, dental, massage therapy, food distribution, and medical care
This event is hosted by FAHASS (Fredericksburg Area Health and Support Services) in partnership with the Fredericksburg Regional Continuum of Care.
Questions? Please contact Amanda Strawn (amanda@fahass.org) or Joseph Lyttle (joseph@fahass.org)
John Hancock: A Great Lives Roxanne M. Kaufman Lecture with Willard Sterne Randall

Willard Sterne Randall speaks at a Great Lives lecture about John Hancock: First to Sign, First to Invest in America’s Independence, sponsored by Roxanne M. Kaufman.
Curio Wine School: Amber & Orange Wines

Join us for an immersive journey into the world of amber wines—the ancient and intriguing category also known as skin-contact white wines. In this one-hour guided tasting, we’ll explore six unique expressions from Chile, Georgia, Italy, Greece, Austria, and the United States, each showcasing the depth, texture, and complexity that make amber wines so captivating.
We’ll discuss:
🍷 Traditional winemaking techniques and how extended skin contact transforms white grapes into amber-hued wines
🍷 The history and cultural significance of amber wines, from the ancient clay qvevris of Georgia to modern interpretations.
Whether you’re a seasoned amber-wine lover or new to the category, this class will deepen your understanding of orange wines and inspire you to explore them further.
Reserve your spot today! Must be at least 21+ to purchase a ticket and attend.
Included with your ticket:
- Seated wine class in the Curio Wine Cellar with Johnny Puckett, Curio & Rogers Ford Farm Winery owner and winemaker (WSET3).
- Guided tasting of six unique wines.
- Small plate of artisanal cheese and crackers to accompany your tasting
- Discounts on bottle purchases of all wines tasted
Curio wines classes are designed for everyone, whether you are new to the world of wine or a wine expert. We will explore and discover new aspects of wine together. Classes are held in the Curio Wine Bar’s Wine Cellar, which is accessed down a flight of stairs.
Some events listings provided by The City of Fredericksburg Tourism Department and the Stafford County Tourism Department.


















