COLUMN: ‘A Pirate Looks at 50’
Your columnist has aged since he last appeared in this space.
Today’s news sponsored by:
Virginia localities raise $119M for school construction through targeted sales tax
Lawmakers advanced proposals this year to give counties and cities statewide the option to levy the tax.
On the Agenda, June 22-26
Your weekly look at upcoming public meetings in the region.
More news from The Free Press
Virginia Medical Imaging sues Mary Washington Healthcare for $2.25M
MWHC spokesperson: The suit, which alleges breach of contract, is ‘financially motivated’ and ‘has nothing to do with patient care.’
NTSB report: Bus continued for nearly half a mile after first colliding with traffic in work zone
Report: Work zone for overnight paving closed two lanes, right shoulder at time of incident.
PHOTOS: Juneteenth 2026: Celebrate the Storytellers
Market Square celebration recognizes emancipation and contributions of Black Americans.
GOP hopefuls in Virginia’s 7th District talk data centers, legislative priorities
Republicans Philip Harding, Doug Ollivant and Rick Smithers appeared at a candidate forum on Wednesday night in Fredericksburg.
Caroline Planning Commission recommends solar ordinance before new state law takes effect
A new state law takes effect on July 1 that would permit a battery storage facility by-right if it accompanies a solar project.
Virginia House, Senate to meet Monday as budget deadline inches closer
State budget negotiators reportedly reach tentative, unofficial deal.
Group works to mine diamond lore from region’s Black community
Fredericksburg Nationals President Seth Silber, area history enthusiast Eunice Haigler are planning a documentary and a book detailing the legacy of Black baseball teams in the region.
King George’s Rinko is Work-Based Learning Professional of the Year
Rinko is the career and technical education specialist for King George County Public Schools.
Virginia localities raise $119M for school construction through targeted sales tax
Lawmakers advanced proposals this year to give counties and cities statewide the option to levy the tax.
On the Agenda, June 22-26
Your weekly look at upcoming public meetings in the region.
Virginia Medical Imaging sues Mary Washington Healthcare for $2.25M
MWHC spokesperson: The suit, which alleges breach of contract, is ‘financially motivated’ and ‘has nothing to do with patient care.’
NTSB report: Bus continued for nearly half a mile after first colliding with traffic in work zone
Report: Work zone for overnight paving closed two lanes, right shoulder at time of incident.
PHOTOS: Juneteenth 2026: Celebrate the Storytellers
Market Square celebration recognizes emancipation and contributions of Black Americans.
Senate budget proposal keeps data center sales tax exemption, adds new tax for industry
Proposal adds a tiered tax for the industry that targets diesel generators and would generate $1.8 billion for the state.
Kicking into high gear: Fred City founders aim to begin USL season in 2027
Franchise nearing agreement to play its games at the University of Mary Washington starting in May 2027.
Ghanaian mayor of Sister City makes first visit to Fredericksburg
The young mayor of Prince’s Town toured the region this week.
Stafford County community survey reveals resident likes, sparks supervisor ire
Darrell English of the Hartwood District and Crystal Vanuch of the Rock Hill District had issues with the poll.
Stafford County to hold meetings on Comprehensive Plan
The county is in the process of updating the document, which serves as a blueprint for development.
Spanberger, legislators roll out retail weed plan, set to launch in July 2027
State sales tax on retail weed will be 6% to start and rise to 8% in 2029, while retail locations to be capped at 350 statewide.
Virginia Marine Resources Commission sets public hearing on Caroline water intake facility
Hearing will take place next Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the VMRC’s main office.
Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging joins senior cool care program
Program provides fans and/or air-conditioning units to qualified seniors.
Today’s news sponsored by:
Fredericksburg Biz Beat
Biz Beat Clips: The Gauntlet Golf Club
This week we talk to the new owner of The Gauntlet Golf Club in Stafford County about his plans for the course.
Biz Beat Roundup: Area housing prices hit new high
Also inside: Additional tenants announced for Thornburg project, area commercial Realtor receives distinction, rezoning requested in Stafford
Biz Beat Banter: Dr. Maithreyi Sarma
Bill sits down with Dr. Maithreyi Sarma, a hematologist and medical oncologist for Mary Washington Healthcare.
Biz Beat Clips: Amazon in Stafford, Part Two
This week, we wrap up a two-part series taking viewers inside Amazon’s two large Stafford warehouses on Centreport Parkway.
Biz Beat Roundup: Two area banks officially tie up
Also inside: Major project under way adjacent to Kalahari, area businessman re-appointed to UMW board, Under Armour opening area store
Sponsored Content
SPONSORED CONTENT: Community baby shower connects families with resources
Free event provides a one-stop resource hub for families preparing to welcome a child.
SPONSORED CONTENT: You are not alone
A message to mothers about mental health.
SPONSORED CONTENT: CareerPath program promises direct connection to real jobs
Goodwill answers top questions about new program.
SPONSORED CONTENT: Mary Washington Pulmonology brings advanced lung care to Fredericksburg
Early diagnosis is one of the most powerful tools to treat lung disease.
SPONSORED CONTENT: The life-saving power of colonoscopies
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
News from B101.5/WFVA
Area road work this week
For updated information, check 511 Virginia.
LISTEN: Some area Special Olympics Virginia Athletes at USA games this week
About a dozen Special Olympics Virginia athletes from the Fredericksburg area are in Minneapolis this week for Special Olympics USA games.
Food Bank distribution this week
Full details on their Facebook Events Page or the free REDFOODVA app–Come once a week for Drive-Thru or Walk-Up distributions.
WATCH: Search continues for another kitchen at Ferry Farm
Archaeologists say they’ve uncovered a remarkable amount of information at the kitchen site at Ferry Farm in Stafford, but one of the biggest questions remains unanswered.
PHOTOS: Floods, fish, Washington and Gary the Goose featured in new Fredericksburg mural
Fredericksburg artist Bill Harris continues work on a new mural downtown on the Sophia Street side of the Goolrick’s building.
News from around Virginia
Some events listings provided by The City of Fredericksburg Tourism Department and the Stafford County Tourism Department.