
Virginia Democrats: ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ shouldn’t be a SNAP decision
by Jonathan Hunley | Jun 6, 2025
Legislators warn of impacts to local families, food banks if assistance is cut.

Local judge indicted on charge of bribery of a Spotsylvania County public official
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Jun 6, 2025
Richard T. McGrath, the Chief Judge of the 15th Judicial District of Virginia, was indicted Monday on a Class 4 felony charge of bribery of a public official.

City schools celebrate ‘incredible’ progress in special education
by Joey LoMonaco | Jun 6, 2025
SOL test performance sags at James Monroe High School, ticks up at Walker-Grant Middle School.
More news from The Free Press

Vindman introduces bipartisan bill to support women, infants and children
by FFP staff | Jun 6, 2025
The Democrat, the only Virginian on the House Agriculture Committee, submitted the bill with Rep. Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (R-Pa.), the committee’s chairman.
WATCH: Free Press forecast with meteorologist Sean Sublette
by Sean Sublette | Jun 6, 2025
Heat check: cooler nights are likely gone for the summer.

Major players: Umbiance set the stage for increased diversity in local performing arts scene
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Jun 5, 2025
Performances of ’12 Dancing Princesses’ will be held Saturday and Sunday at James Monroe High School at 2:30 p.m.

Making a splash: Ahead of schedule, Kalahari welcomes a beaming Youngkin
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Jun 4, 2025
Governor held a celebratory beam signing ceremony Wednesday at the construction site, commemorating brisk progress on the $900 million project.

A point of pride: Spurred on by Diggs, Stafford officially recognizes LGBTQ diversity
by Jonathan Hunley | Jun 4, 2025
The supervisors also voted to support a route for a new road and bridge over the Rappahannock River.

Judge orders Spotsylvania School Board, former superintendent to negotiate settlement
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Jun 3, 2025
In another Spotsylvania County Public Schools legal matter, a judge ordered school board member Nicole Cole’s attorney to pay attorney fees for two fellow board members that she is suing.

Cast of thieves: Hawks’ larceny on the bases ends Spotsylvania’s season
by Devin Payne | Jun 3, 2025
Hanover ends the Spotsylvania High School baseball team’s best season since a run to the 2018 Class 3 state title.

City, VDOT pave way for Dixon Park Connector Trail
by Joey LoMonaco | Jun 2, 2025
Construction for the multi-use path, which is fully funded through VDOT’s SMART SCALE, could begin as early as 2028.

Local judge indicted on charge of bribery of a Spotsylvania County public official
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Jun 6, 2025
Richard T. McGrath, the Chief Judge of the 15th Judicial District of Virginia, was indicted Monday on a Class 4 felony charge of bribery of a public official.

City schools celebrate ‘incredible’ progress in special education
by Joey LoMonaco | Jun 6, 2025
SOL test performance sags at James Monroe High School, ticks up at Walker-Grant Middle School.

Vindman introduces bipartisan bill to support women, infants and children
by FFP staff | Jun 6, 2025
The Democrat, the only Virginian on the House Agriculture Committee, submitted the bill with Rep. Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (R-Pa.), the committee’s chairman.
WATCH: Free Press forecast with meteorologist Sean Sublette
by Sean Sublette | Jun 6, 2025
Heat check: cooler nights are likely gone for the summer.

Major players: Umbiance set the stage for increased diversity in local performing arts scene
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Jun 5, 2025
Performances of ’12 Dancing Princesses’ will be held Saturday and Sunday at James Monroe High School at 2:30 p.m.

On the Agenda, June 2-6
by FFP staff | Jun 2, 2025
Your weekly look at upcoming public meetings across the region.

CSX rail maintenance work to close roads in Caroline and Spotsylvania
by FFP staff | Jun 2, 2025
Motorists should follow posted detours during overnight closures at rail crossings.

Distrust between boards keeping Caroline schools in flux
by Taft Coghill Jr. | May 30, 2025
Supervisors vote to allow school division to install trailers at Bowling Green Elementary but also want to add on to the facility — despite the school board’s concerns.
WATCH: Free Press forecast with meteorologist Sean Sublette
by Sean Sublette | May 30, 2025
Showers continue Friday and Saturday before seasonal temps return.

City police arrest Spotsylvania man accused of 2023 homicide
by FFP staff | May 29, 2025
Antione Fox, 19, of Fredericksburg was killed on June 10, 2023.

Design work approved for third fire station; city puts a bow on budget season
by Joey LoMonaco | May 29, 2025
HFFI makes case to city council for pursuit of conservation goals.

River crossing ‘Option C’ gets a passing grade from Stafford supervisors
by Jonathan Hunley | May 29, 2025
A new river crossing west of Interstate 95 has been under consideration for more than a year.

Safety project on Old Plank Road in Spotsylvania County begins next week
by FFP staff | May 29, 2025
Road shoulders will be slightly widened on Old Plank between Route 3 and Catharpin Road ahead of resurfacing to reduce crash risk.
Fredericksburg Biz Beat

Biz Beat Roundup: Kalahari project hits milestone
by Bill Freehling | Jun 4, 2025
Also inside: Popular ice cream and candy shop coming to Downtown Fredericksburg, two local businesses named among best in Northern Virginia, large data center campus proposed along Route 3

Biz Beat Banter: Charlie Payne
by Bill Freehling | Jun 3, 2025
Hirschler attorney Charlie Payne talks about his childhood in Falmouth, his decision to become an attorney, and his thoughts on the data center boom in the region.

Biz Beat Clips: BANG! Music
by Bill Freehling | Jun 2, 2025
This week we take you to BANG! Music in North Stafford, a business that offers music lessons, sales and rentals. It’s been open since 1997.

Biz Beat Roundup: $1.5M downtown sale closes
by Bill Freehling | May 28, 2025
Also inside: Fredericksburg businesses closing, local financial brokerage firm growing, data centers proposed for prominent local site

Biz Beat Banter: Clint Van Zandt
by Bill Freehling | May 27, 2025
In this week’s Biz Beat Banter podcast episode, longtime FBI profiler and negotiator (and Fredericksburg resident) Clint Van Zandt talks about his storied career and life experiences.
Sponsored Content

SPONSORED CONTENT: Mary Washington Weight Loss Center offers a comprehensive approach to health and wellness
by Mary Washington Healthcare | May 13, 2025
Center offers both surgical and medical weight loss programs with comprehensive approach.

SPONSORED CONTENT: Joe and Mary Wilson NICU provides hope, healing and expert care for newborns
by Mary Washington Healthcare | Apr 15, 2025
New unit at Mary Washington Hospital opened in March, serving newborns and their families.

SPONSORED CONTENT: The benefits of robotic surgery
by Mary Washington Healthcare | Mar 18, 2025
A Mary Washington Healthcare surgeon offers perspective on the benefits and applications of robotic surgery.
News from B101.5/WFVA

LISTEN: “Virginia Resolved: A Commemoration of Independence,” this Saturday at Stratford Hall
by Ted Schubel | Jun 6, 2025
The Westmoreland historical site marks a major day in history–a citizenship ceremony will also be held.

Free Fishing Days in Virginia this weekend
by Ted Schubel | Jun 5, 2025
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources says no fishing license needed.

LISTEN: Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games this weekend in Richmond
by Ted Schubel | Jun 4, 2025
Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run will go thru the area Friday morning–opening ceremonies Friday night at U of R

False water advisory reported in Stafford
by Ted Schubel | Jun 4, 2025
Stafford County Utilities has received calls from customers reporting notices posted on their doors regarding a water advisory.

PHOTOS: Freedom thru ramps
by Ted Schubel | Jun 3, 2025
Most Saturday mornings volunteers with SAWs-Virginia (Servants at Work) are out in the community building ramps for those in need.
News from around Virginia



Free Guided Woodland Hikes

Conducted on the last Sunday of the month by Virginia Master Naturalists, these informative hikes cover a mile of trails in both woodlands and fields and also touch on the historic ruins of Belmont’s past. Meet outside the Visitor Center. Sturdy footwear is advised; no pets, please.
Year-round program


Second Saturday of the Month April – October (April 12, May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13, October 11)
Location: Gari Melchers Home and Studio/Stafford Visitor Center Parking Lot
Automobile enthusiasts are invited to a monthly meetup in the museum parking lot the second Saturday of each month April-October, 2025 8 AM – 11 AM. Event is open to all makes, models and years. Coffee will be available for purchase. The Visitor Center will be open during the event. Museum buildings and grounds open for tours at 10 AM.
Guests are advised to use caution when entering and exiting our gravel lot. This event is free and open to the public. Questions? Contact our Visitor Services Manager Lindy M. Lynn, [email protected], 540-654-1843.

Vino & Vibes: GNO & Wine Bingo

Ladies, it’s time to sip, savor, and socialize! Join us for Vino & Vibes, our monthly girls’ night out, happening on the first Thursday of the month from May through August. We’re keeping the winery open late just for you—because great nights start with great wine!
Indulge in exclusive specials on wine and appetizers from 5 PM to 8 PM while soaking in the European charm of our Tuscan-style bistro and vineyard views. But that’s not all…
Wine Bingo in the Bistro! (starts at 6:30PM)
Feeling lucky? Grab a bingo board and put your wine knowledge to the test with a blind tasting challenge. Each round, you’ll sip and guess until we crown a winner—who will take home a special prize!
Bistro reservations recommended- bring your besties and let the Vino & Vibes flow!
Some events listings provided by The City of Fredericksburg Tourism Department and the Stafford County Tourism Department.