If ICE wants to build in Stafford, county might be powerless to stop it
Washington Post report: locality being considered for immigration deportation facility.
Today’s news sponsored by:
The top 5 Free Time stories of 2025
From pinball to painting, the inaugural year of the Free Press’s arts and entertainment newsletter was full of passions, projects, pursuits.
My Top 5 stories of 2025: Jonathan Hunley
My top five stories of 2025 talk about everything from DOGE to SNL, and first responders to agriculture and higher education.
More news from The Free Press
My top 5 stories of 2025: Taft Coghill Jr.
My top five stories of 2025 include a retrospective of the integration of Caroline County Public Schools, a group of dedicated volunteers filling prescriptions at the Moss Free Clinic, and an area therapist providing guidance for federal employees rebuilding their lives.
COLUMN: Courtland grad is among new crop of agricultural advocates
Franco Abud, bound for Cornell next year, is the state vice president for the Virginia FFA.
Coghill’s JM departure leaves four football head coach openings in Fredericksburg area
Stafford, King George and Hartwood high schools are also seeking football coaches.
A seed planted: Cole’s rise to state delegate rooted in advocacy
Del.-Elect Nicole Cole (D-Spotsylvania) took a grassroots approach to defeating longtime incumbent Republican Bobby Orrock.
REMS board President Dillard appointed to Virginia State Board of Health
He has logged almost four decades of service in local EMS work.
VDH awards $6.2 million to Town of Bowling Green to address water issues
The General Assembly approved $25 million in grant funding earlier this year, with priority given to the Town of Bowling Green and Greene County.
Gov.-elect Spanberger outlines energy priorities with focus on efficiency, battery storage
In meeting with legislators last week, solar power and transmission grid infrastructure came up frequently.
Press Rewind: Dec. 15-20
Here’s what you may have missed last week, curated by Free Press staff.
The top 5 Free Time stories of 2025
From pinball to painting, the inaugural year of the Free Press’s arts and entertainment newsletter was full of passions, projects, pursuits.
My Top 5 stories of 2025: Jonathan Hunley
My top five stories of 2025 talk about everything from DOGE to SNL, and first responders to agriculture and higher education.
My top 5 stories of 2025: Taft Coghill Jr.
My top five stories of 2025 include a retrospective of the integration of Caroline County Public Schools, a group of dedicated volunteers filling prescriptions at the Moss Free Clinic, and an area therapist providing guidance for federal employees rebuilding their lives.
COLUMN: Courtland grad is among new crop of agricultural advocates
Franco Abud, bound for Cornell next year, is the state vice president for the Virginia FFA.
Coghill’s JM departure leaves four football head coach openings in Fredericksburg area
Stafford, King George and Hartwood high schools are also seeking football coaches.
Bobby Orrock, defeated in November, doesn’t rule out a return to public service
He was feted at a gathering Thursday.
Candidates set in special election for House of Delegates’ 23rd District
Seat came open when Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger named Del. Candi Mundon King as Virginia’s next secretary of the commonwealth.
Lost revenue from tax-exempt veterans leaves ‘hole in the budget’ in King George
Statewide veteran tax relief programs have left some localities feeling the impact of lost revenue.
Stafford County asks residents to voluntarily conserve water as state has seen low rainfall
Last month was Stafford’s 25th-driest November on record over the past 131 years
Alumni Night strives to celebrate JM’s basketball history and inspire the future
James Monroe basketball coaches Chuck Ellis and Julian Bumbrey came up with the idea to hold a triple-header and honor the program’s storied past.
Stafford supervisors continue to register opposition to power line project
The board also celebrated outgoing Supervisors Meg Bohmke and Monica Gary, who didn’t seek re-election this year.
‘Caroline Reads’ initiative aims to build up community one book at a time
Assistant Superintendent Michael Mudd also announced a $218,000 literacy grant to assist in efforts at Bowling Green Elementary School and Caroline Middle School.
Caroline Historical Society exhibit tells the story of county’s World War II veterans
The Caroline Historical Society also features a display telling the story of the history of county churches.
Today’s news sponsored by:
Fredericksburg Biz Beat
Biz Beat Roundup: Two banks with local ties to merge
Also inside: Data-center site in Spotsylvania sells for $167.5 million, 75-foot pylon sign requested along I-95, longtime local pediatrician closing practice
Biz Beat Banter: Rennie McDaniel and Kelly Johnson
This week, Bill sits down with Rennie McDaniel and Kelly Johnson to talk about their instrumental role in the successful Monumental Vision campaign for the renovation of Mary Washington Monument.
Biz Beat Clips: $500K project ongoing at Massad YMCA
This week’s video takes you to the Massad branch of the Rappahannock Area YMCA to learn about a half-million-dollar renovation project and meet the organization’s new CEO.
Biz Beat Roundup: New big-box store coming to Central Park
Also inside: New location for Bubblebee, housing sales dip in November, William Street property to be sold
Biz Beat Banter: Keith Lebor
This week, Bill sits down with Olde Towne Butcher owner Keith Lebor to learn about his path to becoming a small-business owner.
Sponsored Content
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
SPONSORED CONTENT: Championing community wellness through sports medicine
Preventing and treating injuries is focus at Mary Washington Orthopedics.
News from B101.5/WFVA
LISTEN: Simple kitchen mistakes driving seasonal fire calls
Spotsylvania fire officials say unattended cooking is one of the leading causes of house fires during the winter months.
Area road work this week
VDOT will suspend many highway work zones and lift temporary lane closures on interstates and other major roads from noon Wednesday, Dec. 31-noon Friday, Jan. 2.
Illegal dumping leaves 110 tires along Route 33 in Orange County
Investigators with the Orange Sheriff’s Office believe a white pickup truck pulling a black trailer may be connected to the incident.
Food Bank distribution this week
The Food Bank says drive-thru and walk-up food distributions are available once a week.
PHOTOS: Final harvest of 2025 caps a big year at Rappahannock Education Farm
Sixty volunteers gathered nearly a ton of produce during the final harvest of 2025 at the Rappahannock Education Farm in White Oak.
News from around Virginia
Some events listings provided by The City of Fredericksburg Tourism Department and the Stafford County Tourism Department.