A call to arms: Fredericksburg’s gun giveback program becomes template for new state law
by Joey LoMonaco | Jul 24, 2026
HB702, which took effect July 1, calls for all localities to establish a voluntary gun giveback or buyback program by 2028.
Stafford judge denies bond for bus driver in fatal Interstate 95 crash
by Jonathan Hunley | Jul 24, 2026
Jing Dong’s attorney, however, has appealed the decision to Stafford Circuit Court.
Caroline Planning Commission defers vote on Carmel technology campus
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Jul 24, 2026
Luck Stone plans to facilitate the construction of a community center for Oxford Mount Zion Baptist Church if the county approves rezoning.
More news from The Free Press
Stafford County to get $3.2M in federal funds for Head Start
by FFP staff | Jul 24, 2026
Head Start programs provide early childhood education, nutrition, health and family support services to children and families.
Spotsylvania School Board member seeking opinion from Virginia attorney general on legality of pre-employment drug testing
by Adele Uphaus | Jul 23, 2026
Opinion would help school board craft a legally-sound policy, Jennifer Craig-Ford said.
Caroline’s Promise to hold its annual school supply drive Saturday
by FFP staff | Jul 23, 2026
Other school supply drives happening this weekend in region, as well.
MWHC announces affiliation with Medical Center Radiologists
by FFP staff | Jul 23, 2026
Change takes effect Feb. 1, 2027, and includes imaging services at Mary Washington Hospital, Stafford Hospital, and outpatient imaging locations.
King George restaurant owners dismayed that repeal of ‘sellers discount’ is on the menu
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Jul 22, 2026
Supervisors continued the public hearing until the Aug. 4 meeting.
At UMW conference, keynote speaker aims to flip script, create a new model for AI in higher education
by Adele Uphaus | Jul 22, 2026
UMW Center for Teaching holds inaugural conference on ‘Reimagining the Liberal Arts in the age of AI.’
A flagship program? City launches pilot program to improve pedestrian safety
by FFP staff | Jul 21, 2026
Orange ‘See Me’ flags will be in place at five unsignalized intersections throughout the city for the next year.
Lawmakers call for special session to debate Dominion-NextEra merger
by Virginia Mercury | Jul 21, 2026
Special legislative session would allow a vote to extend the review period.
Stafford judge denies bond for bus driver in fatal Interstate 95 crash
by Jonathan Hunley | Jul 24, 2026
Jing Dong’s attorney, however, has appealed the decision to Stafford Circuit Court.
Caroline Planning Commission defers vote on Carmel technology campus
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Jul 24, 2026
Luck Stone plans to facilitate the construction of a community center for Oxford Mount Zion Baptist Church if the county approves rezoning.
Stafford County to get $3.2M in federal funds for Head Start
by FFP staff | Jul 24, 2026
Head Start programs provide early childhood education, nutrition, health and family support services to children and families.
Spotsylvania School Board member seeking opinion from Virginia attorney general on legality of pre-employment drug testing
by Adele Uphaus | Jul 23, 2026
Opinion would help school board craft a legally-sound policy, Jennifer Craig-Ford said.
Caroline’s Promise to hold its annual school supply drive Saturday
by FFP staff | Jul 23, 2026
Other school supply drives happening this weekend in region, as well.
Fredericksburg School Board accepting applications to fill vacant at-large seat
by Adele Uphaus | Jul 20, 2026
Voters will elect a replacement in November to fill out the remainder of Jarvis Bailey’s term.
COLUMN: Shouldn’t Fredericksburg have its own superhero, a masked helping hand?
by Jonathan Hunley | Jul 20, 2026
A superhero named the Roanoke Raven now patrols my hometown. We should have our own hero here.
Data centers want to build their own gas turbines. Would that skirt state renewable energy laws?
by Virginia Mercury | Jul 20, 2026
Tech companies are responding to delayed buildout by creating their own power to try to skip the line.
Spotsylvania Health Department closing for two weeks to prepare for move
by FFP staff | Jul 20, 2026
The department is leaving the Holbert Building for new digs at 10300 Spotsylvania Avenue.
On the Agenda, July 20-24
by FFP staff | Jul 20, 2026
Your weekly look at upcoming public meetings in the region.
King George YMCA branch named in honor of Trivett family
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Jul 18, 2026
Owners of Trivett’s Furniture in Spotsylvania County donated $1 million to the Rappahannock Area YMCA.
Caroline schools celebrate literacy program designed to create a ‘print-rich environment’
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Jul 17, 2026
All-In grant funding is supporting the year-long literacy campaign called #CarolineReads.
Canadian wildfire smoke reaches region
by Kathy Knotts | Jul 17, 2026
Residents urged to stay indoors until skies clear again.
Fredericksburg Biz Beat
Biz Beat Roundup: Fredericksburg hotel to re-open under new brand
by Bill Freehling | Jul 22, 2026
Also inside: Retro arcade set to open in Spotsy, fast-growing coffee shop planning another area location, local BBQ restaurants honored
Biz Beat Banter: Paymon Matini
by Bill Freehling | Jul 21, 2026
This week, Bill sits down with Paymon Matini, who grew up in Iran before making his way to the U.S. and opening Paymon Fine Rug Imports in downtown Fredericksburg.
Biz Beat Clips: Fairy Godmother Project
by Bill Freehling | Jul 20, 2026
This week we tell you more about the Fairy Godmother Project in Fredericksburg, a local nonprofit that aims to ease the burden of day-to-day life for families facing pediatric cancer.
Biz Beat Roundup: Local housing prices hit significant threshold
by Bill Freehling | Jul 15, 2026
Also inside: Long-vacant Central Park building to get new life, local businessman tapped for UMW board, local YMCA gets largest-ever gift
Biz Beat Banter: Tom Scott
by Bill Freehling | Jul 14, 2026
This week, Bill sits down with Tom Scott, who recently became president of the newly branded Virginia’s Innovation Crossroads (formerly Fredericksburg Regional Alliance).
Sponsored Content
SPONSORED CONTENT: Protect your skin this summer
by Mary Washington Healthcare | Jul 2, 2026
Tips to prevent skin damage from prolonged sun exposure.
SPONSORED CONTENT: Community baby shower connects families with resources
by Mary Washington Healthcare | May 31, 2026
Free event provides a one-stop resource hub for families preparing to welcome a child.
SPONSORED CONTENT: You are not alone
by Mary Washington Healthcare | May 3, 2026
A message to mothers about mental health.
SPONSORED CONTENT: CareerPath program promises direct connection to real jobs
by Rappahannock Goodwill Industries | Apr 23, 2026
Goodwill answers top questions about new program.
SPONSORED CONTENT: Mary Washington Pulmonology brings advanced lung care to Fredericksburg
by Mary Washington Healthcare | Mar 29, 2026
Early diagnosis is one of the most powerful tools to treat lung disease.
News from B101.5/WFVA
PHOTOS: Habitat volunteers turning student-built home into veteran’s new home
by Ted Schubel | Jul 25, 2026
Volunteers from Fredericksburg United Methodist Church were putting in the muscle Friday in Ladysmith, helping Central Rappahannock River Habitat for Humanity push a new home closer to completion for a local veteran.
WATCH: A summer of history at Salubria
by Ted Schubel | Jul 22, 2026
Salubria in Stevensburg is opening its doors every Thursday and Friday, and some Saturdays, this summer, giving visitors a chance to step inside the 18th-century home and explore its history.
LISTEN: Stuff the Bus in Spotsy
by Ted Schubel | Jul 22, 2026
Rene’ Daniels with Spotsylvania County Public Schools is asking the community to help provide school supplies for local students in need.
WATCH: Artifacts tell story of Fredericksburg 250 years ago
by Ted Schubel | Jul 21, 2026
The American Revolution comes to life through artifacts at the Fredericksburg Area Museum’s next “What Remains” program.
PHOTOS: Music on the Steps at the downtown library
by Ted Schubel | Jul 21, 2026
The Harry Wilson Quartet featured Monday night.
News from around Virginia
The Dean Hall Youth Summer Wrestling Club

FREE Wednesday Party Trivia Nights to Support Local Nonprofits and Build Community

503 Sophia St.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Join Go Local FXBG on Wednesday evenings in July for trivia, prizes, and community impact at Brock’s Riverside Grill in Downtown Fredericksburg! Expect fun trivia rounds, cool prizes, community connections, and a 50/50 raffle supporting the nonprofit of the week. Come hang out, test your knowledge, and help us support a great local cause!
July’s Nonprofits:
July 1: Ruyts Foundation
www.ruytsfoundation.org
July 8: Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank
www.fredfood.org
July 15: The Knowledge Exchange
helping support local students and lifelong learners.
www.tkenonprofit.org
July 22nd: Community Threads
www.communitythreadsva.org
July 29th: Fairy Godmother Project
This week we’re supporting the Fairy Godmother Project, a Fredericksburg-based nonprofit helping local families facing pediatric cancer. Fairy Godmother Project supports families through all phases of a pediatric cancer diagnosis by helping ease the day-to-day stress that comes with treatment, appointments, caregiving, and uncertainty. Their work helps provide emotional and practical support so parents and caregivers can focus on what matters most: being there for their child.
Learn more about the organization here:
www.fairygodmotherproject.org
FREE Tuesday Party Trivia Nights to Support Local Nonprofits and Build Community

33 Wicomico Dr.
Stafford, Virginia 22554
Hosted by: Go Local FXBG
• $50 Mo’s gift card for 1st place
• Swag prizes for 2nd and 3rd place
Join Go Local FXBG on Tuesday evenings in July for trivia, prizes, and community impact at Buffalo Mo’s in Stafford, Virginia! Expect fun trivia rounds, cool prizes, community connections, and a 50/50 raffle supporting the nonprofit of the week. Come hang out, test your knowledge, and help us support a great local cause!
July’s Nonprofits:
July 7th: Lynn’s Early Childhood Foundation
This week, we’re supporting Lynn’s Early Childhood Foundation, a local nonprofit that supports pregnant mothers and families with children from newborn through age two by providing essential items, community resources, and compassionate care. Their work helps families feel supported, valued, and cared for during some of the most important early years of a child’s life.
July 14th: Love Thy Neighbor
This week, we’re supporting Love Thy Neighbor, a King George-based nonprofit food pantry committed to helping individuals and families facing food insecurity. They provide free groceries, fresh produce, pantry staples, hygiene items, and essential resources to neighbors in need. Their mission is rooted in compassion, dignity, and community support — helping make sure local families have access to food, hope, and a little extra help when life gets heavy.
July 21st: Rare Resilience
This week, we’re supporting Rare Resilience, a local nonprofit helping to bring awareness, support, and community connection to families and individuals impacted by rare conditions and unique medical journeys. With a message of “United for every unique chromosome,” their work reminds us that every story matters, every family deserves support, and no one should feel like they are walking a rare journey alone.
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579453153683
July 28th: Fairy Godmother Project
This week, we’re supporting the Fairy Godmother Project, a local nonprofit that works to support families through all phases of a pediatric cancer diagnosis by helping ease the day-to-day stress that comes with treatment, appointments, caregiving, and uncertainty. Their work helps provide emotional and practical support so parents and caregivers can focus on what matters most: being there for their child.
Learn more about the organization here:
www.fairygodmotherproject.org
Some events listings provided by The City of Fredericksburg Tourism Department and the Stafford County Tourism Department.

















