
Gun discharged in Spotsylvania classroom as 26 students evacuated
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Apr 7, 2025
No students or staff were injured in the Monday morning incident at Lee Hill Elementary School.
PHOTOS: Carolina League champion FredNats get their rings
by Jeff Kearney | Apr 7, 2025
Members of the 2024 Carolina League champion Fredericksburg Nationals received their championship rings during a ceremony on Monday at Virginia Credit Union Stadium.

Stafford County board leaders commit not to cut education funding
by Jonathan Hunley | Apr 6, 2025
Diggs, Allen say they won’t cut ‘a single dime’ from education spending in the next fiscal year.
More news from The Free Press
GALLERY: UMW holds its 35th annual Multicultural Fair
by Suzanne Carr-Rossi | Apr 6, 2025
Hundreds turned out for the 35th annual University of Mary Washington Multicultural Fair on Saturday afternoon.

Column: I saw some promising signs and people, too
by Joey LoMonaco | Apr 5, 2025
The “Hands Off” mass mobilization drew several hundred to downtown Fredericksburg protesting Elon Musk, Donald Trump and cuts to the federal government.
GALLERY: Hands Off protest in downtown Fredericksburg
by Jeff Kearney | Apr 5, 2025
Hundreds of protestors assembled for the “Hands Off” democracy event in Fredericksburg on Saturday.

Torpedo bats are launching baseballs with abandon. Could your FredNats get in on the power surge?
by Devin Payne | Apr 4, 2025
Manager, players foresee novel lumber trickling down to Single-A level.

Stafford County adds 128 acres from two farms to PDR portfolio
by FFP staff | Apr 4, 2025
The properties are located in the George Washington and Hartwood districts.

VDOT: Public comment invited on Route 608 project in Spotsylvania
by FFP staff | Apr 4, 2025
Take an online survey through April 17, or attend the in-person design public hearing Monday at Brock Road Elementary School.
WATCH: Free Press forecast with meteorologist Sean Sublette
by Sean Sublette | Apr 4, 2025
No rain expected Saturday, when UMW holds annual multicultural fair.

Lawmakers push back on Youngkin budget, pass bipartisan bills on probation, dangerous driving
by Virginia Mercury | Apr 3, 2025
Actions set the stage for a potential showdown between Democrats, a GOP governor and a Republican legislative minority.
PHOTOS: Carolina League champion FredNats get their rings
by Jeff Kearney | Apr 7, 2025
Members of the 2024 Carolina League champion Fredericksburg Nationals received their championship rings during a ceremony on Monday at Virginia Credit Union Stadium.

Stafford County board leaders commit not to cut education funding
by Jonathan Hunley | Apr 6, 2025
Diggs, Allen say they won’t cut ‘a single dime’ from education spending in the next fiscal year.
GALLERY: UMW holds its 35th annual Multicultural Fair
by Suzanne Carr-Rossi | Apr 6, 2025
Hundreds turned out for the 35th annual University of Mary Washington Multicultural Fair on Saturday afternoon.

Column: I saw some promising signs and people, too
by Joey LoMonaco | Apr 5, 2025
The “Hands Off” mass mobilization drew several hundred to downtown Fredericksburg protesting Elon Musk, Donald Trump and cuts to the federal government.
GALLERY: Hands Off protest in downtown Fredericksburg
by Jeff Kearney | Apr 5, 2025
Hundreds of protestors assembled for the “Hands Off” democracy event in Fredericksburg on Saturday.

Stafford County Supervisor Meg Bohmke won’t seek re-election, endorses Michael Catell
by Jonathan Hunley | Apr 3, 2025
Bohmke served on the School Board before joining the supervisors for three terms.

‘Staring into the abyss’: Fredericksburg officials pledge to fund schools despite challenges
by Joey LoMonaco | Apr 2, 2025
City’s appropriation plan could lead to $3 million less in operating funds, at least initially.

Stafford County supervisors take a shine to Hartwood solar farm
by Jonathan Hunley | Apr 2, 2025
Board also discussed data centers, school funding, tax relief and county employee benefits.

Coming off championship, FredNats welcome fresh faces, new manager
by Devin Payne | Apr 1, 2025
Billy McMillon takes over as skipper, preaches ’emphasis on fundamentals.’

Stafford superintendent Smith: Funding from feds, state at issue
by Jonathan Hunley | Apr 1, 2025
Smith, who took division’s top post in December, also addressed DEI policies.

Legislative wins: Youngkin signs bills by lawmakers Cole, Durant
by Jonathan Hunley | Apr 1, 2025
The topics of the bills with local connections ranged from campaign-finance abuse to breast cancer.

Panelists to women with political ambitions: ‘Don’t count yourself out’
by Martina Nicholson | Mar 31, 2025
Second-annual Women in Politics panel at UMW stresses importance of mentorship, resilience.

FredNats announce 2025 Opening Day roster
by FFP staff | Mar 31, 2025
Roster includes nine members of Washington’s 2024 draft class.
Fredericksburg Biz Beat

Biz Beat Clips: BUMRUSH Vinyl Shop
by Bill Freehling | Apr 7, 2025
This week’s Biz Beat Clips video highlights BUMRUSH Vinyl Shop in Fredericksburg, a retro music store offering vinyl records, cassette tapes, CDs and more.

Biz Beat Roundup: Buc-ee’s seeking rezoning for Stafford project
by Bill Freehling | Apr 2, 2025
Also inside: Expanded NICU opens at Mary Washington Hospital; another data center in the works in Stafford; new stores under way for popular chains.

Biz Beat Banter: Kevin Breen
by Bill Freehling | Apr 1, 2025
We covered a range of topics during our 30-minute conversation, including: Kevin’s childhood in Ireland, how his fleet feet took him to America, and how he has built one of the leading local real estate brokerage firms.

Biz Beat Clips: Gibson’s Soft Serve transforms former gas station
by Bill Freehling | Mar 31, 2025
This week’s Biz Beat Clips video focuses on Gibson’s Soft Serve in Bowling Green, which is serving up frozen treats from a former Texaco station.

Biz Beat Roundup: Popular restaurant chain opening locally in April
by Bill Freehling | Mar 26, 2025
Also inside: Businesses open in Downtown Fredericksburg; Assisted-living facility under construction near hospital; $2.6 million sale at Lake Anna
Sponsored Content

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

Area road work this week
by Ted Schubel | Apr 7, 2025
All work is scheduled weather permitting.

WATCH: Updating a historical location in Fredericksburg
by Ted Schubel | Apr 7, 2025
Washington Heritage Museums is at work updating the Caretaker’s Lodge and the property around the Mary Washington Monument at 1500 Washington Ave. in Fredericksburg.

Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank distribution this week
by Ted Schubel | Apr 7, 2025
The Food Bank says you’re welcome to come by for food assistance once a week, whether you choose a Drive-Thru, Walk-Up, or Fresh Market distribution.

New ambulance in Louisa
by Ted Schubel | Apr 5, 2025
Officials say the ambulance will provide 24/7, 365 coverage.

PHOTOS: Rappahannock Adult Activities Spring Plant Sale underway
by Ted Schubel | Apr 4, 2025
10-4 weekdays, 9-noon on Saturdays at 750 Kings Highway.
News from around Virginia



Puerto Rican Bomba Percussion Classes

Save the dates and join us to learn the fundamentals of Puerto Rican bomba percussion! Each class will include a new rhythm with the bomba instruments. This class will teach the popular rhythms of bomba such as sicá, cuembé, yubá, holandé and rulé. All ages welcome!
Courses Dates: Sundays Feb 2nd, Mar 2nd, Apr 6th and Jun 1st
(May 4th we will have a special program with guest artists from Puerto Rico in downtown Fredericksburg)
Time: 4:00pm to 4:50pm
Location: Virtuous Dance Center 31 Utah Place #101 Fredericksburg, VA 22406
All levels welcome, no experience required!
Cost: $15 per teen(13+), adult or senior, $10 for children, $7 for 2nd + children
Or get all four classes for $52 for teen, adult or senior, $32 for children, $24 for 2nd + children
Bomba drums will be available but the number is limited. If you have a djembe, timba or conga or your own barril, please bring it.
All sales are final. No refunds.
*Watch this video to learn more about bomba and our organization’s mission:
https://www.facebook.com/centropr/videos/10154527959564827/
For more information, email us: [email protected] and don’t forget to invite your friends!
Find us in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linked In and TikTok

Good News Bears

Good News Bears is a children’s ministry for Pre-K through 5th graders to gather together Every Wednesday evenings for dinner, worship and fun faith-filled activities, games, field trips and bible lessons. Our dedicated team provides a safe, nurturing environment where lasting friendships are formed. If the children have no school, we do not meet.

Faithful Adult Book Club

Join us Wednesday nights for a Christian book club where we read and discuss inspiring books that deepen our faith and understanding of God’s words. Meet with fellow book lovers to share insights and grow together through thoughtful discussions in a supportive community. Zoom is available for those who wish to attend remotely.
Some events listings provided by The City of Fredericksburg Tourism Department and the Stafford County Tourism Department.