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.
Biz Beat Clips: The Barking Barley
This week’s video takes you to The Barking Barley, Fredericksburg’s first dog-park bar.
Biz Beat Roundup: New restaurant and bar coming to William Street
Also inside: Landscape architect unveils plan for Mary Washington Monument, local brewery closing at end of year, family-oriented business opens at Spotsylvania Towne Centre
Biz Beat Banter: Susan Spears
This week, Bill sits down with Susan Spears, president and CEO of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Biz Beat Clips: River & Roots Collective
This week’s video takes you to River & Roots Collective, a new gift and coffee shop inside a historic Falmouth building.
News from The Free Press
If ICE wants to build in Stafford, county might be powerless to stop it
Washington Post report: Locality being considered for immigration deportation facility.
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.






