From Uriah: ICYMI — Three Great New Small Business Stories We Brought You First
I wanted to take a moment to share three stories I’m especially proud of—each one highlighting a new small business that’s adding something special to our local communities:
- Remix Market to replace former Tin Cannon Brewery in Gainesville
- Virginia’s first Success Space opens in Fredericksburg, blending co-working, coaching, and coffee
- The next chapter for Fredericksburg readers: ‘Novel’ opens downtown
I love interviewing small business owners and telling their stories. Not only does it take courage and risk to launch something new and serve your neighbors, but as a small business owner myself, I always walk away having learned something from the people I meet.
If you know a small business that’s getting ready to open—a retail shop, restaurant, service provider, or something totally unique—or one that’s been serving the community for years and deserves a spotlight, just hit reply and let me know. I’d love to help share their story next.
Now, let’s get a jump on the week.
Vindman Pushes for Phone-Free Classrooms
Congressman Eugene Vindman, who represents Virginia’s 7th District, has introduced federal legislation requiring public schools to adopt cellphone-free classroom policies. Known as the UNPLUGGED Act, the bill mandates that state education agencies implement rules to keep phones out of classrooms during school hours—though students would still be allowed to keep their phones in their possession.
The congressman introduced the legislation following a roundtable in Fredericksburg with parents, teachers, and school leaders, including Superintendent Dr. Marceline Catlett.
“It’s past time we restore quality education across our country,” Vindman said.
Read the full story via Fredericksburg Free Press: Vindman Introduces Bill to Require Cellphone-Free Classrooms
Del. Luke Torian Elected Chair of Virginia Legislative Black Caucus
Prince William County Delegate Luke Torian is the new chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, elected by fellow members on April 3. He succeeds Senator Lamont Bagby, who led the caucus since 2017.
Torian said the caucus is focused on challenges affecting working Virginians, such as health care cuts, underfunded schools, and rising living costs.
“The caucus is stronger, better equipped and more determined than ever to fight for those who have been overlooked for too long,” Torian said.
Read more from InsideNoVA: Del. Torian tapped to chair of Virginia Legislative Black Caucus
Dr. LaTanya McDade Honored with Statewide Administrator Award
Dr. LaTanya D. McDade, Superintendent of Prince William County Public Schools, has been awarded the School Administrator Award by the Virginia Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Association. The award recognizes administrators who provide outstanding support to FCCLA and its mission to prepare students with real-world, career-ready skills.
“FCCLA empowers students with real-world skills, perfectly aligning with our mission at PWCS to prepare our students for post-secondary success,” said Dr. McDade.
Under her leadership, PWCS has expanded its Career and Technical Education offerings to include more than 135 courses. PWCS currently has FCCLA chapters at seven high schools with over 1,200 student members.
Monday Weather Forecast: Severe Storms Possible
According to the National Weather Service, a storm system approaching from the Great Lakes could bring severe thunderstorms, damaging wind gusts, and hail to our area late Monday afternoon into the evening.
- Monday will start dry and mostly cloudy, with highs near 70°F.
- By evening, fast-moving storms could develop west of the Blue Ridge and potentially reach the I-95 corridor.
- Tuesday will bring strong winds up to 45 mph and colder temperatures, with snow possible in the mountains Tuesday night.
Stay weather-aware and monitor alerts.
Source: National Weather Service
Marine Corps Historic Half Returns May 17–18 — Expect Street Closures
The Marine Corps Historic Half is back in Fredericksburg the weekend of May 17–18, 2025. This year includes a new Semper Fred 5K on Saturday, a family-friendly event that kicks off the weekend’s festivities.
- Saturday, May 17: Road closures from 12:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in the Central Park area, including Gordon Shelton Boulevard and parts of Carl D. Silver Parkway.
5K Race Map - Sunday, May 18: The 13.1-mile half marathon route runs through Central Park, Cowan Boulevard, Hospital Hill, and Historic Downtown Fredericksburg. Events begin at 6:00 a.m., with street closures and parking restrictions starting at 4:00 a.m.
Half Marathon Course Map
FredNats Dominate Doubleheader, Clinch Series Win
The Fredericksburg Nationals (4-4) shut down the Salem Red Sox (4-4) in a doubleheader sweep, winning 3-0 and 5-2 to even their season record. With the pair of wins, the FredNats secured the series.
Starting pitchers Alexander Meckley and Yoel Tejeda Jr. each went five innings to earn their first wins of the season. The bullpen followed with four no-hit innings from Erick Mejia, Erik Tolman, and Robert Cranz.
Jackson Ross stayed hot with a clutch two-run double in game one, while Roismar Quintana cleared the bases with a double in game two. Moises Gallardo hit his first home run as a National to seal the win.
Next up: Fredericksburg closes out the series with Angel Roman on the mound.
Source: Fredericksburg Nationals
Top 3 Most-Read Stories This Week
- Three Dead, Four Charged in Spotsylvania Shooting Tied to Illegal Gun Sale
The most-read story of the week. A violent incident involving an illegal gun sale led to three deaths and multiple charges filed in Spotsylvania County.
Read the story
Page Views: 5,317 - Three Dead, Three Injured in Spotsylvania Shooting
The initial report of the same shooting incident drew significant attention as details emerged.
Read the story
Page Views: 3,799 - Small Plane Crashes in Spotsylvania County; Two Occupants Injured
A private plane went down in Spotsylvania, drawing readers eager for updates.
Read the story
Page Views: 3,330
Rounding Out the Bottom of the Top 10
- Feds Drop Charge Against Alleged MS-13 Leader; Vultures at Landfill Test Positive for Avian Flu
Read more
Page Views: 704 - Resident Returned Fire During Shooting That Left Three Dead
Read more
Page Views: 605 - FredNats Championship Celebration Moved to Virginia Credit Union Stadium
Read more
Page Views: 561 - No Opt-In, No Ride: Stafford County Reimagines School Transportation
Read more
Page Views: 538 - Prince William Supervisors Rail Against Public Schools Funding Requests
Read more
Page Views: 503
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Empower Your Future: Leadership, Mentorship, Education, and Networking — Calling middle and high school students for FREE Educational Summer Programming!
LLT STEMpower Camp at Marymount University
Middle School Students | Two Sessions:
July 7–11, 2025
Inspired by local physicians who were among the nation’s first to adopt the concierge medicine model, Northern Virginia is now a hub for its surging popularity. These leading physicians are redefining the patient experience with same-day appointments, direct availability, unhurried visits, and deeply personalized care:
After almost 40 years in practice, Manassas-based Internist John Cary, MD’s change to concierge medicine enabled focused attention for each individual, and the launch of his innovative diet program for those with type 2 diabetes. “The goal is to promote enough weight loss to reach an acceptable A1C of 6% with no medication,” he explains. “Achieving that can take several months of very close follow up. As I tell my patients, we are in this together.”
Jay Tyroler, MD considers his patients quite literally as family. “I believe there’s nothing more honorable than helping patients when they’re sick, or scared, or feeling vulnerable, and I care for them exactly as I would my loved ones.” Whether for a specialist referral, urgent health issue or ongoing follow up, “My patients know I’m always just a phone call away.”
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
