FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Broadway actor and Fredericksburg native Tug Coker is stepping into one of the most iconic roles in American theater—Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird—as he makes his hometown stage debut at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. The production runs May 7 through June 22, 2025.

Adapted from Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird is set in 1930s Alabama and follows young siblings Scout and Jem as they navigate childhood under the watchful and moral guidance of their widowed father. The calm of their small town is shattered when Atticus Finch, a respected local attorney, defends a Black man falsely accused of a violent crime. Riverside describes the play as “timeless and lingering,” exploring “prejudice, compassion, and the courage to do what is right.”


Step into a world of timeless romance and old-world charm at Ristorante Renato, where candlelight flickers against white tablecloths and every dish feels like a love letter from Italy. Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Fredericksburg, this beloved fine dining spot has been welcoming couples, families, and friends since 1978 with its refined Italian cuisine and warm hospitality. With four intimate dining rooms and a beautiful al fresco patio, Renato is the perfect setting for a memorable evening out.

A Three-Course Italian Affair


FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Virginia Community College System has appointed Dr. Van Wilson as the interim president of Germanna Community College, effective July 1, 2025. He most recently served as interim president of Brightpoint Community College in Chester, formerly John Tyler Community College.

Dr. Wilson will succeed Dr. Janet Gullickson, who announced her retirement last year and is stepping down after eight years as Germanna’s president.


SALEM, Va. – The Fredericksburg Nationals defeated the Salem Red Sox 9-5 on Tuesday night, powered by a dominant start from Bryan Polanco and a seven-run sixth inning. Polanco threw five scoreless innings at Carilion Clinic Field, allowing just one hit and striking out five, while the FredNats’ offense broke open the game in the sixth. The win marks Fredericksburg’s first road series opener victory of the season and their fourth straight win.

The Fredericksburg Nationals (13-9) took the road series opener 9-5 against the Salem Red Sox (8-14) behind five scoreless innings from Bryan Polanco and a mammoth seven-run sixth inning at Carilion Clinic Field.


Rappahannock Area Community Services Board will present its “Art of Recovery” exhibition from May 2 to 31 at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library in Fredericksburg. The exhibit features artwork created by individuals living with mental health conditions and coincides with National Mental Health Month. An opening reception will be held on May 2 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Here’s the full press release:


The Fredericksburg Nationals (12-9) defeated the Charleston RiverDogs (8-13) 6-5 on Sunday, April 27, 2025, securing a 4-2 series win. Jackson Ross hit a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning to complete a late-game comeback before 4,007 fans at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. The FredNats now head to Salem, with game one set for Tuesday at 6:35 p.m.

Here’s the full press release:


FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Germanna Community College is inviting students, employees, alumni, and the broader community to weigh in as it begins the search for its next president.

The college launched a community survey this week, asking participants to rank the importance of various leadership priorities, from fostering student success and expanding career-focused programs to strengthening partnerships with business and education leaders. Germanna officials say public input will help define the values, qualities, and goals the next president should embody.


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At the April 18, 2025, VRE Operations Board meeting, planners unveiled a sweeping System Plan that would transform VRE from a traditional commuter service into a true regional backbone — connecting communities across the region with frequent, reliable rail service.


FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Residents gathered along the Rappahannock River today to celebrate Earth Day with a mix of environmental stewardship, family fun, and even goat cuddles.

The city’s annual Earth Day Festival, now in its 20th year, drew hundreds of visitors downtown for a day of activities focused on caring for the environment. This year’s festival also marked the 55th anniversary of the first Earth Day celebration in the United States.


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