FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Community leaders, educators, and descendants of historical figures gathered Wednesday for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly built Walker–Grant Middle School, celebrating what many called the start of a new era in Fredericksburg education.

The former middle school at 1 Learning Lane, just off Route 1, will be repurposed as Gladys West Elementary School. 


A popular local pizza spot known for its mission-driven dining has officially closed its doors.

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FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is tuning up for a year of music, nostalgia, and dance as it formally launches a new concert series featuring tributes to Motown, Jerry Lee Lewis, and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra—with even more to come in 2026.

Artistic Director Patrick A’Hearn confirmed the lineup will bring a variety of genres to Riverside’s mainstage beginning in August, alongside a newly adopted strategy of shorter theatrical runs to make room for more live music.


MANASSAS, Va. – Northern Virginia could face more than 400 hours of power outages a year by 2030, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Energy, raising alarms about the region’s ability to keep up with the explosive growth of artificial intelligence and data centers.

The report, released in July, highlights a significant imbalance: while demand from AI infrastructure and data centers is expected to surge by 50 gigawatts nationally, the U.S. is retiring 104 gigawatts of firm generation—like natural gas and coal plants—with only 22 gigawatts of firm replacement power planned. The gap puts pressure on the electric grid and raises the risk of prolonged outages across the country.


FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The folks at the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce just shared the names of 33 local professionals selected for the Leadership Fredericksburg Class of 2026. These leaders will meet monthly from September through May, tackling real-world projects aimed at improving our region.

Participants will connect with mentors, sharpen their leadership skills, and work together on community-driven Action Learning Projects. The sessions take place at businesses throughout the Fredericksburg area, giving participants a deeper look at how our local institutions operate.


As Next to Normal prepares to close on August 3, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is already looking ahead—unveiling the first details of its 2026 season, which promises to blend musical nostalgia, literary beauty, and patriotic charm.

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With summer winding down and school bells on the horizon, three localities are getting ready to send the season off in style. Friday, August 1, 2025, promises a trifecta of celebrations across Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg, each with its own unique theme, local flavor, and community focus.

🐶 Manassas: Dog Days of Summer First Friday


FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and Chatham Manor, two of the most prominent sites within Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, will temporarily close for extensive upgrades starting August 4, 2025, according to the National Park Service.

The closures will allow for essential infrastructure improvements and safety upgrades. The Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center will be closed for approximately six to seven months to accommodate the installation of a fire suppression system, a waterline upgrade, and an overhaul of the building’s aging electrical systems. Chatham will close for about one year for interior rehabilitation, including lead paint encapsulation, new carpet installation, and plaster repairs.


FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Four standout businesses were honored with the 2025 We Mean Business Awards at the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce’s July 25 Member Meeting, recognizing their efforts to innovate, lead, and support the local community.

The Healing Station received the Emerging Business Award for its work expanding access to mental health services, including over 1,300 affordable counseling sessions and a growing youth residential treatment initiative. SimVentions earned the Workplace Culture Leader Award for its strong employee ownership model and commitment to career growth.


With this summer’s powerful thunderstorms in our region, and a deadly flood in Texas that captivated the nation, local rivers are getting some attention, including the Rappahannock River and the City of Fredericksburg.

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