Good morning, Fredericksburg.

A new TRIP report says Virginia traffic deaths have increased 29% since 2014 — even though fatalities dropped 6% from 2021 to 2024.

The report also notes rising deaths among pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists and estimates crash costs at $35 billion in 2024.

A Stafford County man named Lenox Shelton—charged with three counts of felony malicious wounding—was jailed without bond after a car meet brawl in Spotsylvania where five people were stabbed.

The City of Fredericksburg earned its 35th Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for its comprehensive financial report covering the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024.

The award honors the efforts of city officials—such as Deputy Director of Finance Katherine Spooner and her team—in ensuring sound management of public funds.

Staff sent the quarterly progress report on Council Priorities Phase Five for 2024-2027 — the report shows updated goals from planning sessions in June and July 2024 and a new Vision adopted on October 22.

Council held community meetings and shared a video of the updates in early 2025—staff will give more quarterly reports over the next two years.

Stafford County’s primary fire boat returned to service today at Hope Springs Marina after it struck an underwater object on July 4 during training near Widewater State Park — the repairs cost $27,233 and were completed in-house to keep marine emergency coverage in place.

Senator Tim Kaine and Congressman Eugene Vindman have introduced a bill to restore federal funding for the 'Charting My Path for Future Success' program after its February cancellation ended tutoring and mentoring for more than 1,600 students.

Spotsylvania schools say the loss created a $2 million shortfall — risking over a dozen staff positions — that the new 10-year plan would address.

Fredericksburg hospitals could lose 17.1–23.6% of net revenue from Medicaid cuts in the Big Beautiful Bill, officials said, a reduction that may force service cuts and job losses.

Local health agencies also worry that the changes could strip essential coverage from the unhoused—potentially leaving hundreds without care—while they push for policy fixes.

Health officials reported that syphilis infections are rising in Virginia as pregnant women miss tests and care—experts say this failure in the system has led to more babies being exposed to the infection.

They warned that every case of congenital syphilis is fully preventable if regular prenatal screenings are done.

Open House

4-6 p.m. — 1719 Idlewild Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA — Free entry — Explore a charming 3 bedroom home in the desirable Village of Idlewild community.

Rock 101 Music Camp

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — School of Rock — Cost not specified — An engaging camp for young aspiring musicians to learn classic rock and perform live.

Spotsy Summer Classic Car Show

2-6 p.m. — 7100 Steckler Way, Fredericksburg, VA — $25 registration — Celebrate classic cars and community vibes while supporting local businesses and a pet rescue.

Rockin' on the Riverfront

7-11:59 p.m. — Riverfront Park Fredericksburg — Free entry — Enjoy a performance by Good Time Alibi and local snacks under the stars.

Open House at 1309 Graham Dr

4-7 p.m. — 1309 Graham Dr, Fredericksburg, VA — $584,991 USD — Explore a luxurious home with custom design elements in the Village of Idlewild.

Puppy Yoga Fundraiser

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Possum-bilities — $28 per person — Enjoy a beginner-friendly yoga class with puppy cuddles and support a good cause.

Soul Line Dancing Night with Regina

7-10 p.m. — Jay's Downtown Sports Lounge — Free entry — Enjoy an energetic evening of community soul line dancing with Regina.

8th Annual Cooking Autism Car Show

9 AM – 3 PM — Stafford Regional Airport — Free entry — Celebrate stunning cars while supporting a great cause with food, music, and family-friendly activities.