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The News That Moved Us This Past Week

- January 27, 2024

January 22 – January 26

by Martin Davis
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The week just past saw embattled board and council meetings, renewed frustration around issues of density and housing in Fredericksburg, high-profile almost firings, Clay Jones’ perfect tone, and an appeal to peas that matched the unseasonably warm weather.

Number 5: Will Increased Density Lead to Affordable Housing?

Density is on the City Council agenda tomorrow night. Will this lead to more affordable housing? Not likely. So what’s really going on? The answers will surprise you.

Number 4: Xavier Downs Says He’s Been ‘Recommended for Dismissal’

Embattled principal of Riverbend High School has 10 days to request a hearing from the Board about his proposed dismissal.

Number 3: Townhouse Project Proposed for Vacant Parking Lots Near Old Hospital Building

Sixty-three new townhouses could be coming to 3.87 acres on Fall Hill Avenue across the street from the old Mary Washington Hospital building. The development—to be called “Mary’s Landing”—is proposed to take the place of parking lots in the 400 block of Hunter Street, Elm Street and Germania Street that have long stood largely vacant.

Number 2: Stafford Supervisors-School Board Joint Meeting Charged with Accusations, Innuendo

Elementary School 19 has become a touch-point of contention in Stafford County. The School Board wants to place it at Brooke Point High School; the supervisors ask why not Embrey Mill?

Number 1: Spotsylvania Superintendent Placed on Administrative Leave

The Spotsylvania School Board voted Monday night to place superintendent Mark Taylor on administrative leave. School Board Chair Lorita Daniels communicated the news to division staff on Tuesday afternoon. “As the SCPS Board, we will continue our commitment to our students, staff, and families to ensure the best and safest educational experience we can,” Daniels wrote.

Opinion: Forget Trump and Start Thinking About Your Garden

The GOP nomination contest is practically wrapped up and predictably boring. So let’s talk about something more interesting — peas.

Political Cartoon

New Dominion Podcast

Local Obituaries

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