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Save now: Get public safety updates in your inbox. Sign up: How to fight sleep inertia in the morning Spotsylvania Animal Shelter furnishing 'real-life rooms' as expansion, renovation progress Scott Shenk Dec 29, 2020 The expanded Spotsylvania County animal shelter has opened, and the improvements are obvious. Local News Section of Rappahannock River heads toward scenic river status James Baron 6 hrs ago A lengthy stretch of the lower Rappahannock River may soon boast Virginia State Scenic River status. Education A round-up of area school divisions' post-Winter Break plans AdeleUphaus 10 hrs ago As COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise in the Fredericksburg region, some school divisions have announced a virtual start to the new semester. Local News Health official says any interaction with others outside household is 'too risky' Cathy Dyson 15 hrs ago Hospital officials say growing number of virus patients is pushing facilities, and staff, to their limits. Local News FREDERICKSBURG AREA WEATHER: A wet end to 2020 BY CHRIS WHITE 16 hrs ago After Wednesday’s sunshine, clouds and rain roll into Fredericksburg to finish out 2020. Local News Firefighters rescue Orange County woman's Christmas By CLINT SCHEMMER The Culpeper Star Exponent Dec 29, 2020 Amy Sauro was able to celebrate Christmas with her family this year thanks to Orange County first responders. The Latest Local News DONNIE JOHNSTON: Some final thoughts on a horrible year BY DONNIE JOHNSTON THE FREE LANCE–STAR 5 hrs ago FAREWELL TO 2020, a year we would all like to forget. National News Sen. Josh Hawley to object to Electoral College results By Mary Clare Jalonick Associated Press Updated 5 hrs ago Missouri’s junior senator becomes the first senator to say he’ll object to the certification. State and Regional News MAP: Virginia ICU capacity for the 7 days before Christmas By JOHN RAMSEY Richmond Times-Dispatch Updated 12 hrs ago More than 2,700 people in Virginia are in hospitals being treated for COVID-19 as of Wednesday, according to the Virginia Hospital & Healt… Crime & Courts Police: Man fatally stabbed woman and baby in Norfolk The Associated Press 15 hrs ago NORFOLK — Authorities in Virginia say they've arrested a man who they stabbed to death a woman and a baby. Govt. & Politics Late surge pushes citizen applications for redistricting panel to 1,200; pool lacks state's diversity BY ANDREW CAIN Richmond Times-Dispatch 16 hrs ago A late surge before Monday's deadline pushed citizen applications for Virginia's new redistricting commission to more than 1,200 hopefuls for … Local News Fredericksburg neighbors: Obituaries for December 30 Updated 5 hrs ago Read through the obituaries published today in Fredericksburg Free Lance Star. Local Events News Former Miss Virginia becomes a Christmas miracle UPDATE: Crews still searching for driver of truck that plunged into Chesapeake Bay This N.C. woman was the first 'Jeopardy!' champion. Who is Mary Cabell Eubanks? VIDEO: Memorable moments from 2020 in Virginia's capital Fredericksburg neighbors: Obituaries for December 29 Bedford woman finds cleaning up cemeteries to be therapeutic Danville's Avicia Thorpe, oldest living Virginian, dies at 112 on Christmas Eve PHOTOS: Celebrating the holiday season at Colonial Williamsburg More Local News Sports High school boys basketball: Courtland edges Massaponax in battle of rebuilding teams NFL cites outside influences for recent positive tests 2020 was a grind for us all — but it had its moments NFL MVP watch, Week 16: Aaron Rodgers rises to the top Today in sports history: Miami Dolphins win third straight AFC title in 1973 NFL has pulled off improbable task of playing amid pandemic Today in sports history: Joe Namath leads NY Jets past Oakland Raiders for 1968 AFL championship Bills earn 1st sweep of Patriots since '99 with 38-9 win More Sports Entertainment 2020 finally ending, but New Year's revelries muted by virus That's a wrap: 10 best films of 2020 FLASHBACK: When Dawn Wells toured the country, post-'Gilligan's Island' Young Life: Science Museum of Virginia offers cool winter break activities SOUNDS: Top 10 albums of 2020 Local Entertainment Roundup Principal Joe Clark, who inspired film 'Lean on Me,' dies Speedy Sir: Lewis Hamilton knighted in year-end royal honors More Entertainment Extras The Free Lance-Star Buy Local Gift Card Directory View All Photos +19 Today’s top pics: Kamala Harris vaccine and more Today’s top pics: Kamala Harris vaccine and more +13 Today in history: Dec. 30 Today in history: Dec. 30 +26 Celebrity Birthdays: Dec. 30 Celebrity Birthdays: Dec. 30 +7 Today in sports history: Miami Dolphins win third straight AFC title in 1973 Today in sports history: Miami Dolphins win third straight AFC title in 1973 +23 Photos: Remembering fashion designer Pierre Cardin, 1922-2020 Photos: Remembering fashion designer Pierre Cardin, 1922-2020 Nation & World China OKs 1st homegrown vaccine said to be 79.3% effective Asia Today: South Korea trying to stop virus in prisons Cities helping renters get right to lawyers in housing court Tokyo trading closed for holiday, other Asian indexes mixed Missouri senator to contest Biden's Electoral College win More Nation & World Opinion The Ethical Life podcast: How can we reclaim trust with our leaders and each other? Richard Kyte: How to rebuild America, one relationship at a time COMMENTARY: The silver linings (yes, there were some) of 2020 EDITORIAL: Limiting the governor’s emergency powers LETTER: I'm not buying Wittman's explanation More Opinion Trending topics The Ethical Life podcast: How can we reclaim trust with our leaders and each other? The 15 states with the most extreme weather Richard Kyte: How to rebuild America, one relationship at a time 7 ways to repurpose your Christmas tree Sears makes it through holidays but is dying a slow death, experts say More Trending topics Local Businesses Taj Indian Cuisine 23032 PLANK ROAD, FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22401 Comfort Suites Fredericksburg South 4615 Southpoint Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Website Cary Street Partners Llc 250 Executive Center Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Website More Latest Local Offers Samson Properties 6213 SANDLIN COURT, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22310 Samson Properties 25429 REED ORCHARD TERRACE, CHANTILLY, VA 20152 Re/Max Allegiance - South 12 BARLEY CORN DRIVE, STAFFORD, VA 22556 More Print Ads Local Sales Services Specials RAPPAHANNOCK FOOT AND ANKLE SPECIALIST Updated 3 hrs ago Local Sales Services Specials JES CONSTRUCTION SOUTH, PFP Updated 3 hrs ago Local Sales Services Specials SAXON SHOES/DIP Updated 3 hrs ago Local Sales Services Specia...