When you drive by the Sports Authority on Wellington Road in Gainesville, you’ll notice a “going out of business” sign.
It hits you that the staple sporting goods store that has been around in shopping malls since you were a child is closing. It was the go-to place for sporting goods, and clothing outfitter for gym teachers everywhere.
Its closing can be construed as a sign of the times for changing retail stores.
Chance Holt, 26, of Warrenton, stood outside Sports Authority in the warm 70-degree weather holding a sign of his own. In case drivers missed the “going out of business” sign on the building, don’t worry, because Holt has one, too.
Holt is not a Sports Authority employee. His full-time gig — a tax support agent for Intuit in Fredericksburg — the folks who make Turbo Tax software. He helps clients move tax data from the prior year to this year.
He holds a sign on his days off of work. A temp agency tells him where to go, and he shows up armed with the necessities: sunglasses, and an iPod playing a mix hip-hop, R and B, and some pop.
“Holding this sign makes me humble,” said Holt. “A lot of people work behind a desk all day, make a lot of money, and don’t know what it’s like to work outside.”
He admits holding the sign is not “hard work,” but it is a way to make extra cash. He and his fiance, a school teacher in Fairfax County, plan to get married and have a child.
The extra cash comes in handy to pay a bill and to put away to save up money for what he really wants.
“It will be nice to move out of our apartment and into a house,” he said.
Oh yeah, about Sports Authority — the Gainesville store has about six weeks left before it closes for good, he said.
Recent Stories
Manassas continues to make strides in its commitment to fostering a thriving business environment, with the Manassas Business Council (NBC) and the Economic Development Authority (EDA) reflecting on the city’s ongoing growth and vision for future projects. Both organizations presented their annual reports during the city council meeting on January 27, 2025, highlighting key initiatives, business growth, and revitalization efforts.
The Manassas Business Council’s efforts to connect with local businesses have paid off with an active year of meetings, presentations, and valuable discussions. Key highlights from their year include monthly meetings with industry experts, discussions about economic development in the city, and presentations on projects such as the façade and landscape improvement grants. Notably, the city’s economic development initiatives were discussed in depth, including the work to support small businesses and increase community engagement. Council members were also informed about the successes of local restaurants and the efforts to make Historic Downtown Manassas a key business district.
Amid heightened immigration enforcement under President Trump’s executive orders, local communities are grappling with confusion and fear sparked by social media posts warning of ICE raids and undercover operations.
The president issued numerous Executive Orders, some of which reinforced the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. In addition to targeted raids on known criminals across the country, the Trump administration has mobilized troops at the U.S.-Mexico border and reinstated the previous “Remain in Mexico” policy. This policy requires individuals seeking asylum to stay outside the U.S. while awaiting a decision on their applications.
These enforcement measures have sparked concern among those residing in the country illegally. Despite the Trump administration’s assurances that it is focusing on illegal immigrants with criminal convictions, certain groups have seized on the uncertainty, pushing political agendas that confuse the undocumented community, causing fear and confusion. Numerous social media posts, in both English and Spanish, warn people to avoid common locations like grocery stores and shopping centers to prevent encounters with ICE.
(The Center Square) — Despite budget increases in the hundreds of millions and multiple statewide education initiatives, Virginia students still aren’t showing a definitive recovery from pandemic learning lows.
Their test scores from January 2024 declined from their 2022 scores – the scores that caused Gov. Glenn Youngkin to call for major education reforms – in several areas.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the “nation’s report card,” measures several subjects but is most known for its 4th and 8th grade math and reading tests.
(The Center Square) – The White House took steps to make good on its promise to cut the federal government down to size by giving federal workers a choice: return to the office full-time or leave with eight months of pay.
The Office of Personnel Management told federal workers Tuesday night that they have until Feb. 6 to decide to stay or go. If they step down, they will continue getting all pay and benefits and be exempt from in-person work requirements until Sept. 30.
However, the Trump administration said that even government employees who stay on could still eventually lose their jobs as the president reshapes the federal government and its workforce.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
