With the General Election in our rearview mirror, many have asked me, “is that the end to your busy season?”
The short answer: Our work is just beginning.
The Virginia Supreme Court is expected to drop newly proposed political district maps within the next 45 days. The new maps will change political representation in Northern Virginia — especially in Prince William County, which has grown by more than 80,000 people in the past 11 years.
And — you probably don’t want to hear this being it has been only a week since the statewide election — but voters could head to the polls again next year to vote for House of Delegates candidates. You’ll remember, those candidates were just on the ballot a week ago, but district boundary changes could mean they must run again next fall.
Of course, we’ll bring you the latest.
Looking back on the results of the November 2 General Election, in Stafford County, residents elected two new conservative members to its school board.
- They’ll join another conservative voice, and a swing voter, who will who could all work together to change the course of education in the county that broke for Republican Glenn Youngkin by 11 points.
Education was a key issue in the election, as many parents said they felt the government overstepped its bounds regarding the material state schools are teaching their children.
- We’ll be reporting on changes in our local schools.
Prince William County maintained its “blue” status by voting for Democrat Terry McAuliffe, who lost the election, choosing McAuliffe over Youngkin by 15 points.
- While making inroads with voters this election cycle, the GOP failed to flip any House of Delegates controlled by Democrats.
Despite this, Republicans took control of the House of Delegates following two years of total Democratic control in Richmond, picking up seven seats in the house.
- In Fredericksburg and Stafford, a million-dollar flip occurred in District 28 (as the campaigns raised over an unprecedented $1 million each) when Republican Tara Durant beat incumbent Democrat Joshua Cole.
With the election behind us, now it’s time for these new leaders to govern.
- We’ll be watching and reporting every step of the way.
In the days to come, watch for exclusive interviews with Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Richard Anderson on how they flipped the state for the first time in 12 years.
- As more data centers encroach in the rural areas, we’re also covering the changing landscape of our rural areas.
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Germanna Community College (GCC) hosted a ribbon cutting at its new Stafford expansion today, January 23, 2025. The event marked the opening of two buildings in Stafford: the Barbara J. Fried Building at 10 Center Street and the Kevin L. Dillard Health Sciences Building at 25 Center Street.
GCC was established in 1970 as part of Virginia’s Community College System and has locations in Culpeper, Locust Grove, Fredericksburg, and Stafford. The school’s website says over 13,000 students are enrolled.
The new expansion added 74,000 square feet to the campus with a $20 million investment. GCC plans to double enrollment in allied health services, like nursing. They will also expand their cybersecurity, IT, general education, and dual enrollment programs.
The preliminary hearing for Tryevon Davis, one of three men charged in connection with the fatal shooting of 43-year-old Jason Thomas Blake in Dumfries, has been delayed due to the pending completion of the Medical Examiner’s report. This critical evidence is being handled by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Northern District office.
Davis, along with Jerrome Thomas Barnes, 40, and Jackson Arthur Crisler, 30, face charges stemming from a fatal shooting on October 25, 2024. Police said Blake had gone to a residence on Cherry Hill Road in Dumfries to sell a firearm and purchase narcotics. An altercation ensued, leading to Blake being handcuffed, abducted, and taken to a secluded area along Triangle Street, where he was fatally shot. His body was discovered two days later in the backseat of his car.
The Prince William County Police Department charged Davis, 31, of Dumfries, with accessory before the fact in the commission of a felony, conspiracy to commit a felony, two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and abduction. Barnes and Crisler face additional charges, including murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. All three suspects remain in custody without bond.
The Fourth Wish Foundation will hold a special white belt graduation ceremony on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Underground Krav Maga and Fitness in Gainesville.
The event celebrates the achievements of 54 children who have completed three months of Krav Maga training as part of the foundation’s “Healthy Kid Initiative,” a program launched in 2024 to provide extracurricular opportunities to children from financially challenged families.
“We want to ensure these children can continue with this worthy program that has already made such a positive impact on their lives,” said Sue Khalatbari, Director of The Fourth Wish Foundation. The foundation is seeking donations to sustain and expand the initiative, helping more children gain confidence, physical fitness, and critical life skills.
A debate over proposed legislation targeting panhandling in road medians sparked a spirited discussion among Stafford County Supervisors during their January 21 meeting. The proposed bill, sponsored by Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford County), seeks to impose fines on motorists and pedestrians who exchange items in roadway medians to improve safety and reduce traffic disruptions.
The legislation was also a topic of discussion on the Potomac Local News Podcast, where Milde elaborated on his rationale behind the bill in an interview with Publisher Uriah Kiser.
During the podcast, Milde emphasized the safety and traffic issues posed by panhandling in medians.
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.
