Happy Monday, supporters of local journalism in our communities. We’ve got some breaking news and insight for you today, so let’s get started.
Breaking: Brooke Point High School is in lockdown for the remainder of they day. It follows another fight that occurred at the school earlier this month that sent a student to a hospital.
Also breaking at this hour: Best Buy in Stafford will close, marking a shift in Stafford County’s retail landscape. It’s a blow for county residents who say they want more shopping and entertainment destinations — not fewer.
Water’s End Brewery sponsors our weather forecast: Windy and cold today, rain/snow possible later this week.Â
One-on-one: Just back from the city council retreat, Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis updates us on happenings in Manassas ahead of budget negotiations. Coates Ellis says she’s advocating for the taxpayer this year, as the average homeowner saw a hike in their property tax bill last time.
Route 28: Transportation planners want your input on remaking one of Northern Virginia’s busiest corridors. We’ve got the details on the study, the decade-long discussion on building a bypass around the corridor, and the threat that forced an about-face among county and city officials a few years ago.
In lighter news: Disabled veterans in Virginia are finding physical and mental recovery through scuba diving, thanks to the nonprofit organization Patriots for Disabled Divers, founded in 2013 in Occoquan by retired Navy Capt. Jeff Currer and his wife Merial are in collaboration with Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors.
Poll: With our story about the owners of a Sheetz in Dale City wanting to rebuild with a drive-through window, we want to know: Do you/will you use a Sheetz drive-through?
Coming this week:
- I review”Jersey Boys” at Riverside Dinner Theater, the show, the songs, and the drink you must try when you’re there.
- A look at how Manassas Regional Airport is preparing for commercial flights.
- A look at Rebellion Bourbon Bar, named one of “America’s Best Bourbon Bars.”
- Plus, we’re making a big announcement about Local Spotlight, our easy, affordable advertising solution for your business or nonprofit that gets you in the club.
This newsletter is made possible by generous support from Dixie Bones BBQ in Woodbridge. Support local, and try some of the best dang barbecue you’ll ever eat.
Thanks for reading, and have a great week.
Recent Stories
Building a 21st-century rail system doesn’t come cheap. This is the final part of our three-part series exploring Virginia Railway Express’ vision for the future. Thank you for following along.
Authorities responded to a range of violent incidents across Prince William and Stafford counties, including an exchange of gunfire in a residential neighborhood, multiple domestic assaults, and a pepper spray altercation at a bar. Suspects were arrested or are wanted in connection with several of these events.
Prince William County police have identified Joseph Anthony Cassell, 26, as the man who died during an officer-involved shooting on April 26, 2025, inside an apartment at Westminster at Lake Ridge Senior Living Home, located at 12191 Clipper Drive.
The City of Manassas Republican Party has nominated Nathaniel “Nate” Fritzen for City Treasurer and Deon Shamberger for Commissioner of Revenue in the November 2025 General Election.
Empower Your Future: Leadership, Mentorship, Education, and Networking — Calling middle and high school students for FREE Educational Summer Programming!
LLT STEMpower Camp at Marymount University
Middle School Students | Two Sessions:
July 7–11, 2025
Inspired by local physicians who were among the nation’s first to adopt the concierge medicine model, Northern Virginia is now a hub for its surging popularity. These leading physicians are redefining the patient experience with same-day appointments, direct availability, unhurried visits, and deeply personalized care:
After almost 40 years in practice, Manassas-based Internist John Cary, MD’s change to concierge medicine enabled focused attention for each individual, and the launch of his innovative diet program for those with type 2 diabetes. “The goal is to promote enough weight loss to reach an acceptable A1C of 6% with no medication,” he explains. “Achieving that can take several months of very close follow up. As I tell my patients, we are in this together.”
Jay Tyroler, MD considers his patients quite literally as family. “I believe there’s nothing more honorable than helping patients when they’re sick, or scared, or feeling vulnerable, and I care for them exactly as I would my loved ones.” Whether for a specialist referral, urgent health issue or ongoing follow up, “My patients know I’m always just a phone call away.”
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
