This past week, we broke a big story and garnered international attention for our reporting.
Kelly Sienkowski’s story about the security breach at Quantico Marine Corps Base—home to the Marine Corps War College, The Basic School that makes Marine Corps Officers, the FBI Academy, where all employees receive onboarding and training, and many other high-value assets—happened because she was curious about what happened in our community.
She heard rumors, she investigated, she pressed officials for more information about why it was covered up, and she connected the dots between the attack at Quantico, other U.S. military bases, and the White House.
Many national and international news organizations have taken an interest in us and cited our work. The DoD invited us to participate in a working group at Fort Belvoir to discuss our story and what we learned. We politely declined, as we’ve already reported everything we know.
While all of this newly-acquired attention is nice, our sole interest continues to be reporting the local news for you and your family, the people who live in our communities of Fredericksburg, Manassas, and Woodbridge.
We remained focused on bringing you information about the latest restaurants, school news, adoptable pets, the landfill’s summer hours, and countless other local tidbits you won’t find anywhere else. If you value this type of information, please become a member and support our work.
If you’re a business owner or nonprofit trying to build your brand, we’ve never had more readers than we do now. Consider becoming one of a limited number of our regular newsletter sponsors and get in front of nearly 4,000 people each weekday.
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Recent Stories
Students in Stafford and King George counties will start school later than usual today due to extreme cold weather conditions.
In Stafford County, all schools will open on a two-hour delay to ensure the safety of students and staff during the frigid morning temperatures.
Similarly, King George County Schools announced a two-hour delay due to cold and inclement weather.
Families are encouraged to monitor updates from their respective school systems for any further changes. Stay warm and safe.
Commuter traffic in the Washington, D.C. metro area is set to surge as President Donald Trump issues an executive order ending remote work for federal employees. The Center Square reports that Trump’s directive mandates federal workers return to their offices full-time, with limited exemptions determined by department heads. The move is welcomed by regional leaders like Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who have long urged a return to in-person work to bolster public transit ridership and address underused federal buildings. Federal employees, who constitute a significant portion of D.C.-area residents, are pivotal to the region’s economy.
Fire investigators are still searching for answers in two recent fires that caused significant damage in Fredericksburg and Woodbridge. The December 5 blaze at Eagle Village Shopping Center began in the warehouse of Play It Again Sports and quickly spread, destroying multiple businesses. Despite extensive efforts, investigators have been unable to determine the fire’s cause. Meanwhile, a January 21 townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced two residents after unattended cooking sparked flames. Working smoke detectors alerted the occupants, allowing them to escape safely. Both incidents highlight the importance of fire safety and preparedness as investigations into the causes continue.
In a pivotal discussion during the January 21, 2025, meeting, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved funding measures for a new fire station in the Brentsville District, addressing a pressing need for expanded emergency services. The debate revolved around whether to utilize proffer funds—developer-contributed resources earmarked for public infrastructure—or tap into the county’s fire levy fund.
Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy initiated an amendment to the funding resolution, proposing the use of Brentsville District fire proffers “to the greatest extent possible” before considering the fire levy fund. With $3 million available in Brentsville fire proffers, Gordy emphasized aligning these restricted funds with their intended purpose: supporting fire and rescue services.
“This approach ensures that we prioritize restricted funds before relying on broader resources like the fire levy,” Gordy explained.
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.
