Stafford

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our community with my recent appointment to the Planning Commission by Supervisor Maya Guy,” Maureen Siegmund posted on Facebook. “After four years on the School Board, I’ve seen firsthand how decisions about growth, land use, and infrastructure directly impact our schools, neighborhoods, and families.”

“I’m also thankful to the Board of Supervisors who confirmed my appointment and I look forward to joining this team and to the conversations that will come,” Siegmund added. “It’s an honor to keep listening, learning, and working on behalf of the place we call home.”


Health

Area hospitals are warning residents that a serious flu and respiratory illness surge is straining emergency departments across Northern Virginia, prompting health leaders to urge patients with mild to moderate symptoms to seek care outside hospital emergency rooms when possible.

Hospitals across Virginia and Northern Virginia are reporting a significant increase in flu and other respiratory illnesses, putting pressure on emergency departments and extending wait times for patients.


Schools

The Education Freedom Tax Credit, also called the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC), allows individuals and businesses to receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit—up to $1,700—when donating to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). These funds will provide scholarships to help families pay for private school tuition, tutoring, educational therapies, and other services beginning in 2027.

In his announcement, Youngkin emphasized the program’s potential to help students with the greatest needs and praised former President Trump and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for their support of education choice. Eight SGOs, including two Virginia-based organizations—Step Up, Virginia! and the Torah Education Scholarship Fund—have been approved to serve local students.


Stafford

A Stafford man was arrested early Wednesday morning after leading deputies on a high-speed chase that ended in a crash on I-95. The pursuit began when a deputy clocked the driver going 68 mph in a 45 mph zone near Warrenton Road and McLane Drive.

The driver, a 25-year-old man from Stafford, failed to stop and instead sped off, ultimately crashing near mile marker 130 on I-95 South. After the crash, deputies noted signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and the smell of alcohol. A search uncovered two suspected controlled substances—one in the vehicle and one in the driver’s pocket.


Prince William

Dumfries will use a new $240,000 federal grant to improve sidewalk accessibility and make local streets safer for pedestrians. The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the money through its Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, which supports efforts to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities.

Town officials say the funding will help launch a planning and feasibility project to assess sidewalk conditions throughout Dumfries. The goal is to create a Sidewalk Accessibility and Walkability Action Plan that identifies gaps in Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and prioritizes areas for improvement.


Manassas

A Manassas man is facing multiple charges after allegedly firing at an occupied vehicle during a confrontation on Dumfries Road Sunday evening.

Police responded around 5:59 p.m. on January 4 to the 10299 block of Dumfries Road after reports of gunfire. Witnesses gave officers a suspect description, leading to the quick arrest of a 39-year-old man. He was found injured and taken to a hospital before being charged.


Traffic

“Alternating single and double lane closures at mile markers 107, 108, 110, and 115 for bridge inspections,” the Virginia Department of Transportation stated, referring to overnight work along Interstate 95 between Exit 104 (Carmel Church) and Exit 118 (Thornburg).

The weekly travel alert details multiple daytime and overnight lane closures across Caroline County, the City of Fredericksburg, and Stafford County. Work includes bridge inspections on I-95, maintenance on the Falmouth Bridge, utility work and road widening on Route 1, and guardrail and median improvements along Routes 3, 17, 17 Business, and Centreport Parkway. Most closures occur overnight or during off-peak daytime hours and are weather dependent.


Stafford

Stafford County’s first-ever Shop Small Stafford campaign brought out hundreds of residents to support local businesses on Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2025. The initiative, organized by the county’s Economic Development Department, combined digital engagement, live events, and local promotions to boost awareness and foot traffic for small businesses across the area.

Fifty local businesses joined the effort, offering in-person and online shopping opportunities as well as participating in a pop-up Shop Small Market at Long Family Markets. Using a centralized Digital Passport system, 320 shoppers checked in at local stores throughout the day, generating 319 estimated transactions and nearly $35,000 in gross receipts. County officials say about $23,775 of that stayed in the local economy.


Prince William

“That is a motion that really needs to be split into two separate motions,” InsideNoVa reported. “Basically, the way it is, because of the weight of it, because it was the same [legal] firm – pure and simple, more than anything, it was a mistake to vote that way. It was a mistake on my end to vote that way.”

“As of Dec. 18, 2025, the total funds spent in the [Digital Gateway] rezoning and real estate assessment litigation is $1,663,478.72,” InsideNoVa [reported], citing a county spokeswoman. “These cases are complex and this number includes the costs for the work of attorneys in the outside counsel law firm, expert witnesses, court reporters and transcripts, costs of preparing and filing the appeals briefs, preparation of the extensive legislative record, etc., spanning more than two years.”


View More Stories