Virginia Sen. Mark Peake will step down as Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia at the end of the year, announcing his resignation after the GOP suffered a bruising statewide defeat in the 2025 general election.
Peake, a state senator who has also served as chairman since mid-2023, said he decided after “reflection, prayer, and conversations with my family,” and cited the upcoming 2026 redistricting referendum and a full legislative calendar as reasons the party needs new leadership.
“Stafford Schools will operate ON TIME on Tuesday, December 2.” — Stafford County Public Schools announced. “Please dress warmly and drive appropriately in rainy weather. We look forward to seeing everyone this morning.”
Forecasts from the National Weather Service and regional weather forecasters, however, suggest that while our area will primarily see rain from the storm, a lingering wintry mix over the western and northern suburbs could produce slick spots early this morning — even reaching toward the I-95 corridor.
The debate has already begun in Gainesville: which Great American Restaurants brand will open when the company launches its first Prince William County location in 2027?
On a recent episode of the Potomac Local Podcast, host Uriah Kiser and Del. Ian Lovejoy discussed the long-awaited announcement, reacting to news first reported by the Prince William Times. Great American Restaurants — the regional dining group behind Sweetwater Tavern, Mike’s American, Coastal Flats, and other popular Northern Virginia concepts — plans to open a new restaurant at 14100 Whitney Road.
“The study team sought public input regarding corridor priorities during the previous round of public involvement earlier this year,” the Virginia Department of Transportation reported. “This feedback was used to help develop improvement alternatives that are being evaluated and presented during this round of public involvement.”
The study evaluates potential safety, operational, transit, and bicycle/pedestrian improvements along a five-mile section of Hoadly Road between Dumfries Road and Prince William Parkway, where traffic volumes range from 12,000 to 25,000 vehicles daily. Proposed alternatives apply to multiple intersections along the corridor, including Dumfries Road, Purcell Road/Dale Boulevard, and Prince William Parkway, as well as corridor-wide enhancements. Public comments are being accepted through December 15 via online survey, email, or mail.
“Our goal is simple: bring world-class leadership development right here to Fredericksburg while creating a space for genuine connection, collaboration, and community growth,” Live2Lead FXBG announced. “This event is for anyone who wants to grow—professionally, personally, and as a leader in our community.”
The one-day leadership conference, founded by John C. Maxwell and streamed to only 300 host sites worldwide, will be held February 10, 2026, at the Fredericksburg Convention Center. The event will feature global speakers, interactive leadership sessions, and networking tailored to the local business community.
“When we went 0-10 in [2023], that was rock bottom,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “It was the most humbling experience ever. But we’ve built this thing from the ground up, brick by brick. I feel as proud as a newborn father watching the hard work these kids have put in start to pay off.” “Our goal from the beginning has been state title or bust. I wholeheartedly believe no other team in the state can beat us. The only way we lose is if we beat ourselves, and I’ve continued to preach that to the guys.”
North Stafford secured a 49–33 victory over Woodbridge in the Region 6B championship game, earning its first regional title since 2019 and advancing to host West Springfield in the Class 6 state semifinals next Saturday at 2 p.m. The Wolverines tallied 414 yards of offense, forced six turnovers, and delivered two defensive touchdowns to seal the win.
“VRE’s biggest day of the year is back on Saturday, December 13, 2025,” Virginia Railway Express announced. “In-person tickets will go on sale Monday, December 1, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at designated vendor locations.” “Online tickets will be available starting Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. through Eventbrite, until sold out.”
All passengers must have a ticket regardless of age, and tickets are non-refundable. Additional details are available through VRE’s ticket sales information.
“Step into a horse-drawn carriage for a free magical ride through Downtown Manassas the first three Sundays in December 2025 (Dec. 7, 14, 21) from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.,” City of Manassas announced. “Unlike past years, we are using a carriage ride company so that you can reserve your carriage ride times early and in advance without having to wait in line as in prior years.”
All available carriage ride reservations have since been claimed, and the event is now sold out. Rides will depart from the Manassas Railroad Depot and travel through the city’s decorated downtown on the selected December dates.
UVA Health has officially opened its new multispecialty clinic, UVA Health Specialty Care Manassas, at 8691 Stonewall Road. The move brings together its former OB/GYN and urology practices — formerly located on Sudley Road and Forestwood Lane — under one modern roof.
That consolidation, which began taking patients on August 18, 2025, gives the Manassas community — and patients of UVA Health Prince William Medical Center — a more convenient, spacious, and coordinated outpatient experience.
“Don’t forget that Holidays Through the Ages tours begin Friday, December 5th,” Prince William County Parks announced. “Come experience the Christmas holiday as it was from the 18th Century through to the 20th Century.”
“Houses are due December 5th and voting will end December 12th,” the department added regarding its Gingerbread House competition.
