“Lawmakers have begun pre-filing bills ahead of the Jan. 14 General Assembly session, with early proposals—largely from Democratic legislators—focused on tightening rules around AI and protecting minors. Dels. Cliff Hayes of Chesapeake and Michelle Maldonado of Manassas are among those backing new restrictions as artificial intelligence becomes more widely used.”

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“This week officially kicks off the holiday shopping season for small businesses! We start with Pink Friday (Nov. 21), which is the shop small version of Black Friday,” Historic Manassas, Inc. stated. “Then the biggie of them all, Shop Small Saturday – the day where small businesses open their doors to the community and hope for your support on finding those perfect gifts for your friends, family, and yourself!”

“We hope you mark your calendars and give Old Town Manassas a visit this holiday season for all (or some) of your gift giving needs. The holidays are the biggest time of the year for small businesses so it means a lot when you choose to shop with them!”


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The city’s historic downtown could be in for a major transportation shake-up — but the proposal from the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) faced intense questioning from the Manassas City Council Monday night as council members pressed whether the plan truly works for the city’s traditional retail and event core.

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The Manassas City Council unanimously approved an amendment to the tax relief program for elderly and disabled taxpayers on Monday.

The amendment, which will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, is the first time Council has considered a change to the program since 2017. The modification will allow those making up to $60,000 in gross household income who are either elderly or disabled to qualify for up to $3,400 on their local real and property taxes.


“We will operate on a two-hour delayed start for students,” Manassas City Public Schools announced. “This means students will report to school two hours later than their normal time. Bus riders will report to bus stops two hours later than their normal time. There is NO SCHOOL FOR PRE-K.”

“Our internal IT team, working closely with outside cybersecurity experts, has made significant progress in restoring division systems after the recent cybersecurity incident,” Superintendent Dr. Kevin Newman stated. “We truly appreciate your patience, trust, and understanding as we worked to ensure our systems and campuses were ready for students and staff to return.”


The Manassas City Council on Monday approved a $1.75 million sale of city-owned property at the Landing at Cannon Branch to pave the way for construction of a new Hilton Home2 Suites extended-stay hotel, while also advancing two major bids for long-term lease rights at the Manassas Regional Airport.

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“A cyber security incident is impacting MCPS operations,” Manassas City School Board Member Sara Brescia announced. “There will be NO SCHOOL tomorrow, Monday November 10th. Tuesday November 11th is a scheduled holiday. Students should prepare to return to class on Wednesday November 12th unless informed otherwise.”

The closure affects all Manassas City Public Schools on Monday and Tuesday, November 10 and 11, 2025. While the division had already planned to close on Veterans Day, officials cited a cybersecurity issue as the reason for the additional day off. No official statement has yet been released by the school division.


“Our pantry is running dangerously low, and we urgently need dog and cat food donations to help families keep their pets at home instead of surrendering them,” City of Manassas Animal Control and Shelter announced. “We take both dry and canned food.”

The pantry serves residents across Prince William County, not just those in Manassas City. Donations go directly to the public pet food pantry and help prevent pet surrenders. The shelter is also requesting paper towels, disinfectant wipes, bleach, and liquid laundry detergent. Items can be dropped off directly at the shelter.


“It is with great pride that we honor Deputy Chief Kevin Franzello for 25 years of distinguished service to the City of Manassas Fire and Rescue Department,” City of Manassas stated. “His unwavering commitment to the men and women of this department, and to the community we serve, has not gone unnoticed.”

The City expressed gratitude for Franzello’s leadership and professionalism, adding that “while the mustache may be gone, his leadership, professionalism, and passion for the job remains stronger than ever.” Officials congratulated him on “this incredible milestone” marking 25 years of dedicated service.


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