Features

“Join us for the annual Stuff the Truck Toy Drive and help bring the magic of Christmas to life!” House of Mercy announced. “Your donation of a new, unwrapped toy makes a meaningful impact, ensuring a happy holiday for a child in need.”

The event supports the organization’s Christmas with Mercy program, which last year provided more than 6,000 new toys to over 1,300 local children. This year’s drive is a simple, drive-up, drop-off event taking place Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 8170 Flannery Court in Manassas.


Stafford

“We were thrilled to welcome the Stafford community to our newly remodeled Next Generation Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins combo restaurant,” local franchisee Pravina Bhalani stated. “This celebration was our way of saying thank you to our loyal guests and sharing the excitement of our refreshed, modern space.”

During the November 8 event, guests enjoyed free medium coffees, merchandise giveaways, music, and face painting. The grand reopening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a $500 donation to the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Charitable Foundation. That evening, the Baskin-Robbins location hosted a “Baskin Family Night,” offering $1.99 single scoops.


Manassas

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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Event

Join us for a delightful Sunday afternoon at the BlackRock Center for the Arts as Cruise Planners Beth & Rod present a special travel-inspired matinee featuring the beloved film Under the Tuscan Sun.

Date & Time: Sunday, May 31 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM


Prince William

The Dumfries Planning Commission met on Monday, November 10, 2025, to review progress on several major town projects, including new small area plans, the upcoming widening of Route 1, and improvements to bike and pedestrian connections.

Commissioners praised town staff for moving quickly on planning goals. They encouraged residents to get involved—especially ahead of next month’s meeting, when VDOT and Prince William County will brief the town on the Route 1 project now expected to finish by 2031.


Fredericksburg

A month after Fredericksburg parents demanded answers about an artificial intelligence mental health app used in city schools, new complaints over student laptop access have reignited debate over technology, privacy, and communication in classrooms.

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Schools

Stafford County Public Schools say Hartwood High School, Falls Run Elementary, and Crow’s Nest Elementary remain on track for August 2026, but opening the buildings will require $10.5 million a year in recurring operating costs and 86.8 new full-time positions—about $7.9 million.

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Manassas Park

Manassas Park is widening the path to homeownership for the people who keep the city running.

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Fredericksburg

“The City of Fredericksburg invites residents and business owners to attend a public meeting on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, 601 Caroline Street,” City of Fredericksburg announced. “This community meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to share feedback on the ongoing Downtown Traffic Engineering Study, which aims to improve safety, traffic flow, and accessibility throughout the downtown area.”

City staff and the project consultant will present updates on the study’s findings and gather input as the team works to finalize project scopes, cost estimates, and phasing plans. Participants may drop in any time during the meeting to review materials, ask questions, and provide comments.