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First Lady Melania Trump visited Marine Corps Base Quantico on December 8, 2025, where she spent time with children from the military community as part of a holiday-themed event. During the visit, Trump read a story to children, helped them sort donated toys for the Toys for Tots program, and joined them in making Christmas cards.
Photos from the visit show Trump greeting children, exchanging high-fives, and posing for pictures, including moments alongside Santa Claus. Santa and the First Lady were also photographed waving to children gathered on the runway at Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico.
“The ARTfactory is proud to present the 22nd Annual Off the Wall High School Art Exhibit & Competition, an inspiring showcase of emerging creative talent from across the region,” ARTfactory announced. “This free event invites the community to enjoy the artwork, meet the student artists, and celebrate the top winners in each category.”
“The 2025–26 exhibit features student artwork across five categories: Art & Technology, Painting/Drawing, Poetry, Wearable Art, and Photography,” according to ARTfactory stated. “Wearable Art designs will be unveiled and judged live during the ceremony.”
“Scheduled lane closures for road work in the Fredericksburg, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula areas, weather permitting. For updated information, check 511Virginia,” Virginia Department of Transportation announced. “Sunday – Thursday, 10 p.m.-6 a.m. Alternating lane closures on Route 1 northbound and southbound at the bridge over the Rappahannock River for pothole patching and spot concrete repairs.”
“A portion of Route 644 (Rock Hill Church Road) at Aquia Creek in Stafford County will close starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, through the morning of Monday, Dec. 22, for the removal of several trees, ahead of an upcoming project,” Virginia Department of Transportation stated. “Through traffic will be detoured during the road closure.”
“I returned to school after nearly two decades away. My first research assignment was a D — I almost quit,” Germanna Community College reported. “But a professor reminded me, ‘You’ve been out of school for years. Don’t give up.’ And I didn’t. My joy for learning was reignited. I finally allowed myself to be the person I always wanted to be.”
The college awarded 1,042 degrees, certificates, and credentials to more than 900 graduates during Thursday evening’s ceremony at the University of Mary Washington’s Anderson Center. Student speaker LaRai Diamond-Fortune, who earned an Associate of Applied Science in criminal justice, shared her journey of returning to college after nearly two decades and encouraged fellow graduates to embrace lifelong learning and personal growth.
A Prince William County jury has found Edward Jackson Bland, 38, guilty in the 2024 killings of Leann Harris and Asia Payne, one of whom was pregnant at the time of her death. The verdict was delivered on December 11, following a trial in Prince William County Circuit Court.
Bland was convicted of multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated murder, second-degree murder, carjacking, and three firearm-related felonies. His sentencing is scheduled for June 4, 2026, according to Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth.
Bonaventure Development closed out 2025 with a community‑centered push, collecting more than 100 toys in its Toys for Tots drive to support families in the Coles District of Prince William County. The effort aimed to bring holiday joy to local children, with contributions from Bonaventure team members and partners.
President Chris Cobb said the company’s commitment goes beyond building apartments, emphasizing volunteer work, charitable efforts and neighborhood partnerships as part of its mission. The toy drive was one of several initiatives Bonaventure led in recent months to strengthen community ties in and around Woodbridge.
“Anne’s dedication to historic preservation and her strategic vision have positioned WHM for long-term success,” Fredericksburg Advance reported. “Under her leadership, we’ve acquired an additional property, strengthened our finances and deepened our community connections. We’re grateful for her 12 years of service and look forward to welcoming a new leader who will build on this momentum.”
“Over the past 11 years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing—and contributing to—tremendous growth at WHM,” Darron said in the press release. “Yet, as much as I cherish these milestones, I feel the time is right to turn my focus toward family and the next chapter of life.”
“I am announcing my candidacy for the 23rd District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates,” Prince William Times reported. “This special election is an opportunity to continue delivering for our community in Richmond.”
Franklin, 39, who currently serves her second term as the Woodbridge District representative on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, formally entered the race Thursday to succeed Del. Candi King, who Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger selected to serve as secretary of the commonwealth. The date for the resulting special election has not yet been set, and Franklin is the first candidate to declare her bid for the seat officially. King’s appointment created the vacancy in the 23rd District in Prince William and Stafford counties.