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We’re out here daily, covering the stories that matter to you and our region, including the recent election and its impact across Prince William County, Stafford, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg. It’s a fascinating time for local politics, and the election results show a shift in how our communities are engaging politically. Republicans made gains in areas that have been reliably Democratic, and there are implications as we head into a gubernatorial race next year.
In Prince William County, Kamala Harris lost nearly 7% of the votes Joe Biden won in 2020, which is a big deal in the state’s second-most-populated jurisdiction. In 2020, Biden won neighboring Stafford County by 2,600 votes, while Harris won in 2024 by just 275.
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Early Monday morning, November 4, at about 3 o’clock, an infrequent customer of Hyperion Espresso had a crisis and felt a cup of coffee was in order. So he went to Hyperion with a broomstick and broke 72 windows and the glass door.
The alarm went off, and the Fredericksburg police made a quick arrest. “I have a coffee emergency,” could be heard on the surveillance camera recording.
Just days after securing another ninth term in Congress, Representative Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly revealed he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. The diagnosis came as a surprise to Connolly, who noted he had experienced only mild, intermittent abdominal aches and pains with no major symptoms. He shared the news in a heartfelt message to constituents, explaining his treatment plan, which includes chemotherapy and immunotherapy, set to begin immediately.
Connolly, a Democrat representing Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, won his November 5 election with a decisive 66.5% of the vote, totaling 250,962 ballots in his favor. His opponent, Republican Mike L. Van Meter, garnered 33.06% of the vote, with 124,780 votes. This victory marks another term for Connolly, who has been a prominent advocate for the people of Northern Virginia.
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The ARTfactory is looking for high school students to submit their artwork to their 21st annual “Off the Wall” art exhibit and competition.
The exhibit, which runs from Dec. 18 to Jan. 19, 2025, features art created by Manassas City, Manassas Park and Prince William County high school students. Eligible mediums of art include art and technology; painting and drawing; poetry; wearable art; and photography. Students have the opportunity to showcase their work and be judged by a professional in their respective fields.
Fredericksburg will host its annual Veteran’s Day procession on Monday, November 11 at 10 a.m. The walk will begin at Memorial Park (also known as Kenmore Park) on Kenmore Avenue and end at the Fredericksburg Area War Memorial on George Street.
The procession will travel down Washington Avenue from Mary Ball Street to George Street, ending around 10:30. The Veteran’s Day Commemoration will begin at 10:45 at the War Memorial. Streets will not be closed for the procession, but a rolling police escort will accompany the walkers.
One hot topic for discussion is the cell phone policy in schools—a decision that could shape students’ school-day routines. Recently, the Virginia Department of Education suggested a strict “bell-to-bell” policy, which would prevent students from using phones entirely during the school day, including lunch and passing periods. However, Prince William County has a slightly different plan. Their proposed policy, if adopted, would allow high school students to use their phones during lunch and in hallways between classes, but keep devices out of sight and silent during class time. For younger students in elementary and middle school, phones would need to stay stashed away all day.
If this policy goes into effect on January 1, 2025, students who break the rule could face referrals and might even need to bring home a form for parents to sign. Tonight is the first time the public will get to hear details of this plan, and it’s sure to be a point of interest.
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Throughout the six-week course, inmates are able to develop their communication skills, build their confidence, develop active listening skills and articulate their stories with intent and purpose, a county press release stated.
Nick Baskerville, who coaches the workshop, emphasized the powerful tool that is storytelling. Baskerville is a storyteller and comedian.