Manassas City Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger is attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) 92nd Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. The three-day conference brings together over 250 mayors nationwide to discuss challenges, share best practices, and engage with federal officials.
Davis-Younger, a first-time attendee, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to network and participate in informative sessions addressing various concerns, from poverty and homelessness to AI. The meeting includes conversations with national leaders, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Davis-Younger will also visit the White House on January 19.
Davis-Younger, a Democrat, is up for re-election this year and will finish her first mayoral term on December 31, 2024. No one has announced a campaign to unseat her, though it’s still early in the local election cycle.
Democrats Mark Wolfe, Pamela Sebesky, and Tom Osina are also up for re-election this November.
In Dumfries, Vice Mayor Monaé Nickerson has been appointed to lead the National League of Cities (NLC) 2024 Small Cities Council. This is her second one-year term in this role. The appointment was announced by NLC President Mayor-Elect David Sander of Rancho Cordova, CA.
As a member of NLC’s Small Cities Council, Vice Mayor Nickerson will work with local leaders to encourage collaboration, networking, and the development of resources and programs beneficial to communities with similar demographics, sizes, or locations. The council aims to ensure that cities, towns, and villages across the country have access to ideas and resources to thrive.
The leadership of this year’s council includes Chair Jan Arbuckle, Vice Mayor of Grass Valley, Calif.; Vice Chair Mary Sarver, Mayor Pro Tem of Grandview, Texas; and Vice Chair Gabrielle Nelson, Councilwoman of Port Wentworth, Ga.
Nickerson is serving her second term on the town council.
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Manassas continues to make strides in its commitment to fostering a thriving business environment, with the Manassas Business Council (NBC) and the Economic Development Authority (EDA) reflecting on the city’s ongoing growth and vision for future projects. Both organizations presented their annual reports during the city council meeting on January 27, 2025, highlighting key initiatives, business growth, and revitalization efforts.
The Manassas Business Council’s efforts to connect with local businesses have paid off with an active year of meetings, presentations, and valuable discussions. Key highlights from their year include monthly meetings with industry experts, discussions about economic development in the city, and presentations on projects such as the façade and landscape improvement grants. Notably, the city’s economic development initiatives were discussed in depth, including the work to support small businesses and increase community engagement. Council members were also informed about the successes of local restaurants and the efforts to make Historic Downtown Manassas a key business district.
Amid heightened immigration enforcement under President Trump’s executive orders, local communities are grappling with confusion and fear sparked by social media posts warning of ICE raids and undercover operations.
The president issued numerous Executive Orders, some of which reinforced the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. In addition to targeted raids on known criminals across the country, the Trump administration has mobilized troops at the U.S.-Mexico border and reinstated the previous “Remain in Mexico” policy. This policy requires individuals seeking asylum to stay outside the U.S. while awaiting a decision on their applications.
These enforcement measures have sparked concern among those residing in the country illegally. Despite the Trump administration’s assurances that it is focusing on illegal immigrants with criminal convictions, certain groups have seized on the uncertainty, pushing political agendas that confuse the undocumented community, causing fear and confusion. Numerous social media posts, in both English and Spanish, warn people to avoid common locations like grocery stores and shopping centers to prevent encounters with ICE.
(The Center Square) — Despite budget increases in the hundreds of millions and multiple statewide education initiatives, Virginia students still aren’t showing a definitive recovery from pandemic learning lows.
Their test scores from January 2024 declined from their 2022 scores – the scores that caused Gov. Glenn Youngkin to call for major education reforms – in several areas.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the “nation’s report card,” measures several subjects but is most known for its 4th and 8th grade math and reading tests.
(The Center Square) – The White House took steps to make good on its promise to cut the federal government down to size by giving federal workers a choice: return to the office full-time or leave with eight months of pay.
The Office of Personnel Management told federal workers Tuesday night that they have until Feb. 6 to decide to stay or go. If they step down, they will continue getting all pay and benefits and be exempt from in-person work requirements until Sept. 30.
However, the Trump administration said that even government employees who stay on could still eventually lose their jobs as the president reshapes the federal government and its workforce.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
