Santa Claus made a festive entrance at Potomac Mills mall today at 2 p.m., marking the beginning of the holiday season with a cheerful celebration in the Grand Court, located next to TJ Maxx.

Children and families were treated to a lively Santa’s Arrival Party, which included face painting, balloon twisting, ornament-making, and coloring activities. A “Letters to Santa” station allowed kids to jot down their holiday wishes, adding a magical touch to the event. Santa’s area was bustling with activity, surrounded by multiple elves, ensuring everyone had a merry time.


By Morgan Sweeney

(The Center Square) — The average American’s energy bill could increase from 25% to 70% in the next 10 years without intervention from policymakers, according to a new study from Washington, D.C.-based think tank the Jack Kemp Foundation.


On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, the Rotary Club of Manassas significantly contributed to the local community by donating $24,000 to Willing Warriors, a nonprofit organization that supports wounded service members and their families. The donation was announced during the Rotary’s noon meeting at City Tavern in Manassas.

The funds were raised during the Rotary’s annual Cornhole Tournament, held on September 29, 2024, at The Salisbury Center in Manassas. The event featured a competitive and social tournament, drawing many participants and supporters. Prizes worth over $4,500 were distributed during the game.


Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) has announced the launch of the Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting patients in making full and lasting recoveries following cardiac events. The program is rooted in three essential components—exercise, nutrition, and maintaining a healthy mindset—empowering patients to make informed choices that foster long-term health and well-being.

Designed to be both effective and sustainable, the Pritikin program incorporates a balanced diet that includes lean meats and fish as protein options, encouraging patients to explore flavorful, heart-healthy meals. Clinical dieticians guide participants in using spice blends and creative culinary techniques to make healthy eating enjoyable, ensuring adherence to the program’s principles.


Shaheem Hicks-Brown was convicted of multiple charges, including aggravated malicious wounding and firearm offenses, for a December 2022 shooting in Triangle, Virginia, where two victims sustained gunshot injuries but survived. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Sarah Sami, with support from law enforcement and victim services.

Press Release from the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney:


Welcome (or welcome back) to a Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.”

We started this series at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year with the nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County Schools, but now let’s turn our attention to the new and existing Manassas City Public Schools principals. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.


During its November 18 meeting, the Manassas City Council agreed to initiate the process for a council pay raise. This increase would not occur until July 1, 2027, following the next city council election in November 2026.

The council must adopt an ordinance after a public hearing, which will require advertisement in local newspapers twice: the first notice must appear no more than 28 days before the hearing, and the second no fewer than seven days prior.


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