Newslinks

“This resolution is about empowering communities to choose governance that truly reflects their values and needs,” State Sen. Chris Rose announced. “West Virginia was born from the spirit of self-determination, and we’re extending that invitation to our neighbors who share our way of life. By uniting, we can foster economic growth, better infrastructure, and a stronger voice for Appalachia.”

The Senate Resolution, introduced November 5, 2025, invites 21 Virginia counties—including Augusta, Lee, Rockingham, and Wise—and three Maryland counties to explore joining West Virginia. The proposal cites shared Appalachian heritage, rural traditions, and values centered on individual liberties and local governance.

“The verdict sends a message that what happened at the school was wrong and is not going to be tolerated, that safety has to be the first concern at school,” attorney Diane Toscano said after a jury awarded $10 million to former teacher Abby Zwerner, The Associated Press reported. “I think it’s a great message.”

The jury found former Richneck Elementary assistant principal Ebony Parker liable for failing to act on repeated warnings that a 6-year-old student had a gun before shooting Zwerner in January 2023. “Who would think a 6-year-old would bring a gun to school and shoot their teacher?” Toscano told jurors. “It’s Dr. Parker’s job to believe that is possible. It’s her job to investigate it and get to the very bottom of it.”

Voters across Prince William, Stafford, Fredericksburg, and Manassas are heading to the polls today — Tuesday, November 4, 2025 — to decide races that will shape schools, growth, and governance for years to come.

All Virginia voters will choose the state’s next leaders in three top offices:

“As you turn your clocks back, the Prince William County Fire and Rescue System would like to remind residents to change the battery in their smoke alarms,” the department announced. “When properly installed and maintained, working smoke alarms save lives and protect against injury and loss due to fire. You double your chances of surviving a home fire with working smoke alarms compared to homes without working smoke alarms.”

National fire statistics show that 344,600 home structure fires occurred in recent years, leading to 10,400 injuries, 2,890 deaths, and more than $11 million in property loss. Cooking remains the leading cause of home fires and injuries, while smoking materials cause most home fire deaths.

“Today, the Town of Dumfries proudly hosted the Waterfront Key Exchange Ceremony, officially turning the former Campbell property into the future Dumfries Waterfront District, a destination for recreation, business, and community life,” the Town of Dumfries announced. “This milestone marks a major step forward in revitalizing Virginia’s oldest chartered town and creating a vibrant waterfront experience for residents and visitors alike.”

“Historic Manassas, Inc. and the City of Manassas are proud to welcome Restoration Community Ministries, Inc. to their new home at 9119 Church Street (across from the Downtown Post Office),” Historic Manassas, Inc. posted. “Please join us on October 27, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, and let’s show them some downtown Manassas community support!”