Manassas

MANASSAS, Va. – The ARTfactory is now accepting student submissions for its 22nd Annual Off the Wall High School Art Exhibit & Competition, showcasing young talent from Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.

Open to all high school students in grades 9–12, the competition includes categories like Art & Technology, Painting/Drawing, Photography, Poetry, and Wearable Art. Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on November 13, 2025, via an online form. Accepted artists will be notified by November 17.


Fredericksburg

FALMOUTH, Va. – Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Sears delivered a fiery speech Saturday evening outside her campaign bus in Falmouth, near Fredericksburg, condemning what she described as a “culture of hate and violence” taking root within Democratic politics.

The event came just days after National Review first reported 2022 text messages sent by Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for attorney general. In the messages, Jones joked about violence against then–House Speaker Todd Gilbert, writing, “Gilbert gets two bullets to the head,” and later referencing Gilbert’s children, saying, “Only when people feel pain personally do they move on policy,” according to The Washington Post. The Associated Press and Politico later confirmed the authenticity of the exchange, which Jones has since acknowledged and apologized for.


Police Blotter

Police arrested a 35-year-old man from Woodbridge for indecent exposure. The arrest followed an incident on September 27, where the suspect exposed himself to a woman in a parking lot on Mapledale Plaza in Dale City, police said. Witnesses intervened, and the suspect left the scene. He was later identified and served with a court summons.

Additionally, officers responded to a report of reckless handling of a firearm at Davenport Insulation in Manassas. Between September 25 and October 1, a bullet struck an exterior window of the building. Fortunately, no injuries or further damage were reported.


Features

The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) will host the 5th Annual Tour de VRE on Saturday, October 4.

This year’s route will follow VRE’s Manassas Line, with a 35-mile ride beginning at Backlick Road Station in Fairfax County and ending at Broad Run Station in Prince William County. Along the way, cyclists will visit several VRE stations and the communities they serve, including Springfield, Burke, Clifton, Manassas, and Bristow. An 8-mile ride will begin at Manassas Park Station and end at Broad Run Station.


Fredericksburg

 

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – On Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, voters filled Dodd Auditorium at the University of Mary Washington to hear Delegate Joshua Cole (D) and Republican challenger Sean Steinway debate issues shaping the 65th House District race.


Politics

Prince William County’s long-running fight over the Rural Crescent has become a defining issue in the Gainesville supervisor race, where candidates George Stewart and Patrick Harders are offering starkly different visions for the county’s future.

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Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Downtown Fredericksburg is full of fall spirit as Scarecrow Fest returns now through October 31. The annual event transforms the city into a festive, family-friendly destination with creative displays, activities, and Halloween-themed events.

The Scarecrow Contest is already underway, featuring more than 30 handmade scarecrows on display outside local businesses and organizations. Visitors can pick up a map from participating spots or download one online, then vote for their favorite display through the end of the month.


Manassas

The Manassas City School Board will review its grading policy after parents and teachers voiced frustration that the division’s “50 floor” system allows students to coast instead of completing their work.

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Police Blotter

An incident unfolded on Claiborne Avenue, where a woman was charged with assault and battery after a confrontation with her boyfriend. The altercation led to damage to his bedroom door. Later, she violated a protective order related to the same incident, resulting in additional charges. Despite these charges, she was released on personal recognizance.

In another incident, a fraud case was reported at Wells Fargo on Garrisonville Road. A victim was deceived by a caller pretending to be from the bank’s fraud department, resulting in the loss of her money.