The Center Square: Democratic nominee Abigail Spanberger is starting October with a polling advantage in Virginia’s governor’s race as the month opens with a federal shutdown and political tension building in Virginia.
This newsletter is a fresh blend of our classic Publisher’s Post and the newer Neighborhood Notes. Stay tuned for Fun and News — your go-to for local happenings, things to do, and behind-the-scenes tidbits from the local news world. Enjoy!
Hartwell Capitol Ad Sees Huge Success on Potomac Local News
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WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Police are investigating a deadly shooting that took place late Wednesday outside the Alamo Drafthouse at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center.
Officers were called to the 15200 block of Potomac Town Place at 10:48 p.m. on October 2 and found two men with gunshot injuries. A 21-year-old man, later identified as Jasiya Ahmar Vaughn of Woodbridge, had been shot multiple times and was found on the sidewalk near the theater. First responders provided aid, but Vaughn died from his injuries at the scene.
Join us for an awesome Trunk or Treat at the most popular self-defense school in Manassas, at American Drengr Krav Maga, on October 24, 2025 from 6-8 PM. We are located at 10079 Market Circle, Hastings Marketplace in Manassas
Indoor games, creative trunks, great costumes, contests, raffles, and candy!
Fredericksburg Free Press: A former Stafford County teacher has filed a $1.5 million lawsuit against four former H.H. Poole Middle School female students, alleging they assaulted her during a January 2024 brawl.
Some of the students also faced criminal charges, but the outcome of their court hearings is not available since they are juveniles.
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.
Authorities are investigating an attempted burglary at Trucordia Insurance on Ambassador Drive near Manassas. Officers responded on September 30 after discovering pry marks on the exterior doors. The investigation suggests that the attempt occurred sometime since September 16. Fortunately, no entry was made, and nothing was reported missing from the premises.
Here’s the full press release:
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – The Prince William County School Board voted unanimously on October 1, 2025, to introduce a slate of new courses for middle and high school students beginning in the 2026–27 school year.
At Porter and Pennington Traditional Schools, four new Project Lead the Way (PLTW) classes will be added to the curriculum. Sixth graders can take Design and Modeling, a hands-on course where students use computer-aided design programs, simulations, and 3D printers to build objects. Seventh graders will have the option of Medical Detectives, a lab-based class where they analyze vital signs, investigate disease outbreaks, and even dissect a sheep brain. For eighth grade, Automation and Robotics will focus on building and programming robotic systems, while App Creators will teach students the fundamentals of designing and developing mobile applications.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Prince William County supervisors will decide on October 7 whether to approve an amended labor contract with county firefighters. This deal carries millions in new costs and could affect taxpayers.
The contract with Local 2598 of the International Association of Fire Fighters updates pay scales, specialty stipends, and referral bonuses for fire and rescue personnel. County staff estimate that the changes will add approximately $3 million in costs in fiscal year 2027 and increase to $5.8 million by fiscal year 2028.
