Manassas

The interview explored Simone’s evolving involvement in local politics, an area she didn’t initially set out to cover. When asked about Manassas’s state, Simone expressed her optimism and concerns.

“I would be ignorant if I didn’t acknowledge that there hasn’t been a lot of improvement over our city in the past three years… But I’m seeing it go in a direction where I don’t believe it’s being led healthily,” she said. Reddington emphasized the disconnect between local government and business owners, sharing her frustration over land purchases, the lack of effective leadership, and the underrepresentation of small businesses.


Manassas

National Take Back Day is led by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which established this day to address the drug overdose epidemic in the U.S. Thousands of people die each year in prescription opioid deaths; in 2022, the number of deaths was 14,716 according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

“DEA is committed to making our communities safer and healthier, and we can do this by reducing overdoses and overdose deaths,” the DEA’s website states. “While the community does its part to turn in unneeded medications and remove them from potential harm, we are doing our part to further reduce drug-related violence.”


News

Police charged the driver of a 2009 Mack roll-off truck involved in a fatal crash on September 5 in Woodbridge. The crash occurred near Old Bridge Rd. and Occoquan Road, where 23-year-old Melanie Ruby Morales, operating a 2023 Kawasaki motorcycle, lost control and was run over by the truck. Investigators determined that both excessive speed on the part of Morales and the truck driver’s failure to maintain his lane contributed to the accident. The truck driver, 56-year-old Kojo Essandoh of Triangle, was charged with failure to maintain lane and has been released on a court summons.

From Prince William police:


Event

Join me during this National Craft Open Studios weekend, a celebration of Amrican craft organized by the American Craft Council (ACC). Come visit my studio July 18-19th, 11am-5pm at 10449 Metropolitan Ave, Kensington, MD. Please drop in, see how my work is created, tour my studio and try your hand at hammering some metal.


Features

Occoquan’s annual haunted maze will spook and thrill visitors again on Saturday, October 26, from 5 to 10 p.m., with net profits benefiting Patriots for Disabled Divers (PFDD).

This unique event, located in the parking lot behind D’Rocco’s on Mill Street, invites volunteers and attendees alike to support a great cause while enjoying a night of Halloween fun. PFDD is a nonprofit that uses scuba therapy to help wounded warriors, and this year’s maze holds special significance, honoring the late Bill Pressly, the maze’s original designer.


News

Amandeep Singh, 49, has been charged with the murders of Joshua Lee Davis, 45, and Nicole Wanda Lynn Davis, 45, in a double homicide that occurred at a home on Hanson Grove Court near Manassas. The couple, who rented the basement of the residence, were found dead from gunshot wounds on October 13.

Authorities were alerted by New Jersey police after Singh was detained following a separate domestic incident with family members. Singh is facing multiple charges, including murder, abduction, and firearm violations, and remains in custody pending extradition from New Jersey. Detectives continue to investigate the case.


News

Workhouse Haunt is back for its 11th season, delivering spine-chilling thrills with a twisted take on classic fairy tales. Running every weekend from October 4 to November 2, this haunted trail through the historic Workhouse prison will transport guests into reimagined, terrifying versions of Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and more. With pre- and post-trail festivities, including food trucks, Halloween art, and DJ music, it’s a must-see for thrill-seekers.

Special sensory-friendly sessions are available for families on October 20. Tickets start at $25.


Virginia

Our survey series ends with our eighth and final question to our candidates. Senator Tim Kaine and Hung Cao are running to represent Virginia in the U.S. Senate. Derrick Anderson and Eugene Vindman are running for the District 7 seat in the House of Representatives.

Early voting began Sept. 20. and ends November 2. Election Day is Nov. 5.