Manassas

Manassas City Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis announced she is running for re-election in the Tuesday, November 3, 2026, general election. Ellis is currently serving her second four-year term on the City Council, according to a campaign announcement.

Ellis highlighted fiscal responsibility, smart growth, education, and communication as her top priorities if re-elected. She said the city must balance affordable taxes with public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and responsible economic development. “We must focus on the needs of our residents while keeping taxes affordable,” Ellis said in the announcement.


Prince William

Two new indoor entertainment venues are coming to Potomac Mills, adding more options for families with children, according to a press release from the shopping center. Slick City Action Park and Kids Jungle Playground are both planned for Neighborhood 5 at the Woodbridge mall, though opening dates were not announced.

Slick City Action Park will be the first East Coast location for the fast-growing national chain. The waterless indoor action park is expected to feature multi-lane dry slides, air courts, a Junior Jungle area for toddlers, and party rooms. Mall officials say the attraction is designed for a wide range of ages and offers a high-energy alternative to traditional trampoline parks. It is planned near Visionworks.


Opinion

Virginia’s economic progress over the past four years did not happen by chance. It was the result of deliberate, disciplined choices that delivered measurable benefits for families, workers, and communities across the Commonwealth.

During that time, Virginia attracted record private investment, added hundreds of thousands of jobs, reduced regulatory burdens, and generated strong revenue growth. Notably, this was achieved while providing billions in tax relief and increasing funding for education, infrastructure, and public safety. These outcomes mattered locally, including here in the Fredericksburg region, where affordability, job growth, and a stable tax base are everyday concerns.


Politics

The Prince William County Board of Supervisors has set a special election to fill the vacant Woodbridge Magisterial District supervisor seat following the resignation of Margaret Franklin.

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Prince William

The Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation will host its fourth annual State of the Parks address later this month, highlighting major accomplishments from 2025 and previewing priorities for the year ahead.

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Police Blotter

A robbery involving a firearm at a Publix grocery store ended with two men in custody after a brief foot chase behind nearby businesses.

Deputies were called to the Publix at 1640 Publix Way around 9 p.m. on January 27 after reports that two men pushed a cart full of groceries past all points of sale and threatened an employee with a gun when confronted. The suspects ran on foot toward the Five Guys restaurant, abandoning the groceries after the encounter.


Police Blotter

A fatal single-vehicle crash early Saturday morning claimed the life of a Sumerduck woman in Fauquier County.

Virginia State Police say a 2019 Kia Forte was traveling northbound on Route 17 near Dyes Lane around 2:30 a.m. when it ran off the right side of the road and struck a tree. The driver, a 36-year-old woman from Sumerduck, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police noted she was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.


Stafford

The department said last weekend’s storm left a solid sheet of ice across the community after snow turned to sleet and freezing rain. With temperatures remaining below freezing, officials warn the ice continues to harden and remain extremely slick, especially on hills and sloped areas. Fire officials urged residents to avoid icy terrain, secure pets, wear footwear with traction, and stay indoors when conditions are unsafe.


Schools

Stafford County Public Schools officials say school buildings are in good condition following recent weather, but lingering issues on neighborhood roads could affect when students return to class, according to a message sent to families Friday evening.

Superintendent Daniel W. Smith, Ed.D., said staff are working through the weekend to complete cleanup efforts and ensure access to all schools. While facilities are ready, some roads still need attention, and the school division is coordinating with the Virginia Department of Transportation to monitor conditions.