Stafford

Stafford County Public Schools is advancing a phased reduction of its 60 elementary modular classrooms—installed between 2021 and 2024 to accommodate a surge in student enrollment—as updated November 2025 projections reflect slower future growth and a rare recent one-year decline.

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Features

From mid-March through early May, thousands of anadromous fish surge upstream, drawing wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, anglers, and families to the riverbanks. Stafford County stands out as a prime, accessible spot to witness this ancient migration—often called one of the region’s best-kept secrets for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience blending wildlife, history, and seasonal wonder.

American shad (*Alosa sapidissima*) and hickory shad (along with river herring like alewife and blueback) are the stars. These fish spend most of their lives in the salty Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay but return each spring to freshwater rivers to spawn.


Prince William

Prince William County’s financial advisors presented a stark assessment during the Board of County Supervisors work session on March 10, 2026: the county’s outstanding debt is on track to surge more than 60% over the next five years, reaching approximately $1.94 billion by the end of FY2031.

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Manassas

Manassas Regional Airport successfully completed its first Full-Scale Exercise on March 11 to test the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP), a key step in maintaining readiness and supporting its path toward commercial passenger service.

The drill, required under 14 CFR § 139.325 by the Federal Aviation Administration for Class I airports, must occur at least once every 36 consecutive calendar months. It simulated a realistic scenario involving coordination among multiple agencies to ensure effective response capabilities.


Schools

Stafford County Public Schools is considering expanding non-transportation zones (NTZs), areas where no bus service is provided, and families are responsible for getting students to school.

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Prince William

Detectives executed a search warrant at the Gainesville home of the primary suspect, 19-year-old J’Shaun Zomari Williams, of the 14200 block of Haro Trail. Williams was not located during the attempted service of the warrants and remains at large. Police are asking the public for help in locating him.

Williams, described as a Black male, 6’1”, 175 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes, faces charges including murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, discharge of a firearm into an occupied dwelling, willful discharge of a firearm in a public place, concealed carry, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.


Manassas

The Manassas City Council paused its March 9, 2026, meeting to honor retiring City Attorney S. Craig Brown, presenting a proclamation commending his eight years of service as the city’s first in-house legal counsel.

Vice Mayor Mark D. Wolfe, the sole remaining council member from those who unanimously appointed Brown on February 20, 2018, read Resolution R-2026-743. Wolfe lightheartedly noted he “drew the short straw” for the task but affirmed the decision’s success. “We made a good choice… Life is a lot easier in Manassas than in Charlottesville,” he said, alluding to Brown’s prior role in the more contentious environment of Charlottesville.


Breaking News

Republican Jeannie M. LaCroix, Republican, has won the special election for the Woodbridge District seat on the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, defeating Democratic nominee Muhammed Sufiyan “Sef” Casim and write-in candidate Pamela Montgomery, Democrats, in a low-turnout contest marked by controversy and party division.

Unofficial results from the Prince William County Office of Elections show LaCroix receiving 43.73% of the vote (1,694 votes), Casim with 37.07% (1,436 votes), and write-ins (primarily for Montgomery) at 19.20% (744 votes). The total turnout reflects a divided Democratic base in a district that has historically leaned strongly Democratic.