The Vitriol Over Pumpkin Spice: Is it Justified? Pumpkin spice has returned, and with it, the annual outrage. Is the vitriol justified, or have we collectively decided to bully a harmless blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves? Every fall, pumpkin spice appears seemingly everywhere. Coffee. Muffins. Candles. Cookies. Creamers. Cereals. Before long, someone somewhere…
PJM Interconnection took emergency steps Sept. 17 after unusually warm September weather increased electricity demand while some power plants and major power lines were offline for scheduled maintenance. PJM called on participating businesses and other large electricity users in parts of its system to temporarily reduce power use, helping ease demand on the regional grid.…
Two candidates are seeking one seat in the Nov. 3 special election for Virginia House of Delegates District 20. The district includes the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park and part of Prince William County. The Manassas Journal sent both candidates the same six questions about district priorities, public schools, housing and infrastructure, criminal justice,…
Three candidates are seeking three seats on the Manassas Park City Council. The Manassas Journal sent all three candidates the same six questions about quality of life, taxes and utility costs, economic development, data centers, infrastructure and schools. Maya Miernik submitted responses. The other two candidates did not submit responses by the deadline. Rather than…
Six candidates are seeking three seats on the City of Manassas School Board. Three answered the same five questions from the Manassas Journal about issues they could face if elected. Their responses cover academic achievement, school funding, School Board governance, English learners and how voters should measure results. Rather than summarize those positions in our…
Seven candidates are seeking three seats on the City of Manassas City Council. Six answered the same six questions from the Manassas Journal about issues they could face if elected. Their responses cover housing and development, taxes and utility costs, public safety, schools, data centers and Historic Downtown Manassas. Rather than summarize those positions in…
Virginia voters will decide three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution on Nov. 3. The questions deal with abortion and other pregnancy-related decisions, marriage, and voting rights after a felony conviction. Each amendment is a separate question. Voters may vote yes or no on each one. Below is the exact wording voters will see on…
Manassas, Manassas Park and Prince William County use different tax relief and vehicle fees, changing what residents ultimately pay 2-Minute Brief WHEN: Vehicle personal property taxes are due Monday, Oct. 5 in the City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park and Prince William County. THE EXAMPLE: For the same qualifying vehicle assessed at $20,000, the…
Virginia has authorized adult-use sales beginning July 1, 2027; Manassas is now deciding where licensed businesses may operate and what local zoning rules will apply 2-Minute Brief WHAT: The City of Manassas has started reviewing its zoning rules for marijuana businesses as Virginia prepares to open a regulated adult-use retail market. WHY NOW: Manassas considered…
Sept. 15 hearing concerns one accessory structure at the historic Fairview Avenue property, not Tillett Hall itself 2-Minute Brief WHAT: The Manassas Architectural Review Board will consider a request to demolish a one-story accessory structure at Tillett Hall, 9522 Fairview Avenue. WHEN: The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at…