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🌱 Patch AM: Why Manassas tap water suddenly smells musty—and if it’s safe

Spotted on the Manassas calendar: Fridays at 5 Free Concert Series

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Hello Manassas! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Manassas tap water suddenly smells musty—and if it's safe
  • What changes could reshape Manassas First Friday after the fatal shooting?
  • Which Manassas races and amendments are really on your 2026 ballot?

Also on today's calendar: Fridays at 5 Free Concert Series and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A stray afternoon t-storm, with a high of 89 and low of 69 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Humid with periods of sun, temps: high: 85, low: 64.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny and nice, with a high of 79 and low of 64 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Musty-Smelling Tap Water Only Temporary, Manassas City Officials Say (patch.com) — Manassas officials say recent musty or earthy smells in city tap water come from natural compounds in Lake Manassas and do not pose a health risk. Levels of Geosmin and MIB rise as lake temperatures change, and the Water Department is actively treating the issue while continuing routine safety monitoring.
   

2. Manassas Pulls Plug On Next 'First Friday' After Innocent Teen Killed In Gunfight (dailyvoice.com) — Manassas has canceled October's downtown First Friday event while officials and Historic Manassas Inc. rethink how to keep the long‑running celebration safe after a deadly Sept. 4 shooting. Residents will have a chance to weigh in, starting with a Manassas City Council work session on Sept. 21, before leaders decide if and how First Friday returns.
   

3. Here's Your 2026 Northern Virginia Midterm Election Guide (northernvirginiamag.com) — Manassas voters face a busy November 3 ballot, with U.S. Senate, the 10th Congressional District, three statewide constitutional amendments, a House of Delegates special election, and competitive City Council and school board races. Early voting in Northern Virginia starts September 18, and residents can find Manassas-specific polling places, hours, and voting options through the Manassas City Office of Elections.
   

4. Police Blotter: Robbery Arrest Near Manassas; Teen Charged After Gun Discharge (potomaclocal.com) — Prince William County police arrested a 27-year-old Manassas man after a reported strong-armed robbery at the Home Depot on Stream Walk Lane near Manassas, recovering a leaf blower, tools, and allegedly stolen shoes. The same blotter details a teen charged after a gun discharged at Woodbridge apartments and separate Stafford County arrests tied to narcotics and check fraud.
   

5. Helping People With Dementia Reconnect Through Music (aarp.org) — A Manassas choir director and a Gainesville resident teamed up to create the Forgetful Friends Chorus, inspired by research showing music can reach people with dementia even after speech fades. Rehearsing at Manassas Church of the Brethren, they've seen nonverbal participants begin to sing again and now perform at senior centers and memory care facilities to spread that joy.
   

📸 Around Manassas

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • TJX posted a job opening for Front end supervisor in Manassas. Apply here.
  • HealthMarkets posted a job opening for Insurance Agent in Manassas. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Manassas here.

Ok Manassas! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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