Author: Uriah Kiser

I'm the Founder and Publisher of Potomac Local News. Raised in Woodbridge, I'm now raising my family in Northern Virginia and care deeply about our community. If you're not getting our FREE email newsletter, you are missing out. Subscribe Now!

Schools

Prince William Education Association to Remain Under VEA Trusteeship

By Uriah Kiser

The Virginia Education Association (VEA) has voted to keep the Prince William Education Association (PWEA) under state trusteeship, extending a takeover that began in July after an audit raised questions about the local union’s finances and governance.

The decision came Sunday, August 24, 2025, after a nearly 16-hour hearing the day before in Manassas. In an email to members, trustee Linda J. Cook, a former Fairfax local president, said the VEA Board of Directors had “carefully considered” testimony and affirmed the trusteeship imposed initially on July 21.

Go to Prince William Education Association to Remain Under VEA Trusteeship Read more
Neighborhood Notes

GMU Sanctioned, New Manassas Eateries, Free School Meals & More

By Uriah Kiser

Today’s roundup includes major updates from local governments, schools, and community organizations—from housing policy and school attendance to business openings, library renovations, and live-fire military training. Catch up on what’s new, what’s changing, and what’s coming up across the region.

📰 Support Local News That Puts Your Community First
Get full access to trusted, in-depth reporting from PotomacLocal.com by becoming a paid member today. Your support helps keep essential local coverage alive.
👉 Join here

Go to GMU Sanctioned, New Manassas Eateries, Free School Meals & More Read more
Stafford

Stafford Supervisors Delay Vote on Data Center Rules After Heated Hearing

By Uriah Kiser

An overflow crowd packed the Board of Supervisors chambers Tuesday night, urging elected officials to adopt stricter rules for data centers. After hours of emotional testimony and sharp debate among supervisors, the board voted to delay a decision and will hold a work session next week before advertising new regulations.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to Stafford Supervisors Delay Vote on Data Center Rules After Heated Hearing Read more
Police Blotter

Infant Homicide, Mass Murder Sentence, Shooting, Dog Attack, and Mechanic Scam

By Uriah Kiser
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

In Prince William County, David Nathaniel Maine, 27, was sentenced to six life terms plus 53 years for the 2022 murders of four people in a Dale City home where he was living as a tenant. Maine pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting and killing 19-year-old Karrie Sotelo, the daughter of homeowner Kelly Sotelo. He then fatally shot another tenant, Richard Revollar Corrales, as well as Kelly and her husband, Miguel Flores. A 13-year-old girl, Kelly’s younger daughter, escaped the scene. The case was described by Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth as “one of the most horrific crimes in Prince William County history.”

Also in Prince William, a 45-year-old man was shot early Thursday morning at the Shorehaven apartments in Dumfries. He was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the lower body but refused to cooperate with police. Officers say the incident does not appear to be random.

Go to Infant Homicide, Mass Murder Sentence, Shooting, Dog Attack, and Mechanic Scam Read more
Podcast

Should Discovery Stay or Go? Push to Keep Space Shuttle at Udvar-Hazy Takes Off

By Uriah Kiser
Space shuttle Discovery [Photo: Smithsonian]

A grassroots campaign is working to keep space shuttle Discovery at the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles Airport as federal lawmakers push to move it to Texas.

Joe Stief, founder of KeepTheShuttle.org, joined the Potomac Local News podcast to explain why he and other advocates believe Discovery should remain in Northern Virginia. He said removing it would risk damage, waste taxpayer dollars, and diminish the Smithsonian’s collection.

Go to Should Discovery Stay or Go? Push to Keep Space Shuttle at Udvar-Hazy Takes Off Read more
Schools

Emails Undercut Claims of Security Threats Behind PWEA Trusteeship

By Uriah Kiser

MANASSAS, Va. — Newly obtained emails cast doubt on claims that security threats forced George Mason University to decline hosting a hearing on the future of the Prince William Education Association.

The VEA had previously suggested that threats and disruptive behavior forced the cancellation of an in-person hearing at George Mason University’s Manassas campus. But emails from GMU officials indicate no such threats were ever reported.

Go to Emails Undercut Claims of Security Threats Behind PWEA Trusteeship Read more
Schools

Sheehy Toyota Donates $30K to Help Stafford Students and Teachers Thrive

By Uriah Kiser

STAFFORD, Va. – The folks at Sheehy Toyota of Stafford just handed over a $30,000 check to Stafford County Public Schools—and it’s going straight to the classrooms and kids who need it most.

The donation, presented to the school district Director of Engagement Hunter Berry, will fund everything from early childhood programs and classroom supplies to winter coats for students and appreciation events for hardworking staff. It’s all part of a partnership that’s been going strong since 2017.

Go to Sheehy Toyota Donates $30K to Help Stafford Students and Teachers Thrive Read more
Police Blotter

Double Murder Conviction, Assaults, and Arrests Across Stafford, Prince William, and Fredericksburg

By Uriah Kiser
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

A jury has convicted a man of two counts of first-degree murder in a 2020 Dale City house party shooting that left two dead and two others seriously injured—leading a week full of serious charges, arrests, and property crimes across the region.

Separately, police made two domestic-related felony arrests:

Go to Double Murder Conviction, Assaults, and Arrests Across Stafford, Prince William, and Fredericksburg Read more
Podcast

Patrick Harders Talks Data Centers, Sudley Corridor, and the November Election

By Uriah Kiser
Harders

GAINESVILLE, Va. – Patrick Harders says he’s ready to carry on the legacy of the late Gainesville District Supervisor Bob Weir as he campaigns for the seat in this fall’s special election.

Harders, a Republican and longtime Manassas resident, won his party’s nomination on August 16. The Prince William County Republican Committee announced Harders’ win that evening, saying he earned 1,838 votes to Brian Landrum’s 840. He will face Democrat George Stewart in the November 4 election to fill the seat left vacant after Weir’s death in July.

Go to Patrick Harders Talks Data Centers, Sudley Corridor, and the November Election Read more
View More Stories