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!

News

Stafford’s Running a Big Emergency Shelter Drill—Here’s What to Know

By Uriah Kiser

STAFFORD, Va. – The staff at Stafford County will conduct a full-scale emergency shelter drill this Friday, October 3—and you may notice increased activity near Shirley Heim Middle School and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

This joint exercise, conducted with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Rappahannock Area Health District, Stafford County Public Schools, and St. Peter’s, will test the county’s ability to open and operate emergency shelters in the event of a major disaster.

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Neighborhood Notes

Neighborhood Notes: Manassas Opens Community Center, Stafford Plans Candy Hunt, FXBG Hosts Halloween Pub Crawl

By Uriah Kiser
City officials, community leaders, and residents gather for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the grand opening of the new Manassas Community Center on Sudley Road, transforming the former Marsteller Middle School into a vibrant hub for connection and learning.

From the ribbon-cutting of Manassas’ first Community Center to Stafford’s Spooktacular Candy Hunt and Fredericksburg’s festive Halloween Pub Crawl, this week’s local highlights are full of fall fun, music, and community spirit across Northern Virginia.

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Manassas

Manassas Accepts Downtown Redevelopment Proposal for Hotel, Parking Garage, and Housing

By Uriah Kiser

Manassas took the first step toward a major downtown redevelopment project that could bring a hotel, apartments, and a new public parking garage to the city’s historic core.

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Business

Prince William Supervisors Approve New Wawa on Route 28 Despite Traffic Concerns

By Uriah Kiser
A Wawa gas station

Prince William County supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a rezoning and special use permit allowing a new Wawa gas station and convenience store along Route 28 in the Yorkshire community.

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Manassas

New State Rules, Same Classroom Debate: Brescia Says 50% for Missing Work ‘Isn’t Worth the Tradeoff’

By Uriah Kiser
Brescia (right)

Manassas City School Board member Sara Brescia says giving 50% for missing work is an “unacceptable tradeoff,” arguing the division should shift detailed grading rules out of School Board policy and into a superintendent-set regulation to de-politicize decisions and focus on student engagement, attendance, and behavior.

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Quantico

‘No More Beards, No More Woke:’ Hegseth brings back the War Department at Quantico

By Uriah Kiser
Hegseth

QUANTICO, Va. – President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth appeared before more than 800 generals, admirals, and senior enlisted leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico on Tuesday, underscoring what they called a return to a “warrior ethos” in the armed forces.

The high-profile summit, which ran from 4 a.m. to noon, was accompanied by heavy security, including road closures, base checkpoints, and delays for commuters along U.S. Route 1. Prince William County Police urged drivers to plan alternative routes, and OmniRide warned riders of disruptions to microtransit and paratransit services in the Town of Quantico. The base operated under Code Blue, restricting access to essential personnel only.

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Theatre Ensemble Honors Late Actor in RENT Production

By Uriah Kiser
Hlusko

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — The Fredericksburg Theatre Ensemble’s fall production of RENT carries special meaning this year as the company pays tribute to longtime performer and friend, Chris Hlusko, who died shortly before the show opened.

Hlusko’s first appearance with the Ensemble came in 2012 with The Eight: Reindeer Monologues. Over the years, he left his mark on stage and backstage, contributing to productions including I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, The Rocky Horror Show, and Dangerous Liaisons, where his passion for costumes shone. Most recently, he appeared in Stage Door Productions’ King Lear. RENT was to be his return to the FTE stage.

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Quantico

Trump, Hegseth to address military leaders at Quantico amid traffic, congressional concerns

By Uriah Kiser

QUANTICO, Va. – President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are set to attend a high-profile gathering of U.S. military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. The summit, which will bring together more than 800 generals, admirals, and their senior enlisted advisers, aims to reinforce a “warrior ethos” within the armed forces.

The event has raised concerns among lawmakers, military officials, and local commuters, with questions about security, costs, and the potential politicization of the military.

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News

Lawsuit Against Prince William Chair Jefferson Raises Fears of Chilling Effect on Public Engagement

By Uriah Kiser
Desundra Jefferson, Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair At-large [Photo: Alan Gloss]

Last week, Atlantic Funding Limited LLC sued Jefferson as a private citizen, alleging she spread misinformation during two town hall meetings about the company’s plan to build five data centers on 61 acres behind the Four Seasons retirement community in Dumfries. The lawsuit claims Jefferson acted in a “malicious and deliberate” attempt to stir opposition to the project.

Jefferson, who campaigned against locating data centers near homes and schools, declined to address the specifics of the lawsuit. In a statement, she emphasized her process in evaluating land-use applications.

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