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

Student of the Week: Rania Lateef, Regeneron Science Talent Search Finalist

By Uriah Kiser

Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School senior Rania Lateef is no stranger to hard work and high achievement. As one of just 40 national finalists in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors, Rania has earned her place among the country’s top young scientific minds.

Rania, who also attends the Governor’s School at Innovation Park in Prince William County, was recognized for her research on the effects of disrupted sleep and circadian rhythms—particularly blue light exposure—on mental and physical health outcomes. She presented her project in Washington, D.C., to renowned scientists during a weeklong competition, earning $27,000 and competing for awards totaling $1.8 million.

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Breaking News

Driver Dies in Gainesville Crash

By Uriah Kiser
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

Police said the crash occurred at 9:48 a.m. when a 2019 Toyota Highlander traveling north on Linton Hall Road crossed into the southbound lanes, left the roadway, and struck a guardrail. The vehicle then went down an embankment, became airborne, rolled over, and came to rest on its side in a field.

The driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was taken to a hospital, where she later died.

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Schools

New Schools, New Boundaries: Stafford’s Plan to Relieve Overcrowding

By Uriah Kiser
(File photo)

As Stafford County continues to experience rapid population growth, school officials are moving forward with plans to open two new elementary schools—ES18 and ES19—in Fall 2026. These additions aim to relieve overcrowding in existing schools and are central to the school division’s redistricting plans under Scenario Green, which is currently under public review.

The Stafford County School Board recently reviewed projections showing both ES18 and ES19 will open at 95% capacity. The redistricting scenario ensures no elementary school will exceed 100% capacity in the first year of implementation. By 2030, only three schools are projected to be over capacity.

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Celebrate Spring at the Bluebell Festival

By Uriah Kiser
Bluebells herald the arrival of spring at the Stone Bridge on Bull Run

Looking for a way to connect with nature this spring? Don’t miss the Bluebell Festival at Merrimac Farm on Sunday, April 7, 2024! This family-friendly event celebrates the beautiful Virginia Bluebells in bloom and features guided tours, live music, local vendors, and fun activities for all ages.

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Pets

Burt and Bunny Still Looking for Their Forever Home at Manassas Animal Adoption Center

By Uriah Kiser

Two lovable bunnies are patiently waiting for their forever families at the Manassas City Animal Adoption Center — and shelter staff can’t believe they haven’t been adopted yet.

Burt, a sweet grey and white bunny, was found as a stray. His buddy, Bunny, a brown and white rabbit, was surrendered by his previous owner at 8 years old, simply because they no longer wanted him.

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News

OmniRide Expansion Marks New Era Following State Law Change

By Uriah Kiser

OmniRide, the public transit agency operated by the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), is entering a new era of service expansion thanks to a newly passed state law.

The passage of Senate Bill 1317, unanimously approved by the Virginia General Assembly and currently awaiting the Governor’s signature, officially grants PRTC the authority to expand transit service beyond its founding jurisdictions. The move clears the path for the agency’s recent expansion into Front Royal, in Warren County, marking the first time PRTC has offered service outside its original member localities.

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Fredericksburg

Dominion Energy to Upgrade Aging Power Lines from Fredericksburg to Possum Point

By Uriah Kiser

Dominion Energy is preparing to launch a significant infrastructure upgrade along a key electrical transmission corridor stretching from Fredericksburg to Possum Point in Prince William County.

The project, known as the Fredericksburg-Possum Point 230 kV Electric Transmission Upgrade and Rebuild, aims to replace aging equipment and bolster grid reliability as regional electricity demand grows. The existing infrastructure has served the area for more than five decades and is reaching the end of its service life.

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News

NVTA CEO: $129.7M Route 1 Project in Dumfries is ‘Transformational’; More Funding Opportunities Coming

By Uriah Kiser
Overlooking Dumfries, Virginia [Drone photo/ Uriah Kiser / PLN]

The widening of Route 1 through the heart of Dumfries, backed by a $129.7 million investment from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA), is more than a transportation upgrade—it’s a transformative project for the region, said Monica Backmon, CEO of the NVTA.

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Press Release

Old Dominion Humane Society Rescues 22 Dogs from Kentucky Hoarding Case

By Uriah Kiser

Volunteers with Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS), just outside Fredericksburg, care for 22 dogs rescued from hoarding in Lawrence County, Kentucky. The animals had been living in deplorable outdoor conditions.

The rescue, which occurred on March 20, was part of a coordinated effort between ODHS and Squishy Face Crew (SFC), a Fredericksburg-based foster-focused rescue group. The ODHS team made a nine-hour round trip to meet a transport team in Beckley, West Virginia, and bring the dogs to safety.

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Pets

Meet O’Riley: Your Future Co-Pilot Awaits

By Uriah Kiser

O’Riley is a lovable 2-year-old hound mix with a sleek gray and black coat and a personality that shines even brighter. Found as a stray, he came to the shelter with a possible fracture in his right hind leg and a small head wound—but after some much-needed care, he’s fully recovered and ready for a new beginning.

This good boy is full of heart, adventure, and the classic hound’s musical voice. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a cuddle on the couch, or a road trip with the windows down, O’Riley is ready to be your loyal companion.

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