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!

Manassas

Double the Fireworks, Double the Fun: Manassas and Manassas Park Throw Big July 4th Bashes

By Uriah Kiser

MANASSAS, Va. – Northern Virginia’s fireworks fans are in for a double dose of celebration this Independence Day, as both the City of Manassas and the City of Manassas Park host major events packed with parades, live entertainment, and fireworks shows.

In Historic Downtown Manassas, the fun kicks off Friday, July 4, 2025, at 3 p.m. Sponsored by Historic Manassas, Inc. and the City of Manassas, this free, family-friendly event promises an afternoon of games and rides for kids, face painting, 4th of July memorabilia, and food and craft vendors. Patriotic favorites like Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty will roam the crowd, while attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and stake out a spot on the Manassas Museum Lawn and surrounding areas. The evening will close with one of the region’s best fireworks displays, launching at 9:15 p.m.

Go to Double the Fireworks, Double the Fun: Manassas and Manassas Park Throw Big July 4th Bashes Read more
Prince William

Brew Republic in Woodbridge to Close After 9 Years, Final Party Set for July 25–27

By Uriah Kiser

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Brew Republic Bierwerks, a longtime fixture in the Stonebridge Town Center, will permanently close its doors after nearly nine years in business.

According to a message shared by the brewery, its landlord has terminated the lease, and with the high costs of relocating and ongoing challenges in the restaurant and brewery industries, the owners have decided not to reopen elsewhere. “This isn’t the opportunity-rich environment breweries had experienced in 2016 when we opened,” they wrote.

Go to Brew Republic in Woodbridge to Close After 9 Years, Final Party Set for July 25–27 Read more
News

Fredericksburg Adopts Bold New Vision for the Future: What the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Means for You

By Uriah Kiser
Fredericksburg City Hall

Fredericksburg City Council has adopted a new comprehensive plan that lays out how the city will grow, change, and preserve what residents love most over the next 20 years.

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 Fredericksburg Adopts Bold New Vision for the Future: What the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Means for You Read more
Stafford

Stafford Approves Speed and Red Light Cameras Near Schools

By Uriah Kiser

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – The Stafford County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday night to adopt a new ordinance that will allow speed and red light cameras in school and highway work zones, a move aimed at improving road safety across the county.

The ordinance, O25-13, amends the county’s motor vehicle code to enable the use of automated photo speed monitoring devices in designated school and work zones and authorizes the placement of red light cameras at intersections. While state law already permits speed enforcement in these zones, a county ordinance was required to allow red light camera enforcement.

Go to Stafford Approves Speed and Red Light Cameras Near Schools Read more
Fredericksburg

Next to Normal Brings Bold, Emotional Story to Riverside Stage This Summer

By Uriah Kiser

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts will launch its summer season with Next to Normal, a Tony- and Pulitzer-winning musical that blends rock music with raw emotion to tell the story of a family navigating the stormy waters of mental illness and grief.

The show opens July 2 and runs through August 3, 2025, marking the Riverside debut of this emotionally charged and rarely produced musical. It stars real-life couple Adrienne Hick and Andrew Foote, who previously lit up the Riverside stage in The Bridges of Madison County. Now, they return in a production that digs even deeper. “We talk about the show pretty much every waking hour,” Hick said during a recent episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast. “Sometimes we have to declare a day off from it—it’s that consuming, in a good way.”

Go to Next to Normal Brings Bold, Emotional Story to Riverside Stage This Summer Read more
Publisher's Post

Not Every Story Shakes the Ground—Some Hold It Together

By Uriah Kiser
Uriah Kiser moderates a Prince William County School Board candidate forum at the Dar Al Noor mosque in 2015.

Not every story shakes the ground. Some stories simply hold it together.

For 15 years, we’ve told those stories—of your neighborhoods, your schools, your local leaders, your kids’ big wins and quiet achievements.

Go to Not Every Story Shakes the Ground—Some Hold It Together Read more
Manassas

OmniRide Ridership Surges, Prompting Overcrowding Concerns on Key Commuter Routes

By Uriah Kiser

WOODBRIDGE, Va. –A surge in riders across OmniRide commuter bus routes is triggering overcrowding issues on several key lines, prompting officials at the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) to weigh how and where they can expand service — especially as the region heads into a busy fall season.

Speaking during the June 5 PRTC Board of Commissioners meeting, Executive Director Dr. Bob Schneider said ridership dipped slightly in May due to seasonal factors like Memorial Day and rainy weather, but overall remains strong.

Go to OmniRide Ridership Surges, Prompting Overcrowding Concerns on Key Commuter Routes Read more
Publisher's Post

You’re Not Just a Reader—You’re a Founder of Potomac Local News

By Uriah Kiser
Prince William County Public Schools honored Potomac Local News for our fair and balanced reporting on the school system in 2013.

You’re not just reading this because you clicked a link—you’re reading this because you belong here.

For 15 years, Potomac Local News has worked to bring meaningful, reliable, and impactful journalism to our neighborhoods in Northern Virginia.

Go to You’re Not Just a Reader—You’re a Founder of Potomac Local News Read more
News

VRE CEO Rich Dalton to Retire After 16 Years of Service

By Uriah Kiser
Dalton

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Virginia Railway Express (VRE) CEO Rich Dalton announced his retirement at the VRE Operations Board meeting on Friday, June 20, 2025. Dalton, who has led the agency since stepping in as interim CEO in 2019 and becoming permanent CEO in 2020, will officially retire on October 3, 2025.

Dalton’s tenure at VRE spans more than 16 years, beginning in 2009 when he joined as Chief Operating Officer. However, his connection to the commuter rail service extends even further. Through his earlier work at locomotive manufacturer Morrison-Knudsen (now Wabtec), Dalton supported VRE operations from the launch of its first trains in June 1992.

Go to VRE CEO Rich Dalton to Retire After 16 Years of Service Read more
View More Stories