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!

Prince William

Belmont Bay Residents Slam Route 123 Flyover Plan, Demand Transparency from County Officials

By Uriah Kiser
Route 1 and 123 in Woodbridge, the site of a proposed bridge.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – A town hall meeting hosted by Prince William County Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin drew a passionate crowd Monday night, as residents of the Belmont Bay community voiced their overwhelming opposition to a proposed $100 million flyover interchange at Routes 1 and 123.

Franklin and county transportation officials presented a concept plan to elevate Route 123 over Route 1 and extend it directly into the Belmont Bay neighborhood, describing the project as a long-awaited second access point for the growing residential community. The meeting, held near the Belmont Bay neighborhood, included a presentation outlining the flyover’s features, including new trail access, a pedestrian bridge, and a reconfiguration of local roads to improve traffic flow.

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Manassas

Big Boost for Innovation District: State Grant Launches High-Tech Hub in Manassas, Prince William

By Uriah Kiser

MANASSAS, Va. – Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District is officially underway, thanks to a major investment from the state.

Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced a $2.6 million grant from GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative focused on strengthening regional economies and supporting high-wage industries. Local governments, businesses, and educational institutions will contribute an additional $1.3 million, bringing the total initial investment to $3.9 million.

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Features

Celebrate the 4th in Dale City with a Parade and Family Fun Day

By Uriah Kiser

DALE CITY, Va. – One of the region’s most popular Independence Day traditions is back: The Dale City 4th of July Parade kicks off Thursday morning at 10 a.m. along Dale Boulevard.

The festive, family-friendly event runs eastbound from Kirkdale Road to Gemini Way, with marching bands, colorful floats, and community groups making their way down the heart of Dale City. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early and bring chairs or blankets to stake out a good viewing spot.

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Manassas

Army Taps Manassas-Based Electra to Power Up Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Tech

By Uriah Kiser

MANASSAS, Va. – The contract will fund a range of research and testing activities focused on hybrid-electric powertrain, power, and propulsion systems (HEPPS). Electra will apply these efforts to its EL9, a nine-passenger ultra-short takeoff and landing (Ultra-STOL) aircraft currently in development.

According to a press release from Electra, the project will deliver “valuable insights and test data to help the Army understand the benefits, trade-offs, and operational procedures associated with operating hybrid-electric propulsion systems.”

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Fredericksburg

Susan Spears Tapped to Help Shape Virginia’s Rail Future

By Uriah Kiser

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Susan Spears, President & CEO of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin to serve on the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), a state agency that plays a key role in shaping rail transportation across the Commonwealth.

The Chamber celebrated the news in a statement, saying, “The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce is honored to share that Governor Glenn Youngkin has appointed our President & CEO, Susan Spears, to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. As a trusted leader in our region, Susan will help guide the future of passenger rail throughout Virginia—bolstering connectivity, prosperity, and sustainable growth for the Fredericksburg Region and beyond. We are grateful for her dedication to advancing our local business community and supporting critical infrastructure development in the Commonwealth.”

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Prince William

Occoquan Bids Farewell to Events Director Julie Little, Welcomes New Art Gallery to Town

By Uriah Kiser
Laura D. Jones (center) cuts the ribbon at the grand opening of Laura D Jones Fine Art in Occoquan on June 29, 2025, joined by town leaders and community members. The new gallery, located at 125 Mill St, Suite #10, features original artwork and a riverfront studio space for art classes.

OCCOQUAN, Va. – The Town of Occoquan is celebrating both a heartfelt farewell and an exciting new beginning.

Julie Little, who has served as the town’s Events Director for the past eight years, is retiring. Town officials praised Little for her unwavering passion, dedication, and creativity, which helped grow beloved traditions like the Craft Festivals and bring new energy to Occoquan’s calendar of events.

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Manassas Park

Manassas Park Moves Toward Firearm Ban in City Buildings

By Uriah Kiser

MANASSAS PARK, Va. – The Manassas Park Governing Body is considering a new ordinance that would ban firearms in city-owned buildings, a move Vice Mayor Darryl Moore says is about protecting the public before tragedy strikes.

During a meeting on Tuesday, June 24, Moore introduced the proposal, which would prohibit residents and visitors from carrying firearms into facilities such as City Hall, the Community Center, the MAP Clinic, and the Planning Department office at Blooms Park.

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Manassas

Leadership Change at Historic Manassas, Inc. Marks a New Chapter

By Uriah Kiser

MANASSAS, Va. – Historic Manassas, Inc. is preparing for a leadership change as Executive Director Kristen Kiefer steps down after two years of service that brought much-needed stability to the downtown revitalization nonprofit.

Kiefer, who was the third person to hold the position in a short span of time, helped steer the organization through a transitional period, following the departures of previous directors Debbie Haight and Laurel Howard. She was named interim director in April 2023 and officially took the helm that September. Her time as director was marked by the rebranding of the Manassas Farmers Market, expansion of downtown events, and a renewed strategic direction.

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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.

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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.

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