Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Fredericksburg Film Festival Returns for Its Second Year, Showcasing Global and Local Filmmaking Talent

Published March 26, 2025 at 11:00AM

The Fredericksburg Film Festival (FFF) is back for its second year, promising an impressive lineup of films from around the world, including selections from prestigious festivals like Cannes, Sundance, and Tribeca.

Set to take place from April 16-20, 2025, this year’s event will highlight top-tier independent films, Virginia-based filmmakers, and a growing arts culture in Fredericksburg.

Schools

GMU Unveils Plans for Innovation District in Manassas, Seeks City’s Support

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 26, 2025 at 9:30AM | Updated March 26, 2025 at 4:46PM

Katherine Johnson Hall on the Science and Technology Campus. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services/George Mason University

George Mason University is leading a major effort to create Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District, a sprawling 3,800-acre economic development zone centered around GMU’s SciTech Campus in Manassas and neighboring areas of Prince William County.

During a presentation at the Manassas City Council meeting on Monday, March 24, Amy Adams, executive director of the Institute for BioHealth Innovation at GMU, detailed the university’s vision for the Innovation District. The project would be anchored by George Mason’s research presence and designed to spur growth in four key sectors: aerospace and defense, life sciences, cybersecurity, and semiconductors.

Press Release

Second Arrest Made in Connection to Woodbridge Death Investigation

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 25, 2025 at 10:22PM

Prince William County police have arrested a second suspect in connection to a death investigation that began last month in the 13200 block of Trowbridge Drive.

Jonathan Alberto Aguilar, 21, of Hazelton Drive in Woodbridge, was taken into custody on March 24 and charged with concealment of a dead body. He is being held without bond, and a court date has not yet been set.

News

Stafford Leaders React to Veto of Local Sales Tax for School Construction

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 25, 2025 at 5:05PM

Stafford County leaders are responding to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s recent veto of SB1307, a bill that would have allowed counties and cities across Virginia to hold voter referendums on implementing a 1% local sales and use tax dedicated to public school construction and renovation projects.

The legislation, introduced by Senator Jeremy McPike (D-29, Prince William, Stafford), sought to add Stafford County to the list of localities eligible to consider the tax through a ballot referendum. McPike criticized the governor’s decision on social media, calling it a move that blocks local communities from choosing how to fund needed school improvements.

Manassas

Bridge Repairs Begin on Route 28 as City Prepares to Remove Canceled Bypass from Long-Range Plans

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 25, 2025 at 4:01PM

Drivers should expect delays on Route 28 (Centreville Road) as the Virginia Department of Transportation begins repairs to the bridge over Bull Run, located at the Fairfax County and Prince William County line.

Weather permitting, the work will involve single-lane closures between March 31 and April 24, during daytime hours:

News

“I’m 84”: Rider Urges VRE to Bring Back Human Touch as Station Gets Facelift

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 25, 2025 at 10:00AM

The Woodbridge VRE station [Photo: VRE]

The project, assigned to Fresh Air Cleaning LLC, encompasses extensive preparation work, including sandblasting and sealing, before repainting. This initiative is part of VRE’s ongoing life-cycle maintenance strategy to uphold and improve its facilities.

During the public comment segment of the March 2025 board meeting, Prince William County resident Alfred Williams, 84, highlighted the challenges senior passengers face when purchasing tickets at the station.

News

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

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 25, 2025 at 9:00AM

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.

Breaking News

Driver Dies in Gainesville Crash

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 25, 2025 at 8:25AM

[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.

Schools

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

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 25, 2025 at 7:00AM

(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.

Celebrate Spring at the Bluebell Festival

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 25, 2025 at 6:45AM

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.