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!

Weather

Severe Thunderstorms Likely Today Across Northern Virginia; Cooler Weather Ahead

By Uriah Kiser

Showers and thunderstorms are likely today, mainly after 4 p.m., with some storms possibly becoming severe. Skies will be mostly cloudy with a high near 92 and heat index values as high as 103.

Southwest winds 8 to 13 mph with gusts up to 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch are expected, with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Go to Severe Thunderstorms Likely Today Across Northern Virginia; Cooler Weather Ahead Read more
Prince William

Pokémon Fans Camp Out Overnight at Woodbridge Sam’s Club for Exclusive TCG Drop

By Uriah Kiser
Sam’s Club Woodbridge draws a dedicated group of Pokémon enthusiasts camping in the lot Tuesday evening. The retailer’s member-exclusive drop is one of several big-box releases fueling excitement in the local TCG community. (Photo submitted to Potomac Local News)

Pokémon Trading Card Game enthusiasts turned the Sam’s Club parking lot on Worth Avenue in Woodbridge into an impromptu campground Monday night, July 20, as they waited for an exclusive member-only release on Tuesday, July 21.

Photos from the scene show groups of collectors with folding chairs, snacks, and gear settling in under the lights, hoping to secure the Ascended Heroes Focused Fighters Premium Collection. The bundle, available to Sam’s Club Plus Members (limit 2 per membership), includes 14 booster packs and foil promo cards for about $55.

Go to Pokémon Fans Camp Out Overnight at Woodbridge Sam’s Club for Exclusive TCG Drop Read more
Prince William

Hepburn and Sons Expanding in Prince William

By Uriah Kiser
Prince William Science Accelerator located in Innovation Park, Prince William County welcomes its fifth tenant - Celetrix LLC.

Governor Abigail Spanberger announced Monday that Hepburn and Sons LLC, formerly based in Manassas, will invest $18.1 million to build a new corporate headquarters in Prince William County. The project is expected to create 80 new jobs.

The three-story, roughly 27,000-square-foot building will sit on 1.25 acres of county-owned land along Discovery Boulevard in Innovation Park, next to NOVA LIVE. Officials said the headquarters should be fully operational by the summer of 2028 and will serve as an innovation hub for defense technology development. The move responds to rising demand in the company’s defense contracting work.

Go to Hepburn and Sons Expanding in Prince William Read more
Police Blotter

Police Blotter: Shooting, Attempted Carjacking Reported

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Alan Gloss]

Other reports in this daily roundup include a multi-charge narcotics and firearms arrest in Fredericksburg, an attempted carjacking involving a young child in Woodbridge, a brandishing arrest, an assault on an officer, and several DUI and related arrests in Stafford County.

On July 18 at 2:22 a.m., officers responded to the Center Plaza shopping center in the 4300 block of Dale Boulevard in Woodbridge to investigate a shooting. A 33-year-old man was walking in the parking lot when he was struck by gunfire. He sustained injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. No suspect information was available.

Go to Police Blotter: Shooting, Attempted Carjacking Reported Read more
Manassas

What’s an ADU? Manassas Council Debates Rules for Secondary Homes on Single-Family Lots

By Uriah Kiser

As Northern Virginia grapples with housing costs and limited options for families, aging residents, and multigenerational households, the Manassas City Council is moving forward with rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to align with state law while addressing local realities.

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 What’s an ADU? Manassas Council Debates Rules for Secondary Homes on Single-Family Lots Read more
Obituaries

Community Mourns Beloved Montclair Waitress Peggy Curry

By Uriah Kiser
Peggy Curry, left, the dedicated front-of-house manager who died while working at Montclair Family Restaurant on July 11, 2026, pictured with owner Francesco Leone. Curry was a beloved community figure and seven-time Best of Prince William award winner known for her kindness and warmth.

Peggy Curry, 69, of Woodbridge, passed away July 11, 2026. She was a longtime waitress at Montclair Family Restaurant, a beloved local spot outside Dumfries where she served customers for more than 30 years.

Known affectionately as “Mom” to staff and regulars, Curry was the face of the restaurant at 17001 Dumfries Road. Many families she served as children now bring their own kids there, and the community rallied around her in the past when she faced health challenges.

Go to Community Mourns Beloved Montclair Waitress Peggy Curry Read more
Prince William

Prince William County Sees Two Traffic Deaths Days Apart

By Uriah Kiser
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

On July 18 at about 10:53 p.m., a 36-year-old man identified as Michael Hall was riding eastbound on Old Bridge Road near Colby Drive when he lost control of his 2014 Yamaha YZF-R1 motorcycle while navigating a right curve. He crossed into the median, struck a metal sign and guardrail, and was transported to a hospital where he later died. Speed is believed to be a factor, according to police.

Earlier, on July 10 at 6:31 a.m., 78-year-old John Gregory Grace of Occoquan was struck by a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee while crossing the Gordon Boulevard entry and exit lanes at the Occoquan Commuter Lot at 1325 Old Bridge Road. Grace, who was not in a designated crosswalk, died from his injuries. The driver, Arlen Yessenia Vivas Perez, 42, of Woodbridge, remained at the scene and was later charged with disregarding a stop sign.

Go to Prince William County Sees Two Traffic Deaths Days Apart Read more
Prince William

Prince William County Mulls Ending By-Right Data Center Development – A Move That Could Save Jiffy Lube Live

By Uriah Kiser

“The Prince William County Planning Commission voted earlier this week to recommend that the county stop allowing data centers to build ‘by right,’ or without county approval – a move that could keep Jiffy Lube Live and other key areas from being swallowed up by computer server farms,” Prince William Times reported. The commission voted 5-2 to recommend shrinking the data center opportunity zone overlay district from about 9,700 acres to 3,500 acres, requiring special use permits for new projects and removing sites like Jiffy Lube Live and planned school land from by-right development.

This proposal, advanced by local leaders including Board Chair Deshundra Jefferson and Supervisor Tom Gordy, addresses long-standing concerns over skyrocketing land values and data center proliferation in Northern Virginia, with 148 facilities already built, under construction, or planned in the county. Supervisors are expected to consider the zoning text amendment in September.

Go to Prince William County Mulls Ending By-Right Data Center Development – A Move That Could Save Jiffy Lube Live Read more
Stafford

Stafford County Pools Now Open Following Woodlands Closure

By Uriah Kiser
Woodlands Pool

Stafford County Government reported that Curtis Pool and Woodlands Pool are both open as of Sunday, July 19. The county had closed Woodlands Pool on July 16 after a glass item broke and entered the pool, but it has since reopened following cleaning and safety inspections.

Stafford County Parks and Recreation continues to prioritize patron safety while managing summer recreation programs, with updates provided for any rescheduled rentals or lessons. This ensures local families in Northern Virginia have access to public pools during the warm season.

Go to Stafford County Pools Now Open Following Woodlands Closure Read more
Prince William

Prince William Supervisors Shoot Down Two Proposed Lines for Nokesville to Bristow Transmission Project

By Uriah Kiser
Gordy

InsideNova reported that the Prince William Board of County Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution eliminating the “blue” and “light blue” routes for Dominion Energy’s Nokesville to Bristow 230 kilovolt transmission line project across county property. The board stated it does not support granting Dominion access to county easements for Routes 5 and 12.

The decision, praised by Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy, protects areas like Broad Run Linear Park’s tree preserve and reflects strong community advocacy from neighborhoods including Braemar and Victory Lakes. Dominion Energy confirmed the blue route’s elimination, with the State Corporation Commission set to make the final call and a community meeting scheduled for July 23 at Patriot High School.

Go to Prince William Supervisors Shoot Down Two Proposed Lines for Nokesville to Bristow Transmission Project Read more
View More Stories