Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

George Mason removes student responses to president’s message over Israel-Hamas war after listserv issue

Published November 17, 2023 at 1:35PM | Updated November 19, 2023 at 9:55AM

Insidenova.com: “A recent listserv issue at George Mason University exposed emails from students replying to the president’s message on the Israel-Hamas war to the entire university.”

“The university then removed the emails from everyone’s inboxes, leaving students wondering if their school was trying to silence them.”

Prince William

Analysis: Prince William supervisors show little interest in discussing Digital Gateway

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 17, 2023 at 8:43AM

Former Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair At-large Ann Wheeler. [File photo]

Insidenova.com: “Members of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors are keeping quiet about their stance on the divisive PW Digital Gateway data center proposal now that it’s been thoroughly rejected by two lower entities that issue recommendations on land-use legislation.”

“After more than 20 hours of discussion and public comment that began Nov. 8 and ended the following day, the Planning Commission voted to recommend supervisors deny the project.”

News

It’s open: Drivers using new local lanes between Routes 3, 17

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 17, 2023 at 8:12AM | Updated November 19, 2023 at 9:55AM

VDOT: “Route 3 traffic entering I-95 northbound in Fredericksburg has begun traveling in the northbound local lanes, which are now fully open between exit 130 (Route 3) and exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton) in Stafford.”

“Drivers entering northbound I-95 from Route 3 now travel across the original Rappahannock River bridge in the local lanes.”

News

Stafford to consider giving residents more time to pay personal property tax bills

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 17, 2023 at 5:00AM

Stafford County Government: “Due to the financial uncertainty concerning the delayed adoption of the federal budget and the effects this may have on the residents of Stafford County, the Board of Supervisors adopted on October 17, 2023, an Emergency Ordinance EO23-01 to temporarily lower penalties to zero for the Personal Property tax payments due December 5. This will allow taxpayers more time to pay their Personal Property tax bills. Please note that the Board desires to extend zero penalty through January 5, 2023.”

“However, another emergency ordinance must be brought to the Board of Supervisors for approval at the December 12, 2023 meeting.”

Wildfires continue to produce hazy skies, poor air quality

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 16, 2023 at 11:27PM

National Weather Service: “Dry conditions tonight, lows in the 40s. Smoke from nearby wildfires continue to produce hazy skies & poor air quality. Find more info at state air quality websites.”

Prince William

Woodbridge High School admin tipped to planned student walkout

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 16, 2023 at 10:39PM | Updated August 13, 2024 at 6:25PM

A Prince William County Public Schools spokeswoman confirmed tonight that Woodbridge High School administrators are bracing for a student walkout tomorrow, Friday, November 17, 2023.

According to information emailed to parents by Principal Heather Abney, the students will join others who support Palestine, who have called for a cease-fire in an ongoing war with Israeli soldiers following Hamas militants who invaded Israel and killed citizens in their homes on October 7, 2023.

Features

Occoquan HolidayFest/Town Tree Lighting/Pop Up Market

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 16, 2023 at 1:45PM

Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta: “This Saturday, November 18, is the kickoff for the town of Occoquan’s annual HolidayFest. From 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, one block of Mill Street will be turned into a pop up market with almost 30 vendors, while many town businesses will be open until 8:00 p.m. as well. From 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.”

“Sip & Stroll rules will be effect enabling visitors to walk and shop in the historic district while enjoying adult beverages from participating restaurants. Then, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. there will again be fire pits with free marshmallows to roast, as well as cocoa, cider, and s’mores kits available for purchase adjacent to River Mill Park. And, of course, the centerpiece of the event will be the annual town tree lighting in front of the Occoquan Town Hall (314 Mill Street) at 6:00 p.m.”

Politics

Del. Subramanyam, a former Obama aide, announces bid for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 16, 2023 at 1:42PM

Insidenova.com: “State Del. Suhas Subramanyam on Thursday announced his candidacy for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, joining a rapidly growing list of Democrats seeking to replace outgoing Rep. Jennifer Wexton.”

“Subramanyam, a former technology advisor to President Barack Obama, was recently elected to the Virginia Senate.”

Prince William

Teachers’ union cries foul after school board proposes new rules limiting public speaking slots

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 16, 2023 at 1:37PM | Updated August 13, 2024 at 6:25PM

[Photo: Prince William Education Association Facebook page]

“The changes were introduced at the Tuesday, Nov. 14 school board meeting by Chair Babur Lateef (at large) and members Jen Wall (Gainesville) and Adele Jackson (Brentsville). If adopted, the changes would prevent speakers from signing up for two meetings following the meeting at which they last spoke.”

News

VDOT suspends road work for Thanksgiving; Fredericksburg-area traffic crunch expected

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 16, 2023 at 1:20PM | Updated November 20, 2023 at 6:29AM

VDOT: “To make Thanksgiving travel more enjoyable and, most importantly, safe, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will be suspending many highway work zones and lifting most lane closures on interstates and other major roads in Virginia from noon on Wednesday, Nov. 22 until noon on Monday, Nov. 27.”

While lane closures will be lifted in most locations, motorists may encounter semi-permanent work zones that remain in place during this time. Check VDOT’s Weekly Lane Closures and Travel Advisories for the latest travel alerts in your area and around the state.