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!

Newslinks

Former Stafford teacher files $1.5 million lawsuit against four students

By Uriah Kiser

Fredericksburg Free Press: A former Stafford County teacher has filed a $1.5 million lawsuit against four former H.H. Poole Middle School female students, alleging they assaulted her during a January 2024 brawl. 

Some of the students also faced criminal charges, but the outcome of their court hearings is not available since they are juveniles. 

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Prince William

New classes coming to PWCS: From Medical Detectives to App Creators

By Uriah Kiser

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – The Prince William County School Board voted unanimously on October 1, 2025, to introduce a slate of new courses for middle and high school students beginning in the 2026–27 school year.

At Porter and Pennington Traditional Schools, four new Project Lead the Way (PLTW) classes will be added to the curriculum. Sixth graders can take Design and Modeling, a hands-on course where students use computer-aided design programs, simulations, and 3D printers to build objects. Seventh graders will have the option of Medical Detectives, a lab-based class where they analyze vital signs, investigate disease outbreaks, and even dissect a sheep brain. For eighth grade, Automation and Robotics will focus on building and programming robotic systems, while App Creators will teach students the fundamentals of designing and developing mobile applications.

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Prince William

Firefighters’ new contract could mean higher taxes or cuts elsewhere

By Uriah Kiser
Prince William County's Fire & Rescue System Engine 23. [Courtesy of PWCFRS]

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Prince William County supervisors will decide on October 7 whether to approve an amended labor contract with county firefighters. This deal carries millions in new costs and could affect taxpayers.

The contract with Local 2598 of the International Association of Fire Fighters updates pay scales, specialty stipends, and referral bonuses for fire and rescue personnel. County staff estimate that the changes will add approximately $3 million in costs in fiscal year 2027 and increase to $5.8 million by fiscal year 2028.

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Prince William

Big vote ahead: Prince William Supervisors to revisit Kline property plan

By Uriah Kiser

Prince William County supervisors will take up a vote on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, to expand the study area around the controversial Kline Property, located at the corner of Prince William Parkway, Liberia Avenue, and Wellington Road, just outside Manassas.

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Features

Win Free Tickets to See the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra Swing into Fredericksburg

By Uriah Kiser

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Potomac Local News is giving away two tickets to see the world-famous Tommy Dorsey Orchestra when it takes the stage at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, October 12, 2025. One winner will be chosen at random and notified by email. Click here to enter the giveaway.

The 15-piece orchestra, known as “The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing,” will bring silky-smooth swing, toe-tapping rhythms, and timeless ballads that defined an era. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Appetizers and drinks will be available, and Riverside is opening a space down front for those who want to dance along. Tickets are $55 online, and the show lasts 90 minutes, with a brief intermission.

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Features

Report: White House eyes cutting up Discovery for Houston move

By Uriah Kiser
(Photo: Christopher Griffin)

The KeepTheShuttle team claims to have obtained a letter from a congressional staffer confirming that the White House’s Office of Management & Budget has directed the Smithsonian and NASA to examine plans to disassemble the Space Shuttle Discovery to facilitate its relocation to Houston.

The letter, sent by the Smithsonian to congressional authorizing and appropriating committees, warns that moving Discovery would likely require dismantling the historic orbiter. This process would cause “irreparable damage” to its aluminum frame, 24,000 ceramic tiles, and 2,000 thermal insulation blankets. The Smithsonian and NASA estimate the base cost of such a move to be between Z$120 million and $150 million, excluding the cost of constructing a new exhibit in Texas, which far exceeds the currently authorized $85 million.

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Business

Nominations Open for Prince William Business Celebration and Awards

By Uriah Kiser

Residents and business leaders are being asked to help shine a spotlight on those making a difference in the community.

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Prince William

More Chamber Shakeups: Legal Counsel, Board Member, and Chair Step Away

By Uriah Kiser

The Prince William Chamber of Commerce is seeing a string of leadership changes, with attorney Bill Wides set to step down as General Counsel on Oct. 15, 2025.

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Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you. Thank you.

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Features

Weather Wrecks the Brentsville Bluegrass Festival — What’s Next?

By Uriah Kiser
Underground railroad brentsville courthouse prince william visit
The Brentsville Historic Courthouse Centre once severed as a stop on the Underground Railroad to freedom. [Mary Davidson/Potomac Local]

The festival is typically held on the grounds of the Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, a 28-acre property in Bristow that features preserved landmarks such as the 1822 courthouse, a jail, church, farmhouse, and one-room schoolhouse. Once the county seat, Brentsville today draws visitors with music, history, and cultural programming.

In past years, the festival has featured performances by regional bluegrass acts, living history demonstrations, historic site tours, children’s activities, and local food vendors. The combination of music and history has made the daylong event a highlight of the fall calendar.

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News

Stafford’s Running a Big Emergency Shelter Drill—Here’s What to Know

By Uriah Kiser

STAFFORD, Va. – The staff at Stafford County will conduct a full-scale emergency shelter drill this Friday, October 3—and you may notice increased activity near Shirley Heim Middle School and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

This joint exercise, conducted with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Rappahannock Area Health District, Stafford County Public Schools, and St. Peter’s, will test the county’s ability to open and operate emergency shelters in the event of a major disaster.

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