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

‘It has not been civil:’ Tensions high in Fredericksburg area ahead of Election Day

By Uriah Kiser
A vandalized campaign sign for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger stands along Route 17 near Poplar Road in Stafford County on Friday, September 19, 2025. The words “Remember Charlie” were spray-painted in red across the sign, referencing slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

Fredericksburg Free Press – Four years ago, when the Virginia General Assembly voted to instruct all localities to hold elections in November, officials in Fredericksburg had a decision to make.

Where the city had previously held its local elections in May, leaders found themselves tasked with choosing between November of even or odd-numbered years moving forward.

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Manassas

Class Act! Manassas Launches $2 Million Fix for Failing Grades

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Manassas City Public Schools]

The Manassas City School Board heard its first full update Tuesday night on Manassas Pathways, a $2 million alternative education program set to open in January 2026 for students who need a nontraditional path to graduation.

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Prince William

Supervisors split over the future of Prince William’s data center zone

By Uriah Kiser

After nearly a decade of courting data centers as a cornerstone of its commercial tax base, Prince William County is signaling a major shift. Supervisors say the county has reached a saturation point—where growth, power demand, and community impact are outweighing the once-unquestioned financial rewards.

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Fredericksburg

Still on the Clock: $90 Fredericksburg Dinner Counts Down Without Jay Jones

By Uriah Kiser
911 Charles Street (Image: Google Maps)

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Health

Durant and Youngkin announce $5.5 million for Fredericksburg-area crisis care expansion

By Uriah Kiser
Governor Glenn Youngkin, Lt. Governor Winsome Sears, Senator Tara Durante, and candidates Hung Cao and Derrick Anderson hosted a rally in Stafford.

Senator Tara Durant (R-27, Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania) has teamed up with Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) to invest in mental health resources across Virginia. As part of the state’s “Right Help, Right Now” initiative, the partnership will fund new crisis receiving centers and stabilization units to give Virginians faster access to behavioral health services.

Locally, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board will receive $5.5 million to enhance care in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, King George, and Caroline counties. The funding will support the purchase of a new commercial property, relocation and modernization of the Sunshine Lady House adult stabilization unit in Fredericksburg, and the creation of new youth crisis care facilities. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new center is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, just off Route 1 near the Lee’s Hill Goodwill Donation Center, near Four Mile Fork.

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Pets

Old Dominion Humane Society encourages dog adoptions during October

By Uriah Kiser
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 10: A view of Corporal Chesty XVI, the English Bulldog during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Group Judging (Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding) at Madison Square Garden on February 10, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)

Old Dominion Humane Society in Fredericksburg is celebrating Adopt a Shelter Dog Month by urging families to rescue a dog instead of buying one. The nonprofit, volunteer-led rescue says adopting from shelters like theirs not only saves lives but also helps combat cruelty found in puppy mills.

Located at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard, the no-kill shelter currently has dozens of dogs—including puppies, seniors, and dogs with disabilities—waiting for homes. “ODHS has saved many dogs from hoarding and severe neglect situations this year alone, and they deserve a second chance,” said founder Chrissy Hamilton. “Some of the dogs just want to be held; others would love to go on hikes; and all of the dogs want the chance to be part of a family.”

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Features

Golf classic raises over $42K for local cancer care and nursing scholarships

By Uriah Kiser
Photo from left to right; Matt Higgins, co-chair, Friends of the Foundation Golf Tournament, Erik Shannon, chief executive officer, UVA Health Community Medical Centers and Clinic in Northern Virginia and Culpeper, Kevin Kelley, co-chair, Friends of the Foundation Golf Tournament.

The UVA Community Health Foundation raised more than $42,000 during its 34th Friends of the Foundation Golf Classic, held September 26 at Stonewall Golf Club in Gainesville. The event brought together over 115 golfers, volunteers, and staff in support of cancer care and nursing scholarships in Prince William and Haymarket.

Proceeds will benefit cancer services at UVA Health Cancer Care Gainesville and Manassas, as well as scholarship opportunities for nurses at UVA Health Haymarket and Prince William Medical Centers. Organizers noted a 25% increase in funds raised compared to last year’s tournament.

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Prince William

The Harbour Grille offers free meals to veterans on Veterans Day

By Uriah Kiser

The Harbour Grille in Woodbridge will offer free meals to veterans and active-duty military on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, as part of a regional Veterans Day celebration hosted by the Lewis Restaurant Group. The event runs from noon to 8 p.m.

Located at 13188 Marina Way, The Harbour Grille offers waterfront dining along the Occoquan River. The restaurant is known for its seafood dishes, dockside ambiance, and weekend live music. It’s one of several participating locations across Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., including Barley Mac, Crafthouse, and Stan’s DC.

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Schools

UMW fall open houses to spotlight Honors Program and STEM opportunities

By Uriah Kiser

The University of Mary Washington is opening its doors to prospective students this fall with two special open house events highlighting its acclaimed Honors Program and growing opportunities in STEM and STEAM fields.

The first open house, scheduled for Saturday, October 18, will focus on UMW’s Honors Program, which emphasizes creativity, leadership, and academic rigor across disciplines. Attendees will meet honors faculty and students, tour residence halls, and learn how the program supports high-achieving students through research, mentorship, and community engagement.

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Fredericksburg

UMW, Mary Washington Healthcare propose Fredericksburg-based medical school to address doctor shortage

By Uriah Kiser
Mary Washington Hospital

The University of Mary Washington and Mary Washington Healthcare are joining forces to create what could become the Fredericksburg region’s first medical school — a plan leaders say would directly confront the area’s growing shortage of physicians and healthcare workers.

University President Dr. Troy Paino and Dr. Christopher Newman, Chief Executive Officer of Mary Washington Healthcare, presented their proposal to the Fredericksburg City Council on Tuesday, describing an ambitious vision for a community-based medical school that would train doctors to stay and practice in Virginia.

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