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!

Quantico

‘No More Beards, No More Woke:’ Hegseth brings back the War Department at Quantico

By Uriah Kiser
Hegseth

QUANTICO, Va. – President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth appeared before more than 800 generals, admirals, and senior enlisted leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico on Tuesday, underscoring what they called a return to a “warrior ethos” in the armed forces.

The high-profile summit, which ran from 4 a.m. to noon, was accompanied by heavy security, including road closures, base checkpoints, and delays for commuters along U.S. Route 1. Prince William County Police urged drivers to plan alternative routes, and OmniRide warned riders of disruptions to microtransit and paratransit services in the Town of Quantico. The base operated under Code Blue, restricting access to essential personnel only.

Go to ‘No More Beards, No More Woke:’ Hegseth brings back the War Department at Quantico Read more
Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Theatre Ensemble Honors Late Actor in RENT Production

By Uriah Kiser
Hlusko

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — The Fredericksburg Theatre Ensemble’s fall production of RENT carries special meaning this year as the company pays tribute to longtime performer and friend, Chris Hlusko, who died shortly before the show opened.

Hlusko’s first appearance with the Ensemble came in 2012 with The Eight: Reindeer Monologues. Over the years, he left his mark on stage and backstage, contributing to productions including I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, The Rocky Horror Show, and Dangerous Liaisons, where his passion for costumes shone. Most recently, he appeared in Stage Door Productions’ King Lear. RENT was to be his return to the FTE stage.

Go to Fredericksburg Theatre Ensemble Honors Late Actor in RENT Production Read more
Quantico

Trump, Hegseth to address military leaders at Quantico amid traffic, congressional concerns

By Uriah Kiser

QUANTICO, Va. – President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are set to attend a high-profile gathering of U.S. military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. The summit, which will bring together more than 800 generals, admirals, and their senior enlisted advisers, aims to reinforce a “warrior ethos” within the armed forces.

The event has raised concerns among lawmakers, military officials, and local commuters, with questions about security, costs, and the potential politicization of the military.

Go to Trump, Hegseth to address military leaders at Quantico amid traffic, congressional concerns Read more
News

Lawsuit Against Prince William Chair Jefferson Raises Fears of Chilling Effect on Public Engagement

By Uriah Kiser
Desundra Jefferson, Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair At-large [Photo: Alan Gloss]

Last week, Atlantic Funding Limited LLC sued Jefferson as a private citizen, alleging she spread misinformation during two town hall meetings about the company’s plan to build five data centers on 61 acres behind the Four Seasons retirement community in Dumfries. The lawsuit claims Jefferson acted in a “malicious and deliberate” attempt to stir opposition to the project.

Jefferson, who campaigned against locating data centers near homes and schools, declined to address the specifics of the lawsuit. In a statement, she emphasized her process in evaluating land-use applications.

Go to Lawsuit Against Prince William Chair Jefferson Raises Fears of Chilling Effect on Public Engagement Read more
Stafford

Movie theater developer warns Stafford: Approve townhomes or face 453 apartments

By Uriah Kiser

Stafford’s long-delayed Garrison at Stafford project boiled over when developer Robert Pence warned county planners he could scrap promises of townhomes and retail — and instead build 453 apartments by-right.

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 Movie theater developer warns Stafford: Approve townhomes or face 453 apartments Read more
Schools

Stafford’s New Schools Start Small as Teacher Transfers Open This Fall

By Uriah Kiser
An aerial view of Stafford County's sixth high school under construction. [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

The new elementary schools and Hartwood are part of Stafford’s broader strategy to relieve overcrowding and rebalance school boundaries. In a March 2025 article, Potomac Local noted that the division’s redistricting plan (Scenario Green) aimed to open ES-18 and ES-19 near 95 percent capacity initially, ensuring none exceed capacity in year one. (Potomac Local News)

Key takeaways:

Go to Stafford’s New Schools Start Small as Teacher Transfers Open This Fall Read more
Fredericksburg

UMW Career Fair Offers Students a Launchpad into the Workforce

By Uriah Kiser

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Hundreds of University of Mary Washington students connected with potential employers at Thursday’s fall Career and Internship Fair—and many arrived dressed for success thanks to a two-day professional pop-up boutique held earlier in the week.

The boutique, co-hosted by UMW’s Student Activities and Engagement office and the Gwen Hale Resource Center, drew 340 students on Monday and Tuesday. The event offered free professional attire, donated by UMW faculty, staff, and the campus resource center, giving students a chance to suit up ahead of the fair.

Go to UMW Career Fair Offers Students a Launchpad into the Workforce Read more
Neighborhood Notes

Neighborhood Notes: Kayak Trip, Puppet Show, Veterans Day Procession, Fall Jubilee

By Uriah Kiser

From riverside concerts and veterans celebrations to art shows and investment tools, this roundup features everything happening in your neighborhood this season. Dive into the latest events, performances, and community resources — all in one place.

Go to Neighborhood Notes: Kayak Trip, Puppet Show, Veterans Day Procession, Fall Jubilee Read more
Schools

2 False Alarms Trigger Stafford Schools Lockdown—How Did It Affect Your Family?

By Uriah Kiser

STAFFORD, Va. – Two Stafford County schools were locked down over the past week after false alarms triggered emergency systems.

At Mountain View High School and Margaret Brent Elementary on September 19, an alarm set off a precautionary lockdown before deputies confirmed there was no threat. Five days later, Stafford High School went into lockdown twice in one morning after faulty wiring caused its system to activate.

Go to 2 False Alarms Trigger Stafford Schools Lockdown—How Did It Affect Your Family? Read more
View More Stories