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!

News

Fredericksburg Reviews Report on 2024 Train Crash

By Uriah Kiser

A report from the Federal Railroad Administration requested by Fredericksburg City Council and Mayor Kerry Devine on this past summer’s freight car derailment blames human error for the mishap, reports the FXBG Advance. 

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Go to Fredericksburg Reviews Report on 2024 Train Crash Read more
News

Stafford Supervisors Move Toward Finalizing MOU with EDA

By Uriah Kiser

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is progressing toward finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Department of Economic Development.

The draft MOU aims to clarify the roles and responsibilities of both entities in promoting economic growth and business attraction within the county. However, concerns raised by some Board members suggest that the document may need further refinement before it can be adopted.

During a work session on January 28, 2025, Liz Barber, the county’s Director of Economic Development, presented the draft MOU, highlighting the extensive process that led to its creation. The document was developed over the past year, with input from both county administration and EDA members. Its goal is to establish clear guidelines and expectations for the EDA and the Department of Economic Development, particularly regarding the administrative processes, division of duties, and collaboration between the two bodies.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Go to Stafford Supervisors Move Toward Finalizing MOU with EDA Read more
Breaking News

Family Charged in Death of 4-Year-Old Boy Found Unconscious

By Uriah Kiser
Romero

A case of child abuse and neglect has led to the arrest of three family members following the death of a 4-year-old boy on January 19.

Officers responded to The Regency Apartments in the 9800 block of Shallow Creek Loop near Manassas at 7:36 p.m. January 19, to investigate reports of an unconscious child. When emergency responders arrived, they found the young victim, later identified as a 4-year-old boy, unresponsive.

Go to Family Charged in Death of 4-Year-Old Boy Found Unconscious Read more
News

Toll breaks for Virginia drivers? Lawmakers weigh costly proposal

By Uriah Kiser
Drivers see purple signs ahead of E-ZPass Express Lanes entrances. [Photo: VDOT]

For Virginians who spend hundreds of dollars on tolls each month, relief could be on the horizon — if lawmakers can stomach the price tag, reports the Virginia Mercury.

A proposal to ease toll burdens for frequent drivers and low-income residents cleared a key hurdle in the state legislature this week, as a House Transportation subcommittee advanced the measure for further review. 

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Go to Toll breaks for Virginia drivers? Lawmakers weigh costly proposal Read more
News

Prince William County Schools’ $1 Billion Capital Improvement Plan

By Uriah Kiser
The Edward L. Kelly Leadership Center is the headquarters for the Prince William County Public School System. [Photo via Prince William County Public Schools]

Prince William County Schools (PWCS) are embarking on an ambitious $1.098 billion Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) aimed at alleviating overcrowding, modernizing aging school facilities, and preparing for future shifts in student enrollment. The plan, presented at the January 15, 2025, school board work session, includes new school constructions, significant renovations, and sustainability-focused upgrades.

To address overcrowding in high-growth areas, PWCS will build multiple new schools, including:

Occoquan Replacement School – Scheduled to open in December 2025, this school will add 226 seats and include specialized programs for students with special education and autism support needs.
Woodbridge Area Elementary School – Opening in the 2026-2027 school year, this school will provide a capacity of approximately 632 students and will serve the Cardinal and Neabsco Mills Districts, areas currently experiencing significant overcrowding.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Go to Prince William County Schools’ $1 Billion Capital Improvement Plan Read more
News

No Survivors in D.C. Air Crash; Prince William Fire and Rescue Contribute to Recovery Efforts

By Uriah Kiser

A mid-air collision near Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday night claimed the lives of more than 60 individuals, including passengers and crew members from an American Airlines flight and military personnel. T

The crash occurred at 8:48 p.m. as American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was descending into the airport, colliding with a military helicopter on a standard training mission.

Authorities have confirmed that there are no survivors from the accident. The flight, which had 60 passengers and four crew members aboard, was on its final approach to DCA when it collided with the helicopter, which was also in a routine flight pattern along the Potomac River.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Go to No Survivors in D.C. Air Crash; Prince William Fire and Rescue Contribute to Recovery Efforts Read more
News

DUI Arrests, Fraud Cases, and Townhome Fire Highlight Recent Incidents

By Uriah Kiser

On Tuesday afternoon, emergency units were dispatched to a townhouse fire in the 15600 block of Mendoza Lane, Woodbridge. Crews arrived to find light smoke showing and quickly located the fire in a first-floor utility closet. The fire had spread to the upper floors through a void space that housed ductwork and other utilities.

The fire was quickly extinguished, and while the townhouse sustained moderate damage, the adjoining homes were not affected. One adult occupant was transported to a nearby medical facility for evaluation of non-life-threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Go to DUI Arrests, Fraud Cases, and Townhome Fire Highlight Recent Incidents Read more
Breaking News

Mid-Air Collision Over Potomac River Involving PSA Airlines Flight and Military Helicopter: Rescue Efforts Ongoing

By Uriah Kiser

A mid-air collision occurred Wednesday evening over the Potomac River involving a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, operating as American Airlines Flight 5342, and a Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter. At least 30 bodies have been recovered so far.

The crash occurred around 9 p.m. local time while the Bombardier CRJ700 approached Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on its flight from Wichita, Kansas. The collision prompted a large-scale rescue operation, with more than 300 first responders deployed.

Go to Mid-Air Collision Over Potomac River Involving PSA Airlines Flight and Military Helicopter: Rescue Efforts Ongoing Read more
News

A bill to help prisoners regulate temperatures has been advancing through Virginia’s legislature

By Uriah Kiser

Mike Berryman vividly recalls freezing nights in his prison cell, where the cold was so intense he could sometimes see his breath. On humid nights, he said, ice would form on the walls. By summer, the opposite was true — his cell became stifling, leaving him drenched in sweat, reports The Virginia Mercury.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Go to A bill to help prisoners regulate temperatures has been advancing through Virginia’s legislature Read more
View More Stories