As 2024 comes to a close, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to you, our loyal members. Your support empowers us to continue telling the stories that matter most to our communities. Our mission to provide trustworthy, impactful journalism wouldn’t be possible without you.
I also want to take a moment to thank our dedicated contributing editors and reporters. Their tireless work ensures we cover the stories that shape our neighborhoods and impact our daily lives. Some of their incredible efforts are highlighted in our list of 2024’s most-read stories.
To my surprise, every single one of this year’s most-read stories comes from Stafford County. This signals something exciting: Stafford County is a fast-growing area and a community eager for reliable news and information. In response, we will continue to focus on Stafford County while maintaining strong coverage across Prince William County and the cities of Manassas, Fredericksburg, and Manassas Park.
The 2024 election underscored a critical truth—people are turning to trusted sources for news across multiple platforms. With that in mind, we’re excited to expand our video podcast, or “Vodcast,” and bring more social media content, including our new TikTok platform, which I’m launching. Stay tuned for updates as we bring you fresh ways to engage with the stories that matter most to you.
Looking ahead, 2025 marks an incredible milestone: our 15th year of publishing. We’re thrilled about what tomorrow will bring and are honored to have you on this journey.
Thank you for your continued support, and here’s to another year of impactful journalism.
Happy New Year,
Uriah Kiser
Founder & Publisher, Potomac Local News
A rap video starring Stafford County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor racked up more than 1,600 views on YouTube within in its first 30 minutes.
Two people inside a box truck tried to force their way onto Quantico Marine Corps Base.
We first told you about it in November, and now the Walmart of gas stations has made it official.
Mark your calendars for Black Rifle Coffee Company’s Grand Opening celebration on April 13.
The mother of a former student at North Stafford High School has filed a lawsuit against the county school division seeking $15 million in compensatory damages, alleging failure to protect…
In a significant development for the local retail scene, the Best Buy store at 1455 Stafford Market Place in North Stafford will close its doors on Saturday, March 2, 2024.
Recent Stories
ARTfactory and Birmingham Green made headlines in Manassas this week. ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, now Actors Theatre, won seven awards at the 2024 DC Broadway World Awards, including Best Musical for Kinky Boots and Best Choreography for The Rocky Horror Show. ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre also earned recognition, winning Best Theatre for Young Audiences for its production of The Wizard of Oz.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Green, ranked as Northern Virginia’s top nursing home by Newsweek Magazine, announced Duane Smith as its new Nursing Home Administrator, effective December 30, 2024. Smith brings extensive experience from senior living leadership roles across multiple states and holds several professional qualifications. Birmingham Green continues its 90-year mission of providing quality long-term care to Northern Virginians in need.
Looking for a new best friend? Meet Echo, a 3-4-month-old pup full of love, energy, and curiosity. This little guy, possibly a Boxer mix, is still finding his voice, but…
Should Virginia ditch the longstanding practice of electing the General Assembly and the governor in odd year elections?
The first odd year election in Virginia was in 1851, after a new state Constitution was approved and members of the House were elected to a two-year term. Before that, members of the House had one-year terms, and voters selected members every single year.
Now, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell says modern day voters are sick and tired of voting every year.
A Manassas man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for providing drugs and alcohol to a child in exchange for sex acts and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting the same victim as well as other children.
According to court documents, Olajide Benjamin Ayilaran, 24, met a 14-year-old girl during the summer of 2023 and began communicating with the victim via iMessage. In the messages, Ayilaran offered to provide the victim drugs, alcohol, and nicotine products in exchange for sex acts. Between at least Nov. 21, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024, Ayilaran met the victim nine times, usually in the morning before the victim went to school, to exchange the products for sexual acts. Ayilaran would wait for the victim in his car in a nearby park. When the victim arrived, he gave her the drugs and alcohol and then had the victim perform sex acts on him in the car.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
