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!

Obituaries

Community Mourns Beloved Montclair Waitress Peggy Curry

By Uriah Kiser
Peggy Curry, left, the dedicated front-of-house manager who died while working at Montclair Family Restaurant on July 11, 2026, pictured with owner Francesco Leone. Curry was a beloved community figure and seven-time Best of Prince William award winner known for her kindness and warmth.

Peggy Curry, 69, of Woodbridge, passed away July 11, 2026. She was a longtime waitress at Montclair Family Restaurant, a beloved local spot outside Dumfries where she served customers for more than 30 years.

Known affectionately as “Mom” to staff and regulars, Curry was the face of the restaurant at 17001 Dumfries Road. Many families she served as children now bring their own kids there, and the community rallied around her in the past when she faced health challenges.

Go to Community Mourns Beloved Montclair Waitress Peggy Curry Read more
Prince William

Prince William County Sees Two Traffic Deaths Days Apart

By Uriah Kiser
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

On July 18 at about 10:53 p.m., a 36-year-old man identified as Michael Hall was riding eastbound on Old Bridge Road near Colby Drive when he lost control of his 2014 Yamaha YZF-R1 motorcycle while navigating a right curve. He crossed into the median, struck a metal sign and guardrail, and was transported to a hospital where he later died. Speed is believed to be a factor, according to police.

Earlier, on July 10 at 6:31 a.m., 78-year-old John Gregory Grace of Occoquan was struck by a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee while crossing the Gordon Boulevard entry and exit lanes at the Occoquan Commuter Lot at 1325 Old Bridge Road. Grace, who was not in a designated crosswalk, died from his injuries. The driver, Arlen Yessenia Vivas Perez, 42, of Woodbridge, remained at the scene and was later charged with disregarding a stop sign.

Go to Prince William County Sees Two Traffic Deaths Days Apart Read more
Prince William

Prince William County Mulls Ending By-Right Data Center Development – A Move That Could Save Jiffy Lube Live

By Uriah Kiser

“The Prince William County Planning Commission voted earlier this week to recommend that the county stop allowing data centers to build ‘by right,’ or without county approval – a move that could keep Jiffy Lube Live and other key areas from being swallowed up by computer server farms,” Prince William Times reported. The commission voted 5-2 to recommend shrinking the data center opportunity zone overlay district from about 9,700 acres to 3,500 acres, requiring special use permits for new projects and removing sites like Jiffy Lube Live and planned school land from by-right development.

This proposal, advanced by local leaders including Board Chair Deshundra Jefferson and Supervisor Tom Gordy, addresses long-standing concerns over skyrocketing land values and data center proliferation in Northern Virginia, with 148 facilities already built, under construction, or planned in the county. Supervisors are expected to consider the zoning text amendment in September.

Go to Prince William County Mulls Ending By-Right Data Center Development – A Move That Could Save Jiffy Lube Live Read more
Stafford

Stafford County Pools Now Open Following Woodlands Closure

By Uriah Kiser
Woodlands Pool

Stafford County Government reported that Curtis Pool and Woodlands Pool are both open as of Sunday, July 19. The county had closed Woodlands Pool on July 16 after a glass item broke and entered the pool, but it has since reopened following cleaning and safety inspections.

Stafford County Parks and Recreation continues to prioritize patron safety while managing summer recreation programs, with updates provided for any rescheduled rentals or lessons. This ensures local families in Northern Virginia have access to public pools during the warm season.

Go to Stafford County Pools Now Open Following Woodlands Closure Read more
Prince William

Prince William Supervisors Shoot Down Two Proposed Lines for Nokesville to Bristow Transmission Project

By Uriah Kiser
Gordy

InsideNova reported that the Prince William Board of County Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution eliminating the “blue” and “light blue” routes for Dominion Energy’s Nokesville to Bristow 230 kilovolt transmission line project across county property. The board stated it does not support granting Dominion access to county easements for Routes 5 and 12.

The decision, praised by Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy, protects areas like Broad Run Linear Park’s tree preserve and reflects strong community advocacy from neighborhoods including Braemar and Victory Lakes. Dominion Energy confirmed the blue route’s elimination, with the State Corporation Commission set to make the final call and a community meeting scheduled for July 23 at Patriot High School.

Go to Prince William Supervisors Shoot Down Two Proposed Lines for Nokesville to Bristow Transmission Project Read more
Virginia

Virginia Loses More Jobs Than Any Other State, Ranks 48th in Growth

By Uriah Kiser
Photo: Spanberger Facebook page

“Over the past year, Virginia has lost more jobs than any other state,” Cardinal News reported. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows the Commonwealth shed 51,400 jobs from May 2025 to May 2026, with heavy losses in federal positions and professional services, placing it 48th nationally for job growth.

Northern Virginia communities, heavily tied to federal contracting, face heightened risks as manufacturing declines accelerate and a gap widens with neighboring North Carolina, despite Virginia’s solid CNBC business climate ranking.

Go to Virginia Loses More Jobs Than Any Other State, Ranks 48th in Growth Read more
Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Council Boosts Downtown Noise Enforcement and Plans 2027 Legislative Push

By Uriah Kiser

Fredericksburg City Council addressed ongoing resident complaints about excessive vehicle noise in the downtown area during its recent meeting, reaffirming enforcement efforts and outlining plans for future state-level action.

Council members noted persistent issues with loud vehicles, particularly during pleasant weather when residents and visitors are dining outdoors or strolling the streets. The city has advocated for years for legislation enabling automated enforcement technology.

Go to Fredericksburg Council Boosts Downtown Noise Enforcement and Plans 2027 Legislative Push Read more
Prince William

Prince William County Outdoor Pools and Waterparks Closed Due to Code Red Air Quality Alert

By Uriah Kiser

Prince William County Parks & Recreation reported that due to the Code Red air quality alert, all county-operated outdoor pools and waterparks are closed today, though the sprayground at Catharpin Regional Park will remain open. Tonight’s Fridays at 5 Concert with Leroy Burks & The Voodoo Whiskey Band has been rescheduled to Friday, August 14.

Residents in Northern Virginia should continue monitoring local air quality conditions, as additional updates on closings and events will be shared as they become available.

Go to Prince William County Outdoor Pools and Waterparks Closed Due to Code Red Air Quality Alert Read more
Police Blotter

Police Blotter: Fatal Crash Investigation, Assaults in Area

By Uriah Kiser
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

Other incidents include the strong-arm robbery of a 12-year-old boy’s e-bike in Woodbridge and multiple public intoxication arrests in Stafford, including one involving a felon with a firearm.

This daily police blotter summarizes notable incidents reported by local agencies.

Go to Police Blotter: Fatal Crash Investigation, Assaults in Area Read more
Traffic

Drivers Get 30-Day Warning at New Manassas Red Light Camera Spot

By Uriah Kiser

Manassas officials will begin a 30-day warning period today at the intersection of Liberia Avenue and Wellington Road as part of the city’s photo red light enforcement program.

Traffic safety studies showed enough violations and crashes at the spot to add cameras there. The warning period runs through Aug. 16, after which active enforcement starts and citations can be issued. A Manassas City Police officer reviews every potential violation before any ticket goes out.

Go to Drivers Get 30-Day Warning at New Manassas Red Light Camera Spot Read more
View More Stories