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We’re back with another episode of the Potomac Local Podcast, where we connect our communities one story at a time. In this episode, Uriah Kiser, founder of Potomac Local News, sits down with Deshundra Jefferson, Chair At-large of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, to discuss critical issues facing Prince William County.

Chair Jefferson made history on January 1, 2024, as the first Black person elected to this role. Her journey—from a single mother saving for homeownership to a community leader—informs her commitment to tackling the affordable housing crisis, workforce housing solutions, and planning for future infrastructure needs.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The proposed Affordable Housing Dwelling Unit Ordinance and its impact on residents and local workers like teachers, police, and firefighters.
• Balancing affordable housing with school capacity concerns and infrastructure development in growing areas like Brentsville.
• The ongoing debate over the Bi-County Parkway extension to ease congestion on Route 28.
• Chair Jefferson’s favorite local restaurants—from the western side of the county to the east.

Jefferson also shares her vision for ensuring Prince William County residents can live where they work. This focus prioritizes local families and community safety: “We have cost-burdened households spending more than 30% of their income on housing. We need solutions now, said Chair Deshundra Jefferson

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Have a news tip? Please email us at [email protected]. Uriah reads every email.

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In this Potomac Local News Podcast episode, Manassas is shaping its future while honoring its past. Host Uriah Kiser sits down with Manassas City Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis to discuss the North Star Branding Study findings, tackling challenges like preserving history, fostering economic growth, and addressing community concerns. Stay tuned for local news highlights, including a shocking insurance scam and updates on the City Council’s new term.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction: Host Uriah Kiser sets the stage for a discussion of the North Star Branding Study’s findings and their implications for Manassas’ future. The podcast also teases other local stories, including an insurance scam and City Council updates.
• Conversation with Theresa Coates Ellis:
  • North Star Branding Study: Theresa discusses the study’s insights, including the city’s brand awareness and challenges in balancing its historical identity with modern growth.
  • Balancing History and Growth: Discussion on preserving Manassas’ Civil War legacy while fostering tech and business opportunities.
  • Community Concerns: Addressing high taxes, overdevelopment, and the need for workforce readiness in tech industries.
  • Future Vision for Manassas: Theresa shares her vision for redeveloping key areas and fostering investment to make Manassas a thriving community.
• Local News Highlights:
  • Insurance Scam Story: A troubling case of predatory towing in Prince William County, with police investigation updates and tips for residents to avoid similar scams.
  • City Council Swearing-In Ceremony: Details about the January 2025 ceremony, reflections on a contentious election season, and hopes for a collaborative future.
• Closing Thoughts: Uriah reflects on the power of local journalism, encourages community engagement, and invites listeners to share their thoughts on the podcast and local news stories.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn about the North Star Branding Study results and its role in shaping Manassas’ identity.
• Understand how Manassas balances historic preservation with modern economic development.
• Discover actionable insights for preventing predatory towing scams.
• Gain perspective on the recent City Council election and what it means for Manassas residents.

What to Listen For:

• Insights from Theresa Coates Ellis about preserving Manassas’ historic charm while embracing its future.
• Shocking details about the insurance scam and police response.
• Reflections on the heated City Council election and the swearing-in ceremony.

Listen to the full episode for these stories and more, and subscribe for updates on what’s shaping Northern Virginia communities!

We just wrapped up an important discussion on the state of Manassas City Public Schools in our latest podcast episode, featuring insights from local education leaders and school board candidates. This special forum covered pressing issues facing our schools and presented diverse perspectives on how we can collectively move forward.

In this episode, you’ll hear from Robyn Williams, an eight-year school board member now running for City Council, and Caitlyn Meisner, our dedicated local editor covering Manassas City Public Schools since 2023. Several candidates endorsed by the city’s Republican committee, running for four open school board seats, also joined the discussion, including Allie Forkell, Javanese Hailey, Dayna Jackson-Miles, and Maidy Whitesell.

All school board candidates and sitting school board members were invited to participate.

Key Discussion Points and Timestamp Highlights:
1. SOL Scores and Decline in School Performance – [6:20-8:45]
Caitlyn Meisner discusses how Standards of Learning (SOL) scores have continued to fall behind state averages and what this means for the school division’s future.

2. School Infrastructure and Jennie Dean Elementary Project – [9:00-10:30]
A deep dive into the new Jennie Dean Elementary construction and discussions on infrastructure improvements vs. academic performance focus.

3. Challenges in the Classroom – [14:00-17:00]
Candidates and educators discuss post-COVID classroom challenges, such as teacher accountability, behavioral issues, and language barriers in the Manassas school system.

4. Grading Policy Controversy – [26:00-28:30]
Insight into the grading policy debate over giving students multiple retake opportunities and allowing them extended time for assignments. What’s the impact on student preparedness for college and the workforce?

5. CTE Program as a Bright Spot – [50:30-53:45]
Learn how the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is helping students gain real-world skills and why expanding this program could be key to the city’s future success.

We encourage everyone to listen in and jump to the segments that interest you the most. Whether you’re concerned about school accreditation, academic decline, or exciting new initiatives like the CTE program, this podcast is for you.

How You Can Get Involved:

• Listen and share this insightful discussion with friends, family, and neighbors.
• Send us your feedback: What issues would you like us to cover in future forums?
• Get informed before Election Day on November 5 to ensure your vote supports the future of our schools.

Simone Reddington, co-host of the “Until They Kick Us Out” podcast, sat down with Uriah Kiser, publisher of Potomac Local News, to discuss local politics, business, and the pulse of Manassas. Simone and her co-host, Nikki France, have used their platform to spotlight the city’s political landscape while celebrating its small businesses and tight-knit community.

The interview explored Simone’s evolving involvement in local politics, an area she didn’t initially set out to cover. When asked about Manassas’s state, Simone expressed her optimism and concerns.

“I would be ignorant if I didn’t acknowledge that there hasn’t been a lot of improvement over our city in the past three years… But I’m seeing it go in a direction where I don’t believe it’s being led healthily,” she said. Reddington emphasized the disconnect between local government and business owners, sharing her frustration over land purchases, the lack of effective leadership, and the underrepresentation of small businesses.

Simone also touched on the city’s Real Estate purchases, including the controversial acquisition of properties like the Mathis Avenue Shopping Center and the underdeveloped Old Town site. “We’ve been staring at fencing and concrete slabs for almost a year now, and there’s no plan for it,” she remarked.

A major theme in the interview was Reddington’s commitment to amplifying the voices of small business owners in downtown Manassas, particularly as they navigate economic challenges. “They’re suffering. They pull in money on First Fridays, but that’s one day. The rest of the time, many are struggling,” she explained, calling for more government support and collaboration with the community.

Listeners can catch the full interview on Potomac Local News’ YouTube or Facebook page. Simone’s candid take on Manassas’ leadership, her passion for small business, and her call for change in the community make for a compelling listen. Don’t miss this insightful conversation!

In this episode of the Potomac Local News podcast, host Uriah Kiser interviews Ashlee Waldbauer, Kadejah Onè, and Sarah Andersen, three lead performers in Riverside Center for the Performing Arts production of “Beautiful: The Carole King Story.”

The trio shares their experiences portraying iconic figures, their challenges, and the timeless music shaping this beloved musical.

Here’s what listeners can expect:

Host Uriah Kiser introduces the three talented actresses from Beautiful, setting the stage for an engaging conversation about their roles and the production.

1:00 – Ashlee Waldbauer on Playing Carole King
Ashlee, who plays Carole King, discusses how stepping into the shoes of such a well-known figure came with its own set of challenges. She opens up about battling imposter syndrome during rehearsals and how she ultimately found confidence through her connection to the role.

4:00 – Sarah Andersen on Playing Cynthia Weil
Sarah talks about her portrayal of Cynthia Weil, a dynamic woman with a powerful presence. She explains how she developed her character, the chemistry between Cynthia and Barry Mann, and how both onstage and offstage friendships helped her bring authenticity to the role.

6:00 – Kadejah Onè on Her Powerful Character
Kadejah shares insights into her character, part of a Black girl group trying to navigate the segregated music industry of the time. She talks about how her character’s assertiveness and courage were critical in achieving a Billboard hit, especially during the civil rights movement.

8:00 – The Energy of the Production
The cast reflects on the fast-paced, high-energy nature of the show. Ashlee notes the constant costume and set changes, while Sarah highlights the joy of being part of a production where there is always something happening on stage—even during scene transitions.

10:00 – The Evolution of Music
Uriah and Kadejah discuss the shifting landscape of the music industry in the 1960s, when artists like Carole King began to take creative control. They reflect on how the music of that time had a lasting impact and continues to resonate with audiences today.

12:00 – Why This Show Matters
The actresses express their belief in the emotional depth of the show. Kadejah speaks about the power of the story and its ability to inspire hope, while Ashlee and Sarah emphasize the importance of showcasing female empowerment through music and storytelling.

14:00 – Final Thoughts
The episode wraps up with the cast sharing what they hope audiences take away from Beautiful. Ashlee highlights Carole King’s journey to creative self-discovery, while Sarah reflects on the rare chance female composers had in the music industry and the importance of this story.

Tune in to this insightful podcast for a behind-the-scenes look at “Beautiful: The Carole King Story, and hear more about how these actresses bring the legend of Carole King to life on stage.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, where information is at our fingertips, the importance of local media cannot be overstated. Local news is the backbone of our communities, providing us with timely information, holding leaders accountable, and telling the stories that matter most to our daily lives. But what goes into making local news? How do independent publishers sustain a hyperlocal news business in an ever-changing media landscape?

I’m excited to introduce my latest podcast episode, where I sit down with Howard Owens, publisher of The Batavian, one of the most successful independent local news websites in the country. Howard and I both share a deep passion for community journalism, and in this episode, we peel back the onion on what it takes to run and sustain a hyperlocal news business.

The Significance of Local Media

Local media is more than just a source of news; it’s a vital part of the fabric that holds communities together. Unlike national outlets, local news sites focus on the stories that directly impact your neighborhood, your schools, your local businesses, and your daily commute. Whether it’s covering city council meetings, reporting on community events, or shining a light on local heroes, local media plays an irreplaceable role in keeping citizens informed and engaged.

However, in recent years, the challenges facing local media have grown. With the rise of social media, changes in advertising, and shifts in how people consume news, independent publishers have had to innovate and adapt to keep their doors open and their communities informed.

Podcast: A Deep Dive into Independent News Publishing

In this episode, Howard and I go beyond the headlines to explore the nitty-gritty details of what it takes to sustain a local news business. Here are some of the key topics we discuss:

• Ad Strategy: We dive into Howard’s unconventional approach to advertising, where ads are prominently featured throughout his site. Learn why he believes in this model and how it supports both his business and local advertisers.
• Selling Yourself: As independent publishers, we talk about the importance of building relationships with advertisers and community members. It’s not just about selling ads—it’s about selling yourself and the value your news site brings to the community.
• Content Creation: From breaking news to sponsored posts, we discuss how to balance providing valuable content to readers while also generating revenue. Howard shares how he manages this delicate balance and keeps his site credible and engaging.
• Navigating Press Releases and Sponsored Posts: When should a press release be published, and when should it be turned into a sponsored post? We explore the fine line between news and advertising and how to make those decisions.
• The Evolution of Independent News: Both Howard and I have seen significant changes in the media landscape since we started. We share our experiences and insights on how to stay relevant and successful in this dynamic environment.
• Engaging Your Community: Building a loyal audience is key to the success of any local news site. We talk about strategies for keeping readers coming back, whether it’s through breaking news, community events, or simply being the go-to source for what’s happening in town.

Why This Conversation Matters

This podcast episode isn’t just for fellow journalists or publishers—it’s for anyone who cares about the future of local news. Whether you’re a loyal reader of your local paper or someone who’s curious about how news is made, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of independent journalism.

Local news is more than just a business; it’s a public service. By supporting independent publishers, you’re not just staying informed—you’re helping to keep your community connected and empowered.

Tune In and Join the Conversation

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below or share this post with friends and family who care about the future of local news. Together, we can ensure that our communities remain informed, engaged, and connected.

In this episode, I talk with Manassas City School Board member Sara Brescia about the evolving grading policies in the school district. Listeners will learn about the significant post-pandemic changes, including the controversial 50-100 grading scale and removing the 55 minimum grade provision. Sara Brescia provides a deep dive into the rationale behind these changes, the challenges faced, and the pushback from the community.

The conversation also touches on the broader implications of grading policies on student behavior and engagement, the importance of setting deadlines, and the balance between flexibility and accountability in education. Sara shares her vision for the future, emphasizing the need for productive dialogue and the importance of preparing students for the real world.

Additionally, the podcast explores the ongoing cell phone ban discussion, with Sara advocating for minimizing cell phone use in classrooms due to its negative impact on behavior and academics. The conversation highlights the complexities of implementing such policies and the support needed for teachers.

Finally, the episode covers the dynamics of school governance, teacher retention, and establishing a School of Excellence in Manassas. Sara’s candid reflections and future aspirations for the school district provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current educational landscape in Manassas City.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the Manassas City Public Schools and to hear firsthand from a school board member committed to enhancing student achievement.

Below,  you'll find the the latest edition of our podcast, featuring a detailed conversation with Manassas City Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis. Hosted by me, Potomac Local Publisher Uriah Kiser, this dialogue sheds light on pivotal changes and the latest developments in Manassas. From educational policies to school board elections and community safety, Councilwoman Ellis provides an in-depth look at the strategic decisions shaping the future of our community.

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On this episode of the Potomac Local Podcast, we're talking about our local libraries.

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