After vetoing legislation last month that would’ve established a retail market for cannabis, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) has agreed to establish a market through an addition to the state budget.
The compromise between Spanberger, Fairfax County Del. Paul Krizek (D-16) and state Sen. Lashrecse Aird (D-13) would allow recreational marijuana sales to begin on July 1, 2027. The governor’s office says this allows time for the Cannabis Control Authority to develop regulations, testing and safety standards and oversight framework.
Rep. James Walkinshaw, of Virginia's 11th Congressional District, speaks to local DACA recipients and immigration advocates during a round table discussion June 15 (staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)
When the U.S. celebrates its 250th birthday next month, one Fairfax man could see the end of his American dream.
Over the years, the South Korean immigrant and medical professional has regularly renewed his lawful immigration status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act (DACA), the federal policy that offered relief from removal proceedings and the ability to work in the U.S. for young immigrants.
Spotted lanternfly nymphs on an outdoor stair in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Summer in Fairfax County means a break from school, an abundance of outdoor music options and, in recent years, the return of the spotted lanternflies.
The invasive insects started to reemerge earlier this month, but they are still in their young “nymph” stage, resembling small beetles with white spots on their black bodies instead of the larger, winged form they take as adults, according to the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES).
A person driving a golf cart on Reston National Golf Course (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Reston Association remains opposed to any development on Reston National Golf Course, but the latest proposal to add housing has it questioning just how much effort should be devoted to that cause.
RA launched a survey yesterday (Monday) asking community members to share their thoughts on whether its staff should prioritize the issue when determining where to focus their limited time and financial resources.
A stars and stripes banner on a fence around the Vienna Town Green during a Flag Day celebration on June 14, 2026 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
How House and Senate Budget Plans Compare — “With a June 30 deadline looming before a state government shutdown, Virginia legislators have released new budget proposals, the latest actions in a long-simmering debate over the state spending plan that has deadlocked over whether data centers should keep being exempt from the state’s sales and use tax.” [Virginia Mercury]
Repeal of Campaign Finance Audits Proposed — “A budget provision released Friday by Democrats in the House of Delegates would send Virginia back to the days when the public had to accept on faith that candidates’ campaign finance disclosures were complete and accurate. A nine-word sentence … would strip the Virginia Department of Elections of its authority to audit campaign finance reports.” [Poole Report]
Fairfax EDA Names New President — George D. Thomas, currently head of the regional collaboration nonprofit Connected DMV, has been appointed as the next president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. Starting in August, he will succeed Victor Hoskins, who is leaving after nearly seven years to become an advisor for organizations exploring “large-scale public-private investment,” the Washington Business Journal reported in February. [FCEDA]
Microsoft Pulling Back on Clean Energy Goals — “Microsoft is considering ending its round-the-clock or 24/7 clean energy goal, which aims to meet 100 percent of its energy consumption 100 percent of the time with zero-carbon electricity by 2030.” The company has a number of data centers in Virginia, including in Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties. [Inside Climate News]
Route 29 Ramp Closure Tomorrow — “Weather permitting, the southbound Route 29 ramp to westbound I-66 at Exit 52 in Centreville will be closed from 10 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, to 5 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, for asphalt patching … Drivers are asked to follow posted detour signs.” [VDOT]
Student Competes on American Ninja Warrior — Woodson High School student Grace Walk was featured last night (Monday) on the reality competition show, where contestants tackle elaborate obstacle courses. “Walk’s journey to appear on the show has been years in the making. She began with the ninja sport when she was just 9 years old.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Wakefield Softball Fields Updated — “The softball fields at Wakefield Park have been upgraded, the Fairfax County Park Authority announced on June 11. The improvements include renovated playing surfaces and amenities, upgraded LED lighting, new dugouts, new fencing, new batting cages, and new picnic tables and bleachers.” [Annandale Today]
Hearing Set on Fairfax City Council Pay — “Fairfax City Council members will hold public hearings Tuesday, June 23 on a proposed green building policy, subdivision ordinance changes and pay increases for the mayor and council members. The regular meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.” [Patch]
It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny skies with a high near 80 degrees and light, variable winds. Tuesday night will bring increasing cloud cover and a low of around 63 degrees, with south winds at 3 to 6 mph. [NWS]
Want more local news? Check out our newest sister site, WSHnow, with the latest from across the region.
The George Washington Memorial Parkway (staff photo by James Cullum)
Local and state police will soon be allowed to enforce speed limits and other traffic laws on the George Washington Memorial Parkway, though drivers might not see an immediate increase in officers and troopers.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed Senate Bill 81 in April authorizing state and local law enforcement officers to cite drivers for traffic infractions on federal highways in Northern Virginia, starting on July 1. Local agencies can also seek the federal government’s permission to install automated speed monitoring cameras.
Montgomery County and Fairfax County first responders are searching the Potomac River near Great Falls for a swimmer reported missing on June 14, 2026 (via Pete Piringer/X)
First responders in swift water boats and a U.S. Park Police helicopter are scouring the Potomac River for a man who went missing while swimming in the Great Falls Park area yesterday (Sunday).
Montgomery County’s police and fire departments received a call around 6:15 p.m. for a swimmer in distress near the Billy Goat Trail in the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park in Potomac, Maryland.
Candidates raise their hands and repeat the oath of allegiance that makes their citizenship official during a naturalization ceremony at Gunston Hall on June 12. (Staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)
Fifty new citizens took an oath of allegiance to the U.S. last week during a naturalization ceremony held at a founding father’s home 250 years to the day that Virginia adopted his seminal prelude to the Declaration of Independence.
As part of two days of “Declaration Day” festivities, citizens from 17 different countries on Friday (June 12) raised their right hands and promised to “support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States” on the grounds of Gunston Hall, once owned by George Mason, who wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights.
After a contentious debate, the Fairfax County School Board will give parents the opportunity to opt out of take-home laptops and tablets in the upcoming school year and study stronger screen limits and restrictions.
At its meeting Thursday (June 11), the board discussed restrictions on screen time and school-provided devices for students amid local, regional and national pushback against technology in classrooms, particularly in elementary schools.
A real estate sign announces that a house for sale in Vienna is under contract (file photo)
A combination of more sales and higher average prices pushed Fairfax County’s real estate sales volume up 17% year-over-year in May, according to new data.
A total of 1,427 residential properties went to closing last month, up 11.7% from 1,278 in May 2025, according to figures that MarketStats by ShowingTime reported June 10 based on data from Bright MLS.
