Virginia’s transportation system is massive, with about 129,000 lane miles of roads and roughly 5,900 miles of rail criss-crossing the commonwealth, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation and a 2022 Virginia Statewide Rail Plan.
There’s always some kind of improvement or expansion underway, leaving drivers and commuters wondering when relief will arrive.
A Fairfax resident who has championed diversity in organizations from Congress to the Girl Scouts will soon apply that experience to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Dr. Sesha Joi Moon has been appointed as Virginia’s next chief diversity officer and director of diversity, equity and inclusion, joining a growing list of local figures enlisted by Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger to serve in her cabinet.
Metro will provide free rides and two extra hours of train service tonight (Wednesday) to support safe travel for New Year’s Eve revelers.
Fares will be free for both train and bus riders from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., thanks to a partnership between the transit agency and the brewing company Molson Coors, before service is reduced to a weekend late night schedule and a Sunday schedule, respectively, on New Year’s Day.
DOJ Sues Va. Over Financial Aid for Immigrants — “The Justice Department sued Virginia on Monday over its policy of granting unauthorized immigrants in-state financial aid at public colleges and universities, saying that the assistance violates federal law because it discriminates against U.S. citizens living in other states.” [New York Times]
Washington Monument Light Show Starts — “Freedom 250, the public-private organization established by President Donald Trump to commemorate America’s semiquincentennial, will host a six-night light show at the Washington Monument to ring in the New Year. The first display will begin at 7 PM on Wednesday, December 31, and end just after midnight.” [Washingtonian]
International Student Restrictions Cost Virginia — “With college students returning to class after the New Year, international students face heightened uncertainty in Virginia, as ongoing federal actions — including visa bans and disruptions to application processing — have led to a projected $23 million revenue loss for the commonwealth compared to last fall.” [Virginia Mercury]
Virginia’s Top Spirits for 2025 — “Tito’s vodka sales more than doubled the second-most popular spirit this year, according to the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority. Virginians bought $75 million of Tito’s in various sizes.” [WTOP]
Rec Centers to Hire Lifeguards — “The Fairfax County Park Authority is hiring part-time, year-round lifeguards at all nine FCPA Rec Centers across Fairfax County, and we’re making it easier to apply, interview and get hired.” The park authority will hold an open hire event at the Audrey Moore Rec Center in Annandale on Jan. 10. [FCPA]
A Food Tour of Annandale’s Koreatown — Virginialicious was born in April 2024 after owner Soomin Kim moved to Northern Virginia and “became something of a Korean food concierge.” The company now offers regular restaurant tours for up to 12 people “in order to maintain a personalized feel, though private groups can be larger.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Fairfax City Oyster Fest Returns — “Fairfax City foodies looking to celebrate the arrival of 2026 should check out Kelly’s Oyster House and Bar in Old Town Fairfax, which is hosting its annual Oyster Fest on New Year’s Day. From 2 to 5 p.m., diners order from an all-you-can-eat menu … for $75 plus gratuity.” [Patch]
It’s Wednesday — There’s a chance of flurries before 11am, followed by mostly cloudy skies becoming sunny later, with a high near 39 and southwest wind gusts up to 21 mph. Wednesday night brings a 20% chance of more flurries and a low around 26, while New Year’s Day has a chance of precipitation until noon, followed by sunny skies and a high near 33. [NWS]
A New York investment firm wants to convert an extended stay hotel in the Fair Lakes area into housing.
Churchwick Partners submitted a rezoning application to Fairfax County on Dec. 21 for the existing Sonesta Extended Stay Suites at 12811 Fair Lakes Parkway.
A local homebuilder has answered the call to redevelop T-Mobile’s now-vacant campus in Reston.
Stanley Martin Homes, which is headquartered in Reston, is proposing to build more than 1,000 residences, including 174 income-restricted units, in place of the 36-acre office park adjacent to the Herndon Metro station.
A McLean man is facing federal prosecution after allegedly threatening a federal employee via a Google Voice text message.
The Justice Department charged Scott Allen Bolger, 33, last Friday (Dec. 26) with sending threats across state lines and making false statements when questioned by investigators, according to a press release and court documents.
A man from D.C. is facing more than two dozen criminal charges in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins and thefts reported in western Fairfax County.
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, detectives believe the 30-year-old man is behind 12 different incidents that occurred in Reston, McNair and the Greenbriar area east of Chantilly, starting with a vehicle tampering and theft reported on May 31 in the 13600 block of Dulles Technology Drive near the Innovation Center Metro station.
An ongoing public-private partnership will support improvements to benefit both dogs and their human companions at Westgrove Park in Groveton.
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board on Dec. 10 approved $10,084 from its Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program to cover half the cost of the planned upgrades. The Westgrove Pumphouse Association for Canine Kindness — known as Westgrove PACK — will fund the other half.
Fairfax County Republicans have thrown their support behind a former data analytics professional and homeschooling advocate in a bid to flip Virginia’s 17th House District seat.
Voters registered in the district selected Christopher F. Cardiff as their nominee at a party canvass held yesterday morning (Monday), the Fairfax County Republican Committee (Fairfax GOP) announced.
