A lobbying flyer shared with state lawmakers in January 2025 includes a rendering of Comstock's envisioned casino development in Tysons (via Access Point Public Affairs)
By the narrowest of majorities, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors went on record today (Tuesday) opposing any state legislation authorizing development of a casino property within the county’s borders.
The 5-4 vote was in support of a proposal from Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn to include a plank in the county’s 2026 legislative package stating opposition to any casino legislation until it is formally requested by a majority of supervisors and meets a number of other criteria.
Helpsy textile recycling containers at the I-66 Transfer Station (via DPWES)
South County residents now have an option closer to home for recycling clothes and other fabrics.
After seeing robust participation at the I-66 Transfer Station on West Ox Road, the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) has expanded a pilot program for textile recycling to the I-95 Landfill Complex (9850 Furnace Road) in Lorton.
Incoming Vienna Police Chief Dan Janickey (courtesy Town of Vienna)
The Vienna Police Department didn’t have to go far to find its newest chief of police.
Dan Janickey, who has served as the department’s deputy police chief for more than a decade, will succeed the retiring Jim Morris starting Feb. 1, 2026, the Town of Vienna announced yesterday (Monday).
The intersection of 13th Street and H Street in Belle Haven (via Google Maps)
The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) is urging community members to reach out if they or a pet came into contact with a rabid cat reported in Belle Haven last month.
The cat was captured after attacking “multiple people and pets” during the evening of Nov. 28 near the 13th Street and H Street intersection. Testing later confirmed that the animal had been infected with rabies, the FCHD announced on Friday (Dec. 5).
A peacock frames the entrance to the Winter Lantern Festival in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Voting Underway in Special Election — Polls opened at 6 a.m. today (Tuesday) in the special election to choose a new Braddock District supervisor. “Do you know if you live in the Braddock Supervisory District? Before you head to the polls, confirm your registration status and polling place.” [Fairfax County Government]
Pedestrian in Fatal Crash Identified — Fairfax County police have identified the pedestrian killed in a crash on Richmond Highway on Sunday (Dec. 7) as Roger Brown, a 67-year-old Fort Belvoir resident. The crash remains under investigation, but police say “alcohol and speed do not appear to be factors.” [FCPD]
State Pulls Back Funding for Lake Accotink Dredging — “The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has withdrawn $60.5 million in construction loans previously allocated for dredging Lake Accotink, the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services announced.” County staff say the move doesn’t affect their ability to reapply for loans in the future, but they will “continue pursuing alternative funding sources” in the meantime. [Annandale Today]
Mount Vernon Mansion Reopens — “George Washington’s Mount Vernon is celebrating the completion of several phases of a $40 million revitalization project. In late November, the Mount Vernon Ladies Association reopened all first and second-floor rooms in the historic mansion for the first time since January 2024.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
GMU Rector Defends Meeting Without Quorum — “As George Mason University Rector Charles Stimson addressed his colleagues Thursday, he sat across from faculty members, students and campus workers holding signs plastered with images of his face, gathered in opposition to his decision to hold a second executive committee meeting with only six voting members.” [Virginia Mercury]
Dems Split on Right-to-Work Repeal — “A Virginia Democrat has filed legislation that would repeal its “right-to-work” law, which would allow for mandatory fees on employees who benefit from union-negotiated contracts. While a repeal of the law is popular with labor groups, debates among General Assembly Democrats could showcase rifts within their party.” [VPM News]
Sidewalk Project Starts Despite Objections — “Despite strong opposition from nearby residents, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation is proceeding with a sidewalk project next to Justice Park along Peace Valley Lane … Residents’ outrage is less about the sidewalk than the lack of communication, said Ravenwood resident Kathleen Brown.” [Annandale Today]
Walkinshaw Visits Reston Book Store — Rep. James Walkinshaw visited Scrawl Books yesterday (Monday) for a roundtable with local business owners, who discussed how they’re being affected by rising costs and the Trump administration’s tariffs. “Local small business owners told me plainly: Trump’s tariffs are driving up costs, forcing some to raise prices and lay off employees,” the Congressman says. [James Walkinshaw/Bluesky]
It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny skies and a high near 35 with calm winds turning south at 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon. Tonight, it will be mostly cloudy with a low around 30 and south winds at 8 to 10 mph. [NWS]
Quan Hang, 78, was found dead after being reported missing on Dec. 1, 2025 (via FCPD)
A Chantilly man who had been missing for the past week was found dead today (Monday) after his vehicle was pulled out of the Occoquan River.
Quang Hang, 78, was reported missing by his family around 8 p.m. on Dec. 1 after he never returned home from a vehicle inspection scheduled to take place in Leesburg at 2:30 p.m., according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
Fairfax County Courthouse (staff photo by James Jarvis)
A Vienna man was convicted today (Monday) of murdering his girlfriend while camping in Burke Lake Park in 2023.
Rami El-Sayed, 36, was convicted on one count each of first-degree murder and concealment of a dead body, the Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office announced.
Ken Balbuena, Rachna Sizemore Heizer and Carey Chet Campbell (staff photos by Jared Serre)
Fairfax County’s Braddock District will soon have a new representative on the Board of Supervisors.
After six weeks of early voting, residents will officially head to the polls tomorrow (Tuesday) to select the successor to James Walkinshaw, who vacated the seat after winning election to Congress in September.
A sign for the Woodland Park Crossing development in Herndon (via Google Maps)
A craft brewery or veterinary hospital could be in Woodland Park Crossing’s future, if Fairfax County approves.
The owner of the Harris Teeter-anchored shopping center, located just west of the Herndon Metro station’s south entrance, is seeking amendments to the development plan that would allow more flexibility in terms of the types of businesses it can host.
