After months of hearings and study, the legislature’s Joint Commission on the Future of Cannabis Sales is poised to roll out a final proposal Tuesday that would launch a legal, regulated adult-use cannabis retail market in Virginia — potentially ending five years of economic and legal uncertainty since the commonwealth legalized possession and cultivation in 2021.
The latest version — sponsored by Commission Chair Paul Krizek, D-Fairfax, in the House of Delegates and Sens. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, and Aaron Rouse, D-Virginia Beach, in the Senate — scraps the controversial local-opt-out clause, increases local taxing authority and builds a licensing regime designed to privilege small, independent, Virginia-based businesses over large medical-marijuana operators.
Westbound Old Keene Mill Road approaching Hanover Avenue in Springfield (via Google Maps)
A pedestrian has died in the wake of a crash that occurred last month on Old Keene Mill Road in Springfield.
Marcos Ramirez, 53, was crossing Old Keene Mill Road at Hanover Avenue around 8 p.m. on Nov. 16 when the westbound driver of a 2011 Honda Accord struck him, the Fairfax County Police Department says.
Introducing Kokua at The Mather—Now Welcoming Residents
At Kokua, we believe that every stage of life holds possibilities for creativity, purpose, and growth. Located in the heart of Tysons, Virginia, Kokua offers a fresh, hospitality-driven approach to care developed by Mather, a nationally recognized pioneer in the senior living space with more than eight decades of experience. Newly opened in 2025, Kokua blends care with our research-driven approach to deliver personalized wellness tailored to individual needs.
For a limited time, Kokua is welcoming new residents seeking assisted living or memory support in the DC area with exclusive move-in incentives. Nestled in a lively urban neighborhood, our LEED-Gold certified community incorporates biophilic design that brings the outside in to enhance health and wellbeing.
THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED SPACES
In our assisted living and memory support neighborhoods, residents enjoy a collection of thoughtfully designed spaces that feel like an upscale hospitality destination.
Multiple restaurants offer chef-prepared cuisine with flexible, open-hours service, complemented by demonstration kitchens, art and music studios, as well as gathering spaces. A spacious outdoor terrace, Marzenia Salon, and beautifully appointed amenity areas create opportunities for wellness, connection, and everyday enjoyment.
FOCUS ON PERSONALIZED WELLBEING
Residents enjoy opportunities to choose from enriching programs, meaningful social opportunities with experiences such as sensory walks, meditation, acupuncture, Reiki, songwriting workshops, poetry readings, Sensory Symphony Swim, and more.
Assisted Living in Ādar
Ādar means “respect”, and Kokua delivers. Here, our team encourages residents to be as independent as possible, for as long as possible. Each one-bedroom apartment home (ranging in size up to nearly 900 square feet) offers generous space and thoughtful design, complemented by assistance with daily living tasks and emergency response systems for peace of mind.
Memory Support in Miran
Miran means “peaceful”—another pillar in the Kokua way of life. Private suites are designed for those with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or similar cognitive conditions. Our person-centered approach embraces individual strengths and needs, with an interdisciplinary team and through social events, wellness programs, creative arts, and more.
Kokua offers the next generation of care in Ādar and Miran, true to our commitment to highly personalized service rooted in respect for each individual.
With a limited number of residences available and exclusive move-in incentives currently offered, now is an ideal time to explore the personalized care and quiet luxury that Kokua at The Mather has to offer.
(Left to right) Annabell Bibens, Paul Haire, and Amanda Congialdi of The Dog Store at 1612 Belle View Boulevard (staff photo by James Cullum)
A new pet store opened over the weekend at the former Pampered Pet Boutique & Barkery (1612-A Belle View Blvd) in the Belle View Shopping Center.
The Dog Store in Belle View represents an expansion of a popular business with the same name that owner Paul Haire opened in Alexandria City’s Del Ray neighborhood (2301 Mount Vernon Avenue) in 2014.
A Step In Time Chimney Sweeps is proud to provide professional chimney services for homeowners for over 25 years. As part of our Summer Special, we are currently offering professional chimney inspections to help homeowners prepare their fireplaces and chimney systems before the heavy winter burning season begins again.
Our experienced team specializes in chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, chimney repairs, chimney relining, chimney cap installation, crown repairs, masonry work, fireplace services, wood stove installations, dryer vent cleaning, and much more.
Sign points to the Department of Tax Administration in the Fairfax County Government Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Fairfax County officials say they will be ready when the first installment of the new prepared meals tax comes due in early 2026.
“We are on track — prepared and ready to go,” Robert Barr, division director for revenue systems at the county’s Department of Information Technology, told the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors at a Nov. 25 meeting of its Information Technology Committee.
The Golf Outing will be at the Chantilly National Country Club. Gather your friends for a fantastic day on the greens, enjoy friendly competition, and help us create a brighter future for our youth. Together, we can swing for a cause that truly matters to support area children receiving mental health counseling. Registration and Practice: 8:00-9:00am Tee Time: 9:00am Shotgun Start Lunch and Awards ceremony: 1:30pm- 2:30pm
Friends of Reston President Kathleen Driscoll (middle) with Cameron and Lincoln Dunn (left), Bundeseh-German Liaison Office Col. Bernd Albers (right) and Volkswagen Group of America Senior Director Mark Ramsey (back), who were honored as exceptional supporters at a Nov. 3 tree planting ceremony (photo by Kathleen Driscoll)
Local nonprofit Friends of Reston has brought new life to its Friends of Trees Tree Fund program, doubling down on its efforts to help preserve Reston’s lush tree canopy by encouraging the community to plant more trees.
The program has existed since at least 2012 but experienced a slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Kathleen Driscoll, president of Friends of Reston, which supports Reston Association through private fundraising and charitable, educational and scientific activities.
Asphalt shared-use path along Route 50 in Merrifield (via Fairfax County)
Pedestrians can now walk directly from Merrifield to Fairfax Circle, or vice versa, along Route 50 (Arlington Blvd) without having to cross or step into the busy roadway.
The final piece of a multi-year initiative to improve the pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure on a 1.5-mile stretch of Route 50 between Blake Lane and Prosperity Avenue was completed last month, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation announced.
The Mosaic District has erected its Christmas tree in Merrifield (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Wintry Weather Possible This Week — “Sunny Monday with still-chilly highs in the low to mid-40s. A more substantial rain, perhaps briefly mixing with snow and sleet at the onset, moves in late Monday night into Tuesday.” Impacts are expected to be minimal, particularly east of I-95. The Capital Weather Gang is also tracking a potential storm system that could bring “wintry precipitation” Friday into Saturday, though confidence in that prediction is currently low. [Capital Weather Gang]
Four Injured in Burke House Fire — “Four people, including a firefighter, were injured in a two-alarm house fire early Saturday in the Burke area of Fairfax County. The fire was reported before 3 a.m. in the 5400 block of Guinea Road in Kings Park West, Fairfax County fire and rescue said in a social media post.” The cause of the fire remains under investigation, a department spokesperson told FFXnow. [Inside NoVA]
Reduced Holiday Spending Expected — “Virginians plan to dial back holiday spending this year, trimming budgets by about 5% even as the broader economy shows strong growth, according to a new Institute for Policy and Opinion Research survey at Roanoke College. The poll found that households expect to spend an average of $1,035 this season in Virginia — down from last year — and they’re shifting how they spend, putting more toward gifts while cutting back on personal purchases and experiences.” [Virginia Mercury]
Fairfax Water Proposes Rate Hike — “Fairfax Water is proposing a rate increase, which it says should add about $1.93 per month for most customers. According to Fairfax Water, the increased rates are necessary to cover rising costs for electricity, water treatment supplies, pipes, and project materials.” [Annandale Today]
Bill Targets ICE Face Coverings — “A newly introduced bill for Virginia’s 2026 legislative session would prohibit most law-enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while performing official duties … The bill, filed November 20 by Del. Michael J. Jones, applies to state and federal law enforcement officers operating in the Commonwealth.” [13NewsNow]
Two Arrested for Alleged Anti-ICE Plot — “Two brothers in Virginia have been arrested after an off-duty police officer overheard the men allegedly discussing plans to kill immigration officers, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday.” [Associated Press]
Runners Tackle Taco Bell Challenge — “The rules of the first-ever Taco Bell DC 50k were pretty simple, organizers Phil Hargis, 54, and Mike Wardian, 51, explained to the hundreds of participants shivering in below-freezing temperatures outside a Taco Bell in Old Town Alexandria on Saturday morning. Each participant must run to nine Taco Bells scattered across Alexandria, Arlington, and the District. At each location, they must purchase and eat an item off the menu.” [Washington Post]
Reminder: New Speed Limit on Herndon Parkway — “Starting Dec. 1, the speed limit on Herndon Parkway between Campbell Dr. and Summerfield Dr. will drop from 35 mph to 25 mph. This change improves safety for pedestrians and motorists and supports future crosswalk access to Chandon Park.” [Town of Herndon/X]
It’s Monday — Expect sunny skies and a high around 43 today, with winds at 5-10 mph becoming lighter in the afternoon, and possible gusts up to 18 mph. Night could bring snow and sleet between 1am and 4am, transitioning to rain and sleet, with a 70% chance of precipitation, clouds increasing, and lows around 30. [NWS]
Expect sunny skies and a high of 42 degrees, accompanied by west winds at 6 mph that will become calm in the afternoon. As night falls, anticipate increasing cloud cover and a low of 30 degrees. A calm wind will later increase to 6 mph, shifting to a southerly direction after midnight. See more from Weather.gov.
We hope you have a great weekend! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋
Safeway at the Rose Hill Plaza shopping center (staff photo by James Cullum)
Rose Hill Plaza’s future will include Safeway — at least for the immediate future.
Owner Combined Properties announced on Nov. 20 that the grocery chain has signed a lease extension keeping it at the shopping center in Rose Hill “for more than a decade to come.”
