McLean Sisters Fear Deportation — “Two sisters who were detained by border patrol agents while traveling back to the U.S. in early December fear they could be persecuted for their Christian faith if they are deported back to Iran, their pastor in Northern Virginia told News4.” An attorney representing the Motahari sisters says “they both have legal status, no criminal record and they had recently renewed their work permits until 2030.” [NBC4]

D.C. Region Sees Drop in Consumer Spending — “Consumers are spending less in the DMV — and D.C. is taking the biggest hit, according to a new Brookings report … The nonpartisan think tank says the administration’s policies have been “notably bad” for visitor spending — a big deal in a city where sales taxes make up nearly 17% of revenue.” [Axios DC]

Fairfax Therapy Startup Plans Expansion — Origin Therapy, which launched in August 2024 to help “speech, occupational and physical therapists launch and operate private practices,” has raised $2.6 million that it hopes to use to explore “other geographies and therapies where the need is also high.” The company has supported 19 therapy practices so far and is aiming to surpass 100 over the next year. [Washington Business Journal]

Cost-of-Living Concerns Pushed Voters Left — “Post-election research of Trump or third-party 2024 voters who flipped to Democrats in New Jersey and Virginia last month found that economic concerns were top of mind for these voters. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) and former Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) made cost-of-living the centerpiece of their campaign messaging, and it helped propel them to double-digit victories.” [Politico]

Restaurant Opens in Former Falls Church Motel — “Stratford Garden opened yesterday (Tuesday) at the long-vacant Stratford Motor Lodge at 300 W. Broad Street, abuzz with local officials including Falls Church Mayor Letty Hardi. The business, which promised a wide selection of beers and wines, offers a range of sandwiches, salads and pastas for brunch, lunch and dinner.” [ARLnow]

S’mores Hot Chocolate Creation Goes Viral — The Chantilly-based dessert cafe SoftSpot “is filling feeds and faces with their campfire-inspired concoction … The shop has flown through as many as 400 in a day, partner Neal Miglani tells Axios. And yes, ‘It’s as indulgent as it looks.'” [Axios DC]

Vienna Eatery Seeks Blood Drive Participants — Social Burger “is looking for residents to sign up for its blood drive on Dec. 23, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. All those who donate will get a free milkshake from Social Burger. The blood drive will benefit Inova Blood Donor Services and is being held in partnership with Somervilles Homes.” [Patch]

New Laws Coming in New Year — “Beginning January 1, 2026, a slate of new laws will kick into effect in Virginia. Here are some to be aware of,” including restrictions on telemarketing calls, a one-hour limit on social media for kids under 16, and increases to the minimum wage and unemployment benefits. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

It’s Thursday — Rain is likely after 4pm, with increasing clouds and a high near 54. There’s a 30% chance of precipitation. Night will see temperatures rise to around 55 by 3am. Rain is expected, with a 100% chance of precipitation and new rainfall amounts ranging between half and three-quarters of an inch. [NWS]