News

Time is running out for McLean residents to make their voices heard about the controversial Tysons casino proposal, state legislators said Tuesday night.

“This is my call to action: Now is the time, do not wait,” Del. Rip Sullivan (D-6) said yesterday (Tuesday) at a General Assembly roundup session sponsored by the McLean Citizens Association (MCA).


Countywide

The bill to allow a casino in Fairfax County has reemerged after nine days of negotiations with some significant changes from the version that passed the Virginia House of Delegates earlier this month.

The State Senate voted 22-16 today (Friday) to accept a substitute for Senate Bill 756 that would allow a temporary casino establishment in Fairfax before a referendum to permit a permanent development goes to voters.


Countywide

For a second year in a row, the Virginia Senate will consider legislation that could pave the way for a casino in Fairfax County.

Senate Bill 756, championed by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-34), was advanced on a 10-5 vote yesterday (Tuesday) by the chamber’s Finance and Appropriations Committee with a key revision — criteria that limited potential casino sites to Tysons have now been dropped.


Countywide

Two bills that would have dramatically changed local governments’ ability to enforce traffic laws have changed course despite bipartisan support in Richmond.

S.B. 297 and S.B. 306, authored by state Sen. Mark J. Peake (R-8), would have repealed the authority of localities to install speed-monitoring and red light cameras, respectively. But as of Monday (Feb. 2), the possibility of a ban has been stripped from both bills.


Countywide

Democratic lawmakers on Monday advanced a sweeping slate of gun safety proposals — many of them previously vetoed by former Gov. Glenn Youngkin — as they test whether Virginia’s new Democratic governor, Abigail Spanberger, will take a more favorable view of firearm restrictions.

Over nearly four hours, the Democratic-led Senate Courts of Justice Committee approved more than half a dozen bills tightening rules on assault-style firearms, gun storage, concealed carry reciprocity, ghost guns and weapons in public spaces, while rejecting the lone Republican proposal that would have increased mandatory minimum sentences for repeat firearm offenses.


Countywide

Lawmakers deciding on a controversial bill to develop a casino and entertainment complex in Tysons Corner tabled a decision Wednesday after House leadership moved the bill between House committees for consideration.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell’s Senate Bill 982 would have added Fairfax County to the list of Virginia localities eligible to develop a casino that backers say would bring jobs and revenue for the county and commonwealth.


Countywide

Legislation that would give Fairfax County the authority to ask voters to allow a casino is heading to the Virginia House of Delegates.

After a passionate debate that split Fairfax County’s typically unified delegation, the contentious bill from Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-34) to add the county to the short list of localities eligible to host a casino passed the state Senate today (Tuesday) by a 24-16 vote.


Around Town

Balducci’s Food Lovers Market is back in McLean with a fresh look and more floor space for shoppers to explore.

After a six-month renovation, the gourmet grocery store, known for its prepared dishes, fresh seafood and locally sourced meats, hosted a grand re-opening ceremony last Friday (Sept. 13) to showcase the extensive remodel.


News

Following concerns about frequent traffic accidents and continuous speeding, the Virginia Department of Transportation is gathering feedback from residents via a public survey on the safety of Walker Road in Great Falls.

The survey, which will be active through this Friday (July 12), was initiated at the request of State Sen. Jennifer Boysko, Del. Rip Sullivan, and Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman. It aims to address safety issues along a 2-mile stretch from Colvin Run Road to Georgetown Pike.


Countywide

A bill to raise Virginia’s minimum wage got the ax in Richmond despite the support of three Fairfax County state senators.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) vetoed legislation on March 28 that would’ve increased the minimum wage from $12 to $15 an hour by 2026. Sens. Jennifer Boysko, Saddam Salim and Adam Ebbin, who all represent parts of Fairfax County, were among several Democrats to sponsor the bill.


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