Reston

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]

Driver in Fatal 2023 Hit-and-Run Still Unknown — “A Northern Virginia family is once again asking for justice as police search for the driver who killed their mother, 63-year-old Mary Wong, in a hit-and-run on Dec. 27, 2023. She was walking just a few yards from her home on Huntsman Boulevard in Springfield, Virginia, when police say she was struck by a driver who took off.” [NBC4]

Restaurants Prepare for Meals Tax — “Restaurants and bars in Fairfax County are preparing to implement the controversial meals tax starting on January 1 … The popular Vietnamese vegetarian restaurant Chay in Falls Church is adjusting the system to reflect the tax. Owner Thi Le said he plans to inform customers, who could be seen waiting in line for a table, about the meals tax on New Year’s Eve.” [WUSA9]

Man Charged After Crashing into Fence — “A 20-year-old Woodbridge man is facing a hit-and-run charge after his vehicle crashed into a fence in Fairfax City on Saturday night, according to authorities. City of Fairfax police responded around 11 p.m. for the report of a hit and run in the 10600 block of Maple Street, according to the incident report.” [Patch]

Manicures Connect Reston Students to Seniors — “The afternoon of beauty came courtesy of the GlamourGals of South Lakes High School, one of hundreds of chapters nationwide whose members aim to combat social isolation, foster empathy and build communication skills. For them, doing makeup, nails and crafts is a means to an end.” [Washington Post]

New Book Vendor Needed for Falls Church Library — “The closure of a nearly 200-year-old book wholesaler will impact how soon new materials turn up on the shelves at Falls Church’s Mary Riley Styles Public Library.” Baker & Taylor, a North Carolina-based company, announced earlier this year that it would end operations after nearly two centuries in business. [ARLnow]

James Patterson Awards Bonuses to Area Booksellers — “James Patterson has been busy spreading holiday joy. But he’s not doing it by writing books — he’s been writing checks. The bestselling author has once again gifted $500 bonuses to hundreds of the nation’s independent booksellers, including four in Northern Virginia.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Falls Church HS Alumni Hope to Inspire Writers — “Dozens of former students at Falls Church High School have published books. Carolyn Wixson McBride, one of those authors, and Craig Day, a Falls Church track and field coach, are launching an author mentorship program to harness the experiences of those authors to inspire current students.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Tuesday — Expect a sunny day with a high of 35 degrees accompanied by breezy west winds ranging from 17 to 23 mph, gusting up to 37 mph. For Tuesday night, the clouds will increase while the temperature drops to a low of 26 degrees. The west wind will settle down to 7 to 10 mph, gusting up to 22 mph. [NWS]

FBI Building Reportedly Closing — “After 50 years as the FBI’s main headquarters, the J. Edgar Hoover Building in D.C. is closing permanently, Director Kash Patel announced Friday … He didn’t state the exact date the building will close and when FBI employees will move into its new offices.” The closure would mark the end of a building that has been called one of the world’s ugliest. [WTOP]

Slime Museum Circles Tysons Location — Building alteration plans recently filed with Fairfax County “call for the buildout of a two-level space near the Nordstrom [at Tysons Corner Center] for the Sloomoo Institute, an ‘experiential slime children’s museum’ with locations in major metros across the United States.” A spokesperson says Sloomoo hasn’t yet signed a lease but “hopes to open in the area ‘soon.'” [Washington Business Journal]

Bills Planned to Support Emergency Managers — State lawmakers are planning to bring back bills to fund emergency management programs and personnel across Virginia after the legislation died in committee during the General Assembly’s 2025 session. “That lack of staffing has led emergency management to become more reactive rather than proactive, according to emergency management personnel, in areas across the state that lack full-time, dedicated emergency managers.” [Cardinal News]

Senator Warner Reflects on 2025 Work — “Reflecting on 2025, Virginia Sen. Mark Warner said he and his office helped tens of thousands of people across the state with individual requests, while criticizing cuts at federal agencies and the law enforcement surge in D.C.” [WTOP]

Post-Holiday Recycling Tips — “It’s always a wonderful time to recycle, especially during the holidays when there are usually more items to consider … The guide below will help you navigate all of the opportunities to recycle this holiday season.” Live trees will be picked up by collectors starting in early January, though they can also be disposed of at the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill to be turned into free mulch. [Fairfax County Government]

Vienna Hosts LOVE Sign — “The Town of Vienna will be host to Virginia’s LOVE sign from December 29, 2025 to Jan 5, 2026. It will be located at the Memorial Fountain area at the Town Green on Maple Avenue. Stop by any time to take photographs of the LOVE sign! Please share your photos on social media using the hashtag #LoveVA and #Vienna250.” [Historic Vienna]

First Hike Photo Contest to Return — “New Year’s Day in Fairfax County means it’s time for the Park Authority’s annual First Hike Photo Contest. To participate, visit any FCPA trail on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, take a photo, and submit it online before Friday, Jan. 2. The photo link will be posted here by 7 a.m. on Jan. 1.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Monday — Showers are likely before 10am, followed by cloudy conditions that will gradually clear up. Temperatures will peak at 58°F around 11am, but will then drop to around 41°F. Expect windy conditions. There is a 50% chance of precipitation. Tonight, partly cloudy skies and a low of 27°F can be anticipated. [NWS]