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).
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State Pulls Back Funding for Lake Accotink Dredging — “The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has withdrawn $60.5 million in construction loans previously allocated for dredging Lake Accotink, the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services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]
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.
The entrance at the Hershey Super Sweet Adventure (photo courtesy Kyle Flubacker/OGX Productions)
A pop-up experience bringing guests closer to one of the world’s largest confectionery brands will be unwrapped in Tysons next year.
The Hershey Super Sweet Adventure will “transport guests into a whimsical workshop with games, activities and interactive fun” at Tysons Corner Center beginning “early” next year, according to a press release.
Now leasing sign for the Lumen Apartments in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
The cost to rent an apartment is increasing in some parts of Fairfax County, but declining in others.
Four of seven corridors of the county posted year-over-year drops in median rental prices in November, while the other three showed increases, according to new data from Apartment List.
Construction cranes tower in front of Scotts Run where the Indigo at McLean Station apartments are being built in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
If Tysons continues to evolve from commercial suburb into Fairfax County’s urban core, as planners hope, it will need more than 10,000 new homes by 2040 to accommodate the influx of residents, a recently released study found.
Commissioned by the Tysons Community Alliance (TCA) and published on Dec. 3, the Future Housing Demand in Tysons report from consultant Jon Stover & Associates (JS&A) predicts Virginia’s population growth over the next two decades will remain concentrated in its metropolitan areas, with Tysons helping the northern region lead the way.
Dulles International Airport departure level and parking lot (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Northern Virginia political leaders have reacted coolly to President Donald Trump’s criticisms of Dulles International Airport and his calls for a major rebuilding project there.
Trump called the airport “terrible” and suggested it was “incorrectly designed” during a Dec. 2 Cabinet meeting. Hours later, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced it would seek proposals for new terminals and concourses to replace or enhance the facility, which straddles the Fairfax and Loudoun line.
