Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announces a budget proposal on Dec. 12, 2024 that would require localities to comply with federal immigration detainers or lose funding (Photo by Austin Stevens, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin)
Undocumented immigrants in Fairfax County and elsewhere in Virginia could face threats on two fronts in the new year, with both national and state elected leaders proposing policies targeting that population.
As incoming president Donald Trump plans mass deportations, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin unveiled a budget proposal this week that would require local governments to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and withhold funding from those with cooperation-limiting policies, including Fairfax County.
Northern Virginia Association of Realtors 2025 preview (via NVAR)
Potential economic and political headwinds are unlikely to derail sales and price increases Northern Virginia’s 2025 housing market, industry experts believe.
That’s good news for prospective sellers, but purchasers, especially first-time homebuyers, could face continued challenges, according to a 2025 housing market forecast publicly unveiled on Tuesday (Dec. 17) by George Mason University researchers and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR).
The Mosaic District in Merrifield has a decorated Christmas tree in Strawberry Park (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
GMU Student Charged With Plotting Anti-Israel Attack — A freshman at George Mason University “faces one count of demonstrating how to manufacture an explosive with intent to murder internationally protected persons.” Investigators that the 18-year-old was planning “an attack on Israel’s general consulate in New York using a bomb, assault rifle or suicide vest.” [Washington Post]
Police Investigate Reported Drone Sightings — “The drama over drones that began in New Jersey has led to thousands of sightings nationwide, including hundreds in Maryland, Virginia and D.C. In Virginia, the Virginia Fusion Center, located within the Homeland Security Division of the Virginia State Police, said it has received more than 150 tips regarding drone activity in the Commonwealth.” [WTOP]
Flu Vaccine Rates Down for Children in D.C. Area — “Fewer kids are getting flu shots so far this season in D.C., Maryland and Virginia, per new CDC data.” In Virginia, vaccine coverage is at 45.1% so far this year, compared with 49.9% last year — a lower decline than what has been reported in D.C., Maryland and nationwide. [Axios D.C.]
Local NAACP to Host CasinoDiscussion — The Fairfax County NAACP will host a panel discussion on the proposed Tysons entertainment complex at the Gum Springs Community Center on Jan. 7, 2025. Participants will include potential developer Comstock, the No Casino Coalition, the Northern Virginia Labor Federation and George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis Director Terry Clower. [Patch]
New Owner for Seven Corners Apartment Building — “The Jefferson, a 310-unit apartment building in Seven Corners, has changed hands, the Washington Business Journal reports. Eagle Rock Properties acquired the complex, at 6166 Leesburg Pike, on Nov. 20 from Capital Investment Advisors LLC for $65.65 million.” [Annandale Today]
Glasgow Middle School Names New Principal — “Fairfax County Public Schools named Lisa Barrow the new principal of Glasgow Middle School. She has served as principal of Cooper Middle School in McLean since 2020 … Barrow was principal of Sleepy Hollow Elementary School from 2011 to 2016.” [Annandale Today]
Over $2M Donated to County Parks — “The Fairfax County Park Foundation Board joined with members of the Park Authority Board and Fairfax County Supervisors Andres Jimenez (Mason District) and Rodney Lusk (Franconia District) to commemorate the more than $2.1 million in monetary contributions received in 2024 to support park programs and initiatives throughout the county.” [Fairfax County Park Authority]
It’s Friday — Expect mostly cloudy conditions with a high near 43 and a calm wind turning northeast at 5 mph in the afternoon, coupled with a 50% chance of rain. The chance of rain will lessen to 30% before 1 am, while temperatures dip to around 32. The northwest wind will increase to 6-11 mph with gusts up to 18 mph. [NWS]
McLean's Tatum Olson, right, is a top player for the team (photo by Deb Kolt)
The McLean Highlanders certainly have played a difficult basketball schedule so far this season, and the experienced girls team has a 4-2 overall record to show for its efforts.
Among the high-school squad’s victories, the Highlanders have defeated defending Virginia High School League Class 4 state champion Woodgrove along with recent four-time defending Class 6 state champion Madison, as well as defeating perennially strong West Springfield.
Initial concept rendering of proposed 'Circles of Memory' memorial outside the Herrity Building (via Fairfax County)
Fairfax County has shared the initial design for a “Circles of Memory” memorial to recognize the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last week, the Fairfax County Arts Committee’s project team submitted a zoning interpretation application to allow the memorial’s construction in front of the Herrity Building and Public Safety Headquarters at 12055 Government Center Parkway.
During their final meeting of 2024, members of the Fairfax County Planning Commission paid tribute to their colleague John Ulfelder, who is departing his post as the Dranesville representative.
Ulfelder “is very balanced in his view of all the cases,” Braddock District Commissioner Mary Cortina said at the Dec. 11 meeting. “He looks out for the people in his community as well as the rest of Fairfax County.”
The Alister Falls Church apartments in Idylwood (via Google Maps)
Residents of Alister Falls Church apartment complex in Idylwood have reported several peeping incidents since this spring, and police believe the same man may be behind all of them.
Officers first responded to a peeping call in the 2100 block of Evans Court on April 9, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
Vienna Finance Director Marion Serfass introduces then-new Deputy Director of Finance Steven Barlow on May 15, 2023 (courtesy Town of Vienna)
After serving the Town of Vienna for a quarter of a century, Marion Serfass is ready to see new sights.
She will work her final day as the town’s finance director tomorrow (Friday) after announcing plans last month to retire. Deputy Director of Finance Steven Barlow is set to succeed Serfass, starting Monday (Dec. 23).
The FSO and Fairfax Ballet perform Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" at George Mason University's Center for the Arts (courtesy Fairfax Symphony Orchestra and Fairfax Ballet)
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) and Fairfax Ballet will reunite later this month for their annual performances of “The Nutcracker” at George Mason University.
Continuing a tradition that’s now in its eighth year, the two local arts organizations will present two shows of Pytor Tchaikovsky’s holiday staple this Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 21 and 22) at Mason’s Center for the Arts (4373 Mason Pond Drive) in Fairfax.
