Tania Hossain

The Fairfax City Council voted 4–2 to cancel the proposed George Snyder Trail, ending plans for the long-debated shared-use path. Supporters of the project said the trail would have improved pedestrian and bicycle access and strengthened connections between neighborhoods. Opponents raised concerns about cost, environmental impact, and tree loss along the proposed route.

Virginians are gearing up to witness a historic moment as the Commonwealth prepares to inaugurate its next governor. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond.

If grabbing dinner out is one of your small joys in life, Fairfax County has a gentle reminder for you: starting January 1, 2026, eating out will cost just a little bit more - a new 4% Food and Beverage Tax - better known as the meals tax goes into effect.

Virginia residents rang in 2026 under a slate of new state laws that touch nearly every aspect of daily life—from paychecks and health care access to digital privacy and public safety. Most of the legislation approved by the General Assembly during the previous session took effect January 1, with additional reforms scheduled for later in the year.

An Ashburn family has just taken the holiday spotlight by winning ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight, bringing home the $50,000 grand prize and the coveted Light Fight trophy for their dazzling Christmas display. The Horn family, residents of 21260 Rosetta Place in Ashburn, out-lit competitors from across the country with a show that featured nearly 90,000 pixel lights synchronized to an original musical score created by the family — a first in the show’s history and a key element that impressed the judges.

As open enrollment approaches, many Virginians once again have the annual opportunity of choosing a health insurance plan. With multiple providers, complex terminology, and a limited window to sign up, it can be difficult to know where to begin.  Fortunately, the Commonwealth now offers a streamlined starting point for all Virginians seeking affordable, comprehensive coverage by visiting Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace online at https://www.marketplace.virginia.gov/. Unlike the federal exchange that previously served the state, Virginia now operates its own system dedicated to connecting residents with Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans.

Rugby fans across the DMV have something huge to cheer about: Old Glory DC is officially bringing all 2026 home games to George Mason University in Fairfax—and the move promises to energize not just the team, but the entire region. “This is a milestone in our community. The first pro sports team in Fairfax since 1976. When the NASL’s Washington Diplomat played at Woodson High School,” city resident, Chap Petersen continued “as a long-time rugby player, I am very excited to see OG drop anchor here.”

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law, significantly changing taxes, especially for Northern Virginia's gig workers, contractors, and small business owners. The OBBBA makes permanent several 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) tax cuts and overhauls income reporting for contract work and digital payment platforms (e.g., PayPal, Venmo).

Mackenzie’s Tunes & Tonics is located at 3950 University Drive was up for approval on November 18, 2025!  So we went over to chat with Josh Alexander, the illustrious owner who expressed great joy about moving on as a speakeasy dive to a place where people can create their own experiential events while enjoying fine dining. “There was no real signage outside, just if people knew that it was here. It was here, you know, a true speakeasy back from, you know, the 20s or whatever you had to, you know, whisper, you know, secret password,” shared Josh.

The Fairfax High School field hockey team has been nothing short of spectacular this season, asserting themselves as one of the most dominant forces in the Patriot Region. Through a combination of skill, cohesion, and unshakeable focus, the Lions have built an 18‑5 overall record, and an unblemished 9‑0 mark in the Patriot Region, putting them firmly in the conversation as serious state‑playoff contenders.