Tania Hossain

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.

Honoree Mary Petersen has been a cornerstone of The Lamb Center, playing a vital role in its evolution from a modest outreach initiative into a comprehensive support center for individuals experiencing homelessness. The Lamb Center began in 1987 as a social outreach ministry of Truro Church, providing daytime support for those without stable housing. Petersen became involved early on, dedicating her time and energy to the center’s mission. Her commitment eventually led her to serve on the board of directors, where she helped guide the organization’s strategic growth and expansion.

Virginia’s general fund revenues exceeded expectations in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2026, fueled by steady job growth and resilient consumer spending, state officials said Tuesday. Revenues increased 5.1% from June through September compared with the same period last year, while September collections alone rose 2.7% year-over-year. Both income tax withholding and sales tax receipts were higher than forecast, contributing to a year-to-date gain nearly 8% above projections, according to the Department of Finance.

In a dramatic display of principle and protest, dozens of journalists covering the U.S. Department of Defense relinquished their Pentagon press credentials on October 15, rather than comply with newly imposed restrictions on how they may report from within the Defense Department The Pentagon Press Association (PPA), representing more than 100 news organizations, has strongly condemned the new rules and called the day’s events “a dark day for press freedom.”

Let’s set the scene: it’s July 1619 in Jamestown, Virginia. The summer is brutally hot, the mosquitoes are relentless, and the food situation…well, let’s just say no one is writing rave reviews on Yelp. The colony has been stumbling along for twelve years, ruled mostly by officials sent from England who think they know what’s best, but don’t actually live in the swampy mess of Jamestown.