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Government
Trees Over Tarmac: Why Fairfax City Council Made the Right Call
The City Council recently made a tough, controversial decision to stop funding the George Snyder Trail. While some people see this as a step backward for recreation, I see it as a win for common sense, fiscal responsibility, and the environment.
Bots Corrupt Oakton Traffic Survey in Support of ATT Redevelopment
OAKTON, VA — A January 8 letter from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), combined with allegations of manipulated survey data and concerns raised by local civic groups, is intensifying scrutiny of the proposed redevelopment of the former AT&T campus at 3033 Chain Bridge Road. While the VDOT letter does not directly address the survey, some residents believe its findings may have heightened pressure around the project and contributed to efforts to demonstrate community support for the proposed “Rosehaven Solution.”
Sometimes the Good Guys Win
It was a cold and blustery day on January 13, 2024. A small crowd had gathered at the picnic pavilion at Manassas Battlefield, the same meadow where — 162 years earlier – John Hood’s Texans had collided with the Army of the Potomac in one of the most violent moments in American history.
How a Massive Data Center Proposal Collapsed in Court
For several years, Prince William County sat at the center of one of the most consequential land-use debates in Virginia’s recent history. At stake was the proposed Digital Gateway, a large-scale data center project planned near Manassas National Battlefield Park that would have included dozens of buildings spread across more than 2,000 acres.
Council
City Council Cancels George Snyder Trail in 4–2 Vote
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.
Election
Gretchen Bulova Wins 11th Goes To Richmond
Gretchen Bulova was elected on January 13, 2026 to represent the 11th House District in the Virginia General Assembly. She secured 68.79% of the vote against Republican Adam Wise. Wise previously ran against Delegate David Bulova in the November 4, 2025 General Election but did not win by over 15,000 votes.
History
Virginia Prepares for the 75th Governor’s Inauguration on January 17, 2026
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.
Restaurant
Fairfax County’s New Meals Tax
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.
Latest
Washington Monument Lighting Show
As America turns 250, the Washington Monument becomes the world’s tallest birthday candle. From December 31-January 5, each night the story of the discovery, expansion, independence, and future of our nation will be projected onto the Washington Monument. This will serve as a dazzling kickoff to the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence.
Government
New Virginia Laws Take Effect in 2026, Bringing Changes to Wages, Health Care, and Consumer Protections
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.
