
Saving the Parkway’s Trees
National Park Service forests are at risk of failure in the national capital region and beyond.
English ivy is one of the most invasive and destructive plants in the region.

Mount Vernon Ladies Receive Spirit of Virginia Award
Governor and First Lady make presentation at the Estate.
“In rescuing America’s most historic home and pioneering the preservation space, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association embodies what it means to uplift the spirit of Virginia.” — Gov. Glenn Youngkin
Equality Virginia: Finally, Marriage Equality is Codified in Virginia
Gov. Youngkin signs HB 174 which updates the Virginia Code to affirm marriage rights.
On March 8, Equality Virginia Advocates, the public policy and advocacy arm of the Commonwealth’s leading advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) equality, applauded the signing of HB 174, a bill that updates the Virginia Code with an affirmative right to marriage for same-sex couples.

Arena Fail
General Assembly says no to Glenndome; lawmakers to reconvene April 17.
“I just stood firm on what I believe in my heart to be in the best interest of the commonwealth, and that was just to say no to the Glenndome.” — Sen. L. Louise Lucas “We will continue to engage with policymakers in Richmond to ensure that Alexandrians ultimately get to consider a final version of this proposal.” — Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson

Apprehension Mounts As City Council Considers Arena Proposal
Virginia General Assembly must create an authority that would own the property and lease it to Monumental for the plan to move forward.
“Recognize a fairy tale when you're told one.” — Meredith Lair, Lynhaven “The city has an AAA bond rating for a reason.” — Councilman Canek Aguirre

Bitter Pill in Fentanyl Response
Should severe penalties or drug education/treatment prevail?
Virginia’s General Assembly, which convened on Jan. 10, for a 60-day ‘long session’, is considering several fentanyl related bills to address the significant rise in synthetic opioid overdose deaths among Virginians. Fentanyl is now Virginia’s deadliest killer.

Monumental First Step
Va. House passes bill to advance Potomac Yard entertainment complex; local opposition continues.
“Today’s vote is an important milestone in the efforts to bring a sports and entertainment district to Potomac Yard.” — Mayor Justin Wilson
USDA Now Accepting Applications for Veterinary Services Grant Opportunities in Designated Areas of Virginia
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has nominated five veterinary services shortage areas in the Commonwealth that have a need for veterinarians practicing food supply veterinary medicine.

Casino Bill is Dead for 2024
Carried it over until 2025.
Sen. Marsden’s SB 675 Casino Bill Carried Over: Opponents react; Marsden touts benefits.
12th Annual Chocolate Festival at McLean Community Center
Mars to present History of Chocolate!
12th Annual Chocolate Festival, which is a delectable celebration set to occur on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, at the McLean Center located at 1234 Ingleside Street, McLean, VA 22101. The event will run from 11 pm to 5 pm.

500 Affordable Rentals in Tysons
The Exchange at Spring Hill Station is planned to be the largest fully committed affordable housing community in Tysons with more than 500 affordable rental homes for residents earning 60 percent or less of Area Median Income.
Opposition to the Proposed Reston Casino
During the 2023 legislative session, State Senator David Marsden advanced legislation authorizing a casino development in Fairfax County, with Reston suggested as a likely location. While the bill didn’t pass, lawmakers are already pledging to reintroduce it this coming session.

‘Freedom Is Not Free’
Ddedication of the Davis and McDaniel Veterans Care Center Dec. 12 in Roanoke. Davis and McDaniel, both Alexandria residents, are highly decorated Vietnam War veterans.
Seasonal Joys Blanket the Region
Whatever December holiday you celebrate, there are events throughout Fairfax County to get you in the holiday spirit.

Youngkin to Honor Local Heroes
Virginia Veterans Care Center to be renamed for Davis and McDaniel.
Two of Alexandria’s most decorated Vietnam veterans will be honored by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services as Gov. Glenn Youngkin renames the Virginia Veterans Care Center in Roanoke in honor of Army Col. Paris Davis and Navy Capt. Eugene “Red” McDaniel.
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