Prepare Now for ‘Extremely Active Hurricane Season’
Researchers at Colorado State University are forecasting an extremely active 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which starts June 1 and lasts until Nov. 30.
$1 Billion in Refunds for Tax Year 2020 Unclaimed
Taxpayers face May 17 deadline.
The Internal Revenue Service says that almost 940,000 people across the nation have unclaimed refunds for tax year 2020 but face a May 17 deadline to submit their tax returns.
Arlington Doctor Who Illegally Flooded Region with Oxycodone Sentenced to 10 Years
An Arlington woman convicted of illegally prescribing and distributing over a million oxycodone pills was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
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.
Arrests Lead to Seizure of Firearms and Methamphetamine
Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau have charged two suspects in connection to a December robbery in Vienna that led to the seizure of 13 firearms and four pounds of methamphetamine.
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.
