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Fairfax County officials are seeking a path forward for the Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center after narrow zoning votes raised concerns about the project’s funding.
In a Dec. 28, 2025, letter, Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill invited Fairfax Mayor Catherine Read and Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay to a joint meeting. Hill warned that funding could be jeopardized after the Fairfax City Council narrowly approved crucial zoning allowances in October.
State Sen. Adam Ebbin, a Democrat representing the 39th District, announced Wednesday night that he will resign to become a senior adviser at the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority under Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger. His district includes Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners. Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and former Del. Mark Levine have entered the race for the open seat.
New federal unemployment figures show the Washington region lost roughly 72,000 federal government jobs last year. Since January 2025, Maryland recorded the largest decline among states, losing 24,900 positions. The District lost 24,000 jobs, while Virginia lost 23,500.
Metro ended 2025 with one of the nation’s strongest transit ridership recoveries, alongside New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Fare evasion and crime have declined substantially in recent years, while customer satisfaction has increased.
Fairfax County police investigated or provided consultation on more than 800 potential threat cases during 2025, Police Chief Kevin Davis said. The department’s Threat Assessment Management Team and Criminal Intelligence Unit handle cases that often involve legally protected speech directed at elected officials, community leaders, business figures or health care workers rather than criminal conduct.
Metro has also begun its annual Fill-A-Bus food drive with the Capital Area Food Bank. The January campaign honors the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by collecting food for communities across Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Virginia donations can be dropped off at Giant Food, 3450 Washington Blvd. in Arlington.
The Beacon Newspapers’ print and online publications have changed ownership. Longtime executive vice president Gordon Hasenei purchased the company from Stuart and Judy Rosenthal, according to a Jan. 7 announcement. The organization operates print editions in the Washington and Baltimore metropolitan areas and Howard County, Maryland, as well as an online publication.
Herndon’s first annual dodgeball tournament begins at noon Saturday at the Herndon Community Center. The coed competition will use a double-elimination bracket, with prizes and bragging rights at stake. Registration remains open for $100 per team.
Friday’s forecast calls for increasing clouds, a high near 56 degrees and possible rain after 4 p.m. The chance of precipitation rises to 70% Friday night, with rain most likely after 1 a.m. Temperatures are expected to fall to about 49 degrees, and rainfall totals could reach between one-tenth and one-quarter of an inch.