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An FBI search of a reporter’s Virginia home, a decisive state Senate nomination and plans for nonstop flights between Dulles and Taiwan are among the developments making news Thursday.
FBI searches reporter’s Virginia home
Federal agents searched the home of Hannah Natanson, a reporter covering President Donald Trump’s overhaul of the federal government, and seized a phone, two laptops and a Garmin watch.
The Justice Department said the search was connected to an investigation involving a Pentagon contractor accused of taking classified information home. Executive Editor Matt Murray described the action as deeply concerning in a message to employees.
Bennett-Parker wins Senate nomination
Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker won the Democratic nomination for Virginia’s 39th Senate District in a firehouse primary. She defeated three opponents with 70.6% of the 4,647 ballots cast.
The Feb. 10 special election will select a successor to state Sen. Adam Ebbin, who plans to resign Feb. 18.
Virginia House advances four amendments
Virginia House Democrats used the opening day of the 2026 General Assembly to approve four proposed constitutional amendments.
The measures address abortion rights, restoration of voting rights for people convicted of felonies, removal of the state constitution’s defunct same-sex marriage ban and a voter referendum on mid-cycle redistricting.
Wanted man captured after Beltway chase
Fairfax County police arrested a wanted man Tuesday following a brief vehicle pursuit that began after officers spotted him on Interstate 495 near Huntington.
Police said he was wanted on a felony abduction charge and several other counts. A woman who was driving the vehicle faces a charge related to eluding police.
McLean contractor selected for NASA work
NASA selected McLean-based ARES Technical Services Corporation to support launch range operations at Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
The company will provide technical and operational assistance for launch range activities under the contract.
Dulles set to gain nonstop Taiwan service
EVA Airways announced Jan. 13 that it plans to begin service to Washington Dulles International Airport in July, becoming the first Taiwanese airline to offer direct flights to the nation’s capital.
Airline president Clay Sun said the initial schedule will include four flights using Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
Metro merchandise sales surge
Demand for Metro-branded merchandise jumped 300% in 2025 compared with the previous year, according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
The sales increase came as the transit system also posted record ridership figures.
Student art contest promotes glass recycling
Fairfax County is launching an art contest intended to teach Mason District students about the benefits of recycling glass.
The competition is open to students in grades 6 through 12 who attend schools in the Justice, Annandale or Falls Church high school pyramids.
Cold, windy Thursday ahead
Thursday will be mostly sunny with a high near 32 degrees. West winds around 17 mph could gust as high as 30 mph.
Skies will remain mostly clear overnight as temperatures fall to about 22 degrees. West winds of 9 to 14 mph could produce gusts up to 26 mph.