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Virginia moved closer to banning the sale, purchase, import, manufacture and transfer of assault weapons as the Senate prepared to send legislation to Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Monday. The restrictions would take effect July 1, 2026, with some exceptions.
Another effort to reshape state oversight stalled when a Senate committee rejected a House bill that would have created an independent commission to regulate multiple gambling industries. Lawmakers from both General Assembly chambers are negotiating separate Senate legislation that would give most gaming oversight to the Virginia Lottery.
At Great Falls Park, a female red-flanked bluetail has continued attracting birdwatchers three months after birder Phil Kenny discovered it near the Capital Beltway on New Year’s Day. Visitors have traveled from as far as Minnesota, Nevada, Texas, Michigan and Florida for a chance to see the rarely spotted bird.
Bills permitting portable solar-generation devices are also approaching final approval. The measures, led by Fairfax Sen. Scott Surovell and Del. Paul Krizek, would prevent landlords with more than four rental units from prohibiting balcony solar panels.
In Annandale, the Elmer Timberman Masonic Lodge is selling its building at 6911 Columbia Pike. The Masons use the property only for monthly meetings and have struggled with maintenance costs following a post-pandemic decline in event rentals.
Tysons Galleria has welcomed Chao Ban, a new fast-casual Vietnamese restaurant from chef Kevin Tien. Unlike his upscale Moon Rabbit restaurant, known for inventive offerings such as mochi beignets with fresh eel and green-curry sponge cake, Chao Ban centers on familiar dishes including pho and banh mi with Tien’s own touches.
Electric Bull, a steakhouse planned for 176 Maple Ave. West in Vienna, is targeting a spring opening. Conceived as a neighborhood grill and butcher shop focused on meat and live-fire cooking, the project has grown with the addition of an experienced group of chefs and partners.
Fairfax City school officials, meanwhile, are developing a cautious fiscal 2027 budget intended to preserve student programs and staff support. Their planning assumes a tuition charge below the approximately $77 million initially projected by Fairfax County Public Schools.
Wednesday’s forecast calls for partly sunny skies, a 50% chance of rain and a high near 82 degrees. South winds of 6 to 11 mph could gust up to 22 mph. Rain chances rise to 70% during a cloudy evening, with temperatures falling to around 51 degrees.