Firefighters Make Rescue, Battle Holiday Blazes — “A busy holiday for our members. This evening, Engine 206 and Tower 203 arrived first due at a garden apartment fire in Maris Avenue. Yesterday crews worked to extricate one person from an overturned vehicle on West Braddock Road. Crews also assisted Fairfax County on a 2 alarm fire on Little River Turnpike.”[Alexandria Firefighters, Inc. IAFF Local 2141]
Transportation Funding Hangs in Balance — “Virginia’s transportation system is massive, with about 129,000 lane miles of roads and roughly 5,900 miles of rail criss-crossing the commonwealth, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation and a 2022 Virginia Statewide Rail Plan. There’s always some kind of improvement or expansion underway, leaving drivers and commuters wondering when relief will arrive. But before unpacking what projects Virginians can expect in 2026, federal funding looms as a major factor shaping what moves forward — and what does not.” [Virginia Mercury]
Spanberger Shares More on Affordability Plan — “Much of the legislation unveiled Thursday is aimed at changes to systems that, over time, could lead to lower costs — such as authorizing localities around the state to create affordable housing unit programs through zoning changes, something only certain areas of the state are now permitted to do. Youngkin vetoed such a bill this year … She said a few could show results almost right away, including one that would prevent health insurance providers from charging extra fees for tobacco users.” [The Washington Post]
Liquor Laws May See New Debate – “Changes to a law restricting liquor sales at Virginia restaurants are still on the mind of at least one state legislator representing Arlington. As Del. Patrick Hope (D-1) prepares for the General Assembly in 2026, he told ARLnow that he is “open to revisiting” a law that mandates that no more than 55% of a restaurant’s sales can come from liquor or mixed drinks.” [ARLnow]
It’s Friday — Rain is likely between noon and 4 p.m., followed by a chance of sleet after 4 p.m. The day will be mostly cloudy with a high near 35, and winds shifting from northeast to southeast. On Friday night, expect rain mixed with sleet before 10 p.m., turning to rain until 1 a.m., with a slight chance of drizzle afterwards. The low will be around 35 with light, variable winds. [NWS]
