(Arlington, VA) November 27, 2024 – Arlington Transit workers overwhelmingly ratified their first contract with Transdev as members of ATU Local 689 this week. After months of negotiations, the ratified contract marks another major step forward for ART workers who will now be working under a strong union contract which guarantees competitive pay and improved working conditions. Throughout the negotiations which began in May, the Union fought to drastically improve the quality of life for ART workers who were the lowest paid transit workers in the region.
“For years, ART workers have performed exemplary transit work in a dense, heavy traffic area while being the lowest paid transit workers in the region. With this new contract, ART workers will finally have competitive pay reflective of their dedication and skill,” said ATU Local 689 President Raymond Jackson. “I commend ART workers who stood together during the prolonged contract talks and through their solidarity, won a strong contract. ATU 689 will continue to advocate for our members at the bargaining table and put workers on a path towards a better future.”
ARLINGTON, VA, October 30, 2024 – The Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) served supplemental groceries to 4,533 families – over 11,000 individuals – during their annual ‘Turkey Week’ distributions from November 18-23. While these statistics are record-breaking for the non-profit organization, AFAC was prepared for the influx in clients as they have steadily served over 4,000 families since October 2024. These historic numbers highlight that the need for food assistance in Arlington County is greater than ever, especially during the holiday season.
AFAC’s Turkey Week is an annual tradition providing families with whole turkeys, chicken roasters and miscellaneous Thanksgiving items, in addition to the regularly distributed groceries, to help them prepare a holiday meal. Providing access to choose foods that meet the cultural needs of AFAC’s diverse client base is a main priority throughout the year and especially during the giving season.
Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) speaks on the House floor, April 2024 (via Rep. Don Beyer/Twitter)
November 26, 2024 (Washington, D.C.) – Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who serves on the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, today issued the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal to impose a 25% tariff on all products entering the country from Canada and Mexico:
“President-elect Trump just announced that his first act after being sworn into office will be to raise prices for the American people. Despite his campaign promises and statements to the contrary, Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on imported goods are taxes that American consumers will have to pay, on everything from fresh produce to automobiles that are assembled in the U.S. that have Canadian or Mexican components.”
Arlington, VA — The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Lauren Lipsey as its new President & CEO. Lauren will officially begin her new role on November 22, 2024, succeeding Sam Wolbert, who will be moving from the area and stepping down on December 15, 2024. .
Lauren Lipsey joins AWLA after a distinguished career in animal welfare, including leadership roles with the Humane Society of the United States, the Humane Rescue Alliance, and, most recently, the Council of the District of Columbia. Lauren brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to AWLA’s mission of improving the lives of animals and people by providing resources, care, and protection.
Arlington, VA – Hotel workers at four Northern Virginia Hilton hotels voted overwhelmingly last week to ratify a new four-year contract with historic wage gains of over 19 percent in addition to significant benefit increases. The agreement was reached between the union and bargaining representatives from Hilton on Tuesday, October 29.
By
Office of the Governor, Commonwealth of Virginia
RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin today issued Executive Order 43, Empowering and Supporting Parents to Protect Their Children from Addictive Social Media & Establishment of the Reclaiming Childhood Task Force, to tackle a critical aspect of Virginia’s youth mental health crisis, the unrestricted use of cell phones and addictive social media platforms.
The Governor will discuss EO 43 later today during Virginia’s Reclaiming Childhood Youth Mental Health Summit in Richmond, which gathers experts and stakeholders from across the Commonwealth to address the alarming rise in mental health challenges among children and teens.
The departures lanes at Reagan National Airport (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
With over 50 million passengers traveling through Washington’s airports in 2024, the Airports Authority is preparing for record travel volumes throughout the upcoming holiday season. During busy weekends and holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day, passengers may experience heavily congested airport-area roads, limited parking availability and bustling terminals. Customers are advised to consider these tips for a smooth and stress-free journey.
Busy day at Mr. Wash on N. Glebe Road in 2022 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
From Saturday, November 9th through Monday, November 11th, Mr Wash Car Wash will be offering free Exterior Signature Car Washes to Veterans, Active Duty Military, and Military Spouses at all 11 locations in Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.
“At Mr Wash Car Wash, we believe in giving back to our community and showing our appreciation for those who have made sacrifices to protect our nation,” said Nathan Harris, CEO at Mr Wash Car Wash. “We are thrilled to offer free Car Washes to all Veterans, Active Duty Military, and Military Spouses during this special period. We look forward to making your car shine.”
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares (courtesy photo)
RICHMOND, VA – Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has joined a bipartisan coalition of 50 other attorneys general calling for law and order and condemning political violence ahead of tomorrow’s presidential election.
“Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of our Republic, and they must proceed without intimidation, harm, or unrest. Regardless of political beliefs, we are all Americans who deserve to see our votes counted and our voices respected in a peaceful, lawful manner. I condemn any and all acts of violence that threaten the democratic process in our nation on Election Day and the weeks following,” said Attorney General Jason Miyares. “I urge every Virginian to exercise their rights with respect for others and encourage all Virginians to uphold the rule of law. Any attempts to disrupt or endanger our communities will be met with the full force of justice, as I remain committed to preserving peace and ensuring the safety of every citizen in this Commonwealth.
NORTHERN VIRGINIA, November 4, 2024 — On the eve of the close national election, a wide variety of clergy from various faiths, including Christian, Jewish, and Muslim, today released a video emphasizing that Americans have much more in common than what divides them.
The video was created by Rabbi Michael Holzman of Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation, Rev. Becca Messman of Burke Presbyterian Church and a leader in VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement), and Rev. Vernon Walton of First Baptist Church of Vienna, with cooperation from the regional clergy community.
RICHMOND, Va. — As the brightly colored leaves drop off trees, that means snowy weather is not far away. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is stocked and ready for the winter ahead, and motorists are partners in making this season a safe one.
VDOT has equipment, materials and staffing in place for the first wintery weather forecast so that it can provide roadway treatment and plowing as weather requires.
An Annandale, Va., woman was cited by police after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport intercepted a firearm among her carry-on items at one of the airport checkpoints on Thursday (October 31). The 9mm handgun was loaded with 12 bullets and was the fifth firearm that TSA officers detected at the airport during October.
When TSA officers intercepted the firearm, they notified the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police who responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the gun and issued the woman a criminal citation. She also faces a Federal civil penalty for bringing a loaded firearm to a TSA checkpoint. The Federal penalty for carrying weapons can reach a maximum of $15,000.
