The Virginia Department of Fire Programs-State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds Virginians ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend that the possession of and selling illegal fireworks is a criminal offense – leave fireworks to the professionals.
In general, any firework that explodes, moves on the ground or in the air, or shoots a projectile is illegal in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
On June 27, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce held the State of the County & Public Safety Awards, which highlighted the opportunities and challenges facing Arlington, while recognizing those who make Arlington a great place to live, work and do business. Arlington County Board Chair Christian Dorsey gave an address highlighting Arlington’s economic status. The Chamber then honored public safety personnel and first responders from Arlington County’s Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management, and Sheriff’s Office who have exemplified heroic actions and exceptional performance of their duties.
The annual event was back in person for the first time since 2019 and was held at Army Navy Country Club. It was made possible by sponsors including Grand Sponsor VHC Health.
The Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC), a non-profit organization dedicated to alleviating long term food insecurity in Arlington County, proudly announces its 35th Anniversary of serving the community on June 30, 2023. Since its inception in 1988, AFAC has been at the forefront of providing vital food resources to individuals and families in need in Arlington and Northern Virginia, and this milestone is a testament to their unwavering commitment to the community.
AFAC has come a long way since its first recorded weekly client visits in 1993, where 94 families were served at just two distribution sites. Today, the local food bank serves over 3,200 families each week across 20 distribution sites in Arlington County, Alexandria and Falls Church. This substantial increase in service reflects the growing demand for food assistance and the dedicated efforts of AFAC’s staff, volunteers, and generous supporters.
Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) today announced the introduction of bicameral legislation to redesignate the National Historic Site known as “Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial” to its original name “Arlington House.” The bill was cosponsored by Virginia Representatives Bobby Scott, Gerry Connolly, Abigail Spanberger, Jennifer Wexton, and Jennifer McClellan, and by D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. Their legislation, reintroduced in the week of Juneteenth, was originally inspired by the request of descendants of people who were enslaved at Arlington House.
“Today our country and our Commonwealth continue to grapple with the history of racism and slavery. Symbols have power, and as we engage in a long-overdue reexamination of public symbols, we must show that we do not condone the enslavement of human beings or armed rebellion against the United States government,” said Beyer. “Robert E. Lee himself opposed erecting Confederate monuments, and Arlington House has a larger history which deserves memorialization and reflection. It is therefore fitting and just that Congress redesignate Arlington House to more fully reflect the history of the house, which is what our legislation would accomplish.”
The National Security Agency (NSA) has selected Marymount University to build and operate a cybersecurity clinic through a $1.5 million grant, covering a two-year timeframe that begins in July 2023. The initiative aims to increase the cybersecurity capabilities of small businesses and nonprofits in the DMV region by helping them prevent, detect and respond to cyber threats.
Marymount, already designated as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), is one of just four institutions nationwide to receive the NSA grant.
U.S. Representatives Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) and Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (D-VA-08) today introduced the Reduce Helicopter Noise Act to take federal action that would rein in the growing noise of helicopter flights over American communities.
“In urban and suburban communities like ours, the number of complaints about commercial helicopter noise has grown exponentially,” said Congressman Pascrell. “This noise is often more than a mere nuisance but a significant quality-of-life hardship that shakes homes and severely disturbs sleeping patterns. The sound of a whirlybird hovering above your house is no picnic. As commercial helicopter noise grows in the tristate region and across America, the federal government can and must seek ways to curb the problem. Our legislation would implement well researched recommendations to reduce helicopter noise in New Jersey, New York, and beyond.”
Attorney General Jason Miyares today joined a bipartisan coalition of 28 state attorneys general calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take a tougher stand against companies tricking consumers into agreeing to receive telemarketing and texts.
“Sleazy ‘lead generators’ try to trick people into consenting to receive spam calls or texts from hundreds of companies they’ve never heard of and never want to hear from. We are asking the FCC to toughen the rules on consent requirements so Virginians only hear from organizations they agree to,” said Attorney General Miyares.
On Saturday, June 10, the National Park Service (NPS) will extend the three-lane traffic configuration on the George Washington Memorial Parkway from the Route 123 interchange to Windy Run Bridge as part of the ongoing North Parkway Rehabilitation Project. The NPS will temporarily close the right northbound lane from Route 123 to the Windy Run Bridge during this transition. Drivers should follow traffic signs, respect the 40-mph speed limit, expect delays through narrow travel lanes and plan alternate routes. Work is weather permitting.
Crews will begin to shift traffic following the evening rush hour on Friday, June 9 and expect to have the new traffic pattern in place by the evening of Saturday June 10. Crews installed new lane striping over the weekend and will add temporary lane dividers this week in preparation for the traffic shift. The NPS expects the three-lane traffic pattern from Windy Run Bridge to I-495 to be in effect through late 2025:
As the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in adults over the age of 65, falls can greatly impact the health and well-being of older adults. The age-adjusted fall death rate increased by 41 percent from 2012 to 2021, while falls that don’t result in death can still cause traumatic brain injuries, hip fractures and decreased independence and quality of life.
In response to this critical health issue, Marymount University and its Center for Optimal Aging were recently awarded a third round of funding – totaling $548,298 that will cover a timeframe extended to April 2027 – from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living. Alongside its many community partners, Marymount will continue this important work of helping to reduce the number of falls and fall-related injuries in the region, expanding falls prevention programs to underserved communities and enhancing their capacity for long-term sustainability.
America runs on Dunkin’® and this National Donut Day, America runs on free donuts. On Friday, June 2, Dunkin’ die-hards and donut fans can enjoy a free classic donut of their choice, with any beverage purchase.
To make the most of the holiday, guests can pair a classic donut from Dunkin’ with their favorite drink, from the adored Butter Pecan Iced Coffee to a full-bodied Cold Brew. Whatever donut-drink combo guests go for, there’s no incorrect way to celebrate National Donut Day – as long as it involves a free donut!
Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today a landmark change in how state agencies will recruit and compete for talent by eliminating degree requirements, preferences or both for almost 90% of state classified positions. The new Commonwealth hiring practices will expand opportunities for Virginians and give equal consideration to all qualified job applicants.
“On day one we went to work reimagining workforce solutions in government and this key reform will expand opportunities for qualified applicants who are ready to serve Virginians,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This landmark change in hiring practices for our state workforce will improve hiring processes, expand possibilities and career paths for job seekers and enhance our ability to deliver quality services. Last month, Virginia achieved the highest labor force participation rate in nearly ten years demonstrating the Commonwealth’s sustained workforce developments.”
Members of Congress representing Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia today wrote to leaders of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to express strong local opposition to “any changes to the current High Density (‘Slot’) and Perimeter rules at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (‘National’).”
Their letter followed recent, local opposition to proposed changes to weaken the slot and perimeter rule from the DCA Community Noise Working Group, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and the president of Washington Metro Airports Authority, which operates the airport.
