Tag: federal government
Federal funds will benefit Fairfax County projects
The FY 2026 appropriations bills approved by Congress include more than $13.4 million for projects in Northern Virginia, Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-11th District) announced. “From safer streets and stronger public safety infrastructure to clean drinking water, workforce development, and environmental resilience, these investments reflect what Northern Virginia needs to stay safe, competitive, and forward-looking,” he said. … Continued
Early voting starts tomorrow on redistricting
Early voting starts tomorrow, March 6, on a state constitutional amendment authorizing a redistricting plan for members of the House of Representatives. The measure is designed to level the playing field to give Virginia Democrats an edge following redistricting actions by other states that benefit Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections. Virginia’s redistricting plan only … Continued
Virginia Supreme Court approves referendum on redistricting
In a major win for Virginia Democrats, the state Supreme Court ruled on Feb. 13 that a public referendum on a redistricting plan can go forward. A special election on a redrawn map of Virginia’s congressional districts is set for April 21. Early voting will start on March 6. The new map was developed by … Continued
Virginia Democrats release redistricting map
A congressional redistricting plan developed by Democrats in the General Assembly would split Fairfax County into five congressional districts. Currently, Fairfax County voters are represented in Congress by Don Beyer (8th District), Suhas Subramanyam (10th District), or James Walkinshaw (11th District). Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed legislation passed by the General Assembly calling for a … Continued
Protesters take a stand against ICE
The anti-Trump Bridge Brigade was out in force Sunday at the pedestrian bridge over the beltway – this time to protest the murder of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. “We’re here to let our fellow Americans know there are plenty of people who agree that the tactics ICE is using are unacceptable,” … Continued
Rep. Beyer has another Republican opponent
Luke Nathan Phillips, a freelance tour guide, is running as a Republican against Rep. Don Beyer in Virginia’s 8th congressional district. In launching his campaign on Dec. 1, Phillips said his main priority is protecting the National Park System and other public lands. Phillips is running in the Republican Primary in June 2026, where which … Continued
Local residents turn out in force for No Kings rally in Annandale
The pedestrian bridge over the beltway in Annandale was packed with “No Kings” protestors with signs and American flags on Oct. 18. Many beltway drivers honked and flashed their lights to show their support. There were No Kings events at Bailey’s Crossroads, Falls Church, throughout Fairfax County, and all over the country, as people came … Continued
School Board appeals ruling on bathroom policy
The Fairfax County School Board is continuing its efforts to resolve a conflict with the U.S. Department of Education over the school system’s policy that allows students to use bathrooms and locker rooms based on their gender identity. In a Sept. 15 update to the community, Superintendent Michelle Reid said the school board filed an … Continued
Walkinshaw wins big in congressional election
James Walkinshaw is heading to Congress after winning a special election Sept. 9 for the 11th District seat formerly held by the late Rep. Gerry Connolly. In an election that drew national coverage as a harbinger for future Democratic victories, Walkinshaw beat his Republican opponent, Stuart Whitson, with 74.8 percent of the vote. Walkinshaw, a … Continued
Democratic leaders urge voters to support Walkinshaw in special election Sept. 9
With just three days before the special election, congressional and state leaders came out in force at a rally in support of Democratic congressional candidate James Walkinshaw. Walkinshaw, a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is running to represent Virginia’s 11th District. That seat has been vacant since Rep. Gerry Connolly died in … Continued
School board sues the U.S. Education Department
The Fairfax County School Board filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education on Aug. 28 over a conflict involving bathroom rights for transgender students. The Education Department had claimed FCPS is in violation of Title IX because it allows trans students to use the bathroom and locker room that conforms to their gender, … Continued
U.S. Education Department puts FCPS on ‘high risk’ status
The U.S. Department of Education announced Aug. 19 that it is placing Fairfax County Public Schools and five Northern Virginia school districts on “high-risk status” for violating Title IX. That means “all federal funding flowing to these districts is done by reimbursement only,” the department states. The funds are being withheld because the districts are … Continued
FCPS won’t comply with federal order to rescind bathroom policy for trans students
Fairfax County Public Schools will not comply with a U.S. Department of Education order to change its policies on bathrooms for transgender students. On July 25, the U.S. Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights notified FCPS and four other Northern Virginia school systems that their policies and regulations violate Title IX, a civil rights law … Continued
Rep Beyer gets a progressive challenger
Mohamed “Mo” Seifeldein, a former member of the Alexandria City Council, is challenging Rep. Don Beyer in the 2026 Democratic Primary for Virginia’s 8th congressional district. All seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for re-election in the 2026 midterms. Seifeldein, the son of Sudanese refugees, says he is entering the race “with … Continued
Fired federal workers share their stories
Fired federal workers have been sharing their stories at a roundtable hosted by Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw and at a rally protesting the cuts at USAID. Participants at the July 31 roundtable ranged from young professionals just starting their public service careers to veteran civil servants nearing retirement. All have lost their livelihood due … Continued