Parks

Legislation that could pave the way for a casino in Fairfax County advanced this week in the Virginia Senate, keeping alive a proposal that would loosen location rules and potentially allow development near the Metro Silver Line. Senate Bill 756, introduced by Senator Scott Surovell from Mount Vernon, removes earlier language that limited a Fairfax casino to specific sites, instead giving county leaders broader discretion to consider transit-oriented locations. 

 The Better Arguments Project, developed by the Aspen Institute, recently kicked off a series of workshops aimed at enhancing civil dialogue within communities. This initiative is part of William & Mary’s broader Democratic Initiative, which focuses on fostering civic engagement and the skills necessary for thriving in a diverse society. Open to the public and offered free of charge, participants can choose to attend any of the individual sessions.

A group of Buddhist monks continues their long spiritual pilgrimage from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., walking roughly 2,300 miles to promote peace, compassion and unity across the country.  One specific goal they have is to ask Congress to recognize Vesak - the day that marks the birth and enlightenment of the Buddha - as a federal holiday intended to be a day of reflection, compassion, and unity for all people.

Fairfax figure skater preparing to compete on one of the biggest stages in sports: the Winter Olympic Games. Figure skater Ilia Malinin and short track speed skater Brandon Kim, both Fairfax natives, have earned spots on the U.S. Olympic team, bringing international attention — and hometown pride to Fairfax!