U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly announced he will retire at the end of his current term in Congress. Connolly, who has represented Virginia’s 11th Congressional District since 2009, shared the news in a letter to supporters. He cited a recent cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatments, stating the cancer had returned despite initial progress.
Connolly served Prince William County residents until 2022, when redistricting left the 11th District comprising only Fairfax County. He also announced he will step down as Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee. Connolly emphasized his pride in his more than 30 years of public service and thanked his family, staff, and constituents.
His term ends in 2026.
Here’s the full press release:
Dear Friends,
I want to begin by thanking you for your good wishes and compassion as I continue to tackle my diagnosis. Your outpouring of love and support has given me strength in my fights – both against cancer and in our collective defense of democracy.
When I announced my diagnosis six months ago, I promised transparency. After grueling treatments, we’ve learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned. I’ll do everything possible to continue to represent you and thank you for your grace.
The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress. I will be stepping back as Ranking Member of the Oversight Committee soon. With no rancor and a full heart, I move into this final chapter full of pride in what we’ve accomplished together over 30 years. My loving family and staff sustain me. My extended family – you all have been a joy to serve.
Your friend and public servant,
Gerry Connolly
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FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — A 21-year-old Woodbridge woman was killed early Friday morning in a crash on Interstate 495, Virginia State Police said.
The crash occurred at approximately 1:50 a.m. on April 25, 2025, in the northbound lanes near the Old Dominion Drive overpass. According to state police, a fully loaded tractor-trailer was slowing down due to traffic from a nearby work zone when it was struck from behind by a sedan traveling northbound.
The sedan became lodged underneath the rear of the tractor-trailer. The driver, identified as Danielle Foreman, 21, of Woodbridge, Va., died at the scene.
The tractor-trailer was hauling produce at the time of the crash. No injuries were reported for the driver of the truck.
The crash remains under investigation by Virginia State Police.
Public transportation in Northern Virginia is seeing a significant rebound as ridership continues to climb on both Virginia Railway Express (VRE) trains and OmniRide commuter and local buses. However, transit leaders warn that increased demand may soon outpace available resources, especially for locally funded services.
During its March 2025 meeting, the VRE Operations Board reported that ridership in February topped 152,000 trips—despite only 19 service days and early-month weather disruptions. March figures are on pace to surpass that total significantly. With only 14 service days logged by mid-month, March had already recorded more than 162,000 trips. Average weekday ridership has climbed to more than 11,500 trips.
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The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is testing a new way to manage parking at commuter lots through the innovative ParkZen app. Initially launched in November 2024, the pilot program has been extended through May 2025 to further evaluate the app’s effectiveness in providing real-time parking availability at six commuter lots in Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg.
What Is the ParkZen App?
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Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Wednesday, January 8, 2025, due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions. Here is the full list of updates:
Prince William County:
All Prince William County Public Schools will be closed under Code Green for students and teachers.
– 250-day employees and pay grade 13 and above report at 10 a.m.
– The closure will allow VDOT additional time to clear secondary and neighborhood roads to ensure bus safety.
Stafford County:
Stafford County Public Schools are closed on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, due to ongoing adverse weather conditions.
– All activities and events scheduled are canceled.
Manassas City:
Manassas City Schools and offices will be closed on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
– Code BLUE for employees.
Manassas Park:
All Manassas Park schools are closed on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, due to remaining snow and ice.
Spotsylvania County:
Spotsylvania County Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
– Code 2: 12-month employees report two hours late as safety permits.
– Essential personnel should report at specified times.
– All school-sponsored activities, including student externships, are canceled.
Fredericksburg City:
Fredericksburg City Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, due to road conditions and low temperatures.
– Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing until the afternoon.
Fairfax County:
All Fairfax County Public Schools are closed on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
– School offices and central offices will open to the public at 11 a.m.
King George County:
King George County Schools will be closed on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, due to inclement weather conditions.
– Code 2: 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
– Liberal leave will be in effect.
Colleges and Universities:
– Germanna Community College:
All Germanna locations will open at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, due to challenging road conditions.
– Northern Virginia Community College:
Normal operations under Code Green for Wednesday, January 8, 2025. All campuses and services are open.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), the largest school district in Virginia and one of the largest in the nation, announced the cancelation of all schools and central office operations for Monday, January 6, 2025. The closure impacts over 180,000 students and approximately 200 schools and centers across the district.
The announcement was made via the school district’s official account on X, formerly known as Twitter. In addition to the closure of schools, all activities scheduled to take place on school grounds are canceled. This includes extracurricular activities, interscholastic contests, team practices, field trips, middle school after-school programs, professional learning and training courses, and recreation programs. Community use of school facilities by organizations unaffiliated with FCPS is also suspended.
Adult and Community Education (ACE) classes, Adult High School and GED programs, as well as School Age Child Care (SACC) centers, will not operate. Additionally, homebound and home-based instruction services have been canceled for the day.
The district noted that employees classified as essential personnel are required to follow their supervisors’ directions. For all other personnel, emergency administrative leave has been authorized.
FCPS will provide further updates through its official communication channels as needed.
The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia, is hosting its Annual Toy Drive in partnership with OAR NOVA to support local families affected by the criminal justice system. Running through December 8, the community is encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys at drop-off locations across the Workhouse campus. The drive aims to bring holiday joy while emphasizing the center’s commitment to creativity, compassion, and community engagement. For more information, visit the Workhouse Arts Center’s website.
Press Release:
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Press Release:
Gainesville Community Choir (GCC) will perform a collaborative concert this winter entitled “From Darkness to Light” featuring Dan Forrest's LUX: the Dawn from On High and other songs for the season with Fairfax Choral Society. Performances will take place at Grace United Methodist Church in Manassas on Friday, December 6, and Annandale United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 7, both concerts starting at 7:30 p.m. This highly anticipated concert will feature over 200 musicians, making it the largest group of singers ever amassed by the Gainesville-based group.
Since its formation in 2013, GCC has always been committed to its mission to enrich, educate, and entertain through intentional community-building and developing and supporting musical excellence. Gainesville Community Choir was honored to receive the Seefeldt Award for Outstanding Arts Organization in 2023. In addition to that distinction, conductor and co-founder Jacob Lash recently received the 2024 Seefeldt Award for Outstanding Arts Educator. GCC’s Board of Directors believes that both vocal technique and expression are essential to achieving this mission. Rehearsals incorporate lessons in vocal technique and music literacy, and the choir strives to thoughtfully impact the hearts and souls of audiences and the surrounding communities through their performances.
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Cox Farms, a staple of Fairfax County’s fall festivities, has sparked conversations once again – not for its famous pumpkin patch, but for the witty political messages it displays on its roadside marquee. The farm, known for taking a clear stance against President-Elect Donald Trump, has become a local landmark for seasonal fun and its outspoken signage.
The popular Centreville farm, which recently wrapped up its fall season on November 5, is seeking input from the community to help keep its marquee fresh with new anti-Trump messages. Known as a “Never Trump” farm, Cox Farms’ previous signs have included statements like, “OMG SO EMBARRASSING,” “EW CRINGE,” “WE NEVER LIKED HIM,” and “WE’RE NOT MAD, WE’RE DISAPPOINTED (AND AFRAID).”
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Just days after securing another ninth term in Congress, Representative Gerald E. "Gerry" Connolly revealed he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. The diagnosis came as a surprise to Connolly, who noted he had experienced only mild, intermittent abdominal aches and pains with no major symptoms. He shared the news in a heartfelt message to constituents, explaining his treatment plan, which includes chemotherapy and immunotherapy, set to begin immediately.
Connolly, a Democrat representing Virginia's 11th Congressional District, won his November 5 election with a decisive 66.5% of the vote, totaling 250,962 ballots in his favor. His opponent, Republican Mike L. Van Meter, garnered 33.06% of the vote, with 124,780 votes. This victory marks another term for Connolly, who has been a prominent advocate for the people of Northern Virginia.
