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Gov. Ralph Northam today declared a state of emergency following the shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline, the primary source of gasoline for the east coast.

Governor Ralph Northam today signed Executive Order Seventy-Eight declaring a state of emergency in Virginia to address gasoline supply disruptions throughout the Commonwealth. On May 7, 2021, the Colonial Pipeline system, which is the primary fuel source for many Virginia retailers, reported a ransomware cyberattack that resulted in a temporary shutdown.

The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) will resume its full-service schedule on Tuesday, June 1, increasing commuting options for passengers. VRE has been running a reduced-service schedule since March 17, 2020, following a 90% decline in ridership due to COVID-19. Under the full-service schedule, VRE will operate 32 daily trains on its two lines.

“As people return to the office, we recognize the reduced-service schedule may not be a good fit for their commutes. Convenience is important to our riders and we are pleased to be able to accommodate them,” said VRE Chief Executive Officer Rich Dalton. “A return to full service will also allow us to maintain social distancing on platforms and railcars, even as ridership begins to increase.”

Prince William County will get new funding to plan for a new shuttle service to serve the George Mason University Science and Technology Campus near Manassas.

The campus is the Prince William County hub for the Fairfax-based university. In addition to the school, the area surrounding campus, Innovation Park, is filled with technology companies, and the FBI Northern Virginia Regional Headquarters.