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RICHMOND, VA — A bill introduced by Del. Rip Sullivan (D-Great Falls) targeting loud vehicle mufflers is expected to pass the Virginia House of Delegates on Wednesday.

Sullivan introduced the legislation in response to frequent constituent complaints about loud mufflers that significantly diminish quality of life.

Some mufflers are even modified to sound like "automatic weapon fire," according to Sullivan, leading residents to call 911 fearing "gunplay" in their neighborhoods.

House Bill 55 authorizes a pilot program for the use of noise abatement monitoring systems in specific Virginia localities. The bill amends the Code of Virginia to allow these systems to detect and help enforce exhaust system violations — specifically targeting vehicles emitting noise exceeding 95 decibels.

The legislation establishes the legal framework for how these monitoring systems operate, how the resulting data is handled, and the civil penalties that can be imposed on violators. This act is temporary and is set to expire on July 1, 2028.

Monitoring System Operations

Enforcement and Penalties

Vendor And Administrative Rules

Under the provisions of HB55, the pilot program for noise abatement monitoring is authorized for localities within four specific planning districts. Based on the 2026 regional designations, the eligible counties and cities are:

This district covers the highly populated areas near Washington, D.C.:

This district includes the Piedmont region southwest of Northern Virginia:

Also known as PlanRVA, this district encompasses the greater Richmond metropolitan area:

HB 55 originally included Planning District 15 (Richmond), which includes Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent and Powhatan counties, and the town of Ashland and the City of Richmond.

When the Senate voted to pass the legislation, it added an amendment to remov District 15. Sullivan will recommend the House accept the change when he introduces the bill for a final vote on Wednesday.

In 2025, both houses of the Virginia General Assembly passed similar noise abatement legislation, but Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) vetoed it. Although Sullivan hasn't spoken to Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) about HB55, he expects her to sign it.

"I'm glad that residents of Fairfax will finally have its leaders in power to help address what I think is an issue of real concern to people's quality of life," he said.

The company said it plans to shutter 15 locations, just weeks after it announced the closing of nine other stores.

The parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus said Friday it plans to close an additional 15 locations, including one in Virginia.

The stores will close by the end of May as the retail empire moves through Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, a company spokesperson said.

The announcement comes just weeks after Saks Global said it was closing nine locations, including eight Saks Fifth Avenue stores and one Neiman Marcus store.

On Friday, Saks Global said it will close 12 more Saks Fifth Avenue stores and three more Neiman Marcus stores as it focuses on its most profitable businesses and trims debt during its bankruptcy restructuring.

The Virginia location included in the latest round of closings is the Saks Fifth Avenue store located in Tysons Galleria. The company previously announced that it planned to close the state's only other Saks Fifth Avenue store, located at Stony Point Fashion Park in Richmond.

The company's Neiman Marcus location at Tysons Galleria is expected to remain open.

The locations targeted for the first round of closings are expected to remain open until the end of April.

With plans to close a total of 24 department stores by spring, that would leave the parent company with 13 Saks Fifth Avenue stores, as well as 32 Neiman Marcus locations.

Saks Global has been shrinking its business since it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January. Last month, it said it would wind down 14 standalone Fifth Avenue Club personal styling suites, keeping three.

It also shuttered home goods retailer Horchow.com, a business that Neiman Marcus acquired in the late 1980s. As of Feb. 19, shoppers have been redirected to the home category on NeimanMarcus.com.

Additionally, the company is closing down all but 12 of its Saks Off Fifth locations. The remaining outlets will serve primarily as a selling channel for residual inventory from Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.

Flore Café in Tysons is collaborating with Oasis Sushi & Listening Bar to offer a special High Tea experience and cocktail.

TYSONS, VA – Flore Café in Tysons will celebrate its first anniversary this spring by joining the region’s Cherry Blossom festivities. The café will launch a special edition High Tea called “Flore in Bloom” beginning March 8. This will be followed by a popup event at Oasis Sushi & Listening Bar starting March 21.

The collaboration between Flore Cafe and Oasis Sushi & Listening Bar aims to honor D.C.’s cherry blossom season. The event will combine Flore’s botanical elegance with the modern energy of Oasis. The High Tea service will maintain its European style while incorporating a Japanese twist.

Executive Pastry Chef Oksana Chepoy will integrate the refined artistry of Oasis into the meticulous craftsmanship of Flore’s offerings. Flore Cafe will also undergo an interior transformation to become a cherry blossom sanctuary. This transformation is planned to coincide with the region’s festival.

"We wanted to celebrate our first year by bringing together the botanical elegance of Flore with the modern, rhythmic energy of Oasis," said Tammy Ditsayawathana, founder of Sisters Group, addding that the Cherry Blossom season is a time of renewal and beauty in the community. Ditsayawathana also stated that the collaboration allows them to honor that spirit through a unique cross-cultural lens.

To further acknowledge the Cherry Blossom Festival, which runs from March 20 to April 12, Sisters Tysons will debut a signature cocktail. This drink, named "The Pink Kimono," is a blend of Haku Vodka and Ozeki Nigori, sweetened with sakura syrup and topped with prosecco.

The 14-course progression features delicacies paired perfectly with Bellocq Tea Atelier teas. Highlights include:

Pricing & Reservation Details

Flore Café Tysons is the only destination in D.C. and the DMV to offer European High Tea with a signature Thai influence. It is located within Sisters Tysons’ 8,300-square-foot location at Capital One Center. The menu features pastries, crepes, and afternoon tea service with Thai-European desserts by Chef Oksana Chepoy. The café also offers an exclusive gelato collection with a Thai twist by Chef Lorenzo Franchetti.

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Paragon Home Care highlights inspiring success stories demonstrating the meaningful impact of compassionate in-home care for seniors in McLean and surrounding cities across Northern Virginia. The agency’s focus on consistency, personalized support, and professional caregivers has helped families experience peace of mind, improve their loved ones’ quality of life, and strengthen their loved ones’ independence.

Real Experiences with Compassionate CareFamilies served by Paragon Home Care have shared how the agency’s caregivers provide more than assistance with daily routines; they bring companionship, emotional support, and confidence into the home. One client noted that consistent caregivers helped their parent regain a sense of independence while safely managing daily tasks. Another family highlighted the seamless coordination between caregivers, which allowed them to maintain normal routines without disruption.

These success stories demonstrate that professional in-home care can extend far beyond physical assistance. By building trust, maintaining clear communication, and responding to unique needs, Paragon Home Care fosters a safe and nurturing environment that families rely on daily.

Consistency and Connection Make a DifferenceParagon Home Care emphasizes continuity of care, assigning caregivers who are familiar with each senior’s preferences, health needs, and routines. This consistency strengthens bonds, reduces anxiety, and provides a sense of comfort that many families cite as life-changing. The agency also coordinates backup caregivers when needed, removing the stress of unplanned absences and allowing seniors to maintain a stable routine.

“Our caregivers are more than professionals, they are partners in each family’s journey, providing dignity, connection, and daily support that truly makes a difference,” said Juan Tuason, President & CEO at Paragon Home Care.

A Commitment to Excellence and TrustEach caregiver at Paragon Home Care is thoroughly screened, highly trained, and guided by state and federal regulations, giving families confidence in the safety and quality of care. The agency’s fast response to requests, accountability, and family-oriented approach sets it apart in Northern Virginia. Families benefit from a hands-on team that communicates openly, adjusts schedules responsibly, and consistently and compassionately provides one-on-one support.

About Paragon Home CareParagon Home Care is a locally owned agency dedicated to professional, compassionate in-home care for seniors in McLean and surrounding cities across Northern Virginia. The agency specializes in full-time and part-time home care solutions, including personalized schedules, caregiver coordination, and continuity of care. Paragon Home Care is committed to helping seniors maintain independence, safety, and quality of life in the comfort of their own homes. Paragon Home Care was recently recognized by both Activated Insights and Caring.com as a Top 100 home care provider in the nation, reflecting the team’s commitment to exceptional service and meaningful connections with seniors.

All caregivers are thoroughly screened, highly trained, and follow state and federal regulations, giving families confidence in the care provided. The agency emphasizes consistency, with the same caregivers supporting seniors whenever possible. Families benefit from open communication and flexible support to meet the unique needs of their loved ones.

Call for an In-Home AssessmentFamilies in McLean seeking professional in-home care for their loved ones are encouraged to contact Paragon Home Care. Speaking with a care coordinator helps families understand the services available and how the agency can provide personalized support. Learning from real client experiences allows families to make informed decisions and feel confident in the care their loved ones receive.

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Anita Irvin

Paragon Home Care

(703) 936-4500

Fairfax County leaders support efforts by the Federal Highway Administration to expedite replacement of the American Legion Bridge.

FAIRFAX, VA — The Trump administration should expedite the replacement of the American Legion Memorial Bridge, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors said this week. The bridge links Fairfax County and Montgomery County, Maryland, two of the region's most populous counties.

"The bridge plays a vital role in supporting regional mobility, freight movement, economic activity in the National Capital Region," Supervisor Jimmy Bierman (D-Dranesville) said, during the board's regular meeting on Tuesday. "Now more than 60 years old, the bridge faces significant capacity, operational and safety challenges. They're expected to intensify as regional travel demands continue to increase."

The Federal Highway Administration recently issued a request for information soliciting public input and proposals on innovative project delivery methods to ensure cost-effective and efficient reconstruction of the bridge. The deadline to comment and submit proposals for the project is Monday, Feb. 9.

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"Replacement of the bridge presents an opportunity to not only bring this critical asset into a state of good repair, but also to improve safety, support new transit connections between Maryland and Virginia, enhance transportation demand management strategies and expand bicycle and pedestrian connectivity across the Potomac River," Bierman said.

The supervisors voted unanimously to support a motion submitted by Bierman, directing Board Chair Jeff McKay (D-At-Large) to send a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation in support of FHWA's efforts to expedite replacement of the bridge. Scroll down to view the letter.

"This one's really important," Bierman said. "We need a new American Legion bridge. We need to figure this out."

In November, state, local and federal officials cut the ribbon on the $660 million 495 Express Lanes Extension project, which connected the existing 14-mile 495 Express lanes just north of Tysons, near the Dulles Toll Road/Dulles Access Road to the George Washington Memorial Parkway prior to the American Legion Bridge into Maryland.

In January, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) met with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to discuss the rising costs of the Francis Scott Key Bridge project, which has gone from initial estimates of under $2 billion in 2024 to as much as $5.2 billion, according to Maryland Matters.

During the meeting, Moore said he was open to receiving private funding for the replacement of the American Legion Bridge provided the agreement included expediting replacement of the Baltimore bridge, Maryland Matters reported.

This is the letter the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday to send to Duffy.

February 3, 2026

The Honorable Sean P. Duffy SecretaryU.S. Department of Transportation1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.Washington, DC 20590

Reference: FHWA RFI (Docket No. FHWA–2025–0335) – Expediting Delivery of the American Legion Memorial Bridge

Dear Secretary Duffy:

On behalf of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I am writing to express our support for the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) efforts to expedite the replacement of the American Legion Memorial Bridge.

The 60-year-old American Legion Bridge provides a critical freight and passenger connection between Maryland and Virginia, and its replacement would bring this essential asset into a state of good repair while enhancing safety and mobility. The Board has long recognized that capacityand operational challenges at the American Legion Bridge and other Potomac River crossings are among the region’s most significant transportation priorities. The need to cross the Potomac River creates major transportation challenges in the National Capital Region. As a directconnection between two of the region’s most populous counties, the American Legion Bridge is among the most heavily used and congested crossings. Congestion at the bridge also contributes to cut-through traffic on local roadways, affecting nearby residential neighborhoods during peaktravel times. With traffic volumes expected to continue to increase, the chokepoint created by this bridge requires long-term solutions to help those traveling between Maryland and Virginia.

A new bridge would support the implementation of new transit connections between Maryland and Virginia and the enhancement of transportation demand management to reduce singleoccupancy vehicle travel in the corridor. It will also provide the opportunity to include expanded bicycle and pedestrian connections between multimodal facilities in Maryland and Virginia.

These expanded transportation options are consistent with improvements and priorities identified by our local governmental partners in the region.

Fairfax County appreciates FHWA’s efforts to solicit input on alternative project delivery methods, innovative contracting approaches, and other strategies that could accelerate delivery of a replacement project. Given the bridge’s regional and national significance, exploring flexible and forward-looking options is both appropriate and necessary.

We encourage FHWA to continue close coordination with Virginia, Maryland, and regional partners as it evaluates responses to this RFI and advances next steps. Fairfax County will continue to support efforts that advance the timely replacement of this critical structure, a key regional conduit for travel and economic activity between Virginia and Maryland and the continued economic vitality of the Metropolitan Washington region.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Gregg Steverson, Director, Fairfax County Department of Transportation, at Gregg.Steverson@fairfaxcounty.gov, or 703-877-5600. We remain willing to assist in efforts to advance this important infrastructureproject.

Sincerely,Jeffrey C. McKayChairman

cc: Members, Fairfax County Board of SupervisorsBryan J. Hill, County ExecutiveJennifer Miller, Deputy County Executive