Virginia and D.C. Sue to Stop Trump Arch Construction
The two jurisdictions filed federal lawsuits on Saturday as the White House indicated building could start next week.
By Isaac Medina ·
The District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia filed lawsuits in federal court on Saturday. They are challenging the legal basis for a massive memorial arch in Washington. The administration says construction could begin as early as next week. The legal battles are mounting against the project.
The arch is the center of a dispute over federal authority and local control. The two governments joined forces in court to delay or stop the start of construction. The timing of the filings comes just before the expected first day of work.
In Fairfax County, a different housing issue is causing friction between residents and officials. Dozens of people attended a Planning Commission meeting to voice opposition to accessory living unit rules. The proposed changes would allow home owners to rent out these units without living on the property. Residents argued this rule would harm the character of stable neighborhoods.
Police in Fairfax County are asking for help in a specific theft case that occurred on October 23. A victim withdrew $2,400 from a bank in the 4400 block of Backlick Road in Annandale. The victim then drove to a gas station in the Franconia District. While the victim was inside the station, a suspect entered the vehicle and stole the cash. The suspect fled before police arrived. This method of theft is known as bank jugging.
Governor Abigail Spanberger sent a letter to all colleges and universities in Virginia. She is asking them to update their sexual violence policies. The letter comes as allegations of gang rape at Cornell University continue to draw national attention. The document includes instructions on how institutions should review and update their current rules.
Comstock Holding Companies finished a $299.1 million refinancing of three office towers at Reston Station. The towers are fully leased. The new loan replaces an existing one. The developer is preparing for the next phase of mixed-use development near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station.
A new report on permanent deforestation found that Virginia is among the top contributors to forest loss. The state was one of 11 responsible for 70% of all forest loss in the country from 1990 to 2017. Christopher Williams, the lead author, said agriculture and development are accelerating the loss. The report covers data through 2017.
Secretary of Education Jeffrey Smith outlined the administration's K-12 priorities at a Board of Education work session on Wednesday. Starting in January, the executive branch and lawmakers will discuss school technology. They will also expand career and technical education. A key goal is preparing children under five for kindergarten by closing the childcare affordability gap.
The Potomac River's water level remained steady after a long stretch without rain. This provided favorable conditions for kayakers who paddled over Great Falls. Two kayakers crossed the falls early Sunday morning while photographers captured the scene with fall foliage in the background. A public hearing on middle school advanced academic program changes is also scheduled, with options for livestream and testimony signup.
