Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Good morning! On this day in 1783, George Washington arrived at Mount Vernon as a private citizen after riding home from Annapolis, where he had resigned his commission the day before. It was his first Christmas on his estate in eight years.

Merry Christmas from The Virginia Flyover. Be sure to scroll to our Et Cetera section for a tale of the Christmas tree-topper of the year! This is our final complete edition of the week. Look for shorter versions tomorrow and Friday as we focus on spending time with our families.

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GMU Student Held in Terror Plot

A George Mason University student has been charged with plotting to attack the Israeli consulate in New York City.

Abdullah Ezzeldin Taha Mohamed Hassan allegedly managed "several pro-ISIS and Al Qaeda accounts that promoted violence against Jews," according to federal charging documents filed in court.

Hassan, a freshman at GMU studying information technology, lives in Falls Church and is originally from Egypt.

The FBI reported that Hassan sent an undercover agent "a pro-ISIS video that called for the killing of Jews." Agents have been tracking him since May. Hassan has been barred from entering GMU property as the case proceeds.

Special Elections in 2025

The Commonwealth's special state legislative elections are scheduled for Jan. 7, as voters fill seats in the state legislature that were left vacant after several lawmakers won federal offices in November.

Ballots will be cast in three races: Virginia Senate District 32, Virginia Senate District 10, and House District 26.

Democrats must hold the District 32 seat in Loudoun County to maintain their 21-19 majority in the Senate, as Republicans are likely to retain the District 10 seat.

The National Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee has promised to spend $100,000 on Virginia's legislative races.

The state legislature is scheduled to reconvene on Jan. 8, the day after the special elections.

Take a Hike on Day One

Virginia's state parks are inviting you to get outdoors and walk on New Year's Day. As an added incentive, parking will be free at all 43 state parks.

If you're up early, take a sunrise hike with a guide at Sky Meadows State Park. The walk will cover about two miles, and park rangers recommend bringing a flashlight or headlamp.

There are also hikes at Pocahontas, High Bridge Trail, Mason Neck, and New River Trail state parks, among others.

Hikers can collect a commemorative sticker (while supplies last), so go early and start the new year by taking a hike!

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➤ Statewide: The state police's Virginia Fusion Center said it is still investigating more than 150 reported drone sightings from the month of December. (More)

➤ Chesterfield County: Police used drones themselves to track and eventually apprehend two men who had abandoned a stolen truck and fled on foot. (More)

➤ Chesapeake: The Children's Health Investment Program (CHIP) of South Hampton Roads transformed a former funeral home into a retail location where the proceeds benefit needy kids. (Details)

➤ Arlington: Sensors installed on parking meters have increased parking revenue. County parking compliance has risen to 50.3%, up from 30% in October of 2023. (More)

➤ Winchester: Scores of birders participated in the 50th annual Northern Shenandoah Valley Christmas Bird Count. Watchers identified some 85 species within a 15-mile radius. (Details)

➤ Norfolk: A woman was sentenced to five days in jail for practicing dentistry without a license. She illegally performed veneer procedures on patients. (Details)

➤ The Washington Commanders have a 90% chance of making the playoffs, according to ESPN's Football Power Index. The team could clinch a playoff berth as early as next week when they host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football. (Details)

➤ Virginia's Elijah Saunders, who joined the Cavaliers basketball squad this season as a junior transfer, demonstrated his growing value in the team's win over American University. (More)

➤ Norfolk State welcomed former NFL superstar quarterback Michael Vick as its new football coach during a news conference. (More)

➤ Yesterday's results: NFL | NCAAF | NBA | NHL | NCAAM

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➤ The average price of a gallon of gas in Virginia was $2.87 last week, according to the site GasBuddy. That's down slightly from the previous week and down 7.6 cents per gallon from a month ago. (More)

➤ The Commonwealth's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in November was 3%, up one-tenth of a percent from October but a full percentage point lower than the national average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Details)

➤ The November 2024 Virginia Home Sales Report showed 7,853 homes sold in the month, up 13% from the same month in 2023. (More)

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➤ An owl is hardly a traditional tree-topper. However, one Arlington family got just that when a barred owl swooped down the chimney and made itself at home on their Christmas tree. (Details)

➤ Hanukkah begins tomorrow. In addition to the lighting of the National Menorah in D.C., here are seven other things to do to celebrate the holiday. (Hanukkah Activities)

➤ Missy Elliott, the award-winning recording artist, returned home to host a holiday toy giveaway at the Portsmouth Children's Museum. She donated more than $60,000 worth of gifts to help local kids. (Details)

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