Happy Monday, Northern Virginia!

In this week’s update:

🧪 A $3B surprise in Elkton? Merck just dropped major plans that could reshape Virginia’s pharma future, and bring 500 new jobs with it.

🚨 Halloween scare—or something worse? A masked trio showed up on an Alexandria doorstep, making threats, and the whole thing was caught on camera. Now, police are digging through security footage and asking neighbors to help track them down.

🏞️ Thinking of heading to Shenandoah for fall colors? You might want to read this first. The park is technically open, but with no entrance fees, few rangers, and closed visitor centers, it’s not the experience you’re used to. Before you pack your hiking boots, here’s what the government shutdown really means for your trip.

🧪 Merck Picks Virginia for Major $3B Manufacturing Milestone

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Driving the news: Merck & Co. is investing $3 billion to build a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Elkton, Virginia, a move expected to create 500 jobs and deepen its 80-year footprint in the region.

Details:

The 400,000-square-foot site will be Merck’s new Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Small Molecule Manufacturing.
Originally slated as a $2 billion project with 300 jobs, the scope expanded due to strategic growth.
Construction begins later this year, with completion set for 2029.
The center will focus on manufacturing active ingredients and testing small-molecule drugs.
Merck currently employs 1,200 workers at its existing Elkton facility.

Why it matters: This expansion strengthens the Shenandoah Valley’s position as a hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and boosts the local economy with hundreds of new high-skill jobs.

It's a major win for workforce development, drawing national attention to Virginia’s growing life sciences sector.

The big picture: Merck is in the middle of a $70B nationwide investment strategy to ramp up U.S.-based drug manufacturing and R&D.

New facilities in North Carolina and Delaware are part of this broader push.
Meanwhile, older sites like the one in Pennsylvania are being phased out.

The bottom line: Merck will benefit from Virginia's top-ranked Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, providing customized workforce training at no cost.

Merck’s expansion is a major vote of confidence in Elkton as a critical player in U.S. drug production and a meaningful economic driver for the Shenandoah Valley.

KEEP READING→

🚨 “We’re Coming In”: Police Seek Tips
in Alexandria Mask Incident

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Driving the news: Police are investigating a Halloween week scare in Alexandria after three masked individuals were caught on camera attempting to break into a family’s home.

Details:

The suspects wore Halloween masks and approached a home near Duke and South Jordan Streets just after 10 p.m. Tuesday.
A visitor at the house initially thought it was a prank, until one of the masked individuals threatened, “It’s either you coming out or we coming in.”
They kept knocking harder, even after being told police were on the way.

Why it matters: Police say this wasn’t a prank gone too far, it was a criminal act. Incidents like this shake community trust and raise concerns just as families prepare for Halloween.

The department’s visible response aims to prevent similar threats and reassure residents.

The big picture: Alexandria Police Chief Tarrik McGuire says threats of this nature—especially when accompanied by physical force—can escalate quickly.

The suspects could face charges for burglary and criminal threats, and McGuire emphasized the legal right of homeowners to defend themselves.

Between the lines: The department is actively gathering tips and footage from homes and businesses in the area.

Officers are canvassing neighborhoods and pursuing leads in an effort to identify the suspects.

What’s next: Alexandria Police are asking anyone who lives near Duke and South Jordan Streets to check their doorbell or security cameras for activity between 9 and 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.

If you spot anything suspicious, you can share video footage with police here. To provide information anonymously or speak with investigators, contact Detective Gibson at 571-388-7615.

The bottom line: The search is active. Police are committed to finding out who was behind the masks, and they’re asking the community to help.

SEE ALL THE DETAILS→

🎥 Retiring in NoVA vs Florida/California: The REAL Numbers

If you're considering a move or simply want to make sure your retirement is secure, this video is packed with key insights. Whether you're looking for affordable retirement communities or planning to enjoy your golden years near family, this breakdown will help you make the smartest financial decision for your future.

Watch the video!

💬 Let’s Connect: Buying, Selling, or Growing Your Brand in Northern Virginia?

Whether you’re looking to move to Fairfax, Prince William, Winchester, Alexandria, Arlington, or Reston — or want help growing your business with smart, local content — I’ve got you covered.

📍 Explore homes for sale across Northern Virginia
📲 DM me on Instagram for real estate or content marketing help
💼 Visit ColganTeam.com to learn more or collaborate on your next project

🏞️ How The Government Shutdown
Hits Shenandoah Visitors

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Driving the news: Fall in Virginia means peak foliage, and peak tourism for Shenandoah National Park.

But this year, the federal government shutdown is clouding those golden Skyline Drive views.

Details:

The park’s gates remain open and Skyline Drive is still accessible.
No entrance fees are being collected.
Most park rangers have been furloughed, along with thousands of other NPS staff.
Visitor centers, restrooms, and guided services are closed or limited.
Popular trails like Old Rag are open, but require advance reservations — with minimal ranger support.
Emergency response times may be slower.

Why it matters: Shenandoah draws up to 300,000 visitors in October, second-most in the country during that month.

Local tourism depends on this season. With fewer services and no fee collections, the area risks losing out on revenue from one of its most vital economic engines.

The big picture: The National Parks Conservation Association warns that underfunded open parks can lead to damage, overflowing trash, and unsafe conditions, a repeat of the 2019 shutdown's consequences.

Visitors must now act as stewards, packing out trash and sticking to marked trails.

Between the lines: Lodging and food services run by private vendor Delaware North are still operating.

That includes Skyland, Big Meadows Lodge, and Lewis Mountain Cabins, along with several wayside eateries.

What’s next: If you're looking for peak foliage without the hassle, Virginia’s state parks like Natural Bridge and Sky Meadows offer easier access.

Scenic alternatives like the Blue Ridge Parkway and Colonial Parkway also promise postcard-worthy drives.

The bottom line: You can still visit Shenandoah, but you’ll need to be self-sufficient.

For those who prefer a supported experience, now’s a good time to explore other trails and towns across the Shenandoah Valley.

📊 Our Current Local Market Numbers

Washington, DC’s housing market is somewhat competitive. Homes average 2 offers and spend around 66 days on the market. The median home price sits near $660K, up 4.8% year-over-year, with most selling at 97.8% of list price.

For Buyers: Competition is moderate, giving you some room to negotiate. Watch for slight price dips and be ready when homes match your criteria—well-priced listings still move fast.

For Sellers: Rising prices and steady demand work in your favor. Pricing strategically and presenting your home well can help you attract multiple offers, even as market pace cools slightly.