In this week’s update:

🎓 NOVA Launches Scholarships for Displaced Federal Workers: Northern Virginia Community College introduced the NOVAnext program, offering free career training and job search support to federal workers laid off after government cuts. Up to 1,000 eligible residents could benefit from $1 million in scholarship aid.

🚧 ‘Tunnel Girl’ Gets Permit Approval in Herndon: After going viral on TikTok, a Herndon woman has officially been granted permits to continue building a tunnel beneath her home. The project, once halted, is now cleared by local officials following structural reviews and a $2,000 fee.

🏡 Inside One of the World’s Most-Booked Airbnbs—In Virginia: I visited the Ava A-Frame in Stanley, VA—an architectural showstopper with a secret room, a stargazing loft, and a years-long waitlist. You don’t want to miss this one.

Driving the news: Northern Virginia Community College has launched NOVAnext, a new scholarship initiative designed to help federal employees and contractors who lost their jobs due to cuts from President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency. The program offers career training and job search support for up to 1,000 recently displaced workers.

Details:

• NOVAnext will distribute $1 million in scholarship aid to eligible residents of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties and surrounding cities.

• Qualified participants can take one of 14 free courses in fields like AI, IT, project management, and human resources.

• The program also includes resume workshops, interview prep, entrepreneurial boot camps, and career services.

Why it matters: Thousands in Northern Virginia have been impacted by federal job cuts, and many now face a rapidly evolving job market. NOVAnext provides a practical path to re-skill and re-enter the workforce with credentials that align with in-demand industries.

The big picture: As automation and shifting federal priorities reshape employment, community colleges are stepping in as key players in workforce retraining. NOVA’s program helps stabilize a region heavily dependent on government-related employment.

What’s next: Displaced workers who meet the criteria can complete an online interest form to be notified when applications open. With demand expected to be high, the program could serve as a model for other regions facing similar transitions.

The bottom line: NOVAnext offers more than free courses—it’s a timely lifeline for skilled professionals ready to take the next step in their careers.

Driving the news: Kala, the TikTok creator behind the viral @engineer.everything account, has officially received permit approval to continue building a 22-foot-deep tunnel beneath her home in Herndon, Virginia. The project, which captured national attention, had been halted in 2024 due to potential building violations.

Details:

• After paying a $2,000 fee and submitting floor plans, structural and electrical specs, Kala’s application was approved by the town.

• Her “storm shelter” project has not extended beyond her home’s footprint and recently passed a partial concrete pour inspection.

• The tunnel includes a 30-foot entrance and is being constructed entirely under her property.

Why it matters: Kala’s tunnel, while unusual, highlights growing interest in home-safe rooms and personal preparedness. Her story also sheds light on the complexity of navigating local permitting systems, especially after construction has already begun.

The big picture: As housing content on TikTok continues to explode, projects like this blur the line between entertainment, engineering, and community concerns. While many viewers find it fascinating or humorous, neighbors remain cautiously curious about safety and structural impacts.

What’s next: With permitting now in place, Kala plans to continue construction while adhering to the approved specifications. The project’s progress—and her continued social media updates—will likely remain a point of fascination for millions of followers and curious locals alike.

The bottom line: From TikTok fame to local permits, “Tunnel Girl” has done the unexpected, turning a DIY bunker into one of Herndon’s most talked-about engineering projects.

Discover 10 key realities of living in Northern Virginia—from traffic to job opportunities, cost of living, and more. Is NoVA right for you? Watch now!

Driving the news: I recently had the chance to tour one of the most in-demand Airbnb rentals in the world—and it's right here in Stanley, Virginia. The Ava A-Frame, designed and hosted by Amro, has become a global sensation with guests flying in from as far as Tokyo and a waitlist that’s already years long.

Details:

• In my YouTube video, I take you inside the four-story architectural stunner—from its hidden spiral staircase to the jaw-dropping stargazing loft with a sunken bed and panoramic skylights.

• Amro opened up about what it took to bring this dream cabin to life, including major design challenges, contractor rejections, and an early disaster that flooded the movie theater just weeks after opening.

• Despite the setbacks, the Ava A-Frame now stands as a one-of-a-kind mountain escape that blends luxury with serious wow factor.

Why it matters: You don’t have to leave Virginia to see one of the most creative and sought-after short-term rentals on the planet—and now you can get a full inside look, even if you’re not lucky enough to snag a booking.

What’s next: If you love design, real estate, or just seeing something wildly cool, check out the full tour on my YouTube channel. It's one of the most fun and inspiring homes I’ve filmed yet—and there’s a secret room you’ll want to see for yourself.

👉 Watch the full Ava A-Frame tour here

The bottom line: Viral rentals don’t happen by accident. This is a story of vision, resilience, and what’s possible when you build something truly unforgettable.

Driving the news: Waymo, the self-driving car company under Alphabet, is seeking permission to launch its autonomous taxi service in Washington, D.C. by 2026. The company has asked the District to allow driverless vehicles on city streets without a human backup.

Details:

• Waymo has been testing cars in D.C. with safety drivers for years and says it has logged thousands of miles.

• The company already operates paid driverless rides in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin, with launches in Miami and Atlanta expected before D.C.

• D.C. currently prohibits fully autonomous vehicles without a driver, but city officials are developing regulations to address this.

• Waymo would also need ride-hailing licensing from the city and could not cross into Maryland or Virginia with fares.

Why it matters: If approved, D.C. would join a small group of major U.S. cities allowing autonomous taxis—a shift that could reshape how people move around the city. With traffic fatalities on the rise and drunk driving still a concern, backers see self-driving cars as a safer alternative to human drivers.

The big picture: While some safety advocates support the technology, others remain cautious. Incidents involving Waymo vehicles and public skepticism persist. Still, the company says its record over 25 million miles includes only a handful of minor insurance claims.

What’s next: City officials say they’re listening to public feedback and observing other cities’ outcomes as they refine D.C.’s regulatory approach. Waymo is also continuing to update its system, especially in how it handles pedestrian interactions, emergency response, and safe parking.

The bottom line: The future of ride-hailing in D.C. could be driverless—but there are still technical, regulatory, and public trust hurdles to overcome before Waymo can hit the streets.

🦖 Dino Walk

Explore the largest quantity of dinosaur footprints discovered in North America on this special day.
📍Location: Luck Stone Quarry at 18244 Germanna Highway
🗓️ Date & Time: May 2-3, 2025 - 10 am to 4 pm
🎟️ Tickets: $50
🔗 More Info

🌾 Burnside Farms Festival of Spring

The 2025 Festival of Spring runs from April 4th through 21st. If weather and crop conditions are favorable in April, the season may be extended beyond April 21st.
📍Location: Nokesville Farm - 11008 Kettle Run Rd. Nokesville, VA
🗓️ Date & Time: From April 4th to the 21st, 8 am to 7 pm
🎟️ Tickets: Find tickets here
🔗 More Info

⚾ Washington Nationals Opening Day & 2025 Season Events

Celebrate Opening Day with flyovers, face painters, live music, and a ceremonial first pitch by Hall of Fame sportswriter Thomas Boswell. The first 20,000 fans get free t-shirts.
📍 Location: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
🗓️ Date & Time: Opening Day – April 4, 2025 at 4:05 pm (vs. Phillies)
🎟️ Tickets: From $5 (select D.C. resident deals available)
🔗 More Info

The Northern Virginia real estate market continues to thrive across Arlington, Alexandria, Reston, Gainesville, and Fairfax Counties. Whether buying or selling, having an experienced guide by your side is crucial in today's dynamic market.

Selling your home? I'll create a targeted marketing strategy and help you set the right price to attract serious buyers and maximize your return.

Looking to buy? With current interest rates, this could be your ideal time to purchase. Let me help you find and secure the perfect home.

• Like to drive fast? Virginia has an anti-speeding device for you.

• Best Real Estate Deals: Capital One Arena is the Deal of the Year

• Life Alive Organic Cafe expands to Northern Virginia with two new locations

Chris Colgan - EXP Realty Powered by Place

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