Expect increasing clouds today with temperatures reaching up to 64°F. Winds will come from the northwest at 11 to 14 mph, gusting up to 23 mph. Tonight will be partly cloudy, cooling down to around 50°F, with northwest winds at 11 to 13 mph and gusts up to 21 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
Depiction of an accessory dwelling unit in the backyard of a house (via City of Fairfax)
It’s not clear yet if many Fairfax City homeowners will have the option one day to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — more commonly known as “granny pods” or “in-law suites” — in their yards. But despite some hesitation expressed during a May 12 work session, Fairfax City Council members are ready to hear public comments on the issue.
In a presentation to the council, city staff laid out the implications of a new zoning ordinance that would let significantly more homeowners build detached accessory units in their yards.
Hot meets cool in Downtown Herndon. Polar Heat on Lynn Street takes over May 16 with themed activities, live entertainment, food, and more.
If you’ve heard the name Polar Heat on Lynn Street lately and wondered what it actually is, here’s the simple answer: it’s a full-day community event where everything is built around a fun “hot” and “cold” theme.
This Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Downtown Herndon will transform into a walkable event space with two distinct sides—one featuring “heat” and the other “cool.” From food and music to activities and community booths, the entire experience is designed to be easy to explore and enjoyable for all ages.
Two stages, two different vibes
At the center of the event are two stages of live entertainment running throughout the day:
Hot Beats Stage – high-energy performances, dance, and upbeat music
Guests can move freely between the two, catching different performances and finding the vibe that fits them best.
More than just music
Polar Heat on Lynn Street isn’t just about what’s on stage. Throughout Lynn Street, visitors will find interactive activities and experiences tied into the event’s theme, including:
A snowball fight area on the “cool” side
A s’mores station on the “heat” side
Inflatables and family-friendly activities
Arts & Crafts Vendors
A Jalapeño Eating Contest for those willing to test their limits
A “Hot Ones”-style challenge featuring Mayor Keven LeBlanc and Town Manager Dan Hoffman
Food, vendors, and community groups
The event will also feature a mix of food trucks, local vendors, and community organizations. Expect everything from hot, grilled, and spicy dishes to cold drinks, frozen treats, and sweets.
Local nonprofits and civic groups will be set up throughout the event with interactive booths, offering activities, demonstrations, and opportunities to connect with the community. (more…)
Bicyclists on Colts Neck Road in Reston (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Fairfax County will join a regionwide celebration of bicycling as an option for commuters this Friday (May 15).
More than two dozen pit stops are planned across the county for Bike to Work Day 2026, offering free T-shirts, snacks and other giveaways to cyclists who pass by on the way to their office or workplace.
Fairfax County trash collection (photo via Fairfax County)
Fairfax County leaders appear to have largely abandoned controversial efforts to impose a future countywide residential trash district.
“We’ve heard pretty loud and pretty clearly that this is not the model,” said Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, who chairs the Board of Supervisors’ Environment Committee and presided over its May 12 meeting.
Join us for a delightful Sunday afternoon at the BlackRock Center for the Arts as Cruise Planners Beth & Rod present a special travel-inspired matinee featuring the beloved film Under the Tuscan Sun.
A U.S. flag against blue sky in Fairfax (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Instead of the usual fireworks, a battalion of drones will light up Lake Fairfax Park this summer for the Fairfax County Park Authority’s annual Independence Day celebration.
The park authority is planning its first-ever drone light show to put a unique spin on this year’s festivities in conjunction with the county’s ongoing recognition of the U.S.’s 250th anniversary.
Renderings of the proposed Scotts Run Johnson Block Building D (courtesy Rushmark Properties)
Plans for an apartment building once slated to open near the McLean Metro station in Tysons in early 2024 are getting revised under a new owner.
Developer Rushmark Properties is seeking tweaks to the design of the residential building — designated as Building D in the Johnson Block of the Scotts Run neighborhood — that would allow fewer but larger units, according to a rezoning application submitted to Fairfax County on Monday (May 11).
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid presents her proposed reductions in the fiscal year 2027 budget to the school board on May 7, 2026 (via FCPS/YouTube)
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid has proposed trimming a number of items from the school system’s fiscal year 2027 budget to address a $28.9 million shortfall.
“At this time,” Reid wrote in a May 8 letter to FCPS families, “I am proposing to make up the difference by reducing the staffing reserve, leveraging alternative major maintenance funding, extending the time to refresh FCPSOn technology devices, deferring microcredentialing, reducing math adoption curriculum materials, and reducing the Superintendent’s Strategic Reserve.”
Fairfax County’s average home sales price tiptoed toward $1 million in April, as the spring buying market was dominated by upper-end properties.
“There is significant pent-up demand in the marketplace, but higher-income buyers are the ones primarily driving activity while budget-conscious buyers remain more sensitive to rate volatility and economic uncertainty,” said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist for Bright MLS, the region’s multiple listing service.
A crow perched on a folding sign in Vienna’s Maple Avenue Shopping Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Survey Work Starts on ‘Triumphal Arch’ — “Workers began preliminary surveys and testing Monday of the proposed site of a Triumphal Arch sought by President Donald Trump, the latest step in plans for the contentious project in the nation’s capital. Workers were seen inspecting the site of the proposed arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery with tools and equipment.” [Associated Press/ARLnow]
Regional Pizzeria Chain Using AI — “Behind the counter at Andy’s Pizza, AI now helps direct everything from when mozzarella gets ordered to the moment a pie needs to hit the oven. As big restaurant chains pour money into AI to cut labor costs, fast-growing D.C. pizza chain Andy’s is betting custom-built AI tools can help it scale without sacrificing hospitality.” [Axios DC]
Meeting on Pedestrian Safety at Herndon HS — “We’re working to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety on Bennett Street in front of Herndon High School!” Herndon and Virginia Department of Transportation staff will present preliminary concepts for improvements at a community meeting tonight (Wednesday) at 7 p.m. in the Herndon High School cafeteria (700 Bennett Street). [Town of Herndon/Instagram]
Retired Fairfax Deputy Loses Home in Fire — “Imagine losing nearly everything at age 72. That’s what happened to a retired Fairfax County deputy in March when his home burned to the ground. Dan DePalma’s neighbors say he spent his career helping others, so now they are trying to help him rebuild.” [NBC4]
Fairfax City School Briefly Evacuated — “Students at Daniels Run Elementary School in Fairfax City were evacuated for a short period of time on Tuesday as firefighters investigated the report of a building fire, authorities say.” Principal Susan Mullen later informed families that a light had “burst in a classroom, which generated some smoke.” No injuries were reported. [Patch]
Yemeni Cafe Opening Soon in Seven Corners — “Qahwah, a Yemeni coffee shop, is expected to open in Seven Corners within the next couple of weeks, as soon as it clears the inspection process. The shop is located in a long vacant building at 6315A Leesburg Pike that once housed the Seven Corners Pub.” [Annandale Today]
Prepare for Graduation Traffic — “Drivers may see heavier than normal traffic around George Mason University’s Fairfax campus from May 14 through June 17, according to a traffic advisory about graduation events at EagleBank Arena.” The stadium will host commencements for GMU and Northern Virginia Community College on May 14 and May 18, respectively, followed by a slate of high school graduation ceremonies. [Patch]
Lighthouse from 1800s For Sale — “The Middle Ground Lighthouse is a privately owned, fully restored lighthouse that is only accessible by boat. The property is now on offer for private sale.” Built in 1891, the lighthouse has been renovated into a private home, but its light still functions, flashing over the Chesapeake Bay near Newport News. [Northern Virginia Magazine]
New Legal Notice — Applicant seeks ABC license for on/off-premises beer, wine, mixed beverages. [Public Notices]
It’s Wednesday — Expect increasing clouds with a high near 75°F, a 30% chance of showers, and possible thunderstorms after 5 pm. Night will have showers and thunderstorms until 2 AM and a low of around 53°F. Precipitation chance rises to 90% with potential rainfall between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. [NWS]
There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.
