Rep. James Walkinshaw, of Virginia's 11th Congressional District, speaks to local DACA recipients and immigration advocates during a round table discussion June 15 (staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)
When the U.S. celebrates its 250th birthday next month, one Fairfax man could see the end of his American dream.
Over the years, the South Korean immigrant and medical professional has regularly renewed his lawful immigration status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act (DACA), the federal policy that offered relief from removal proceedings and the ability to work in the U.S. for young immigrants.
Reston Station is going all out for America’s 250th with a star-spangled celebration you won’t want to miss!
Location 1800 Reston Row Plaza
Date Thursday, July 2
Schedule of Events
5:30 PM – Event Kickoff
7:20 PM – Live Star-Spangled Banner
7:30 – 9:00 PM – Bruce In The USA (The Ultimate Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band)
9:15 PM – Fireworks (immediately following the concert)
What to Expect Family-friendly fun all evening long, including: Live DJ • Splash Pad • Games • Sip-and-Stroll • Food Vendors • Ice Cream • Photo Booth • Live Music & More
Find out what else is happening in Reston Station throughout the celebratory weekend!
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Spotted lanternfly nymphs on an outdoor stair in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Summer in Fairfax County means a break from school, an abundance of outdoor music options and, in recent years, the return of the spotted lanternflies.
The invasive insects started to reemerge earlier this month, but they are still in their young “nymph” stage, resembling small beetles with white spots on their black bodies instead of the larger, winged form they take as adults, according to the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES).
King Arthur Baking Company's pop-up store in Fairfax Corner (Staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)
King Arthur Baking Company’s popular pop-up store at Fairfax Corner is getting ready to close, as the company shifts its focus to a permanent location coming later this year to Northern Virginia.
The pop-up at 11948 Grand Commons Avenue, which opened in September 2024, is slated to close on June 25. As of yesterday (Monday), the remaining inventory is on sale until the store’s closure.
On Saturday, June 20 at 2pm at the Vienna Community Center, Bards Alley and the Vienna250 Committee are hosting a special author event in partnership with the Liberty Amendments Month Committee to celebrate Juneteenth. The moderated discussion will feature Gayle Jessup White, author of “Reclamation: Sally Hemings, Thomas Jefferson, and a Descendant’s Search for Her Family’s Lasting Legacy.” A descendent of both Thomas Jefferson and Peter Hemings, Sally Hemings’ brother, Jessup White shares her powerful journey of uncovering her family’s history and America’s complex racial past. She now serves as Public Relations and Community Engagement Officer at the Thomas Jefferson Foundation—the first descendant of both Jefferson and Sally Hemings to hold such a role. The first 100 people who sign up and attend will receive a complimentary copy of the book. Ms. Jessup White will be available to sign books at the conclusion of the discussion. Refreshments will be served. Register below:
The registration link is: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/liberty-legacy-vienna-250-author-series-with-gayle-jessup-white-tickets-1990810846834?aff=oddtdtcreator
A person driving a golf cart on Reston National Golf Course (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Reston Association remains opposed to any development on Reston National Golf Course, but the latest proposal to add housing has it questioning just how much effort should be devoted to that cause.
RA launched a survey yesterday (Monday) asking community members to share their thoughts on whether its staff should prioritize the issue when determining where to focus their limited time and financial resources.
A stars and stripes banner on a fence around the Vienna Town Green during a Flag Day celebration on June 14, 2026 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
How House and Senate Budget Plans Compare — “With a June 30 deadline looming before a state government shutdown, Virginia legislators have released new budget proposals, the latest actions in a long-simmering debate over the state spending plan that has deadlocked over whether data centers should keep being exempt from the state’s sales and use tax.” [Virginia Mercury]
Repeal of Campaign Finance Audits Proposed — “A budget provision released Friday by Democrats in the House of Delegates would send Virginia back to the days when the public had to accept on faith that candidates’ campaign finance disclosures were complete and accurate. A nine-word sentence … would strip the Virginia Department of Elections of its authority to audit campaign finance reports.” [Poole Report]
Fairfax EDA Names New President — George D. Thomas, currently head of the regional collaboration nonprofit Connected DMV, has been appointed as the next president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. Starting in August, he will succeed Victor Hoskins, who is leaving after nearly seven years to become an advisor for organizations exploring “large-scale public-private investment,” the Washington Business Journal reported in February. [FCEDA]
Microsoft Pulling Back on Clean Energy Goals — “Microsoft is considering ending its round-the-clock or 24/7 clean energy goal, which aims to meet 100 percent of its energy consumption 100 percent of the time with zero-carbon electricity by 2030.” The company has a number of data centers in Virginia, including in Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties. [Inside Climate News]
Route 29 Ramp Closure Tomorrow — “Weather permitting, the southbound Route 29 ramp to westbound I-66 at Exit 52 in Centreville will be closed from 10 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, to 5 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, for asphalt patching … Drivers are asked to follow posted detour signs.” [VDOT]
Student Competes on American Ninja Warrior — Woodson High School student Grace Walk was featured last night (Monday) on the reality competition show, where contestants tackle elaborate obstacle courses. “Walk’s journey to appear on the show has been years in the making. She began with the ninja sport when she was just 9 years old.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Wakefield Softball Fields Updated — “The softball fields at Wakefield Park have been upgraded, the Fairfax County Park Authority announced on June 11. The improvements include renovated playing surfaces and amenities, upgraded LED lighting, new dugouts, new fencing, new batting cages, and new picnic tables and bleachers.” [Annandale Today]
Hearing Set on Fairfax City Council Pay — “Fairfax City Council members will hold public hearings Tuesday, June 23 on a proposed green building policy, subdivision ordinance changes and pay increases for the mayor and council members. The regular meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.” [Patch]
It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny skies with a high near 80 degrees and light, variable winds. Tuesday night will bring increasing cloud cover and a low of around 63 degrees, with south winds at 3 to 6 mph. [NWS]
Want more local news? Check out our newest sister site, WSHnow, with the latest from across the region.
Expect a sunny day with temperatures reaching a high of 79°F and light, variable winds shifting to the southwest at 5 to 7 mph in the morning. By Tuesday night, clouds will begin to increase, with a low of around 62°F and southeast winds at 6 to 9 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
Players engage in a match at the Pickleball Club of Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Changes to membership on the Fairfax County Athletic Council could give a seat at the table to representatives from a wider array of sports.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on June 9 approved the body’s first significant charter change since 2004, slightly adjusting slots on the 23-member council.
The new Chesterbrook Barber Shop location (courtesy of Chesterbrook Barber Shop)
A beloved local barbershop has found its new permanent home after serving the community for nearly 60 years at the Chesterbrook Shopping Center.
The Chesterbrook Barber Shop, a longtime barber of choice for local families, seniors and retired military members, held a grand reopening yesterday (Sunday) at 6262-F Old Dominion Drive in McLean. The business, one of the shopping center’s original tenants, was forced to relocate after the center came under new ownership.