Angela Woolsey | FFXnow

Herndon considers creating zoning rules for casinos

Published May 4, 2026 at 11:45AM

Casino (image via Kvnga/Unsplash)

Casino gaming still isn’t permitted in Northern Virginia, but that hasn’t stopped the Town of Herndon from considering zoning parameters for a potential establishment.

At a work session tonight (Monday), the Herndon Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss a proposed zoning ordinance amendment that would add a casino gaming establishment as an indoor entertainment use allowed near the town’s Metro station.

Around Town

Maggiano’s to open this summer after Taste of Tysons preview

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 4, 2026 at 10:00AM

Maggiano's Little Italy will open in Tysons Corner Center's east end (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Local diners missing Maggiano’s Little Italy will want to circle their calendar for this year’s Taste of Tysons.

The foodie festival is returning to Tysons Corner Center for a fourth year on May 16 from noon to 3 p.m. with a preview of the forthcoming Italian restaurant among its highlights.

Around Town

Fairfax City’s Mamma Lucia closes for good after 39 years

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 4, 2026 at 9:15AM

Mamma Lucia on its last weekend of business at Fair City Mall (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Mamma Lucia served its final pizza last night (Sunday) after nearly four decades in Fairfax City.

The humble but beloved institution announced on Friday (May 1) that it would permanently close on Sunday, May 3, a difficult decision necessitated by health challenges facing its owner, Rosa.

News

Electric scooter rider dies nearly a month after crash in Merrifield

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 4, 2026 at 8:30AM

Facing east on Gatehouse Road at Gallows Road in Merrifield (via Google Maps)

A Falls Church man has died weeks after he was struck by a driver while riding an electric scooter near Gatehouse Plaza in Merrifield, police say.

Not long before midnight on the evening of April 1, the driver of a 2022 Toyota Corolla heading north on Gallows Road crashed into Mesfin Abay, 37, who was traveling east across Gallows Road at the Gatehouse Road intersection on an e-scooter, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.

Countywide

Virginia to lower flags in honor of Cerina Fairfax, domestic violence victims

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 1, 2026 at 2:45PM

Waving U.S., Virginia and Fairfax County flags (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Flags across Virginia will be lowered next Monday (May 4) to honor the memory of Dr. Cerina Fairfax and other victims of domestic violence.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger ordered today (Friday) that U.S. and Virginia flags be flown at half-staff on all state and local government buildings and grounds from sunrise to sunset, expressing a commitment to “helping those who face domestic violence or the threat of domestic violence.”

Around Town

Vienna Farmers Market returns tomorrow with native plant sale

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 1, 2026 at 9:15AM

Customers check out vegetables at the Vienna Farmers Market (courtesy Town of Vienna, Va.)

With the calendar turning to May, farmers’ market season is blooming across Fairfax County.

The Vienna Farmers Market, organized by the nonprofit Optimist Club of Greater Vienna, will open for 2026 tomorrow (Saturday) in the Vienna Community Center parking lot at 120 Cherry Street SE.

News

Planning commission nudges Lofts at Reston Station developer to address resident complaints

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 1, 2026 at 8:30AM

Conceptual rendering of Pulte Group's proposed Lofts II at Reston Station development (via Land Design Consultants/Fairfax County)

The Fairfax County Planning Commission has thrown its support behind a proposed expansion of the Lofts at Reston Station with the expectation that the developer will address several outstanding complaints raised by existing residents.

All eight commissioners present for a meeting on Wednesday (April 29) voted to recommend that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approve a comprehensive plan amendment that would allow residential development on the 5-acre site at 1810, 1825 and 1850 Samuel Morse Drive, which are currently occupied by low-rise office buildings.

News

Dulles Airport introduces new, nonstop flights to South Korea

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 30, 2026 at 3:45PM

Air Premia's first flight from Seoul to the D.C. region lands at Dulles International Airport (courtesy MWAA)

Travelers at Dulles International Airport have a new option for reaching South Korea.

The airport is now offering nonstop service to and from Seoul Incheon International Airport, courtesy of the Korean airline Air Premia.

News

Westpark Plaza developer pitches redesign to revive stalled Tysons project

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 30, 2026 at 1:45PM

View of Dittmar Company's proposed Westpark Plaza development from the Greensboro Metro station (via Hickok Cole Architects/Fairfax County)

A developer that has been hoping to build on Tysons’ former Best Western Hotel site for more than a decade might have finally identified a way to turn its aspirations into a reality.

Dittmar Company is seeking to revise its plans for Westpark Plaza, a mixed-use development that would occupy an approximately 5.2-acre property at the corner of Westpark Drive and Route 7 (Leesburg Pike), just south of The Boro.

Countywide

Fairfax County exploring possible rules for short-term parking

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 30, 2026 at 10:00AM

Designated curbside pickup parking spaces at the Mosaic District in Merrifield (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

From curbside pickups to ridesharing services and Amazon Prime deliveries, drivers making quick trips through neighborhoods or to local businesses have become increasingly commonplace in Fairfax County.

However, the county still doesn’t have any regulations around short-term parking, even after it adopted new parking rules in 2023, its first comprehensive update in 35 years.