Good Friday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — May 9, 2025.

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  • Fairfax board to approve meals tax, real estate rate cut with FY 2026 budget (17900 views)
  • Fairfax County teachers’ union blames supervisors after budget crushes labor agreement (11195 views)
  • Construction to start soon on Merrifield office-to-affordable housing conversion (6190 views)
  • Fairfax City sees progress on plans to build new fire station, overhaul awkward intersection (5392 views)
  • New York-based food hall plans expansion to Reston and Franconia (5164 views)
  • Three Herndon men charged with soliciting children online in Loudoun (4824 views)
  • All-you-can-eat sushi restaurant works toward opening near Dulles Airport (4294 views)
  • Decaying garage stands in the way of housing at Huntington Metro (4156 views)
  • NEW: Reston Town Center North plan calls for housing, rec center and more (3844 views)
  • Fairfax NAACP blasts police for ‘unilaterally’ releasing new foot pursuit policy (2691 views)
  • Fairfax school board considers new approaches to school construction projects (2631 views)
  • 📅 Upcoming events

    Here is what’s going on Saturday throughout the county, from our event calendar.

    Here are the events planned for Sunday:

    ☀️ Saturday’s forecast

    Expect sunny skies and a high near 71 during the day, accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 9 to 14 mph and gusts up to 22 mph. The night will be partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 53, and a gentle west wind at 3 to 5 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

    🌅 Tonight’s sunset

    The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

    We hope you have a great weekend! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋


    Address: 12413 English Garden Court
    Neighborhood: Copper Creek
    Type: 5 BR, 4 (+1 half) BA single-family detached – 5451 sq. ft.
    Listed: $1,850,000

    Noteworthy: 5,451 sqft 5BR 4.5BA hilltop retreat in Oak Hill | Crossfield/Carson/Oakton

    Perched on a serene 1.04-acre hilltop lot, this 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath executive-style home offers refined living with exceptional space and design. From the moment you arrive, the stately brick façade, lush landscaping, and elegant colonial architecture set the tone. A side-entry three-car garage adds both functionality and curb appeal.

    Inside, timeless style meets modern comfort with richly stained hardwood floors, custom transom windows, thick crown molding, and French doors. The main level is ideal for entertaining, featuring a dramatic family room with 11-foot coffered ceilings and a two-sided gas fireplace, a formal dining room perfect for gatherings, and a sun-drenched vaulted-ceiling sunroom.

    The gourmet kitchen offers granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a gas cooktop, spacious island with bar seating, and a butler’s pantry. Step outside to a true highlight: an expansive custom three-level deck, perfect for outdoor living and entertaining year-round.

    Upstairs, the oversized primary retreat includes a spa-like bath with soaking tub, dual vanities, and separate shower, plus a walk-in closet designed to impress. A second en suite bedroom ensures privacy for guests, while two additional bedrooms offer generous space.

    The finished walkout lower level features a media room, large recreation room, guest suite, flex space, and ample storage. Additional perks include a full laundry room and thoughtful design details throughout.

    Ideally located just 9 miles from Dulles Airport and 24 miles from D.C., this home also feeds to Crossfield ES, Carson MS, and Oakton HS.

    Listed by:
    Michelle Stanko – RE/MAX Allegiance
    michelle@thepearlteam.com
    (703) 568-7868


    Fairfax is home to plenty of outdoor patios and restaurants to enjoy the scenery this spring and summer.

    Here are the nominees for “Best Outdoor Dining in Fairfax” as part of our new FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. See your favorite restaurant below? If not, write them in!

    Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 9 a.m. Friday, May 23!

    Voting for the Best Ice Cream Shop in Fairfax is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

    Two weeks ago, we voted on The Best Garden Center in Fairfax. The results are now official:

    1. Merrifield Garden Center
    2. Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscape
    3. Burke Nursery and Garden Centre

    Guidehouse headquarters office and other buildings along International Drive in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

    FCPS Boundary Review Enters New Phase — Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid shared on Wednesday (May 7) that the first phase of a systemwide school boundary review process is complete. For the second phase, draft scenarios will be presented at a series of community meetings, starting at Oakton High School next Thursday (May 15). [Northern Virginia Magazine]

    Local McDonald’s Adopts Age Restrictions — The McDonald’s in Rose Hill (5600 Franconia Road) has a new policy limiting dine-in service to customers who are at least 21 years old. The rule was prompted by a “melee” at the fast-food restaurant last week, where “young people” were seen on video “fighting and standing on tables and heard cursing.” [NBC4]

    Opening Day for Falls Church Ice Cream Shop — “D.C.-area creamery Ice Cream Jubilee plans to open its next location at noon at 151 W. Falls Station Blvd in Falls Church, joining the development’s growing retail landscape.” The business opened its first Fairfax County location at Reston Town Center last year. [ARLnow]

    VHSL Transgender Athlete Policy Ratified — “The Virginia High School League ratified its transgender student participation policy Wednesday [at] its executive committee meeting.” The committee previously voted on Feb. 10 “to change the policy in compliance with President Donald Trump’s executive order to keep transgender women from playing on women’s high school sports teams.” [Inside NoVA]

    Driver in Fatal I-66 Crash Seeks Witnesses — “A law firm representing an Uber Eats driver who was injured during a fatal motorcycle crash is seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the collision that occurred April 27 on I-66.” The firm is looking for information to support a “potential legal suit against Uber Eats.” [Patch]

    One Reston Contractor Acquires Another — “Reston government contractor Tyto Athene LLC has acquired Reston cloud security firm stackArmor Inc., extending its recent growth through M&A.” StackArmor will retain its name and branding, and all of its approximately 50 employees “are staying on,” including its co-founders, who will enter leadership roles in Tyto’s new subsidiary. [Washington Business Journal]

    Local Park Celebrates Milestone Anniversaries — “Despite a steady drizzle that seemed perfectly suited for the occasion, more than 450 visitors flocked to Huntley Meadows Park on Sunday, May 4, to celebrate Wetlands Awareness Day and mark two major milestones: the 50th anniversary of Huntley Meadows Park and the 200th anniversary of Historic Huntley.” [Fairfax County Park Authority]

    It’s Friday — There’s a 70% chance of precipitation, with showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2pm. The day will be mostly cloudy with a high near 64. Friday night brings a 30% chance of showers up until 8pm, then mostly clear skies with a low around 50. [NWS]


    Good Thursday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

    🕗 News recap

    The following articles were published earlier today — May 8, 2025.

    📅 Upcoming events

    Here is what’s going on Friday throughout the county, from our event calendar.

    ⛈️ Friday’s forecast

    Expect showers and thunderstorms mainly before 3pm, with a high near 63 and a northwest wind of 6-10 mph. There’s an 80% chance of precipitation and potential rainfall amounts varying between a half and three quarters of an inch. For Friday night, there’s a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, followed by a slight chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. The night will be mostly clear with a low of 49 and a northwest wind of 8-10 mph. Precipitation chance is 20%. See more from Weather.gov.

    🌅 Tonight’s sunset

    The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

    Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.


    Address: 538 Marshall Rd SW
    Neighborhood: Vienna Woods
    Type: 4 BR, 3 (+1 half) BA single-family detached – 2470 sq. ft.
    Listed: $1,325,000

    Noteworthy: Totally renovated, amazing home gym space, mudroom

    Renovated colonial on a beautiful flat . 31 acre lot. The fantastic curb appeal of this home features a covered front porch, new concrete driveway along with a great front yard. The foyer has a coat coat closet and powder room, which leads to a family room with fireplace, recessed lighting, tons of natural light and newer windows and hardwood floors throughout the main and upper levels. The dining room has French doors to the newer Trex deck overlooking the fully fenced flat backyard with storage shed.

    The kitchen was renovated in 2017 and features white shaker soft close cabinets with an island and extra wine bar and desk area, stainless steel appliances, gas cooktop, and Quartz counters. The original carport was converted into a home gym with mini split heating/cooling, cubbies/mudroom, and a storage area perfect for outdoor tools, bikes, toys, etc. The upper level features a primary suite with recessed lighting, two custom closets, and an en-suite bathroom with glass enclosed shower.

    The three secondary bedrooms each share an updated large hall bath with tub. The basement has brand new carpet, built-ins, fireplace with brick surround, and a door to the yard. There’s a bonus den space perfect for an office. The utility room has storage, laundry, and a full bath. Vienna is a vibrant small town with a strong community. Enjoy the Vienna Farmers Market, Chillin’ on Church, ViVa Vienna, Oktoberfest, and the Halloween Parade. This house sits just 1.1 miles from the Vienna metro. Brand new HVAC.

    Listed by:
    Laura Schwartz – Real Broker
    laura@guidingyourmove.com
    (703) 283-6120


    Eastbound traffic on I-66 passing Fair Oaks (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

    FBI Standoff Near McLean — An individual barricaded himself inside a house in the 3600 block of N. Abingdon St. yesterday (Wednesday) morning, drawing “a large contingent” of FBI agents, crisis negotiators and other law enforcement to the residential neighborhood. Armed personnel were spotted at nearby Chesterbrook Shopping Center in McLean, which was apparently used as a staging area. [ARLnow]

    Culmore Library Closed Today — “Culmore Library will remain closed Thursday, May 8 due to continuing repairs. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please check back at this page or on our website Friday morning for the latest information regarding the branch’s operational status.” [Fairfax County Public Library/Facebook]

    Kennedy Center Performers Plan Boycott — “When President Donald Trump descends on the Kennedy Performing Arts Center next month for a high-dollar fundraiser and a performance of ‘Les Misérables,’ he won’t be seeing the usual cast performing, sources told CNN. At least 10 to 12 performers in Les Mis are planning to sit out the show on June 11.” [CNN]

    Fairfax City Council Adopts New Budget — “It took two votes, but the Fairfax City Council unanimously adopted the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget and a new real estate tax rate during a contentious meeting Tuesday night at city hall.” The adopted tax rate of $1.055 per $100 of assessed value was lower than what City Manager Bryan Foster proposed in February and the council advertised in March. [Patch]

    How Federal Cuts Are Affecting Housing Market — “The Department of Government Efficiency began making large cuts to the federal workforce back in February, and new data suggests how the regional housing market is being affected. The latest weekly report from Bright MLS continues to find that there is an uptick in new listings coming online in the DC area, but the market is not being flooded.” [DC UrbanTurf]

    I-95 Ramp in Lorton to Close Overnight — “Weather permitting, the ramp from northbound I-95 to Lorton Road (Route 642, Exit 163) will be closed from 11:59 p.m. Thursday, May 8, to 4 a.m. Friday, May 9, for paving … Drivers are asked to follow posted detour signs.” [VDOT]

    New Condos Under Construction in Chantilly — Commonwealth Place at Westfields Belle Haven Collection, a new development with 81 stacked condominiums, is emerging at 4751 Sully Point Lane in Chantilly. “Thirty Belle Haven units have been completed, and the builder, Toll Brothers, anticipates completing construction on all homes by early 2026.” [Washington Post]

    Reston Native on Selena Gomez Partnership — Benny “Blanco and pop star Selena Gomez announced their engagement late last year, and have chronicled their relationship in a new album, I Said I Love You First. We asked Blanco about his NoVA childhood, his early love of music, and his artistic collaborations with Gomez.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

    It’s Thursday — Expect showers after 2pm, partly sunny skies, and a high near 78; there’s a 50% chance of precipitation. Night brings a 70% chance of rain with mostly cloudy skies, a low around 58, and a northeast wind at 3-6 mph. [NWS]


    Good Wednesday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

    🕗 News recap

    The following articles were published earlier today — May 7, 2025.

    📅 Upcoming events

    Here is what’s going on Thursday throughout the county, from our event calendar.

    ⛈️ Thursday’s forecast

    Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms from 2pm to 5pm, followed by more likely showers and potential thunderstorms after 5pm. The day will be partly sunny with a high of 78°F and calm wind shifting to southeast at 5 mph in the afternoon. Precipitation chance is 60%, with rainfall under a tenth of an inch, although higher in thunderstorms. For Thursday night, showers and possible thunderstorms prevail mainly before 2am, with continued chances thereafter. The low will be around 57°F, and light wind turns northeast at 6 mph after midnight. Precipitation chance rises to 80%, with rainfall amounts between half and three-quarters of an inch possible. See more from Weather.gov.

    🌅 Tonight’s sunset

    The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

    Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.


    A bridge at Royal Lake Park in Kings Park West (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

    New Law Limits Youth Social Media Use — “Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed the Consumer Data Protection Act into law last week, cracking down on the amount of time young people can spend scrolling on social media. The measure, which had bipartisan support in the state’s general assembly, bans kids under 16 from using social media for more than one hour every day.” [WTOP]

    Area Airports See Increased Passenger Volumes — “April was a busy month for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International (IAD). Both airports recorded their highest checkpoint volume of 2025 on April 11, TSA reported.” [WJLA]

    ICE Agents Target D.C. Restaurants — Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents reportedly visited several restaurants in D.C. yesterday (Tuesday), asking to confirm their employees’ eligibility to work in “what is shaping up to be one of the city’s most high-profile examples yet of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.” [Washingtonian]

    Reston Golf Course Developers Propose Funds — “The owners of Reston National Golf Course have offered to pay the Reston Association $8.5 million as part of an alternate plan in case the county rejects its proposal to redevelop the golf course property.” The offer was made in a letter to RA’s Board of Directors and CEO Mac Cummins last Friday (May 2). [Patch]

    Coffee Shop Opens Reston Expansion — “Reston’s new café, De Clieu Coffee & Sandwich, opened its doors to a steady stream of customers Tuesday morning. The additional location for this Fairfax eatery, a partnership between Chang Koh and Jade Lee, is a renovated building at 2235 Soapstone Drive.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

    Vienna to Host Wellness Expo — “A healthy lifestyle as you age is the aim of Vienna’s health fair, the Wellness and Safety Expo. This year’s free event, tailored for adults age 55+, will be held on Friday, May 9, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE.” [Town of Vienna]

    Herndon Theater Performances Canceled — “Due to illness, all opening week performances of Footloose (May 8-11) have been canceled. If you have tickets to any performance this week, our box office will be reaching out to you shortly to assist with rescheduling. Thank you for your patience and understanding.” [NextStop Theatre Company/Instagram]

    It’s Wednesday — Expect mostly sunny skies and a high temperature near 76 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind at 6 to 9 mph. Moving into Wednesday night, the skies will turn partly cloudy and the temperature will drop to around 59 degrees, with calm winds. [NWS]


    Good Tuesday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

    🕗 News recap

    The following articles were published earlier today — May 6, 2025.

    📅 Upcoming events

    Here is what’s going on Wednesday throughout the county, from our event calendar.

    ☀️ Wednesday’s forecast

    Expect mostly sunny skies and a high of around 76, accompanied by a 6 to 10 mph northwest wind during the day. The night will be partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to around 58 and calm winds. See more from Weather.gov.

    🌅 Tonight’s sunset

    The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

    Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.


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