Author: FFXnow.com

School Weapons Detectors to Become Permanent — “All Fairfax County high schools will have a permanent weapons detection system in place starting in the fall. Virginia’s largest school division launched a pilot program last spring … But calls for extra security intensified after what police described as a stabbing at West Potomac High School in April.” [WTOP]

WaPo Video Editor Arrested — “A video editor for The Washington Post was arrested Thursday on a federal charge of possessing child pornography, according to prosecutors. Thomas P. LeGro, 48, who has worked at The Post for 18 years in two stints since 2000, was held after an initial appearance Friday before a U.S. magistrate judge in D.C.” [Washington Post]

ACLU Investigates ICE Detentions — “The American Civil Liberties Union is investigating reports of immigration officials detaining people in Virginia courthouses.” The investigation stems specifically from reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents recently “lingering” at the Chesterfield County General District Courthouse, where 14 people detained earlier this month. [Courthouse News Service]

Fairfax Tops Ranking of Best Places for Families — “A new study ranks Fairfax County as the best in the nation for new families. The study by financial technology company SmartAsset analyzed 830 U.S. counties based on affordability, access to parks and healthcare, childcare costs, and family-friendly demographics.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Dulles Traveler Pleads Guilty to Kicking Dog — “A 70-year-old Egyptian man admitted in federal court on Wednesday [June 25] to kicking a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture detector dog that alerted to undeclared food items in the traveler’s baggage, according to CBP.” The man was ordered to pay the dog’s veterinarian fee and was put on a flight back to Egypt. [Patch]

WaPo’s Fave Tysons Dining Spots — “Tysons is so much more than its perpetually transitioning shopping malls … Bop around the Silver Line hot spot with these dining tips from Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema, Post food writer Tim Carman and your intrepid local dining reporter.” [Washington Post]

Pavilion Proposed for Green Spring Gardens — “The Fairfax County Park Authority will host a public meeting to present a revised proposal for a pavilion at Green Spring Gardens. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 30, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the multipurpose room of the Horticultural Center at 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria.” [FCPA]

South County Student Elected to School Board — “Faith Mekonen, a rising senior at South County High School, has been elected by the countywide Student Advisory Council (SAC) to serve a one-year term as student representative to the Fairfax County School Board, beginning July 1 … She will be the 55th student representative to the School Board.” [FCPS]

It’s Monday — Showers and thunderstorms are likely between 3pm and 5pm, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 90. Heat index values may reach up to 100. At night, it will be mostly cloudy with a low around 76. There’s a 60% chance of precipitation. [NWS]

Editor’s note to FFXnow Press Club members — You may have noticed that the early morning notes didn’t get sent out today. That was a timing issue on our end, and I apologize. You will get it in your inboxes tomorrow.

Unemployment Continues to Rise — “Virginia’s unemployment rate is on a steady five-month increase — the longest streak since the 2008 Great Recession … The Trump administration’s federal job slashing and freezing of grants, contracts and medical research may be to blame.” [Axios DC]

Warner Questions HUD Relocation — “Senator Mark Warner is demanding a full cost-benefit analysis of the federal government’s decision to relocate the Department of Housing and Urban Development to Alexandria, expressing skepticism about claimed taxpayer savings and concern for displaced National Science Foundation employees.” [ALXnow]

Arrest Made in Tysons Vehicle Break-Ins — “Detectives from our Criminal Investigations Division, with the assistance of our Fugitive Track and Apprehension Unit, have arrested a Maryland man responsible for multiple vehicle break-ins and larcenies in McLean.” Expected charges include credit property destruction and card fraud and theft. [FCPD]

What Might Come First in RTC North — At a June 23 community meeting on the proposed Reston Town Center North development plan, Fairfax County officials and an attorney representing Inova indicated that a new Reston Regional Library will likely be the first block to start development. Work won’t start, though, until a land swap agreement is finalized, which is expected in mid-2026. [Patch]

Updated Speed Camera Citations Data — “It’s been over two years since Fairfax County, Virginia, first rolled out speed cameras in some school zones, and they’re still catching thousands of drivers going too fast. The two speed cameras in the school zone near Key Middle School issued the most tickets last school year, according to Fairfax County data obtained by WTOP.” [WTOP]

Man Charged With Package Thefts — “Just before 1 p.m. [on June 25], a patrol supervisor from the Mount Vernon Police Station spotted a man riding an e-scooter along Sherwood Hall Lane in Hybla Valley who matched the description of a suspect wanted for multiple package thefts.” The 25-year-old man from New York was arrested and “charged with grand larceny and being a fugitive from justice.” [Annandale Today]

Food Festival Begins in Springfield — “Get ready for three full days of food, fun, and community at Springfield Town Center, June 27-29! With over 40 food trucks and vendors serving gourmet dishes and sweet treats, and dozens of artisans showcasing handmade jewelry, art, and crafts, there’s something for everyone!” [Springfield Town Center]

Tennis Court Repairs for Lake Barcroft Park — “The Fairfax County Park Authority will begin reconstruction work on the tennis courts at Justice Park early next week. This project includes crack filling, birdbath levelling, new fencing, and a complete level construction repair to improve the playing surface and user experience.” [FCPA]

It’s Friday — Showers and thunderstorms are expected mainly after 1pm with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 81. At night, the chance of rain increases from 40% to 60% with lows around 71. New rainfall amounts could range between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. [NWS]

Reston Parkway Crash Hospitalizes Driver — A driver who crashed into a pole on Reston Parkway at Sunrise Valley Drive was transported to a hospital yesterday (Wednesday) with injuries described as “life-threatening.” Officers responded to the crash around 5:20 p.m., per the police scanner, closing the parkway’s northbound lanes so the scene could be cleared. [FCPD/X]

Another Measles Case at Dulles Airport — “The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was notified of a confirmed case of measles at Washington Dulles International Airport on Thursday, June 19. The confirmed case is an international traveler visiting North Carolina.” This is the third confirmed case of measles in a Dulles Airport visitor. [Fairfax County Health Department]

Uptick in Homes for Sale — “The local real-estate market is beginning to feel the impact of federal-government downsizing, new data suggests. By autumn, the impacts may be even more pronounced, according to Bright MLS, the region’s multiple-listing service.” An increasing number of homes in the D.C. area are being put on the market by retiring federal workers, Bright MLS says. [ARLnow]

Sentencing in Shots Fired Case — “A 20-year-old Fairfax County woman will serve eight years in prison for a ‘terrifying’ July 2024 shooting along Old Bridge Road in Lake Ridge. Maryam Raza was sentenced June 20 after pleading guilty in February” to several firearms charges and malicious wounding for chasing two people and shooting at their car following an argument. [Inside NoVA]

Burke Lake Algae Bloom Clears — “Burke Lake Park is now clear of high concentrations of harmful blue-green algae. However, please remember that swimming and pets are not permitted in the lake. Keep an eye out for park signs and warnings in the event of another algae bloom. Stay safe!” [Fairfax County Park Authority/Facebook]

E-Scooter Rider Stealing Packages — “Detectives from our Criminal Investigations Division are seeking the community’s help in identifying a suspect who stole packages off porches of homes in Annandale and Springfield.” In both June 17 incidents, the person appeared to have fled on an electric scooter, police say. [FCPD]

Tysons Radio Tech Firm Acquired — “Casa del Fuego Family Office and Trust, an investment and asset management firm, has acquired Tysons-based Digital Global Systems, which provides technology to optimize radio frequency signals. The all-stock transaction is valued at $5 billion … DGS will operate independently as a subsidiary with its leadership team unchanged.” [Virginia Business]

It’s Thursday — Expect showers and thunderstorms mainly after 5pm with mostly sunny conditions, a high near 96, and heat index values up to 106. Night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 72. There’s a 60% chance of precipitation. [NWS]

Challenge to Felon Voting Ban Allowed — “The U.S. Supreme Court declined on Monday to hear Virginia’s bid to scuttle a lawsuit challenging an 1869 state constitutional provision that imposes a lifetime voting ban on convicted felons, one of the toughest restrictions in the United States.” Attorney General Jason Miyares had appealed a lower court’s ruling that a lawsuit from two men represented by the ACLU could proceed. [Reuters]

Virginia to Phase Out Styrofoam — “Starting July 1, 2025, food vendors with 20 or more locations in Virginia must stop using containers made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as Styrofoam. By July 1, 2026, all other food vendors must follow suit.” The impending ban stems from legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2021. [FOX5]

Lawsuit Over GMU Board Appointees — “A Fairfax County court will soon weigh in on whether leaders at three of Virginia’s universities broke the rules by allowing rejected appointees to remain in their governing boards — despite Senate Democrats voting to remove them earlier this month.” The lawsuit takes issue with four George Mason University board members, including former state trade and commerce secretary Caren Merrick, as well as appointees to the Virginia Military Institute and University of Virginia. [Virginia Mercury]

Shredding Events Falsely Advertised — “Residents have recently reported arriving at Fairfax County facilities for shredding events that were falsely advertised on a suspicious website. These events are not associated with the county and we urge you to take steps to avoid misinformation and potential scams.” [Fairfax County Government]

Seafood Restaurant Coming to Fairfax City — “Diners will soon be able to enjoy wild-caught and farm-raised seafood at a new restaurant coming to the Kamp Washington Shopping Center. Property owner GRI-Regency Centers is currently working to refit the 3,030-square-foot space formerly occupied by Mod Pizza at 11048 Main St. for California Fish Grill Casual Kitchen.” [Patch]

Vienna Relocates Library Mural Event — Vienna has moved today’s farewell event for the “Liberty Amendments Month” mural on Patrick Henry Library to the council chambers at Vienna Town Hall due to the expected heat. “There will be an opportunity to take photos at the mural after the commemorative ceremony,” which will start at 3:30 p.m. [Town of Vienna/X]

Summer Safety Tips — “Whether you’re heading to the pool, walking your dog, or just enjoying the warm weather, safety is key. The Fairfax County Police Department is here to help you enjoy the season responsibly. Here are some simple, yet critical tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this summer.” [FCPD]

Kids Compete for Jr. Ranger Title — Layla Moore, a fourth-grade student from Burke, and Ivy Usher, a 7-year-old from the Woodlawn area, are both finalists in the National Wildlife Federation’s Jr. Ranger contest, whose winner will receive $20,000, among other rewards. Voting in the latest round is open online until 7 p.m. on Thursday (June 26). [WTOP]

It’s Wednesday — Expect sunny and hot conditions with temperatures reaching a high near 97 and heat index values up to 107. Night brings a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 pm and 2 am, with partly cloudy skies and a low around 76. Winds will be light and variable. [NWS]