Plans to grow Northern Virginia’s economy are showing progress, but rising housing costs and infrastructure demands could threaten the region’s long-term competitiveness, a new report says.
Released earlier this week by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (NVC), the 2026 NOVA Roadmap Progress Report assessed the region’s economic strengths and challenges.
Fairfax Speller Reaches Bee Semifinals — “Students from Prince William and Fairfax counties reached the semifinals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee before being eliminated in the seventh round Wednesday. Siya Sampath, a seventh-grader at Haymarket’s Ronald Reagan Middle School, and Laasya Mohan, a fourth-grader at Floris Elementary School in Herndon, wound up tied for 31st among the 247 spellers.” [Inside NoVA]
Dominion Merger Raises Affordability Questions — “A proposed merger between Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy raises new possibilities and further questions in the race to match Virginia’s booming energy demand.” Northern Virginia lawmakers say they will be watching the merger closely “to ensure that creating such a large utility actually has the promised effect of driving down energy costs.” [ARLnow]
Metro Cameras Used to Assist Police — “In the past six weeks, three men with guns have been arrested at a Metro station, on a Metro train or on a Metrobus thanks in large part to WMATA’s extensive, high-definition camera system … In March, Metro General Manager Randy Clarke credited Metro’s safety in part to the cameras throughout the system.” [NBC4]
Annandale Street Receives Honorary Name — “A section of John Marr Drive in Annandale has been given the honorary name ‘Seoul Boulevard.’ Three signs were installed earlier this month – at the intersection of John Marr Drive and Columbia Pike, at the Tom Davis Drive intersection in front of the Annandale Post Office, and at the Little River Turnpike intersection in front of the Eastgate shopping center.” [Annandale Today]
Tysons Chef Makes Cooking Show Finals — “Chef Chris Morgan had never entered a cooking competition before diving into the inaugural season of ‘America’s Culinary Cup’ on CBS.” Though he was voted by other contestants as the least likely to win at one point during the season, the executive chef behind Joon in Tysons ultimately finished as the runner-up. [WTOP]
Company Envisions Air Travel Without an Airport — “A new market study from Electra shows there’s an existing market for their in-development EL9 Ultra Short, a nine passenger hybrid-electric airplane capable of taking off and landing in just 150 feet.” Based at Manassas Regional Airport, the company hopes to usher in a future of “direct aviation” where someone could park at Tysons Corner Center, for example, and then fly directly to a heliport in Manhattan without going through an airport. [WTOP]
Sweetgreen to Add McLean Pick-Up Lane — “Sweetgreen Inc., the D.C.-born purveyor of all things salad, will roll out its first Greater Washington quasi-drive-thru lane in McLean. Permits were filed this week to add a ‘sweetlane'” at the Chesterbrook Shopping Center eatery where customers can pick up online orders. [Washington Business Journal]
Former Boy Scouts Lead Lion Dance Team — “Co-founded by friends who grew up watching kung fu movies, a Northern Virginia lion dance team is keeping Chinese and Vietnamese cultural traditions alive — one loud, energetic performance at a time … Now, the Hung Vuong Lion Dance Team is an extracurricular activity of a joint Boy and Girl Scout troop, Troop 612, based in Fairfax.” [WTOP]
It’s Thursday — Expect a sunny day with temperatures reaching up to 79°F. Winds will come from the north at 7 to 11 mph, with gusts up to 21 mph. The night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 56°F and a north wind blowing at 6 to 8 mph. [NWS]
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Over the next year, visitors can expect to see fewer invasive plant species and more native plantings along the Washington & Old Dominion Trail and other regional parks.
The NOVA Parks Board of Directors adopted a fiscal year 2027 budget at its meeting last Thursday (May 21) that includes increased funding for invasive species management throughout the system, and for tree and shrubbery plantings along the 45-mile W&OD Trail, among other priorities.
Toddler in Oakton Crash Has Died — “On Thursday, police with the Fair Oaks Police District announced that the 2-year-old toddler hospitalized from the double-fatal car crash succumbed to her injuries … Police say the driver was going 116 mph with two children in the backseat, before crashing into a barrier.” [WUSA9]
Gun Background Checks Not Happening — “The General Assembly passed a bill on April 22 with an emergency enactment clause added by Gov. Abigail Spanberger to increase the legal age to purchase a handgun in Virginia from 18 to 21 years old.” However, a month later, the Virginia State Police still hasn’t started conducting background checks as mandated by the legislation, frustrating patron Del. Garrett McGuire (D-17). [Cardinal News]
Man Sentenced to Prison for Murders — “Anthony Eugene Robinson, dubbed the ‘shopping cart killer,’ has been sentenced to two life sentences plus 10 years in prison … Robinson was found guilty of killing Beth Redmon and Tonita Smith in Harrisonburg in 2021.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Walkinshaw Secures Dem Nomination — Yesterday, Rep. James Walkinshaw “officially became the Democratic nominee for Congress in Virginia’s 11th District.” The first-time Congressman had been set to face a primary challenge from Bree Fram, but the former Space Force colonel ultimately ended her campaign after Virginia’s new district maps were nixed, telling ABC News the change didn’t leave her enough time to pivot. [James Walkinshaw/Bluesky]
Speed Humps Proposed on Reston Road — “Residents along part of Fairway Drive in Reston are voting on a Fairfax County traffic-calming proposal that would add three speed humps to the west end of the road … The ballot period began in April and ends June 13, according to Steve Sarandos, who heads up the task force” that has been looking at speed and traffic issues on Fairway Drive for seven years now. [Patch]
Va. Seeks to Spend Toll Revenue on Transit — “Virginia is pushing to reinvest express lane and toll revenue into public transit instead of road projects, even as public concerns persist about using priced roadways. The focus on reinvesting express lane revenue is reflected in the estimated $46.5 million the commonwealth expects to generate from its express lanes.” [Virginia Mercury]
Fairfax City Leads in Population Growth — “Fairfax City posted the fastest population growth rate among Virginia cities and towns with at least 20,000 residents between 2020 and 2025, according to newly compiled Census data. Fairfax City’s population grew from 24,146 residents in 2020 to 26,772 residents in 2025.” [Patch]
Tysons Media Company Names CEO — “Tegna Inc. on Monday named longtime D.C.-area media veteran Patrick Paolini its new CEO as the Tysons-based TV station operator works through litigation that aims to undo its merger with Nexstar Media Group Inc … Nexstar CEO Perry Sook said on the company’s earnings call earlier this month that Tegna is officially operating as a subsidiary of Nexstar until the litigation is resolved.” [Washington Business Journal]
It’s Wednesday — Expect showers and thunderstorms throughout the day, with patchy fog before 11am and a high near 80°F. Showers and thunderstorms are likely into the evening, tapering off around 11pm, with patchy fog developing until 1am. The night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 64°F. There’s a 60% chance of rain. [NWS]
There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.
The spotlight will be on the nation’s capital this summer as the D.C. region hosts numerous events to commemorate America’s 250th birthday. But you don’t have to commute into the city to celebrate — or wait until July 4th.
There are plenty of events taking place in Fairfax County, the cities of Falls Church and Fairfax, as well as the Towns of Vienna, Herndon, and Clifton.
Boy Scouts Rescued in West Virginia — “A group of 31 Fairfax County Boy Scouts and adults were rescued Saturday afternoon after getting separated on the Cacapon River, West Virginia authorities said.” Troop 1865, which consisted of 24 kids and seven adults, “became split across three different locations while tubing.” [WJLA]
Waiter Fired for Alleged Racist Slur — “A waiter at a Fairfax restaurant has been fired after a racial slur was discovered written on the button of a customer’s receipt … Crazy Crab manager Rez Choudhury apologized to the customer and the community on Thursday.” [FOX5]
Area Malls Respond to Anchor Closures — “The shutdown of Saks Fifth Avenue’s Friendship Heights and Tysons stores this month leaves its landlords with hundreds of thousands of square feet to refill or repurpose. Those and other department store closures also have retail experts rethinking the traditional mall anchor store.” [WTOP]
Education ESOL Office Closing — “The U.S. Department of Education’s move [earlier this month] to dissolve an office dedicated to ensuring that English learners and immigrant students gain English proficiency and academic success has prompted uncertainty among Virginia’s schools and students.” [Virginia Mercury]
Va. Launches Measles Data Dashboard — “Virginia health officials launched a new dashboard Thursday to keep the public informed as measles cases surge in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Health reports an outbreak in Buckingham County with 17 confirmed cases. Statewide, VDH is reporting 40 cases this year.” [WWBT]
Overnight Paving on Franconia Road — “Weather permitting, lane closures will occur in the area of eastbound/westbound Franconia Road (Route 644) and the Loisdale Drive/Commerce Street (Route 789)/Frontier Drive (Route 2677) interchange Wednesday night, May 27, and Thursday night, May 28, for asphalt paving and patching.” [VDOT]
Indoor Soccer Training Center Proposed — “A large indoor soccer training facility has been proposed for a vacant building on Port Royal Road in Springfield. The Board of Zoning Appeals has scheduled a hearing on July 22 for a special permit for the project.” [Annandale Today]
Forrest Gump Actor Visits Fort Belvoir — “Actor, musician and veterans advocate Gary Sinise returned to Fort Belvoir with his Lt. Dan Band Thursday, telling service members and families their sacrifices remain at the center of his foundation’s mission … The appearance was part of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Invincible Spirit Festival, now in its 33rd installment nationwide at military medical centers.” [Inside NoVA]
It’s Tuesday — It will be mostly cloudy with a high of around 76°F and calm winds shifting to the east at 6 mph. There is a 40% chance of precipitation. Overnight, showers are likely after 2am with a low of about 65°F and a 50% chance of rain. [NWS]
Want more local news? Check out our newest sister site, WSHnow, with the latest from across the region.
Fairfax County leaders marked the 10th anniversary of the Fairfax Area High School Student Shark Tank Technology Challenge earlier this week.
“It’s only gotten bigger and better,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said when presenting a proclamation saluting the contest’s first decade on Tuesday (May 19).
Lane Closures Lifted for Memorial Day — “The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will be suspending many highway work zones and lifting temporary lane closures on interstates and other major roads in Virginia from noon on Friday, May 22 until noon on Tuesday, May 26. While lane closures will be lifted in most locations, motorists may encounter semi-permanent work zones that remain in place during this time.” [VDOT]
Flights From Ebola-Affected Countries Sent to Dulles — “The Secretary of Homeland Security is ordering all U.S.-bound flights carrying travelers who were in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan within the past 21 days to land only at Washington–Dulles International Airport following the discovery of a rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak.” [FOX5]
Construction Funds Cover VDOT Shortfall — “The Commonwealth Transportation Board voted to transfer funds from construction projects and other areas to address a $193 million budget shortfall caused by increased spending on storm response and employee bonuses during Wednesday’s business meeting.” [Virginia Mercury]
AI Bills Fall by Wayside — “Most of the AI bills proposed by the General Assembly during the 2026 session were pushed aside over concerns that Trump would make good on his threat to sue and withhold broadband funding from states that pass laws stifling the technology’s growth.” [VPM News]
Arrests in Lego Retail Thefts — “Detectives from our Criminal Investigations Division have charged two suspects involved in nearly $10,000 worth of stolen merchandise, including LEGO sets, small appliances, and clothing, from stores across Fairfax County.” The cases date back to December 2025, targeting Target, Home Depot and Walmart. [FCPD]
Fairfax Connector Bus in Crash — Two lanes of Herndon Parkway were closed yesterday afternoon (Thursday) due to a crash involving a Fairfax Connector bus, the Herndon Police Department (HPD) said. Fairfax County police said “that no injuries were reported, and only minor damage occurred.” [DC News Now]
New Laws to Manage Invasive Species — “The measures make new opportunities for localities to collaborate on invasive control, set new requirements on the state Department of Transportation’s management of plants on highways and close a loophole on how plants are prohibited from sale in the commonwealth.” [VPM News]
Free Rec Center Access for Veterans — “In recognition of Memorial Day, the Fairfax County Park Authority invites veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families to enjoy complimentary access to select park amenities and activities on Monday, May 25.” The deal includes recreation center access, camping at Lake Fairfax Park and, for active service members, wagon rides at Frying Pan Farm Park. [FCPA]
It’s Friday — Expect rain before 5 p.m., followed by showers, with a high of around 61°F. East winds will be 9 to 14 mph, with gusts up to 18 mph, and an 80% chance of up to a quarter-inch of precipitation. Friday night will have showers until 11 p.m., then more rain, with a low of about 51°F, east winds at 8 to 13 mph, and a 100% chance of similar rainfall. [NWS]
The number of Fairfax County residents counted as unemployed rose 17% year-over-year in March, and was up 52% from two years before, according to new state data.
A total of 22,680 county residents were included in the ranks of unemployed for the month, according to figures reported May 19 by the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement.
The final bill introduced by the late Gerry Connolly dealt with the disease that took his life early in his ninth term representing Virginia’s 11th Congressional District.
In a rare moment of unity, the Senate voted unanimously yesterday (Wednesday) to support the Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act, sending the bill to President Donald Trump almost a year after it passed the House of Representatives on June 3, 2025.
