Fairfax County School Board leaders warned locals not to expect an upcoming redistricting to fix all of the county’s student population problems.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is currently working through its first major school boundary overhaul in 40 years, but at a work session on June 17, School Board members said there’s a thin line to walk between making overdue school boundary adjustments and avoiding significant disruptions to families in the school system.
Though the thunderstorm that the National Weather Service warned about yesterday (Wednesday) was largely felt in the form of some strong winds, a new round of storms coming this afternoon (Thursday) could potentially have a more meaningful impact.
The NWS has issued a Flood Watch for the D.C. region, including Fairfax County, that’s currently scheduled to take effect at 3 p.m. and stay in place until midnight. About 1 to 2 inches of rainfall are possible, the agency says, though isolated areas could see as much as 3 to 4 inches.
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]
A thunderstorm is bearing down on Fairfax County, bringing some potential, albeit limited relief from the ongoing heat wave.
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of the D.C. area, including northwestern Fairfax County. Damaging winds with gusts up to 60 mph are possible.
Fairfax County School Board members faced the embarrassment earlier this year of having to reduce salary increases previously promised to staff under a landmark labor contract.
Moving forward, school board representatives said at a work session on June 17 that they need to drastically change how Fairfax County Public Schools’ needs and commitments are communicated throughout the budget process.
Fairfax County leaders hope to soon have a better gauge of how much they’re getting back from tax revenue sent to Richmond.
The Board of Supervisors voted yesterday (Tuesday) to direct County Executive Bryan Hill and staff to return before the end of the year with an analysis of how many local tax dollars flow to the state government, and how much comes back.
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]
Another scorching day is on the horizon for the D.C. region.
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for tomorrow (Wednesday), warning that high temperatures and humidity could push the heat index up to 108.
Drivers who seriously injure or kill a pedestrian in a crosswalk in Fairfax County will now face the potential of jail time, under changes set for approval this week.
The Board of Supervisors is slated to approve a slew of amendments to the Fairfax County Code today (Tuesday), bringing local laws into alignment with changes made by the General Assembly.
Police Conduct Trainings in Fairfax City — “The City of Fairfax Police Department, City of Fairfax Fire Department, and George Mason University Police Department will be conducting trainings 7 to 11 a.m. Tues., June 24 through Fri., June 27 at JA Finance Park (4099 Pickett Rd.). Please do not be alarmed if you see activity in this area during these times.” [City of Fairfax Police/Facebook]
Early Voting Begins in Special Election Primaries — Starting at 3 p.m. today (Tuesday), Democrats can head to the Fairfax County Government Center to vote early in a “firehouse” primary to determine their party’s nominee for the 11th Congressional District special election. Republicans will have one day of early voting on Friday (June 27) before both parties hold their primary elections on Saturday (June 28). [WAMU]
I-495 Widening Project Makes Progress — “The final phase of the $660 million, 2.5-mile Capital Beltway expansion in Virginia is in the home stretch after nearly four years. Crews plan to mark another milestone on June 27 when they are scheduled to shift the Outer Loop southbound lanes to begin completion on a key phase of the project.” [WTOP]
Beyer Launches Reelection Bid — “Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) has announced that he is seeking reelection as U.S. Representative for Virginia’s 8th Congressional District, which includes Alexandria. Beyer, who turned 75 on June 20, has been reelected five times to represent the district, serving since January 2015.” [ALXnow]
ICYMI: Harris Teeter Closing in Tysons — Harris Teeter confirmed last night (Monday) that it will close its store in the Lofts at Park Crest (8200 Crestwood Heights Drive) on July 20, one of five closures planned this summer. When it opened in January 2009, the grocery store was the first to serve Tysons in two decades. [FFXnow]
New Ramen Bar in Falls Church — “Honoo Ramen Bar, a new Japanese restaurant, is now open at the West Falls development in Falls Church. Offering a wide menu of ramen, sushi, cocktails and Japanese entrees, the new restaurant is currently soft opening at 153 W. Falls Station Blvd.” [ARLnow]
Dems Outpace GOP in Fundraising — “Democrats in Virginia have built up a hefty fundraising advantage for their effort to reclaim the governor’s mansion in a race seen as a bellwether for the party in power in Washington heading into the 2026 midterms.” [Associated Press]
Winter Flights Added at Dulles Airport — United Airlines “will launch two nonstop routes to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Vail/Eagle County, Colorado. Both are out of Dulles International Airport … They will operate weekly on Saturdays beginning on December 20 and run through April 4.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
It’s Tuesday — Expect a sunny, hot day with temperatures reaching up to 101°F and heat index values as high as 111°F, accompanied by a 3 to 6 mph northwest wind. The nighttime will be mostly clear with a low temperature around 79°F and a light northwest breeze. [NWS]
