Rep. Gerald “Gerry” Connolly, an influential Democratic voice for nearly 30 years as a local and national legislator, has died. He was 75.
Connolly, who represented Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, died this morning (Wednesday) at his Mantua home of esophageal cancer, an illness he had battled on-and-off since November 2024, his family announced.
Memorial Day is coming up next Monday (May 26) with several commemorations and festivities planned around the region to mark the long weekend.
One of the biggest local events is ViVa Vienna, an annual celebration organized by the Rotary Club of Vienna.
GW Parkway Reopens After Storm — “The National Park Service (NPS) plans to reopen the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) before the Wednesday morning rush hour.” A 2.5-mile stretch of the parkway south of Alexandria had been closed since a storm on Friday (May 16) brought down or damaged more than 50 trees. [NPS]
Fairfax Man Killed in ATV Crash — “Police are investigating after a man was killed and a woman was seriously hurt in an ATV collision in Brandywine over the weekend.” Prince George’s County police say the crash on May 17 involved an ATV driver, identified as a 35-year-old man from Fairfax, crashing into a pickup truck and trailer. [DC News Now]
Metro to Roll Out Tap-to-Pay Option — Metro is currently testing a system at some stations that will allow riders to pay by tapping a credit or debit card. “An official launch is on the way, Metro general manager Randy Clarke posted recently: ‘Stay tuned for more details later this month.'” [Axios DC]
Meeting on Braddock Road Improvements — The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will share the results of a study of the “S-curve portion of Braddock Road” at 7 p.m. today (Wednesday) in a virtual public information meeting. The study looked at potential improvements between Pleasant Valley Road and Old Lee Road, and at the Braddock Road and Old Lee Road intersection. [VDOT]
Food Hall Nears Grand Opening — “Pop-Up District recently opened [at Eden Center in Falls Church] with a limited lineup that includes Vietnamese, Korean, and Thai food vendors, plus a coffee shop and bakery. When its grand opening arrives in June, expect expanded menus, a Japanese-inspired bar, rotating retail pop-ups, DJ nights, and hours stretching from 8 AM to 2 AM.” [Washingtonian]
Fairfax City Pub Celebrates 20 Years — “City of Fairfax business leaders and elected officials presented a plaque to the owners of The Auld Shebeen Irish Pub & Restaurant on Saturday, honoring their 20 years of making memories in Old Town.” [Patch]
WaPo Reviews McLean Restaurant — “Supisa Teawboot figured she’d sell a lot of pad thai when she opened Sorn Thai in McLean in March. Patrons surprised her when they ordered more kanom jeen namya instead. The entrée, rice noodles with fish curry, is … a lovely introduction to a Thai restaurant unlike any other in Northern Virginia.” [Washington Post]
It’s Wednesday — Expect showers with a high near 60°F. There’s a 100% chance of precipitation, potentially accumulating between a quarter and half an inch. At night, the low will be around 56°F, with a 70% chance of precipitation. [NWS]
In part due to opposition from Fairfax County leaders, the regional DMV Moves task force appears to have abandoned a proposal for a regional sales tax to provide additional Metro funding.
A collaborative effort between the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), the DMV Moves task force has been working for a year on developing funding alternatives.
Federal Cuts Constrain Food Banks — “The region’s three main food banks — Blue Ridge, the Capital Area Food Bank and the Maryland Food Bank — together lost more than 1.4 million meals with the March USDA cuts … The Trump administration additionally ended or defunded at least two other programs relied upon by food banks, including funding to purchase food directly from local farmers and to provide food for hungry seniors.” [Washington Post]
Capitals Player Allegedly Involved in Fight — “A Washington Capitals player was pepper sprayed and arrested in Clarendon early Saturday, ARLnow has learned.” Arlington County police responded to the neighborhood’s bar district around 3:26 a.m. on Saturday (May 17) after a witness “reported an active fight outside of a business.” [ARLnow]
Pardoned Jan. 6 Rioter Arrested — “Authorities in Henrico County, Virginia, arrested and charged Zachary Alam, accusing him of ‘breaking into a home in Henrico County and stealing personal items,’ WUSA9 reports. Alam, who is from Centreville, was previously sentenced to eight years in prison for his role in the riot at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.” [Washingtonian]
Criminal Records Sealing Deadline Extended — “Virginia’s General Assembly passed the record-sealing law in 2021, and now, an amended version is set to take effect July 1, 2026 … Surovell said a $20 million rebuild of Virginia’s criminal record-keeping computer infrastructure is preventing the law from taking effect immediately.” [WTOP]
State Senator Treated for Cancer — “State Sen. Barbara Favola, who represents the majority of Arlington County, is undergoing treatment for uterine cancer. In a social media post today (Monday), the 69-year-old said she successfully underwent a hysterectomy on Friday at Virginia Hospital Center.” [ARLnow]
County Supervisors Back Colleague for Congress — “Supervisor James Walkinshaw’s (D-Braddock) campaign to succeed outgoing U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11th) in Congress received the endorsement of all eight other Democrats on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Monday.” [Patch]
Taco Restaurant Still Coming to Annandale — “Over a year ago, the owner of a property in Annandale told us they were planning to open a Shawarma Taco restaurant and accounting firm by the end of 2024 in a building undergoing renovations at 4201 Annandale Road. The renovations are still underway,” but the CEO says he doesn’t know when they’ll finish. [Annandale Today]
Braddock Bark Festival Declared a Success — “Our 4th Annual Braddock Bark festival was a huge success, with over 500 attendees. 7 rescue pups were officially adopted and many more applications to adopt were submitted!” [James Walkinshaw/Bluesky]
It’s Tuesday — Expect clouds to increase throughout the day, accompanied by a high temperature of around 72 and a gentle north wind at 6 mph. At night, anticipate showers mainly after 2 am, with the low temperature dropping to approximately 56. The chance of precipitation stands at 90%. [NWS]
A Fairfax County planning commissioner is the latest candidate seeking to replace retiring Rep. Gerry Connolly.
Candice Bennett, who has served on the commission since 2020, announced Thursday (May 15) that she will campaign for the Democratic nomination for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, which includes most of Fairfax County.
A key indicator suggests Fairfax County’s housing market is not yet feeling the full effects of the region’s economic uncertainty, but both data and expert opinion suggest the market could be in for a bumpy ride in coming months.
The average per-square-foot sales price of homes that sold across the county in April was $375, up 1.9% from $368 a year before, according to figures reported last Monday (May 12) by MarketStats by Showing Time for Bright MLS, the D.C. region’s multiple-listing service.
Fairfax Courthouse Reopens — After a two-day closure, the “Fairfax County Courthouse will reopen and resume operations, with some modifications, on Monday, May 19. Please be aware that visitors may experience delays in accessing the building or services.” The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court will still be in the Historic Courthouse at 4000 Chain Bridge Road. [Fairfax County Emergency Information]
GW Parkway Still Closed After Storm — “George Washington Parkway remains closed between Belle Haven Blvd and Alexandria Ave. This closure is expected to impact the morning rush hour. Please plan ahead to use alternate routes.” [Fairfax Alerts]
Arrest in Abduction at Fairfax Museum — “The City of Fairfax Police Department said a man has been arrested for trying to abduct a woman from the Fairfax Museum last year. On July 3, at around 4:30 p.m., officers responded to the Fairfax Museum, located at 10209 Main St., for reports of an abduction.” [DC News Now]
Missing Man Found Dead in Fairfax City — A 25-year-old man was found dead in Fairfax City early Saturday (May 17) morning, police say. The man had been reported missing on Friday (May 16) and was allegedly seen around the city near George Mason University’s campus with a knife and wounds that were believed to be self-inflicted, prompting an extensive police search. [City of Fairfax Police/X]
Reston Company Loses $2.4 Billion Federal Contract — “According to a court filing last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has terminated a $2.4 billion IT and cybersecurity contract awarded last year to Reston-based federal contractor Leidos.” Dulles-based contractor Nightwing Intelligence Solutions had filed a protest of the contract in court but requested a dismissal after learning that DHS had terminated the deal on May 8. [Virginia Business]
FBI to Leave D.C. Area, Director Says — “The FBI will leave its D.C. headquarters and relocate 1,500 employees, Director Kash Patel said in an interview that aired Friday morning. Patel said the FBI will leave the J. Edgar Hoover Building on Pennsylvania Avenue NW because of its condition.” [NBC4]
Mason District Animal Welfare Alliance Forms — “Supervisor Andres Jimenez has formed a Mason District Animal Welfare Alliance with local animal advocates to improve services for pets, wildlife, and companion animals … Activities under consideration include vaccination clinics and events with rescue groups. The alliance plans to meet monthly.” [Annandale Today]
Reston Association Launches Kayak Storage Lottery — “Based on member feedback, RA is proud to introduce a new kayak storage pilot program in its ongoing effort to expand its lake access for members. Beginning May 16, RA members will have the opportunity to enter a lottery to obtain a slot at the Association’s new kayak storage rack at Lake Audubon boat ramp.” [Reston Association]
It’s Monday — Expect sunny skies and temperatures reaching 76°F, accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 13 to 16 mph and gusts up to 26 mph. Monday night, the weather will be mostly clear with a low of about 52°F, and a northwest wind ranging from 7 to 11 mph, gusting up to 20 mph. [NWS]
Another round of spring rainstorms is expected to hit Fairfax County later this afternoon (Friday).
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for the D.C. region, but a wet Friday night should give way to calmer weather over the weekend, DC News Now metereologist Jackie Layer says.
FCPS Teachers Struggle to Afford Living in Fairfax — “Fairfax County teachers largely can’t afford to rent or buy a house near the school where they teach, according to a new report from the National Council on Teacher Quality. The report said Virginia’s largest school district is one of the Top 10 least affordable places in the nation when it comes to new teachers and housing.” [WTOP]
Laid-Off Federal Workers Flood Job Market — “At least 121,000 federal workers have been laid off or singled out for layoffs since Jan. 20, estimates CNN, and the DMV likely doesn’t have enough white collar jobs to absorb the number of local former feds now looking for new positions, per Indeed.” [Axios DC]
Youngkin’s Budget Vetoes Rejected — “The clerk of Virginia’s House of Delegates on Wednesday night rejected three of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s recent vetoes in the state’s revised two-year budget.” The vetoes of items related to Medicaid and state employee health benefits were deemed impermissible under Virginia’s constitution by Keeper of the Rolls Paul Nardo. [Virginia Mercury]
Korean Street Food Restaurant Opens — “Oiso, a restaurant focusing on Korean street food, is having a soft opening on May 15. The restaurant, located at 7133-C Columbia Pike, Annandale, is in the space formerly occupied by Gom Ba Woo … Oiso will have a Grand Opening on May 22, with free Yoju (soju and yogurt) cocktail tastings 4-8 p.m.” [Annandale Today]
Retired Nats Star’s Former Home for Sale — “Former Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg sold his McLean home just last year following his retirement from baseball. Now, that home is coming back on the market. The nearly 12,000 square-foot house will be listed for sale this Friday for $9.25 million.” [DC UrbanTurf]
Accounting Firm to Open Tysons Office — “WithumSmith + Brown PC, one of the country’s largest accounting firms, is closing its Bethesda and Baltimore offices and opening new offices in Columbia and Tysons.” The Tysons office will be 11,000 square feet in size and located at 1800 Tysons Blvd. [Washington Business Journal]
Clothing Diverted From Landfill — “Fairfax County staff joined regional partners for a tour of the Helpsy textile recycling facility, where unwanted clothing is baled for reuse or recycling Since January, Fairfax residents have helped divert over 10,000 pounds of clothing from landfills.” [Fairfax County Government/X]
It’s Friday — There’s a 60% chance of rain, with showers and thunderstorms likely before 11 am. Cloudy skies will gradually become mostly sunny, reaching a high of 87. Friday night, there is a 50% chance of severe showers and thunderstorms, as temperatures drop to approximately 69. [NWS]
