A lower real estate tax rate, smaller transfer than school leaders sought and imposition of a meals tax are all part of Fairfax County’s $5.7 billion fiscal year 2026 budget slated for formal adoption next week.
“Our residents are worried” as they “prepare for the impact” of the Trump administration’s downsizing of the federal government and its related economic fallout, Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said at a budget markup session today (Tuesday).
A former longtime adviser to Rep. Gerry Connolly appears to be running to succeed his political mentor.
James Walkinshaw, a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for the past five years, filed paperwork today (Tuesday) to formally seek the Democratic nomination for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District.
VHSL to Vote on Transgender Athlete Restrictions — “Even after Virginia imposed a new ban blocking transgender students from girls’ sports, advocates are making a last-ditch push this week to sway high school sports leaders — challenging a decision that others have applauded.” The Virginia High School League is scheduled to ratify its policy change at a meeting tomorrow (Wednesday). [Virginia Mercury]
Army Helicopter Flights Halted Near DCA — “The Army is pausing helicopter flights near a Washington airport after two commercial planes had to abort landings last week because of an Army Black Hawk helicopter that was flying to the Pentagon … The pause comes after 67 people died in January when a passenger jet collided in midair with a Black Hawk helicopter at Reagan airport.” [Associated Press]
Rock Used in Hybla Valley Business Burglaries — “Detectives from our Criminal Investigations Division are seeking the community’s help in identifying a suspect responsible for multiple burglaries in Hybla Valley.” Police first responded to a burglary call at La Taza Panaderia on April 17 where the suspect reportedly used a rock to break in. [FCPD]
Shooting Survivor Shares Story — “Her own cellphone video captured the start of the terrifying gunfire that changed Esther’s life forever. The six gunshots left her with permanent injuries and, for now, tethered to a tracheostomy tube she must use to speak … Collins Agyei, her son’s father and the man who nearly killed her, was sentenced to 23 years in prison on Thursday.” [NBC4]
New Bank to Open in Annandale — “The new Chase Bank branch at 4250 John Marr Drive in Annandale is expected to open on May 20. New customers who open a personal or business account at the Grand Opening will receive a coupon for $300, says Catherine Morrison, market director for consumer banking at Chase.” [Annandale Today]
Fairfax Connector Service Changes Coming — Fairfax Connector will implement changes to some bus routes starting May 17. “Key adjustments include the introduction of two new routes – Route 652 and Route 670 – designed to improve connectivity and meet emerging transit demands. In addition, Route 599 will be discontinued to optimize system efficiency.” [Fairfax Connector]
New Tech Used to Treat Parkinson’s Disease — “Rick Schena, of Alexandria, Virginia, and his doctor at MedStar Health, in McLean, have begun using the latest technology — adaptive deep brain stimulation — in his treatment for Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder.” Schena is the first Parkinson’s patient in the D.C. area to be treated with the technology. [WTOP]
It’s Tuesday — There’s a 60% chance of precipitation today, with potential thunderstorms starting at 11 am and temperatures peaking at 75. At night, showers and thunderstorms are likely before 11pm, with increasing clouds and lows around 57. [NWS]
Abduction Charges Dropped After Judge Rejects Plea Deal — “A Virginia man accused of trying to abduct a 4-year-old girl was freed from jail Friday after almost two years. The Fairfax County commonwealth’s attorney dropped charges against Hyram Baquedano Rodriguez after a judge refused to sign off on a guilty plea with a two-year sentence.” [NBC4]
Data Center Regulation Bill Vetoed — “Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed a bill with bipartisan support Friday that would have required data center applicants and energy utilities to disclose information to local governments on noise and environmental impacts of the project.” [WTOP]
FCPD Shares Latest Road Shark Campaign Data — “Between April 21 and April 27, officers issued more than 8,250 citations and warnings, including over 600 speeding citations and 160 reckless driving citations. These numbers highlight the ongoing need for focused enforcement and driver accountability across Fairfax County.” [FCPD]
Trucks Get Warning to Prevent Crashes Into Dulles Toll Road — “Construction vehicles hitting bridges and overpasses has been such an issue that a new warning system was recently put in place to stop it.” A crash that damaged a bridge in Reston in 2023 affected traffic for months afterwards, and other highways have seen similar incidents. [NBC4]
Nonprofit Adds Pantry With Menstrual Products — “Elected officials and the Junior League of Northern Virginia recently celebrated the opening of the Britepaths SNAP Gap Pantry in Fairfax. The Period Pantry, which is located in Britepaths’ offices at 3959 Pender Drive, provides the central Fairfax community with consistent, dignified access to a range of women’s health and hygiene products.” [Patch]
Occoquan Boardwalk Project Funding Vetoed — “Plans to extend the popular Occoquan Riverwalk have hit a major roadblock after Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed $1.2 million in state funding that town leaders had counted on to move the project forward.” [Potomac Local News]
Reston Native Pursues Entrepreneurial Ventures at UVA — “[Rajan] Chidambaram, a Reston, Va. native, is known around Grounds for his viral fraternity and sorority house tours on Instagram. But behind the scenes, he has been building a unique real estate venture, combining his interests in business and property.” [Cavalier Daily]
It’s Monday — There’s a 90% chance of showers and a possible thunderstorm after 2pm, with patchy fog clearing by 10am and a high near 76°F. Tonight, anticipate a low around 62°F with showers and a potential thunderstorm before 2am. [NWS]
George Mason University Board of Visitors meetings aren’t typically jam-packed, but a battle over diversity programs among the school’s leadership has stirred up the university’s student body.
At a meeting yesterday (Thursday), board members questioned university staff on whether the school is complying with the Trump administration’s crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in education.
If you don’t need one immediately, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) officials suggest waiting out the current rush for REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identity cards.
“At the Virginia DMV, there’s no deadline to get a REAL ID — just plenty of good days to apply, as customers are able to apply for one year-round,” Camila Barco, a spokesman for the state agency, told FFXnow.
Man Sentenced for Shooting Ex-Girlfriend — Collins Agyei was sentenced to 23 years in prison yesterday (Thursday) after a jury convicted him last year of shooting his former girlfriend at her home in Mount Vernon. The 25-year-old woman was left with “life-changing injuries and a near inability to speak.” [NBC4]
Weapons Detectors to Stay Permanently at Two Schools — “New weapons screening systems will remain at West Potomac and Thomas Edison High Schools permanently, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) confirmed to 7News on Thursday.” FCPS began rolling out the devices for a pilot program in April, but a stabbing at West Potomac High School prompted new calls for safety measures. [ABC7]
Report Finds Teacher Pay in Virginia Still Lagging — “From last year to now, Virginia raised teacher pay by an average of $3,000. Still, the commonwealth’s average pay rate for educators remains stagnant compared to other states, according to the latest salary report published by the National Education Association.” [Virginia Mercury]
Dulles Has Country’s Most Expensive Domestic Flights — “Dulles International Airport ranks as the most expensive airport for average domestic airfare for the fourth consecutive year, according to annual data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. FinanceBuzz ranked airports based on 2024 fares, and included only roundtrip domestic fares.” [WTOP]
What to Expect From Upcoming WorldPride Festival — “WorldPride Festival kicks off May 17, and three weeks of parties, rallies, concerts and events will draw major star power and an expected 2-3 million revelers to D.C. … The city is prepping for crowds with a new parade route, a tap-and-pay Metro card system, and amped-up security.” [Axios DC]
McLean Sees Its Priciest Home Sale This Year — “A riverfront estate on McLean’s Gold Coast that’s been on the market for less than a year has set a sales record for most expensive home in the Virginia city this year. The eight-bedroom estate, on just over four acres, closed for $14.05 million in April.” [WTOP]
Thai Street Markets Coming to Annandale — “The NVA Thai Center is launching a monthly market featuring Thai food, crafts, and performances at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space in the center of Annandale. The first one is scheduled for May 11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.” [Annandale Today]
Local Restaurants Offer Cinco De Mayo Specials — Cinco de Mayo (May 5) “marks Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1962. In the U.S., the holiday is a time to celebrate Mexican culture with food and music — and plenty of spots in NoVA will be hosting festivities this year. Here’s where you can find special events and deals on tacos, margaritas, and more.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
It’s Friday — Showers and thunderstorms are possible after 2pm, with mostly sunny conditions, a high near 87, and a 40% chance of precipitation. The chance of showers and thunderstorms continues until 2am, followed by partly cloudy skies and a low of 66. [NWS]
The warmth that has greeted May in Fairfax County could be offset by a few days of much-needed rain, starting tonight (Thursday).
DC News Now meterologist Jackie Layer has the forecast for Fairfax County, provided exclusively to FFXnow, including details on when to expect rain and how much might fall through this weekend.
The ranks of unemployed Fairfax County residents ticked up nearly 8% month-over-month and 37% year-over-year in March, according to new state data, as Northern Virginia’s economy takes a hit from the federal government’s downsizing and collateral economic impacts.
A total of 20,836 Fairfax residents were counted as unemployed for March, according to figures reported this week by the Virginia Employment Commission. That compares to 19,315 in February and 15,171 in March 2024.
Early voting in Virginia’s 2025 Democratic primary begins tomorrow (Friday), officially kicking off the party’s bid to retake statewide seats that were swept by Republicans in 2021.
Rep. Abigail Spanberger has already secured the gubernatorial nomination, setting up a historic race with Republican nominee and current Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears that will give Virginia its first-ever female governor.
