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.
A 15-year-old Chantilly youth is flying high in the art world, while doing her part to promote inclusivity in the world of aviation and aerospace.
Lalitha Kuchipudi recently earned first place in the Senior category (ages 14-17) of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale’s (FAI) Young Artists Contest.
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 2.5-mile segment of the George Washington Memorial Parkway remains inaccessible to traffic three days after a storm brought down over a dozen trees and left others severely damaged.
The closure from Belle View Blvd in Belle Haven to Alexandria Avenue in Fort Hunt is expected to continue at least through the morning rush hour tomorrow (Tuesday), as crews work to remove fallen and hazardous trees, the National Park Service announced this afternoon.
Another attempt to develop the Reston National Golf Course for housing appears to have fallen short, for now.
The Fairfax County Planning Commission informally voted last Thursday (May 15) to recommend the project be left off a list of Comprehensive Plan amendment proposals to be recommended to the Board of Supervisors in June.
The arts center planned for downtown McLean has a new name and a potential timeline for starting construction.
The facility will officially be known as the MPA Berlage Arts & Education Center in honor of McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) board member and longtime supporter Bruce L. Berlage, who made a “significant” contribution to help fund the project, MPA announced last week.
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]
Update — Joshua Obregon Pacheco was found dead Saturday morning (May 17), Fairfax City police announced.
“Please keep his family in your thoughts,” the City of Fairfax County Police Department said. “No foul play is suspected.”
