James Walkinshaw speaks as Rep. Gerry Connolly looks on (photo via @JamesWalkinshaw/X)
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.
Mather and Fairfax County officials cut a ribbon to celebrate Arbor Row Center's opening in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
At Tysons’ new senior center, adults 50 and older will be able to stay fit, express their artistry, learn how to navigate technology and more.
Arbor Row Center is now open on the ground floor of The Mather, an apartment community for seniors, at 7929B Westpark Drive. After a ribbon-cutting celebration yesterday (Monday), the facility will host an open house today (Tuesday) where patrons can meet each other and enjoy refreshments from 10 a.m. to noon.
A window washer cleans the Tysons Tower office building (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
VHSL to Vote on Transgender AthleteRestrictions — “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 TreatParkinson’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]
Work being done on new Koinonia Foundation building (image via Koinonia Foundation/Facebook)
A Franconia nonprofit needing more space and an unused church building seems like a match made in heaven, but plans to expand Koinonia Foundation have been stuck in development hell.
Koinonia Foundation has long since outgrown its current space at 6037 Franconia Road, where it operates a food pantry, a clothing closet, and emergency financial aid with counseling — all in an 1,100-square-foot space.
Residents attend an in-person update on the Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project at the Gerry South Hyland Government Center on Jan. 15, 2025 (staff photo by James Jarvis)
Fairfax County’s plan to finance a nearly billion-dollar bus rapid transit (BRT) network along Richmond Highway is about to get another boost.
In June, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) is expected to support an additional $10 million in funding for the project. It would be the second installment in a $20 million promise to help the county finance the new bus system.
A rendering of 2990 Telestar Court in Merrifield after the building is converted into affordable housing (courtesy Conifer Realty LLC)
A project to convert a former Inova office building in Merrifield into affordable housing is set to begin construction this May.
The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) and developer Conifer Realty announced late last week that they’ve closed on financing for the repurposing of the vacant, four-story office building at 2990 Telestar Court, which will be turned into 80 apartments.
Mark Manetti and Chief John O'Neal discuss Fire Station #3 project (screenshot via City of Fairfax)
City of Fairfax officials are developing plans to construct a new primary fire station.
Though the project’s timing and final price tag still need to be pinned down, progress is being made and details will soon emerge, a representative of the architect told the Fairfax City Council at an April 22 meeting.
Loudoun County Sheriff's Office administrative building (via Google Maps)
Three Herndon residents were arrested last month on charges of attempting to exploit children in Loudoun County.
The men — identified as 45-year-old Ravi Shankar Reddy Gunipalli, 29-year-old Thomas Ian Wallace and 28-year-old Ruben Oben Nouta — were among eight people arrested by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office during the week of April 21 as part of an “internet chat operation,” according to a press release.
A rainbow arcs over trees and power lines near the W&OD Trail in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
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]