ArtsFairfax’s $601,900 in new operating support grants exceeds last year’s support by $10,000 and will aid organizations in all nine county magisterial districts plus the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church.

The organization announced its fiscal year 2027 grant awards on Thursday (Aug. 13). A total of 65 local arts groups will receive funds, up from 56 a year ago. Four organizations were first-time recipients.


In the event of a cardiac emergency, visitors at Fairfax City’s Draper Drive Park now have more immediate access to potentially life-saving equipment.

A new automated external defibrillator (AED) will be officially unveiled at the 17-acre park at 9797 Beech Drive with a dedication ceremony and community celebration next Tuesday (Aug. 18).


Another person has died while in custody of the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO).

Ricky Edwards, 61, was found unresponsive in a cell at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center on Wednesday (Aug. 12), prompting deputies to announce a medical emergency, according to a press release.


A daycare teacher is facing charges of misdemeanor assault and battery following an alleged assault on a child at the Reston school, Fairfax County police said yesterday (Aug. 13).

Detectives responded to Bright Horizons Daycare at 11400 Commerce Park Drive on Aug. 7 for a report of an assault on the 3-year-old.


Bright orange marigold flowers with a bee collecting nectar on a bloom amidst green foliage.
A bee on French marigold flowers in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

New Group Opposes License Plate Readers — “A new advocacy group is trying to get the Board of Supervisors to remove the police department’s Flock license plate readers that are popping up all over Fairfax County.” DeFlock Fairfax will host a public event highlighting its concerns about the automated cameras on Aug. 22 at Ravensworth Baptist Church in Annandale. [Annandale Today]

Kennedy Center Board Votes for Closure — “The battle over the Kennedy Center’s future escalated Thursday as President Donald Trump’s allies on the board took new steps to commemorate him with physical changes to the iconic performing arts institution that could defy a federal court order.” [ARLnow and AP]

Governor Tours Local Health Clinic — Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger visited Neighborhood Health in the Groveton area yesterday (Thursday), “touting the progress the state has made in capping insulin costs and preventing prescription drugs from becoming unaffordable.” She also highlighted recently approved funding intended to offset the impacts of Medicaid changes on local residents. [WTOP]

Civil War Soldier’s Remains Destined for ANC — “A young Union soldier who likely died fighting in the Second Battle of Manassas more than 160 years ago is finally heading to his final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery. The National Park Service announced Thursday it will transfer the soldier’s remains to the Office of Army Cemeteries.” [Inside NoVA]

I-95 Ramp Closure Tonight — “Weather permitting, the ramp from northbound I-95 to Franconia Road/Old Keene Mill Road (Route 644, Exits 169 A-B) will be closed for paving Friday night, Aug. 14; Sunday night, Aug. 16; and Monday night, Aug. 17 … Drivers are asked to follow posted detour signs.” [VDOT]

NSO Sees Bump in Support at Wolf Trap — “One of the few bright spots in the [National Symphony Orchestra’s] budgets suggests its audience is waiting in the wings, willing to buy tickets to performances outside the Kennedy Center. Its summer residency at Wolf Trap, an outdoor performing arts venue in Northern Virginia, beat sales projections last fiscal year and is on pace to do so again.” [Washington Post]

Veterans Launch Printing Center in Kingstowne — “PostNet, a global leader in high-quality shipping, printing and logistics solutions, has opened a new veteran-owned center in Alexandria, Virginia, at 6471 Old Beulah Street, and will host a grand opening celebration on Aug. 18 at 11 am.” [Press release]

Free Celebration at Clemyjontri Park — “Celebrate inclusion at the Clemyjontri Park Open House event on Sunday, Aug. 30. Fairfax County Park Authority’s access and inclusion staff invites one and all out to explore the wonders of this inclusive play space located at 6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean.” [FCPA]

It’s Friday — Expect mostly cloudy skies with a high near 88°F and a 30% chance of showers and possible thunderstorms after 5 PM. In the evening, there is a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms until 10 PM, followed by showers after 2 AM, with a low around 71°F and light, variable winds. [NWS]


A Northern Virginia woman believes her dashcam and cell phone recordings of an encounter with masked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Bailey’s Crossroads on Monday (Aug. 10) saved her life.

Carolina Molina returned yesterday (Wednesday) near the site along Columbia Pike where an ICE agent drew his gun and pointed it at her to provide further details of the encounter, which made waves after she posted footage of it on Instagram.


Gin Dance Company’s upcoming performance at Capital One Hall in Tysons will be its last.

Previously advertised as the launch of its 16th season, the Sept. 12 premiere of “Lightning” will instead serve as an unexpected swan song for the Reston-based arts organization after co-founders Shu-Chen and Gary Cuff announced yesterday (Wednesday) that they will wind down operations.


The man accused of killing Stephanie Minter earlier this year boarded and left a bus at the same time as her, then doubled back and stood behind her as she appeared to sit unaware at a Hybla Valley bus stop during the last minutes of her life, according to witness testimony and video footage.

Following hours of testimony and surveillance footage shown during a preliminary hearing in Fairfax County General District Court yesterday (Wednesday), the second-degree murder case against 33-year-old Abdul Jalloh was certified to a grand jury in Fairfax County Circuit Court.


Fairfax County is bringing back a popular program that provides free trees to community groups for planting on privately owned properties.

The county’s Urban and Community Forestry Division (UCFD) is currently accepting applications for its tree distribution program until Oct. 30, inviting any local community organization — from volunteer groups and civic associations to faith organizations and nonprofits — to participate.


The Herndon Town Council voted this week to authorize collective bargaining with officers in the town’s police department.

Unanimously passed on Tuesday (Aug. 11) with the exception of one absent member, the ordinance permits police employees to negotiate hourly wages and annual base salaries, and an advance pay program through a union.


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