Fairfax County police are investigating the death of a conservative political advisor and CNN commentator who was found in a ditch in the Belle Haven area Saturday (May 18) morning.
CNN announced that evening that Alice Stewart had died at 58 years old after what officers believe was a medical emergency. Her body had been found outdoors in the Belle View neighborhood, but “no foul play is suspected,” the news organization said.
UAE Eyes Diplomatic Compound in McLean — “The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government dropped $55 million for 18 acres stretching along the Potomac River in McLean, where it plans to build a diplomatic compound, reports the Washington Business Journal (WBJ).” [Axios DC]
Two Charged in Bailey’s Crossroads Shooting — “Detectives have charged two men in connection with [Friday’s] shooting in Bailey’s Crossroads that left one man dead.” A 20-year-old has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Alder Perez Argueta from Bailey’s Crossroads, and a 25-year-old faces charges of robbery resulting in death and gang participation. [FCPD]
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) has the green light to apply for a federal grant to replace dozens of buses in its Fairfax Connector fleet.
However, none of the new buses will be all-electric, despite the county’s earlier pledges to electrify its fleet of vehicles.
Fairfax County will hold a community meeting later this month to gather feedback on its efforts to document one of the region’s oldest African American communities.
The first meeting — scheduled for Tuesday, May 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the Gum Springs Community Center (8100 Fordson Road) — will give community members a chance to learn more about the timeline and goals of the Gum Springs Heritage Resources Study.
Man Killed in Bailey’s Crossroads Shooting — “Officers are on scene of a shooting in the 6000 blk of Argyle Dr in Bailey’s Crossroads. An adult man was taken to the hospital and pronounced deceased. Preliminary, involved parties appear to be known to each other. Detectives are on scene investigating.” [FCPD]
Congress Approves More National Airport Flights — “More long-haul flights are coming to Reagan National Airport. And people annoyed by helicopter noise will continue to have their voice heard. Those are two of the main local impacts from the FAA reauthorization bill just approved by Congress. The bill now awaits President Biden’s signature.” [ARLnow]
Fewer parking spaces will be required in the expansion of Reston Town Center than previously anticipated.
During its May 7 meeting, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors agreed to vacate the parking reduction that it granted developer Boston Properties (BXP) when the project known as RTC Next was originally approved in 2018.
With just days to go before Fairfax County Public Schools finalizes its fiscal year 2025 budget, teachers voiced frustration this week with the news that school employees will get lower-than-expected pay raises.
As it stands, the Fairfax County School Board is on track to adopt a revised budget that includes a 3% pay increase for all school employees, down from the initially proposed 6%, starting July 1.
The Town of Herndon has taken a crucial step towards constructing a new pedestrian bridge along Hunters Creek Trail, which could be ready as soon as the end of August.
The Herndon Town Council approved a special exception on Tuesday (May 14) that clears the way for a replacement of the worn-out 1970s-era bridge in Runnymede Park. The bridge was shut down last year due to safety concerns after being deemed “structurally unsound.”
Fairfax Connector is gathering public input on a plan to adjust bus service while increasing fares by 12.5%.
The Connector is increasing its base fare from $2 to $2.25 and express fares from $4.25 to $4.80 to match Metrobus fares, which will increase in an effort by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to address a budget shortfall.
Northern Lights Seen Over National Mall — “Rare, possibly one-of-a-kind video has emerged of the northern lights dancing over the National Mall and Washington Monument. Even though clouds in the D.C. area mostly obscured the epic display of auroras…a short window opened up just before dawn Saturday when the clouds parted. [Washington Post]
Tysons Auto Dealerships Up for Sale — The Koons dealership site at 2000 and 2050 Chain Bridge Road, which was considered for redevelopment by Comstock, “is now being marketed for sale as a Home Depot-anchored mixed-use district.” Marketing materials say the property is available “for three different opportunities: a ground lease, a sale and a joint venture.” [Bisnow]
