News | FFXnow - Part 620

Morning Notes

Published April 20, 2023 at 7:30AM

Green flourishes along a trail in Reston (photo by Terry Baranski)

Preparation for Delayed Southbound GW Parkway Closure Begins — “To prepare for the traffic shift, crews will begin to install temporary lane dividers on April 20. Motorists should expect single lane, northbound closures from 8 p.m. on April 20 to 2:45 p.m. on April 21 during these preparations. Crews will implement the new traffic pattern between 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 22.” [National Park Service]

New Dining Options Coming to Local Airports — “Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport announced a new slate of concessions, including spinoffs of some notable DC restaurants and brands. The phased rollout will begin later this year, and more than 80 new dining and retail options are expected open across both airports by 2026.” [Washingtonian]

Grand Jury Declines to Indict Officer in Tysons Incident

By GazetteLeader

Published April 20, 2023 at 6:00AM

By Brian Trompeter

A Fairfax County grand jury on April 17 decline to indict a Fairfax County police officer who fatally shot an alleged shoplifter in Tysons Feb. 22 – a move that disappointed the county’s commonwealth’s attorney and may help the fired officer get his job back.

Abstract Paintings, Wood Sculptures, Mechanical Devices Featured in McLean Project for the Arts’ New Solo Shows

By GazetteLeader

Published April 20, 2023 at 6:00AM

By Brian Trompeter

From ironic sculptures skewering modern technology to naturalistic wood sculptures and colorful abstract paintings, the latest solo shows at the McLean Project for the Arts exude variety and challenge viewers.

County Budget Hearing Brings Out Spending Advocates, Fiscal Hawks

By GazetteLeader

Published April 20, 2023 at 6:00AM

By Brian Trompeter

The Board of Supervisors’ budget public hearings are a window into just how diverse and extensive Fairfax County’s operations are – and how passionately people will compete to obtain finite resources or keep their own earnings.

Shepherd’s Center Celebrates Volunteers for Service

By GazetteLeader

Published April 20, 2023 at 6:00AM

By Brian Trompeter

2022 was a solid year for the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia and leaders honored some of the group’s top volunteers April 17 for their contributions to that success.

New Code of Conduct Is Set for School Board Members

By GazetteLeader

Published April 20, 2023 at 6:00AM

By Brian Trompeter

The Fairfax County School Board on April 13 voted 10-2 to approve a new policy that governs expectations of board members’ conduct – including with their employees – and stipulates corrective measures in case of violations.

Reston Association seeks feedback on first decade-long parks and recreation plan

By Fatimah Waseem

Published April 19, 2023 at 3:00PM | Updated April 20, 2023 at 8:43AM

Reston Association (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated on April 20) Reston Association is seeking member feedback on its parks and recreation offerings.

The online survey, which begins on May 1 and continues through June 30, will help guide the association’s 10-year parks and recreation plan.

Three dogs rescued from townhouse fire in Centreville

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 19, 2023 at 1:30PM

Fairfax County paramedics attend to a dog rescued from a townhouse fire in Centreville (via FCFRD/Twitter)

A trio of dogs was rescued from a townhouse fire in Centreville’s Bryarton neighborhood this morning (Wednesday).

Multiple Fairfax County Fire and Rescue units were dispatched to the 14600 block of Seasons Drive around 11:17 a.m., according to scanner traffic from Open MHz.

New report shows population growth has stagnated in Fairfax County

By Vernon Miles

Published April 19, 2023 at 11:45AM

Fairfax County’s population growth has slowed to a crawl, and it’s unclear if that’s a temporary result of the pandemic or a more permanent trend.

The newly published 2022 Demographic Report indicates that the county’s population has slowed since 2020. It decreased in 2021 for the first time since 1840, though 2022 saw a slight rebound from that — an increase of a fraction of a percent.

Opening of $28 million baseball park marks county’s first foray into sports tourism

By Matt Blitz

Published April 19, 2023 at 9:30AM

Patriot Park North ribbon-cutting (courtesy Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity's office)

A $28 million baseball and softball complex in Fairfax officially opened this past weekend, marking the county’s first foray into sports tourism.

The ribbon-cutting for Patriot Park North was held Saturday morning (April 15) with local officials, a Washington Nationals representative, and Little Leaguers all in attendance.