News

One local state lawmaker announced plans today (Monday) to seek a newly-drawn Congressional seat if Virginia’s redistricting amendment is approved by voters later this month.

Saddam Azlan Salim, a Democrat who has served in the state Senate since 2023, joins a crowded primary field for the proposed 7th Congressional District that includes two other state lawmakers and a former Virginia first lady.


News

The new toll lanes on the Capital Beltway (I-495) in McLean have been operating for a few months now, but construction on the project known as 495 NEXT is not yet complete.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will set the stage for a new milestone tonight (Monday) with a traffic shift on the Georgetown Pike Bridge over I-495.


News

For the second time this year, a pedestrian has died in a crash on the Fairfax County section of Richmond Highway (Route 1).

Police responded at 10:30 p.m. on Friday (April 3) to Richmond Highway’s intersection with Pohick Road and Backlick Road in Fort Belvoir after receiving a report of a crash involving a pedestrian.


Countywide
A man walking through Strawberry Park at the Mosaic District in Merrifield after rain (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Va. Sees Big ACA Enrollment Drop — “A new federal report indicates 1.2 million fewer Americans signed up for ACA insurance during the most recent open enrollment period nationwide. In Virginia, about 33,000 people have dropped off, State Health Exchange Director Keven Patchett said at a forum with the State Corporation Commission.” [Virginia Mercury]

Herndon Deck Fire Under Investigation — Fairfax County firefighters responded around 3:51 p.m. on Saturday (April 4) “to the 2600 block of Jetstream Road in Herndon for multiple calls of a deck fire that was rapidly spreading. Units arrived to find a middle unit townhouse with fire and smoke showing from the rear … There were no civilian or firefighter injuries.” [FCFRD/Facebook]

Voters Mixed on Redistricting Proposal — “A slim majority of Virginia voters favors a redistricting measure to give Democrats as many as four extra seats in Congress this November, with 52 percent of likely voters saying they support redrawing state political maps and 47 percent opposed, according to a Washington Post-Schar School poll.” [Washington Post]

Route 29 Lane Closures in Centreville — “Weather permitting, Route 29 between Union Mill Road/Centreville Farms Drive (Route 8285) and Summit Drive/Buckleys Gate Drive (Route 1257) will have lane closures on weekdays from Tuesday, April 7, through Friday, April 17, for Route 29 widening project work … Drivers should expect delays and are advised to use alternate routes.” [VDOT]

Martial Arts Studio Reopens After Fire — “After UMS Martial Arts was destroyed by a fire on New Year’s Day, the studio has been operating in a temporary space at the same Barcroft Plaza shopping Center … The martial arts studio’s temporary location is a vacant storefront formerly occupied by Pearle Vision at 6343 Columbia Pike.” [Annandale Today]

Assistant Police Chief Leaving — “Assistant Chief Robert A. Blakley will retire from the Fairfax County Police Department after more than two decades of dedicated service.” Nearing five years as the assistant chief of operations for the Fairfax County Police Department, he will begin a new job as a deputy county executive position for Prince William County on April 13. [FCPD]

Textile Recycling Pilot Expands Again — “Fairfax County has expanded its textile recycling program to three new locations, including the West Springfield Government Center, at 6140 Rolling Road. Residents can drop off clothing, shoes, and household textiles in blue Helpsy bins,” which can also be found at the I-66 Transfer Station, I-95 Landfill Complex, Jim Scott Community Center and Sully Government Center. [Annandale Today]

Vienna Community Potluck Returning — “After a successful debut last year, The Longest Table Vienna is returning for its second annual potluck. On Saturday, May 9, 500 community members will gather along the Vienna Town Green on Mill Street SE to share a meal. The free, public event will be held from noon to 2 p.m.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

New Legal Notice — ABC permit sought: restaurant/caterer, beer, wine, mixed beverages, on/off-premise. [Public Notices]

New Legal Notice — Applying for off-premises beer-wine license; objections due within 30 days. [Public Notices]

It’s Monday — Expect increasing clouds today with a high of 62°F and west winds at 10 mph, gusting up to 21 mph. Tonight, skies will be mostly clear with a low of 42°F and northwest winds at around 7 mph. [NWS]


Event

Clear Out. Shred Securely. Give Back.
Sept. 19th | from 9-12 | Bring your unwanted documents to be securely shredded on-site by Priority 1 Shredding while helping support our local community!

Join Us To:
~Securely shred your unwanted documents
~Protect your personal information
~Help care for our environment
~Make a donation to help those in need
Non – Perishable Food or Personal Care Donations are welcome and appreciated!


Around Town

Good Friday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Apr 3, 2026.

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  • West Coast pizza chain decides on Reston to start N. Va. expansion (9497 views)
  • NEW: Tysons’ former Bed Bath & Beyond might turn into grocery store (7273 views)
  • Labubu maker to open retail shop at Tysons Corner Center (4524 views)
  • Free pickleball courts set to open at Capital One Center in Tysons (4379 views)
  • Dog critically injured in hit-and-run crash on GW Parkway, driver sought (4045 views)
  • Planning commission agrees retail not needed in planned Kingstowne Towne Center housing (4012 views)
  • FCPD hunting ‘con artist’ accused of swiping jewelry through sleight of hand (3803 views)
  • UPDATED: Man charged with murder after Bailey’s Crossroads stabbing (3593 views)
  • Feds investigating FCPS over Fairfax HS assault allegations (3037 views)
  • FCPD: Bailey’s Crossroads man charged with murder of infant (2839 views)
  • After success in Arlington, Soul Thai restaurateur expands to Centreville (2503 views)
  • New Kingstowne library, other Franconia facilities to open doors next week (2140 views)
  • 📅 Upcoming events

    Here is what’s going on Saturday throughout the county, from our event calendar.

    Here are the events planned for Sunday:

    ☀️ Saturday’s forecast

    There’s a slight 20% chance of showers after 2 p.m. today, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 87°F. Expect a south wind between 5 and 10 mph. Tonight, there’s a slight chance of showers before 8 p.m., increasing to a 40% chance after 2 a.m. The night will be partly cloudy with a low around 64°F, and south winds at 11 to 16 mph, with gusts up to 26 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

    🌅 Tonight’s sunset

    The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

    We hope you have a great weekend! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋


    News

    Reston Association’s summer pool season kicks off May 9 with limited service, transitioning to all pools opening starting in mid-June.

    “Summer will be here before we know it — from lap swimming and open swim to lessons and water fitness classes, RA pools remain one of the community’s most popular amenities,” the association said in announcing its 2026 summer schedule.


    News

    A Woodbridge man who was previously convicted in Fairfax County for the sexual assault of two minors faces 40 years in prison after coercing dozens of underage victims to send him sexually explicit material.

    Malachi Morgan Thomas, 24, pleaded guilty yesterday (Thursday) in federal court to two counts of sexual exploitation of children, as well as one count of possession of child sexual abuse material, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced.


    Opinion

    With the weather warming up, Fairfax County families are dusting off the strollers and heading outside — and the county’s playgrounds are ready for them, from fully accessible destination parks to shaded neighborhood favorites tucked into the woods.

    Here are the nominees for “Best Playground in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. Did we miss your favorite playground below? Write them in!

    Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, April 17.

    Voting for Best Pest Control Company in Fairfax County is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, April 10 at 8:30 a.m.

    Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Lawn Care Service around Fairfax. The results are now official:

    1. Craig’s Lawn Care
    2. Wheat’s Landscape
    3. Independence Landscape

    News

    The water in Lake Thoreau is finally high enough to allow crews to begin clearing sediment.

    Delayed from last fall due to insufficient water levels, Reston Association now anticipates beginning the approximately four-week process of dredging Lake Thoreau’s Westcove next week.