Mamma Lucia served its final pizza last night (Sunday) after nearly four decades in Fairfax City.
The humble but beloved institution announced on Friday (May 1) that it would permanently close on Sunday, May 3, a difficult decision necessitated by health challenges facing its owner, Rosa.
A Falls Church man has died weeks after he was struck by a driver while riding an electric scooter near Gatehouse Plaza in Merrifield, police say.
Not long before midnight on the evening of April 1, the driver of a 2022 Toyota Corolla heading north on Gallows Road crashed into Mesfin Abay, 37, who was traveling east across Gallows Road at the Gatehouse Road intersection on an e-scooter, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
Join the National Concert Band of America on Sunday, May 17 at 3 p.m. for Built to Last — a powerful afternoon concert celebrating 250 years of the American experience through music.
From patriotic marches to stirring contemporary works, Built to Last takes audiences on a musical journey through the triumphs, challenges, traditions, and evolving identity that have shaped our nation. The program also highlights music by composers from around the world, reflecting the many voices and cultures woven into the American story.
Attendees can expect an inspiring and accessible program filled with sweeping melodies, energetic rhythms, cinematic soundscapes, and moments of reflection. This family-friendly concert is designed to resonate with audiences of all ages while celebrating the resilience, innovation, and spirit that continue to define America.
Selected to perform at the 2026 Association of Concert Bands national convention, NCBA is recognized as one of Northern Virginia’s premier wind ensembles, known for performances that honor tradition while embracing new voices and perspectives.
Event Details:
• Sunday, May 17 at 3 p.m.
• West Springfield High School
• Free admission
• Family-friendly community event
Celebrate America’s story through the power of live music. Free admission — reserve your tickets today.
Kayaker Injured After Falling Into Potomac — “A man suffered life-threatening injuries Sunday after falling out of his kayak and being swept up in the Potomac River. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesperson Pete Piringer said the incident involved three men and unfolded near the Great Falls area.” [WTOP]
Measles Case Confirmed at Dulles Airport — “Virginia and Washington, D.C. health officials on Friday confirmed a new case of measles in the region after an infected person traveled through Washington Dulles International Airport last week. According to officials, the person is a D.C. resident who traveled through the airport on April 23 and April 24.” [Patch]
Lawsuit Challenges Reproductive Rights Amendment — “Tazewell County makes news once again — this time over a second lawsuit challenging a proposed constitutional amendment that would enshrine reproductive rights in Virginia. Filed in Tazewell County Circuit Court, the suit claims the ballot language is misleading and echoes arguments in a previously filed case that challenged the legality of the amendment process.” [Virginia Mercury]
Banfield Lawyers Challenge Guilty Verdict — “Brendan Banfield’s defense team has filed a motion to set aside the guilty verdict in the ‘au pair affair’ double murder trial, a little more than a week before his sentencing date where he faces a mandatory life sentence … Arguments over the motion are expected to be heard during the sentencing hearing next Friday, May 8, at 11 a.m.” [DC News Now]
How Allergy Season Compares to Last Year — “Coughing, sneezing, and sniffles are signs it’s officially the worst part of spring in DC: allergy season. According to the Weather Channel forecasts, Washington will experience a ‘very high’ presence of tree and grass pollen for at least two weeks.” [Washingtonian]
More Lane Closures on Route 29 — “Weather permitting, Route 29 between Union Mill Road/Centreville Farms Drive (Route 8285) and Summit Drive/Buckleys Gate Drive (Route 1257) will continue to have lane closures on weekdays from Monday, May 4, through Friday, May 15, for Route 29 widening project work … Drivers should expect delays and are advised to use alternate routes.” [VDOT]
Va. Given More Time to Restore Voting Rights — “Virginia has an extra month to comply with a federal court order that re-enfranchises residents with certain felony convictions — something a judge says the state has not done (in violation of federal law) for over a century.” [VPM News]
County Offers Free Trees to Residents — “FREE native trees and shrubs are here for Fairfax County residents! Urban Forestry + Solid Waste were up early loading seedlings and delivering them to the 66 Transfer Station and 95 Disposal Complex! Starting [May 1], residents can pick up 3 free seedlings.” [DPWES/X]
New Legal Notice — Public budget hearings May 12, 6pm; May 13 overflow; broadcast. [Public Notices]
It’s Monday — Expect mostly sunny weather with temperatures reaching a high of 76°F. The southwest wind will range from 7 to 11 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. Night will bring partly cloudy skies and a low of around 61°F. [NWS]
Good Friday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — May 1, 2026.
Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.
Here is what’s going on Saturday throughout the county, from our event calendar.
Here are the events planned for Sunday:
Expect mostly cloudy skies today with temperatures reaching a high of around 60°F. Winds will come from the north at 8 to 10 mph, with occasional gusts up to 20 mph. Tonight, the skies will be partly cloudy, and temperatures will drop to a low of approximately 42°F. Northwest winds will blow at 6 to 9 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
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. 👋
*Mamistad Groups meet IN PERSON-only the introductory Zoom call is virtual. 🙂
Pregnancy and new mom groups are a lifesaver when it comes to normalizing those feelings we just can’t be prepared for.
Once part of George Washington’s Mount Vernon plantation, River Farm is now a historic landmark that has been owned by the American Horticulture Society (AHS) for over five decades. Its gardens and scenic views play host to special occasions such as weddings and memorial services.
The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust and American Horticulture Society announced that River Farm has received formal, permanent protection with a conservation easement, a milestone celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony this afternoon (Friday).
Flags across Virginia will be lowered next Monday (May 4) to honor the memory of Dr. Cerina Fairfax and other victims of domestic violence.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger ordered today (Friday) that U.S. and Virginia flags be flown at half-staff on all state and local government buildings and grounds from sunrise to sunset, expressing a commitment to “helping those who face domestic violence or the threat of domestic violence.”
A new weekend brunch is coming to NAJA Mediterranean at the Mosaic District in Merrifield, inspired by traditional breakfasts across the Middle East and Mediterranean.
Restaurateur Tariq Alaeddin’s eatery, described as a “love letter from Beirut to America,” is hosting its first weekend brunch tomorrow (Saturday) at 2911 District Avenue.
When purchasing a house or other property, it’s helpful to have a trusted partner to assist with research and the financial process, ensuring you’re getting what you’re paying for.
Here are the nominees for “Best Title Company in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. Did we miss your favorite business below? Write them in!
Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 15.
Voting for Best Real Estate Agent for Sellers in Fairfax County is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, May 8 at 8:30 a.m.
Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Moving Company in Fairfax County. The results are now official:
The Seven Corners store that once housed a Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts is getting a makeover as a new Japanese lifestyle store filled with Hello Kitty and Pokémon plushes and figurines, imported snacks and drinks, beauty products, and household goods.
Ebisu will host its grand opening at 6320 Seven Corners Center at 11 a.m. today (Friday). The ribbon-cutting also marks the start of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and will feature a traditional lion dance performance.
