Reston residents are becoming increasingly frustrated by the cooling system that serves properties around Lake Anne, saying equipment issues and unresponsive management have forced them to endure intense heat this summer without relief.
Residents who shared their experiences with FFXnow say temperatures in their homes have climbed up to 85 degrees or higher this week after one of the chillers that Reston RELAC uses to cool water from Lake Anne shut down last Friday (June 20).
Reston Parkway Crash Hospitalizes Driver — A driver who crashed into a pole on Reston Parkway at Sunrise Valley Drive was transported to a hospital yesterday (Wednesday) with injuries described as “life-threatening.” Officers responded to the crash around 5:20 p.m., per the police scanner, closing the parkway’s northbound lanes so the scene could be cleared. [FCPD/X]
Another Measles Case at Dulles Airport — “The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was notified of a confirmed case of measles at Washington Dulles International Airport on Thursday, June 19. The confirmed case is an international traveler visiting North Carolina.” This is the third confirmed case of measles in a Dulles Airport visitor. [Fairfax County Health Department]
Uptick in Homes for Sale — “The local real-estate market is beginning to feel the impact of federal-government downsizing, new data suggests. By autumn, the impacts may be even more pronounced, according to Bright MLS, the region’s multiple-listing service.” An increasing number of homes in the D.C. area are being put on the market by retiring federal workers, Bright MLS says. [ARLnow]
Sentencing in Shots Fired Case — “A 20-year-old Fairfax County woman will serve eight years in prison for a ‘terrifying’ July 2024 shooting along Old Bridge Road in Lake Ridge. Maryam Raza was sentenced June 20 after pleading guilty in February” to several firearms charges and malicious wounding for chasing two people and shooting at their car following an argument. [Inside NoVA]
Burke Lake Algae Bloom Clears — “Burke Lake Park is now clear of high concentrations of harmful blue-green algae. However, please remember that swimming and pets are not permitted in the lake. Keep an eye out for park signs and warnings in the event of another algae bloom. Stay safe!” [Fairfax County Park Authority/Facebook]
E-Scooter Rider Stealing Packages — “Detectives from our Criminal Investigations Division are seeking the community’s help in identifying a suspect who stole packages off porches of homes in Annandale and Springfield.” In both June 17 incidents, the person appeared to have fled on an electric scooter, police say. [FCPD]
Tysons Radio Tech Firm Acquired — “Casa del Fuego Family Office and Trust, an investment and asset management firm, has acquired Tysons-based Digital Global Systems, which provides technology to optimize radio frequency signals. The all-stock transaction is valued at $5 billion … DGS will operate independently as a subsidiary with its leadership team unchanged.” [Virginia Business]
It’s Thursday — Expect showers and thunderstorms mainly after 5pm with mostly sunny conditions, a high near 96, and heat index values up to 106. Night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 72. There’s a 60% chance of precipitation. [NWS]
Fairfax families now have a vibrant new destination for creative exploration — a dedicated children’s art studio has officially opened its doors, bringing with it one of the largest selections of children’s art programs in the area.
A Vision Rooted in Community
The journey behind this new studio is a simple but meaningful one: a belief that every child in the Fairfax community deserves access to quality art education. That conviction became the driving force behind building a space where young people can discover, create, and grow — not just as artists, but as individuals.
“We wanted to provide the opportunity of art education to the Fairfax community,” the studio shared.
More Than 40 Art Forms Under One Roof
What makes this studio particularly remarkable is its breadth. Children have access to more than 40 varieties of art, offering a rare opportunity to explore disciplines far beyond the typical drawing and painting classes. Whether a child is drawn to sculpture, printmaking, mixed media, or illustration, there’s a path here waiting to be discovered.
The philosophy is intentional: instead of narrowing a child’s focus too soon, the programs are designed to let curiosity lead the way. Children are encouraged to try, experiment, and explore until something clicks — because finding a true passion is just as important as developing a skill.
Programs Built for Every Child and Every Schedule
The studio has been thoughtfully designed to meet families where they are, with age-appropriate programs that build skills progressively and purposefully. Here’s a closer look at what’s available:
Tiny Hands (Ages 3–4)
Art is a skill developed over time, and it all starts here. In Tiny Hands classes, children begin to express themselves through art in guided, small group activities that encourage community, collaboration, and relationships. This two-year program introduces young learners to drawing, painting, clay, printmaking, collage, design, and more — laying the foundation for a lifelong creative journey.
Intro to Art (Ages 5–6)
This two-year program introduces children to beginning art skills, tools, and basic vocabulary. Students are encouraged to explore different mediums and express their growing interests, working with clay, printmaking, charcoal drawing, painting, design, montage, watercolors, sculpture, stained glass, and more. Along the way, they’ll learn about color theory — including primary, secondary, cool, and warm colors — while gaining self-confidence and earning recognition for their creations.
Beginning Art (Ages 7–8)
Building on the foundation of Intro to Art, Beginning Art is designed for children ready to deepen their skills and grow more comfortable with art tools. Students expand their art vocabulary, apply their knowledge of color theory, and explore design principles through hands-on creating. This two-year program offers opportunities to work with charcoal, mono printing, clay, ink, color design, collage, self-portrait, watercolors, balsa wood carving, sculpture, and much more.
Art 1 (Ages 9+)
Art 1 is the foundation of the studio’s four-year curriculum — a class designed to maximize and maintain each child’s art interest as they develop a higher level of skills and knowledge. Students also begin building their personal portfolio. Projects include ebony pencil from photomontage, charcoal still life, India ink design, and scratchboard art, with a strong focus on line, value, and texture. Later in the program, students dive into an in-depth study of color theory and apply it to a series of color design projects. Art 1 also includes hand building with clay.
Good Wednesday 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 — Jun 25, 2025.
Here is what’s going on Thursday throughout the county, from our event calendar.
Expect showers and thunderstorms mainly after 5pm, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 95. Heat index values may reach 106. Calm winds will shift to northwest at 5 mph in the afternoon. There is a 60% chance of precipitation, with potential rainfall of a quarter to half an inch. Thursday night, showers and thunderstorms are likely before 8pm, with more showers possible until 2am. Cloudy conditions and a low of 72 are expected, accompanied by a 5-mph east wind. Chance of precipitation remains at 60% with similar rainfall amounts. See more from Weather.gov.
The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a time for commemorating our ancestors. Rather than a period of mourning, it is an occasion for celebrating with family—both living and dead—and honoring the cycle of life. Learn about La Catrina and her joyful view of life and mortality. Enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the day, including dance performances, coloring activities, and paper marigold and mask making. Visitors are invited to leave photos and mementos of their loved ones on the ofrenda (altar) or commemorate them by writing their names on a butterfly to attach to the memorial arch.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Local Democrats seeking to succeed the late Rep. Gerry Connolly sought to distinguish themselves from a crowded field yesterday (Wednesday), outlining how they would represent Virginia’s 11th Congressional District if elected.
Nine of the 10 candidates vying for the Democratic nomination attended the party’s lone forum at the Reston Community Center in Hunters Woods ahead of a primary election on Saturday (June 28).
Event location
Caboose Commons
2918 Eskridge Rd
Fairfax, Virginia 22031
Join the Do It for Dan Foundation for our annual fall fundraiser supporting lung cancer research at Inova Schar Cancer Institute. Enjoy live music, trivia, raffles, foundation updates, and a special presentation from thoracic oncologist Dr. Janakiraman Subramanian. Help us raise $10,000 to advance research and better treatment options for people facing lung cancer.
A thunderstorm is bearing down on Fairfax County, bringing some potential, albeit limited relief from the ongoing heat wave.
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of the D.C. area, including northwestern Fairfax County. Damaging winds with gusts up to 60 mph are possible.
It has been a couple of weeks now since a black bear ventured into Herndon, but the town is still riding the high of that rare visitation.
The bear has inspired a new promotional campaign from the Herndon Parks and Recreation Department, which announced Monday (June 23) that it has “hired” Elden the Bear to serve as its ambassador.
A new breakfast and brunch option is now available at the Mosaic District in Merrifield.
Maman, a New York-based cafe chain, opened its first Virginia location in the former Oath Pizza space on June 11, and the response so far has been as warm as the recent weather, according to company co-founder Elisa Marshall.
Fairfax County School Board members faced the embarrassment earlier this year of having to reduce salary increases previously promised to staff under a landmark labor contract.
Moving forward, school board representatives said at a work session on June 17 that they need to drastically change how Fairfax County Public Schools’ needs and commitments are communicated throughout the budget process.
Fairfax County leaders hope to soon have a better gauge of how much they’re getting back from tax revenue sent to Richmond.
The Board of Supervisors voted yesterday (Tuesday) to direct County Executive Bryan Hill and staff to return before the end of the year with an analysis of how many local tax dollars flow to the state government, and how much comes back.
The museum’s annual Native Art Market features award-winning and innovative Indigenous artists from across the Western Hemisphere. This event invites lovers of art and craftsmanship to meet Indigenous artists and learn about the traditional arts and contemporary Indigenous creativity. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase traditional and contemporary handcrafted artworks, including beadwork, jewelry, paintings, photography, pottery, and sculpture.
