Opinion

Spring is in full bloom around Fairfax. Searching for native shrubs, lawn decorations or a new potted plant to spruce up your outdoor space? There are several garden centers in Fairfax County, and some of them also offer landscaping services.

Here are the nominees for “Best Garden Center in Fairfax” as part of our new FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. See your favorite center below? If not, write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 9 a.m. Friday, May 9.

Voting for the Best Outdoor Recreation in Fairfax is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Food Truck in Fairfax. The results are now official:

  1. What the Schnitzel
  2. Turkish Kabob
  3. Bunnyman Brewing

News

Virginia State Police (VSP) said a driver died after striking a tractor-trailer on I-495 early this morning near the Old Dominion Drive overpass.

According to VSP, the driver of the sedan crashed into the back of a tractor trailer around 1:50 a.m.


News

Consideration of a meals tax has gained most of the attention this budget cycle, but Fairfax County supervisors also are looking at increasing the transient-occupancy tax paid on hotel stays.

If adopted next month, the increase from 4% to 6% on stays of less than 30 days will raise an additional $13 million in the coming fiscal year, said Phil Hagen, director of the county’s Department of Management and Budget.


Countywide

Basketball coach and teacher credited for intervening in West Potomac High School stabbing — “West Potomac girls basketball coach, Joe Petrucelli, has been identified as a hero for intervening to restrain the assailant.” [Twitter]

It’s Friday — Expect mostly cloudy skies with a high near 79 and calm winds shifting to the south at 5 to 8 mph in the morning. Friday night, there’s a 70% chance of showers, mainly after 8pm, with temperatures dropping to around 64. Winds will be from the southeast at 8 mph, and new precipitation amounts may be less than a tenth of an inch. [NWS]

Suspect who shot at two officers has previous traffic stop encounter — “Officers attempted to pull over Wali in 2018, but he didn’t stop initially, later stopping at a shopping center, police said. He was charged with felony speed to elude, resisting arrest and running a red light. His concealed carry permit was suspended following that incident.” [NBC]

At-large School Board member no-show at court hearing — “Last Friday in courtroom 2B of the Loudoun County Circuit Court, when the judge called out the next case on the docket, “Blue Label Aviation Inc. v. Robert Kyle McDaniel,” there was one notable absence. McDaniel, the defendant in the case and a current at-large member of the Fairfax County School Board, was nowhere to be seen.” [Fairfax Times]

No one hurt in Fairfax County garbage truck fire — “No one was hurt in a Thursday garbage truck fire in Fairfax County, according to the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.” [DC News Now]


Around Town

Good Thursday 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 24, 2025.

📅 Upcoming events

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

⛈️ Friday’s forecast

Expect showers and thunderstorms after 5pm with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 78. South winds will be 6 to 10 mph, gusting up to 18 mph, and a 30% chance of precipitation. Friday night’s forecast includes showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, more likely between 8pm and 2am, and continuing after 2am. It’ll be cloudy with a low around 64, southeast wind at 9 mph, gusting up to 20 mph, and a 70% chance of precipitation. Rainfall amounts may vary between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. 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.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.


News

The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) announced today (Thursday) that a 15-year-old student has been charged with malicious wounding after a stabbing that occurred yesterday at West Potomac High School.

According to FCPD:


News

A Manassas man who fled Inova Fairfax Hospital last February while getting treatment has admitted to poorly choosing his getaway vehicle.

Rickey Ramone Lowe Jr. pleaded guilty to one count of grand larceny on Wednesday, stemming from his theft of a private transport ambulance at the hospital.


News

An event celebrating the flavors of Tysons Corner Center eateries is making a comeback next weekend.

Taste of Tysons Corner is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, from 1-4 p.m. at Tysons Corner Center (1961 Chain Bridge Road), and will feature a mix of food and events.