Around Town

A Bethesda-based menswear company best known for nabbing a deal with Mark Cuban and Peter Jones on “Shark Tank” will expand to Reston later this month.

Collars & Co, which produces polo shirts with a sturdy, dress shirt-style collar, will open its first permanent location in Northern Virginia in a 1,700-square-foot store at 11869 Market Street. The space was previously occupied by an Allen Edmonds shoe store.


Sponsored

No matter your age, having a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family. A properly prepared will ensures your wishes are carried out, helps reduce family disputes, and can make the estate administration process much smoother.

Unfortunately, many Virginians make avoidable mistakes that can create unnecessary stress and expense for their loved ones. Here are five of the most common.

1. Trying to Write a Will Without Legal Guidance

Online templates and DIY wills may seem like an easy way to save money, but they often create bigger problems later. Virginia law has specific requirements for a valid will, including proper signatures and witness requirements. Even small mistakes can leave a will open to challenges or delay the administration of an estate.

2. Forgetting to Update Your Will

A will shouldn’t be something you create once and forget. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, buying a home, or losing a loved one can all affect your estate plan.

Reviewing your will every few years—or after a major life event—helps ensure it still reflects your wishes and keeps your loved ones protected.

3. Overlooking Federal Estate Tax Planning

Virginia no longer has a state estate tax, but federal estate taxes may still affect larger estates. As home values and investments continue to grow, more families may find themselves closer to the federal exemption than they expected.

Planning ahead can help minimize tax consequences and preserve more of your estate for your beneficiaries.

4. Not Planning for Minor Children

For parents, a will does more than distribute assets—it allows you to name a guardian for your minor children. Without that designation, a court may ultimately decide who will care for them.

Many families also choose to establish a trust so inherited assets can be managed responsibly until children reach an age or milestone they determine is appropriate.

5. Choosing the Wrong Executor—or Not Naming One at All

Your executor is responsible for carrying out your wishes, paying debts, and distributing your assets. Selecting someone who is organized, trustworthy, and capable of handling those responsibilities is just as important as deciding who inherits your property.

It’s also essential to clearly identify your beneficiaries. Vague language or outdated information can create confusion and, in some cases, disputes among family members.

Don’t Forget the Rest of Your Estate Plan

A will is only one part of a comprehensive estate plan. Depending on your circumstances, you may also benefit from:

  • A revocable living trust
  • A durable power of attorney
  • An advance medical directive
  • A transfer-on-death deed for your home

Together, these documents can help protect your finances, outline your healthcare wishes, and simplify matters for your family if you’re ever unable to make decisions yourself.

The Bottom Line

A well-prepared estate plan provides peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. By avoiding these common mistakes and keeping your documents up to date, you can help ensure your wishes are honored while reducing stress for your family in the future.

If it’s been several years since you’ve reviewed your will—or you’ve never created one—it may be time to speak with an experienced Virginia estate planning attorney about your options.

PJI Law, PLC: Estate Planning Attorneys in Fairfax, VA

At PJI Law, PLC, we work with clients across Fairfax and Northern Virginia to build estate plans that reflect their intentions and align with Virginia law. Our estate planning attorneys take the time to review your assets, beneficiary designations, business interests, and family structure so your plan works as intended.

Whether you’re creating your first will or revisiting an existing one, our team will help you avoid the mistakes that can undermine your entire estate plan.

Call (703) 865-6100 or contact us online to schedule your complimentary consultation today.

PJI Law, PLC
3900 Jermantown Rd, 2nd Floor
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
(703) 865-6100
https://pjilaw.com


Countywide

The Virginia Supreme Court’s nullification on Friday (May 8) of the redistricting referendum narrowly approved by voters last month left local and state-level Democrats reeling.

The Fairfax County Democratic Committee blasted the ruling as “a stunning betrayal” of the majority of Virginia voters — including nearly 70% of Fairfax County voters — who backed the proposed constitutional amendment, which would’ve let the General Assembly implement new Congressional districts drawn to favor Democrats in 10 out of 11 seats.


News

A man who pleaded guilty to two assaults committed in Reston last year could face additional jail time for those crimes following his arrest last week in Arlington.

Koby Berry, 28, was charged with assault and attempted abduction with the intent to defile by Arlington County police last Thursday (May 7) after he allegedly covered the mouth of a woman and tried to push her further into a bathroom at a Pentagon City shopping center the previous day.


Event

The George Mason Friends will hold their semi-annual Fall Book Sale at George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale from Wednesday evening, September 23 through Sunday, September 27, 2026.

A Preview Sale will be held on Wednesday evening from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm for a $20 entry fee per adult. A no entry fee, General Sale, will begin on Thursday, September 23 and run through Sunday, September 27, with hours 10:00 am to 5:30 pm daily.


News

Fairfax County police believe a teenager was behind the recent fatal stabbing at the Farrington Place condominiums.

The unnamed 16-year-old boy was arrested by detectives on Wednesday (May 13) and charged with first-degree murder, the Fairfax County Police Department announced yesterday (Thursday).


Countywide
Construction vehicles behind a barrier on Nutley Street for an ongoing culvert replacement project (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Man Fatally Shot by Police on Columbia Pike — “A police standoff inside a Columbia Pike 7-Eleven ended with gunfire” last Friday (May 8). A man who had barricaded himself in the convenience store and was reportedly armed with a knife “was shot and killed after officers tried to take him into custody,” Arlington County police said. [ARLnow]

Road Closures in Fairfax, West Springfield — “Willowmeade Drive (Route 5407) between Route 29 and Knight Arch Road (Route 7699) will be closed from 7 a.m. Monday, May 11, until 7 a.m. Thursday, May 14, for Route 29 intersection work as part of the Route 29 widening project.” In addition, a portion of Taft Drive is going to be closed for about a month, starting at 9 a.m. today, for the Rolling Road widening project. [VDOT]

Vehicle Sales Approved for Office Site — “The Board of Supervisors on May 5 authorized a new use for a property in a hidden corner of Mason District with two vacant office buildings. The board passed a motion to rezone the property [at 6850 Versar Center in Springfield] from I-5 to the C-8 [district] to allow the sale of passenger vehicles.” [Annandale Today]

Some Skepticism of DOJ Investigation — “The Department of Justice says it formally launched a new investigation [last] week into Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano … But former federal prosecutor Gene Rossi is skeptical. He says the point may be the announcement rather than the investigation.” [WVTF]

Man Faces Federal Gun Charges — “A Woodbridge man faces federal firearms charges after a Feb. 18 domestic dispute in Herndon … Federal authorities took over prosecution after state-level charges of carrying a concealed weapon and obstruction of justice were dropped in Fairfax County General District Court on May 5.” [Patch]

Fairfax Native Leads Softball Team to First Title — “At the center of the breakthrough season is head coach Maggie Mrowka, a Fairfax County native who became the youngest head coach in Division I college softball when she took over the program last year. Now, in her first season leading the Cougars, Mrowka has guided Charleston to one of the biggest accomplishments in program history.” [WJLA]

Falls Church Plans Cemetery Tours — “A series of monthly walking tours will explore Oakwood Cemetery and the lives of some of those interred there,” starting at 4 p.m. on May 24. “The tours are part of Falls Church’s commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026 and are a welcome addition, said Jim Coyle, who chairs the Falls Church250 Committee.” [ARLnow]

VR Tool Offers Caregivers Insight Into Aging — “Taking care of a loved one at the end of their life can often be a stressful and confusing task, so Fairfax County wants to help. The Virginia county is offering a new virtual training series, developed by Embodied Labs, called Exploring the Dimensions of Aging through Virtual Reality.” [WTOP]

It’s Monday — Expect a 40% chance of rain before 2 PM. The weather will start cloudy but should gradually become mostly sunny, with a high near 67°F and a north wind at 7 to 9 mph. Night will be mostly clear with a low around 45°F. [NWS]


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 — May 8, 2026.

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

  • Fairfax City’s Mamma Lucia closes for good after 39 years (32128 views)
  • BREAKING: DOJ investigating Fairfax prosecutor over policy on immigrant defendants (16785 views)
  • Herndon’s new festival on Lynn Street promises ‘cool vibes’ and ‘hot beats’ (13327 views)
  • Herndon considers creating zoning rules for casinos (11672 views)
  • Motorcyclist hospitalized after crash with dump truck on Route 1 (11243 views)
  • Maggiano’s to open this summer after Taste of Tysons preview (9895 views)
  • Electric scooter rider dies nearly a month after crash in Merrifield (8976 views)
  • County leaders vote reluctantly to trim Fairfax Connector bus service (8094 views)
  • AI defense intelligence company moves HQ from San Francisco to Chantilly (8071 views)
  • Fairfax County adopts new budget, seeks ability to lower some speed limits (7928 views)
  • Davio’s steakhouse takes over former Matchbox bar at Reston Station (7730 views)
  • Fairfax joblessness up 62% since start of current Trump administration (6857 views)
  • FCPS officials stress plan to engage community on future Skyview HS boundaries (6225 views)
  • New play space with cafe coming to Tysons Corner Center this fall (5897 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

    Showers and thunderstorms are possible, mainly after 3 PM, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 73°F. Winds from the south will reach speeds of around 11 mph, with gusts up to 21 mph. There’s a 30% chance of precipitation. Saturday night will be mostly clear with a low around 55°F, and a southwest wind of about 5 mph becoming calm later in the evening. 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. 👋


    Countywide

    Fairfax County supervisors saluted the Garden Club of Fairfax on May 5 for its members’ efforts over the past century.

    “Thank you for all you do in our community,” said Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman, who sponsored the centennial resolution while acknowledging that he, unlike club members, lacked a green thumb.


    Countywide

    By DAVID A. LIEB and GEOFF MULVIHILL Associated Press

    The Virginia Supreme Court on Friday struck down a voter-approved Democratic congressional redistricting plan, delivering another major setback to the party in a nationwide battle against Republicans for an edge in this year’s midterm elections.