Around Town

The Asian Festival on Main will be coming back to Old Town Fairfax for a sixth consecutive year next week in commemoration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

The free festival, which claims to be one of Virginia’s biggest cultural events, will take place on Sunday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., spanning Main Street, University Drive and Sager Avenue.


Countywide

The Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office isn’t backing down on its policy guidance for cases involving undocumented immigrants as defendants.

A day after the U.S. Department of Justice announced it’s investigating the policy for potential civil rights violations, a spokesperson for the prosecutors’ office criticized the probe as “the latest example of the Trump Administration’s own ‘pattern or practice’ of misusing the Justice Department to launch partisan attacks.”


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


News

Despite recent discussions regarding zoning changes in the town, Herndon has never been the target of Comstock Companies’ plans for a Fairfax County casino, the developer said in a rare public statement on the issue.

“Comstock has not proposed, pursued, or supported casino development anywhere in Herndon,” the developer said yesterday (Thursday), also denying that it has ever harbored plans for a casino in Reston.


Countywide
A blue pinwheel in the garden outside the City of Fairfax Regional Library (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Man Charged in Reston Assaults Arrested Again — “A man who last month entered pleas in connection with a series of assaults in Reston is facing new charges after an abduction attempt in Pentagon City last night. The latest incident happened just before 8 p.m. Wednesday on the 1400 block of S. Hayes Street.” [ARLnow]

Fire Limited in West Falls Church Business — A fire that broke out in Mavana Nails & Waxing, a nail salon in Graham Park Plaza, around 10:35 p.m. on April 28 was limited by the activation of ceiling sprinklers, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department says. “Fire Investigators determined the fire was caused by the discharge of a lithium-ion battery.” [FCFRD]

Double Murder Case Draws True Crime Interest — “The Northern Virginia au pair who had an affair with her boss and helped scheme to kill his wife and a stranger may have a good chance of selling her story. But the law limits whether she can cash in.” During Brendan Banfield’s double murder trial in January, Juliana Peres Magalhães “told jurors she was fielding calls from producers from behind bars.” [NBC4]

Opposition to Proposed Annandale Development — “Residents of Willow Run and nearby neighborhoods filled a conference room at the Mason Government Center on May 6 to confront the developer of a proposed 120-unit multifamily building at 6675 Little River Turnpike.” They argued that the building would be “inappropriate for the property.” Developer George Hong wasn’t present at the meeting. [Annandale Today]

McLean Man Sentenced for Ponzi Scheme — Warith Deen Muhammad, 39, was sentenced Wednesday (May 6) “to four years and two months in federal prison for running a $1.5 million Ponzi scheme” involving a precious metals investment business he owned and operated in Alexandria. “In addition to paying earlier investors, Muhammad used investor funds to finance what prosecutors described as a lavish lifestyle.” [Alexandria Brief]

Virginian Part of Deadly Viral Outbreak — “The Virginia Department of Health says one Virginia traveler who was aboard a cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak has returned home and is under public health monitoring … The traveler ‘is currently in good health, not showing any signs of infection,’ the department said.” [FOX5]

Hybla Valley Park Renovation Complete — “The Fairfax County Park Authority will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate recent improvements at Hybla Valley Park, located at 3431 Lockheed Blvd. in Alexandria, on Friday, May 8, at 4:30 p.m. … Recent improvements transformed underused areas into vibrant community spaces.” [FCPA]

County Appoints New HR Director — “The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has appointed Christina Peterson as director of the Department of Human Resources. Her appointment is effective Monday, May 18.” The board has also appointed Nicole Rawlings as the next director of the county’s Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs. [Fairfax County Government]

It’s Friday — Expect increasing clouds with temperatures reaching a high of around 70°F. Light winds from the northwest will shift to the southwest at 5 to 10 mph in the morning, with possible gusts up to 20 mph. Overnight, the weather will be mostly cloudy with a low around 54°F. [NWS]


Event

Flowers, Fine Art & Fashion is an immersive cultural experience presented by People of The Garden LLC, where nature, creativity, and modest couture converge in a breathtaking indoor garden setting.

Guests will journey through a living landscape featuring dramatic floral installations, botanical art, and a one-of-a-kind rectangular runway designed around lush greenery and sculptural plantings. Throughout the evening, attendees will experience a curated runway presentation showcasing modest fashion designers, alongside original fine art, artisan vendors, and interactive floral experiences.


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 — May 7, 2026.

📅 Upcoming events

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

☁️ Friday’s forecast

Clouds will increase throughout the day, with temperatures reaching a high of around 70°F. West winds will pick up to 5 to 10 mph in the morning, with gusts possibly reaching 20 mph. Friday night will be mostly cloudy, with a low of around 54°F and a calm south wind blowing at 3 to 7 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.

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


News

The Fairfax County Park Authority’s overhaul of the Reston North playground — designed to replace aging equipment and make the park more accessible — is nearly complete.

The Park Authority announced today (Thursday) that it will celebrate the playground’s official reopening with a ribbon-cutting on June 3 at 5 p.m.


Around Town

Local “Blade Runner” fans who’ve thought the viewing experience could be improved by being more completely enveloped in Vangelis’ synth-heavy score now have an opportunity to live out that dream.

Later this year, Ridley Scott’s classic sci-fi noir will screen with live music at Capital One Hall in Tysons, following up on the success of the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s (FSO) sold-out concert in March for “How to Train Your Dragon.”


News

A Seven Corners apartment building owner has been granted the option to more than double the number of residential units on the site while also adding retail space.

Voting unanimously and without comment, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a site-specific plan amendment (SSPA) on Tuesday (May 5) that lets the Cavalier Club accommodate up to 300 new multifamily units, along with up to 20,000 square feet of ground-floor retail uses.


News

A company that specializes in artificial intelligence-driven software for the military has moved its headquarters from San Francisco to Chantilly, where it will offer defense clients a place to preview its technology.

Ahead of a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday (Wednesday), TurbineOne said the move was a reflection of its growth supporting national security missions.