Casino gaming still isn’t permitted in Northern Virginia, but that hasn’t stopped the Town of Herndon from considering zoning parameters for a potential establishment.
At a work session tonight (Monday), the Herndon Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss a proposed zoning ordinance amendment that would add a casino gaming establishment as an indoor entertainment use allowed near the town’s Metro station.
Local diners missing Maggiano’s Little Italy will want to circle their calendar for this year’s Taste of Tysons.
The foodie festival is returning to Tysons Corner Center for a fourth year on May 16 from noon to 3 p.m. with a preview of the forthcoming Italian restaurant among its highlights.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A will is only one part of a comprehensive estate plan. Depending on your circumstances, you may also benefit from:
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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. 👋
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.
