There’s bad news and good news for anyone who wants to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial this weekend.
While soaring temperatures will create dangerous conditions during daytime hours Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, an indoor option for commemorating the occasion is available, courtesy of the McLean Art Society.
Dulles International Airport recorded the highest rate of passenger growth among the nation’s 50 largest airports in 2025, according to new federal data.
The 13,859,735 enplanements for the year represented a 6.6% increase from 2024, based on preliminary figures reported this week by the Federal Aviation Administration.
By the end of this year, workers and members of the public will be able to charge up their electric vehicles while at the office or accessing services at the Fairfax County Government Center.
Construction started Monday (June 29) on installations of the first EV charging stations at the county government’s headquarters (12000 Government Center Parkway) that will be available for public use, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) announced.
With the D.C. region facing scorching heat through this weekend, Fairfax County is adjusting its holiday closure plans to allow for a 24-hour cooling center at the Jim Scott Community Center in Oakton.
On top of previously announced alerts for today and tomorrow (Friday), the National Weather Service has issued another Extreme Heat Warning for the region on the Fourth of July, predicting potential heat index values of up to 113.
BrownTown returns to the DC Improv with headliner Nina Kharoufeh; also featuring Badar Tareen, Yasmin Elhady, Mahmoud Jaber, and Mike Kurtz. Come for stand-up, stay for a civil-rights lawyer grilling a white comedian about race. Every show has sold out—get tix now!
The Fairfax Circuit Court has passed the gavel to a new chief judge.
Stephen Charles “Steve” Shannon officially assumed the position yesterday (Wednesday) more than a decade after he was first elected to serve as a judge on the court, the circuit court clerk’s office announced.
Update — The Fairfax County Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval at its July 8 meeting of the proposed Coppermine Commons III redevelopment after staff confirmed that the lingering transportation concerns have been resolved.
“Thank you to the applicant and to staff for getting this worked out. We really appreciate it,” Dranesville District Planning Commissioner Alyssa Batchelor-Causey said following the vote.
Hallmark is no longer greeting customers at Fair Oaks Mall, permanently closing its store there last week.
“We regret to inform you that our Fair Oaks Mall location is closing today,” the store said in an email sent to its customers on Friday (June 26). A coupon was attached for 20% off at other Banners’ Hallmark stores, “as a token of our gratitude.”
Pollution Expected From D.C. Fireworks — “Fireworks for this year’s July Fourth celebration are expected to cause hazardous levels of pollution around the National Mall and ‘very unhealthy’ conditions in central D.C., according to internal National Park Service documents.” The show will feature approximately 850,000 fireworks and start later than usual, at around 10:30 or 11 p.m. [Washington Post]
Va. ICE Mask Ban Blocked — “Virginia cannot enforce a newly passed law prohibiting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from wearing masks, a federal judge ruled less than 12 hours before it would have taken effect. Senior U.S. District Judge Robert Payne held the Justice Department was likely to succeed in its argument” that the U.S. Constitution bars the commonwealth from regulating federal officers’ conduct. [Courthouse News Service]
Va. Rejoins Emissions Marketplace — Virginia officially rejoined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative yesterday (Wednesday) after Gov. Abigail Spanberger ceremonially signed into law House Majority Leader Charniele Herring’s bill requiring the state to establish a “market-based trading program” to incentivize carbon emission reductions. Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s withdrawal from the pact was ruled illegal by a court in 2024. [VPM News]
Herndon Summer Youth Program Offered — “Cornerstones will offer an eight-week summer youth program for students in the Reston and Herndon area beginning July 6, even as families continue to question the future of one of the nonprofit’s longtime after-school programs.” The new program at the Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center will be open to students entering second through 12th grade. [Patch]
Dulles Greenway Toll Increase Opposed — “Local elected officials testified against potential Dulles Greenway toll hikes June 29 at a State Corporation Commission hearing in Ashburn.” The owner of the 14-mile roadway from Leesburg to Dulles International Airport filed an SCC application in December seeking to raise tolls to $6.75 during peak hours and $5.60 during off-times. [Loudoun Times-Mirror]
Funding for Firefighter Cancer Screenings — “Virginia’s new two-year budget earmarks millions to help offset current and forthcoming federal funding changes to healthcare and social services. It also accomplished a bipartisan multi-year effort to fund cancer screenings for firefighters.” [Virginia Mercury]
Tips for Safe Fourth of July — “The Fairfax County Police Department encourages residents to celebrate safely while enjoying fireworks, barbecues, outdoor events, and time with family and friends. With large crowds, increased travel, and heightened activity expected across the region, planning ahead and staying alert will help ensure a safe and memorable celebration.” [FCPD]
Free Ice Cream at RTC Family Night — “Kick off Fourth of July weekend in style at Reston Town Center’s Stars & Stripes Family Night! Join us in the Pavilion from 4-8PM for an action-packed evening of all-ages fun, featuring field games, face painting, live DJ, and more. Celebrate America’s 250th with a sweet treat — FREE Ben & Jerry’s ice cream from the truck, including the fan-favorite Americone Dream (while supplies last)!” [Reston Town Center]
It’s Thursday — Expect sunny and hot conditions with temperatures reaching around 102 degrees and heat index values climbing to 109. A gentle west wind will blow at 3 to 5 mph. Night will be clear with temperatures dropping to about 80 degrees. [NWS]
Support local journalism. Join the FFXnow Press Club to boost our reporting and to get upgraded newsletters.
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 — Jul 1, 2026.
Here is what’s going on Thursday throughout the county, from our event calendar.
Sunny and hot conditions are expected, with temperatures reaching around 102 degrees and heat index values up to 110. There will be a light northwest wind at 3 to 5 mph. Thursday night will be clear with a low of about 79 degrees, accompanied by light and variable winds. 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.
