morning notes

Lawn Mower Fire Extinguished — Fairfax County firefighters responded around 2:40 p.m. yesterday (Monday) to a house fire in the 5800 block of Glen Forest Drive in Bailey’s Crossroads. “First-arriving crews located a lawn mower on fire with extension to a rear deck … All occupants exited the home prior to #FCFRD arrival. No civilian or firefighter injuries.” [FCFRD/Facebook]

Kennedy Center Name Restored Online — “The top of the Kennedy Center’s website now refers to ‘The Kennedy Center,’ not ‘The Trump Kennedy Center.’ The text in branding on the website had been changed as of Monday morning, ahead of the June 12 deadline to remove President Donald Trump’s name.” [NBC4]

Ticks Becoming More Common in Region — “In fact, ticks have been on the up-and-up locally and beyond for the past several years. CDC data shows a 57 percent jump in DC Lyme disease cases between 2012 and 2023 — and that’s only what has been reported.” [Washingtonian]

N. Va. Bus Policies Too Inconsistent, Metro Leader Says — “Inconsistent policies on bus fares and enforcement are creating confusion among riders and challenges for transit in Northern Virginia, Metro’s top official says.” WMATA CEO Randy Clarke suggested to the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission “that riders aren’t entirely to blame for the region’s high rate of fare evasion — and that local leaders should do more to help.” [ARLnow]

Merrifield Boxing Studio to Close — “BASH Boxing will be closing its locations in Ballston, Rosslyn and Fairfax County’s Mosaic District on Sunday, June 21, according to a mass email sent to customers just before noon today (Monday) … The interval workout studio said the closures were ‘a difficult decision made after careful consideration of many factors.'” [ARLnow]

Permits Issued for Eataly in Tysons — “Fairfax County late last month approved buildout plans that look to [set] the stage for Oscar Farinetti’s popular, Italian food hall chain [to] step into the prominent two-level space at Tysons Corner Center formerly occupied by American Girl.” [Washington Business Journal]

Ten Local Companies in Fortune 500 — “Fairfax NOVA remains strong in the 2026 Fortune 500 rankings, with 10 Fairfax-headquartered companies listed among the largest publicly traded corporations in the United States.” The highest-ranked Fairfax County company on the list is Tysons-based Freddie Mac at no. 55. [Fairfax County EDA]

New CSB Director Appointed — “Jordan A. Scheff has been appointed executive director of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB), effective Monday, June 15.” Commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Developmental Services since 2017, he will succeed Daryl Washington, who resigned as head of the CBS after accepting a position in Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s administration. [Fairfax County Government]

New Legal Notice — Hearing June 15, 2026 on Clifton meals tax increase, ≥1%, FY2027. [Public Notices]

It’s Tuesday — Expect partly sunny skies with a high around 84°F and a light south wind increasing to 5 to 9 mph in the morning. By Tuesday night, the weather will turn mostly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to around 68°F and a consistent south wind of about 8 mph. [NWS]

Want more local news? Check out our newest sister site, WSHnow, with the latest from across the region.

Divide Over Data Center Tax Breaks Persists — “The new fiscal year starts next month, but Virginia still has no budget. And leaders in the General Assembly are still divided over what to do about a tax break for data centers.” [WVTF]

More Details on Ex-CIA Official’s Alleged Gold Bar Stash — “The former senior CIA official found with more than $40 million worth of gold bars in his house allegedly created a fake, highly classified intelligence program that he used as a conduit to funnel millions of dollars for his personal use, according to people familiar with the criminal investigation.” [Washington Post]

Bill Would Require DHS Reports to Congress — “Rep. James R. Walkinshaw, who represents Virginia’s 11th District and serves on the House Committee on Homeland Security, introduced legislation that would require the Department of Homeland Security to notify Congress within 72 hours of any serious bodily injury or death involving people in federal custody or caused by DHS personnel.” [Patch]

Vienna Man Challenging Traffic Tickets — “A Northern Virginia man says he has spent years fighting traffic tickets tied to a car he doesn’t own, after someone allegedly created fake copies of his vanity license plate and used them on other vehicles.” The citations, tickets and violations have mostly come from D.C. and Prince George’s County in Maryland. [FOX5]

Va. Bans Weapons in Mental Health Care Facilities — “Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Thursday signed legislation prohibiting firearms and other dangerous weapons in medical facilities that provide mental health and developmental services, saying the measure will help protect patients, visitors and healthcare workers from workplace violence.” [WSET]

Road Closure in Lincolnia — “Weather permitting, Fifth Street (Route 1144) between Cherokee Avenue (Route 2246) and Chowan Avenue (Route 2241) will be closed to through traffic Monday, June 8; Tuesday, June 9; Wednesday, June 10; and Thursday, June 11, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day for drainage pipe replacement … Drivers are asked to follow posted detour signs.” [VDOT]

Photos for America’s 250 Time Capsule Wanted — “The Virginia congressional delegation invites individuals across the Commonwealth to submit photographs to be considered for the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule. The delegation is collecting photographs that represent the many treasures Virginia has to offer in 2026 … The capsule will be opened on the nation’s 500th anniversary, July 4, 2276.” [Sen. Mark Warner]

MLK Pool Splash Pad Opens — “Fairfax County Park Authority welcomes the local community to beat the heat this summer at Martin Luther King, Jr. Pool — with an inclusive splash pad … The new, all-access splash pad opens for the 2026 summer season, replacing the tot pool that once stood in its place.” [FCPA]

It’s Monday — Expect sunny conditions with a high of around 83°F and an east wind at 7 to 9 mph. Night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 58°F. Winds from the southeast at 5 to 10 mph will become lighter after midnight, with possible gusts up to 18 mph. [NWS]

Unhealthy Air Alert Issued — “The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has forecast a Code Orange air day for [today], June 5, in part of the metropolitan Washington region, including DC and Northern Virginia … Code Orange levels mean the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups like people with heart or lung disease like asthma or emphysema, older adults, and children.” [COG]

Attempt to Toss Murder Convictions Rejected — “Brendan Banfield is set to be sentenced Friday as the Fairfax County chief judge denied a motion to set aside his convictions in the so-called ‘au pair affair’ murders … Defense attorney John Carroll told Chief Judge Penney Azcarate that Fairfax County prosecutors made three errors during Banfield’s prosecution, and that those errors influenced the jury’s decision.” [WTOP]

More Info Wanted on Trump Arch — “The National Capital Planning Commission has kept alive the triumphal arch that President Donald Trump wants built between the Memorial Bridge and Arlington National Cemetery. However, the body is requesting more information on” potential air travel, traffic and construction impacts. [Associated Press/ARLnow]

Guide to Regional Drought Watch — “Regional officials stress that while there is currently an adequate supply of water in the Potomac River and backup reservoirs, residents and businesses are encouraged to take simple, voluntary steps to reduce water use and help protect the region’s water resources if dry conditions persist.” [Fairfax County Government]

Va. Schools Seek for Local Tax Option — “Mathews and other localities hope … lawmakers and the governor approve changes to state law that would allow all localities to generate tax revenue for school construction projects, which have historically been costly for jurisdictions. If approved, voters in each locality decide through a referendum whether to adopt an additional local sales tax to fund school construction and maintenance.” [Virginia Mercury]

Gun Background Checks Surge — “As a new state law banning certain guns classified as ‘assault firearms’ is about to take effect, Virginia is seeing a big spike in background checks for gun transactions. The number of background checks is not necessarily a one-to-one indicator of sales, but it does generally correlate with a surge in people purchasing guns.” [WJLA]

Metro Rolls Out Pride-Themed Vehicles — “This June, Metro is celebrating Pride Month with a specially wrapped train, bus, and Metro Access vehicle, featuring the theme ‘Proudly Join Us on Metro.’ The vehicles will travel throughout the system from June 5-30, and the Pride bus and Metro Access vehicle will participate in the Capital Pride Parade.” [WMATA]

Dashboard Offers Look at Water Quality — “A new dashboard gives the public near real-time water quality data for the Potomac and Anacostia rivers … Water quality is top of mind after last winter’s sewage spill and the Potomac River’s designation as America’s Most Endangered River.” [Axios DC]

It’s Friday — Expect a sunny day with a high of 93°F and calm winds shifting to the west at about 6 mph in the afternoon. Night will be partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 69°F and a gentle south wind blowing at 3 to 5 mph. [NWS]

Crash and Vehicle Fire on I-66 — During yesterday’s afternoon rush hour (Wednesday), Fairfax County firefighters were kept busy on I-66 near Route 123 in Oakton, responding to a two-vehicle crash in the eastbound Express Lanes and a construction van fire in the westbound lanes. The van’s two occupants had safely evacuated, but one person in the crash was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. [FCFRD/Facebook]

Push for Marijuana Compromise in Budget — “Some key lawmakers say they would like to see language included in the state budget to create a legal recreational marijuana market in Virginia.” At a commission meeting on Tuesday (June 2), state Sen. Lashrecse Aird and Del. Paul Krizek expressed hope that a compromise can be reached after Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed their legislation that would’ve allowed sales to start on Jan. 1, 2027. [WRIC]

Tysons Offices Sold for Sliver of Former Value — “An affiliate of Chevy Chase’s Rockwater Ventures and Bethesda’s Buchanan Partners in December jointly bought the two-building American Center office complex at 8300 and 8330 Boone Blvd. for $15.25 million,” down from sales for $68.5 million in 2016 and $120 million in 2007. With the buildings only 30% leased, Rockwater owner Jack Kelly says at least one will likely be repositioned or redeveloped in the future. [Washington Business Journal]

Va. Man Reaches Everest Summit — McLean business owner Frank Fumich can add climbing Mount Everest to a list of accomplishments that includes over 150 marathons, a visit to the South Pole and a bicycle ride across the U.S. “The trip to the top of the world’s tallest peak is decades in the making for Fumich. He climbed to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro around 22 years ago and the idea started, and he began to work toward this goal ever since.” [WTOP]

Hurricane Season Begins — “With the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season underway, Virginia officials are urging residents to prepare now for severe weather that can bring flooding, damaging winds, tornadoes and prolonged power outages across the commonwealth … The Atlantic hurricane season began June 1 and runs through Nov. 30, with Virginia typically facing its greatest risk from late summer into early fall.” [Virginia Mercury]

Karaoke Venue Opening in Annandale — “NRB Karaoke is expected to open this month at 4316 Markham St. in Annandale.” In addition to seven karaoke rooms that can each host four to five people, “NRB will offer fusion Korean food, such as snacks and finger foods.” [Annandale Today]

Virginia Tops U.S. Income Ranking — “In WalletHub’s 2026 ranking of the states where people have the highest income, Virginia placed No. 1. The ranking analyzed average annual income of the top 5% of residents, the overall median household income, and the average annual income of the bottom 20%,” with adjustments for cost of living. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Paws on the Plaza Returning to Tysons — This Saturday (June 6), Tysons Corner Center “will once again transform PenFed Plaza into a pet-friendly gathering space with the return of Paws on the Plaza, presented by PenFed Credit Union. The event invites pet owners, dog lovers, and the community to enjoy a day dedicated to their furry companions through a variety of interactive experiences, vendors, and activities.” [Press release]

It’s Thursday — Expect sunny weather with a high near 89 and a light northwest wind. Night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 65. Winds will be light and variable, shifting to come from the south at about 5 mph in the evening. [NWS]

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Driver in Chantilly Crash Died — A sedan driver involved in a collision with a pickup truck on Pleasant Valley Road yesterday (Tuesday) died after being transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, police say. The truck driver was also taken to a hospital with injuries resulting from the crash, which remains under investigation. [FCPD]

Memorial Dedicated to Mid-air Crash Victims — “Surrounded by friends, family and regional leaders, a memorial was dedicated Monday at Rivergate City Park in Old Town North to the 67 victims of the mid-air collision near Reagan National Airport on Jan. 29, 2025 … The memorial was installed by the city and the office of U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-8).” [ALXnow]

Felon Voter Registrations Still on Hold — “Virginia’s elections department had until Monday to comply with a federal court order to stop denying voter registration applicants for convictions other than 11 common-law felonies in 1870, a list including arson, manslaughter and murder … Local election officials were told to continue to hold the applications,” pending “further review” and guidance from the state. [VPM News]

Police Plan Traffic Enforcement Campaigns — “Throughout the month, Fairfax County Police Department officers from patrol and specialized units will conduct targeted education and enforcement efforts aimed at reducing fatal, serious injury, and property damage crashes across the county. June’s initiatives will focus on Move Over enforcement, loud exhaust violations, and our Road Shark campaign.” [FCPD]

Dog Prompts Emergency Response to DCA — “First responders met an American Airlines flight at Reagan National Airport Tuesday afternoon after a service dog had an ‘accident’ on the plane, according to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. Traveling in close quarters, several passengers felt ill after the dog relieved itself on Flight 5085 from Nashville after 2 p.m.” [NBC4]

Coalition Advocates for Same-Sex Marriage Amendment — Virginians for Marriage Equality marked the start of LGBTQ Pride Month on Monday (June 1) by formally launching a statewide campaign in support of a November constitutional amendment referendum that “would repeal Virginia’s dormant constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and replace it with language requiring the commonwealth to recognize all marriages, regardless of sex, gender or race.” [Virginia Mercury]

Springfield Man to Compete in Bermuda Boat Race — “The boat that Kevin Sherwood of Springfield, Virginia, bought is still in dry dock as he makes final repairs and preparations ahead of the whole reason he bought the ‘Bay Retriever’ in the first place. If all goes as planned, he’ll get it in the water Wednesday, and starting at noon on Friday, he’ll be heading south down the Chesapeake Bay on a 753-mile voyage to Bermuda.” [WTOP]

Head of Defunct Office Moving Business Pivots to Recycling — “John Kane has raised nearly $2 million from individuals and family offices to launch an office furniture recycling company called Smart Cyclers Inc., he told me. His goal is to raise $6 million … He’s currently deciding among three locations between Manassas and Lorton to serve as the company’s first base of operations.” [Washington Business Journal]

It’s Wednesday — Expect sunny skies with a high of about 82°F and a gentle north wind at 8 mph. Overnight, conditions will be clear with temperatures dropping to around 60°F, accompanied by light and variable winds. [NWS]

There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.

Special Session Set on State Budget — “Virginia lawmakers are set to return to Richmond this month for another attempt to reach a budget deal, with just days until the start of the new fiscal year and no agreement yet on the state’s next two-year spending plan.” The lack of an approved budget has left school systems in limbo. [Virginia Mercury]

Driver in Deadly Bus Crash Had Prior Speeding Ticket — “The bus driver who faces charges after five people were killed in a chain-reaction crash on I-95 in Stafford County, Virginia, was scheduled to appear in court this week for a speeding ticket, court records say.” The driver had been ticketed by Maryland State Police on March 6 for allegedly driving 72 mph in a 50-mph zone. [NBC4]

Questions About Data Center Water Discharge — “Most data centers in Virginia are permitted to discharge water into municipal wastewater systems, the same place household water goes to be treated and recycled for consumption. But there’s limited data tracking of potential chemicals in data centers’ discharge water.” [Virginia Mercury]

Reston Contractor Subleases RTC Space — “Bechtel Corp. continues to grow its Reston headquarters footprint, subleasing nearly 55,000 square feet … at BXP Inc.’s Democracy Tower, 11955 Democracy Drive. That equals two full floors of the nine-story, 230,000-square-foot office.” The addition will expand Bechtel’s footprint at Reston Town Center to nearly 350,000 square feet. It’s unclear which tenant is leasing the space, but AOL indicated it would lay off 108 people based in the building. [Washington Business Journal]

Plug-in Solar Coming to Virginia — “Thanks to new state laws, Maryland and Virginia residents will be allowed to use plug-in ‘balcony’ collar systems with a maximum output of 1,200 watts. Marylanders can take advantage as soon as today, while Virginia’s law goes into effect on January 1, 2027.” [Washingtonian]

Volunteers Help Clean Up Culmore — “If the Culmore area of Bailey’s Crossroads is looking a lot nicer, it’s because nearly 70 volunteers – including adults, children, and youths – spent Saturday morning collecting trash around the neighborhood … The Culmore Cleanup was organized by Andres Curtin, strategy director for Crossroads Opportunity Neighborhoods at Second Story.” [Annandale Today]

Latvian Band Making U.S. Debut in Reston — “Big Al & The Jokers, a nine-piece band from Europe, will make its U.S. debut June 5 and 6 at Reston Town Center Pavilion. The concerts are part of the Reston Concerts on the Town series and are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. each night.” [Patch]

Annandale Dessert Shop Draws Lines — “Pasha Castle in Annandale just celebrated its grand opening. But lines are already forming in the cute two-story red house that holds it. Guests will find hot mini pancakes and Middle Eastern and Turkish treats such as baklava, knafeh and lokum (Turkish delight) on offer. The star of the show, however, is the booza,” described by an employee as “Lebanese gelato.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny skies with temperatures reaching a high of around 75°F and northeast winds blowing at 7 to 9 mph. Tuesday night will be mostly clear with a low temperature near 57°F and a gentle north wind. [NWS]

Want more local news? Check out our newest sister site, WSHnow, with the latest from across the region.

Capital Weather Gang Leaving WaPo — “After more than 18 years with The Washington Post, the Capital Weather Gang announced Sunday that it is leaving the newspaper and returning to its roots as an independent weather outlet under the name Capital Weather.” A preview of the new site has launched, as has a new membership option to support the team’s weather coverage. [MoCo Show]

Driver Charged in I-95 Bus Crash — “A high rate of speed played a role in a bus failing to slow for traffic approaching a work zone on Interstate 95 in Virginia and crashing into six vehicles early Friday, killing five and injuring dozens, according to NTSB.” The driver has been charged with two counts of voluntary manslaughter, with the Virginia State Police saying more are pending, as of Saturday (May 30). [WTOP]

More Details on Partial Popes Head Reopening — “On Tuesday, June 2, around 10 a.m., the new Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) and Popes Head Road (Route 654) interchange with triple roundabouts will partially open to traffic.” Southbound Fairfax County Parkway and east and westbound Popes Head Road to the northbound parkway will reopen, while other parts will remain closed until this fall. [VDOT]

Some Democratic Leaders Disappointed by Vetoes — “Several of Spanberger’s vetoes thwarted major Democratic priorities, including collective bargaining and establishing a retail market for cannabis.” Some top Democrats expressed frustration she didn’t communicate her concerns during the legislative session, while the governor has said “she supports the policy goals and hopes to one day sign them into law after flaws are ironed out.” [Washington Post]

Metro Ramps Up Bus Fare Enforcement — “Metro is stepping up fare enforcement on Metrobus, changing the experience for riders as the transit agency launches a broad push to catch fare evaders. As May ends and June begins, riders can expect to see uniformed Metro Transit Police officers and other Metro employees on and around buses.” [WTOP]

Barcroft Plaza Sold — “Federal Realty Investment Trust has sold Barcroft Plaza to a joint venture of Bain Capital Real Estate and 11North Partners, the Washington Business Journal reported on May 28.” Federal Realty says proceeds from the $58 million sale “will support the company’s existing portfolio and expansion into new markets.” [Annandale Today]

FCPD Adds Asian Community Liaison — “During this Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the Fairfax County Police Department is strengthening its commitment to community connection with the appointment of Master Police Officer Emmilie Sanchez-Suarez as the department’s Asian Community Liaison.” [FCPD]

Falls Church Considers How to Enhance Tree Canopy — “Falls Church’s Urban Forestry Commission is considering ideas to increase the city’s tree canopy without breaking the bank … At the May 20 commission meeting, there was some skepticism that any new urban-forestry initiatives would win Council support, whether or not costs were kept down.” [ARLnow]

New Legal Notice — Online sale per Section 8.7-210, 11:00 ET, June 16, 2026. [Public Notices]

It’s Monday — It will be partly sunny today with a high of around 79°F and a north wind at about 8 mph. Tonight, expect partly cloudy skies with a low of around 55°F and an east wind ranging from 5 to 8 mph. [NWS]

Dunn Loring School Commemoration Planned — “Join FCPS on Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Dunn Loring Center to honor the rich history and lasting legacy of the building. This space has served generations of FCPS students, employees, and families since its establishment in 1939.” The building at 2334 Gallows Road will be demolished soon to make way for the construction of a new elementary school. [FCPS]

‘Swatting’ Call for Supreme Court Justice’s Home — “An apparent ‘swatting’ incident targeted the residence of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett on Wednesday night, police confirmed to NBC News.” Fairfax County police say they quickly confirmed with Supreme Court Police assigned to Barrett’s home that a report of gunshots sent to the department’s non-emergency line around 9 p.m. on May 27 “was fictitious.” [NBC4]

Data Center Boom Fueling Pollution — “The 10,500 generators attached to data centers in Virginia produce enough pollution to harm public health even if used rarely, according to a new analysis of emissions permits” that reviewed permits and emissions filings for 132 sites operating in Northern Virginia through the end of 2024. Another 19 data centers have been approved in the region since then. [Washington Post]

Waymo Starts Mapping N. Va. — “Driverless car company Waymo has confirmed to FOX 5 D.C. that it is now mapping parts of Northern Virginia.” Though Virginia hasn’t yet authorized fully autonomous ride-hailing services, Waymo policy adviser Rich Harrington says the company’s “vehicles were already operating on roads in Alexandria with safety drivers behind the wheel and would soon begin operating in Arlington as well.” [FOX5]

Beyer Seeks to Block Trump Arch — “Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) is taking legislative aim at President Trump’s proposed 250-foot ‘triumphal arch’ near Arlington National Cemetery.” The congressman will introduce a bill that prohibits the use of federal funds for the arch and bars the federal government from building the arch or any similar structure on National Park Service-owned land in the D.C. region. [ARLnow]

Worker Burned by Live Wire in Tysons — “Around 11:30 a.m. [on May 27], the Fairfax County Police Department helicopter responded to the 1900 block of Cathy Lane after the construction worker, a male, fell [from a ladder] and hit the live wire, causing burn injuries. He was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.” [WJLA]

Law Could Save People With Disabilities — A bill signed into law from Chesterfield Del. Leslie Mehta will require “certain healthcare providers to conduct regular simulations so that employees are extra prepared to identify and respond to emergencies experienced by people with disabilities under their care.” [Virginia Mercury]

Two New Flights Heading to Dulles — “United Airlines will add two nonstop routes from Washington Dulles later this year, including service to Orange County, California, and San José del Cabo, Mexico. The Orange County/Santa Ana route is scheduled to begin Aug. 11 and will operate daily year-round on a Boeing 737,” while the San Jose del Cabo route will launch on Oct. 25 and operate four times a week. [Patch]

New Legal Notice — ABC permit application for restaurant license; objections within 30 days. [Public Notices]

It’s Friday — Expect a sunny day with a high of 78°F. Winds will shift from north to west at 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Overnight, the weather will be mostly clear with a low of around 60°F, and southwest winds at 7 mph. [NWS]

Fairfax Speller Reaches Bee Semifinals — “Students from Prince William and Fairfax counties reached the semifinals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee before being eliminated in the seventh round Wednesday. Siya Sampath, a seventh-grader at Haymarket’s Ronald Reagan Middle School, and Laasya Mohan, a fourth-grader at Floris Elementary School in Herndon, wound up tied for 31st among the 247 spellers.” [Inside NoVA]

Dominion Merger Raises Affordability Questions — “A proposed merger between Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy raises new possibilities and further questions in the race to match Virginia’s booming energy demand.” Northern Virginia lawmakers say they will be watching the merger closely “to ensure that creating such a large utility actually has the promised effect of driving down energy costs.” [ARLnow]

Metro Cameras Used to Assist Police — “In the past six weeks, three men with guns have been arrested at a Metro station, on a Metro train or on a Metrobus thanks in large part to WMATA’s extensive, high-definition camera system … In March, Metro General Manager Randy Clarke credited Metro’s safety in part to the cameras throughout the system.” [NBC4]

Annandale Street Receives Honorary Name — “A section of John Marr Drive in Annandale has been given the honorary name ‘Seoul Boulevard.’ Three signs were installed earlier this month – at the intersection of John Marr Drive and Columbia Pike, at the Tom Davis Drive intersection in front of the Annandale Post Office, and at the Little River Turnpike intersection in front of the Eastgate shopping center.” [Annandale Today]

Tysons Chef Makes Cooking Show Finals — “Chef Chris Morgan had never entered a cooking competition before diving into the inaugural season of ‘America’s Culinary Cup’ on CBS.” Though he was voted by other contestants as the least likely to win at one point during the season, the executive chef behind Joon in Tysons ultimately finished as the runner-up. [WTOP]

Company Envisions Air Travel Without an Airport — “A new market study from Electra shows there’s an existing market for their in-development EL9 Ultra Short, a nine passenger hybrid-electric airplane capable of taking off and landing in just 150 feet.” Based at Manassas Regional Airport, the company hopes to usher in a future of “direct aviation” where someone could park at Tysons Corner Center, for example, and then fly directly to a heliport in Manhattan without going through an airport. [WTOP]

Sweetgreen to Add McLean Pick-Up Lane — “Sweetgreen Inc., the D.C.-born purveyor of all things salad, will roll out its first Greater Washington quasi-drive-thru lane in McLean. Permits were filed this week to add a ‘sweetlane'” at the Chesterbrook Shopping Center eatery where customers can pick up online orders. [Washington Business Journal]

Former Boy Scouts Lead Lion Dance Team — “Co-founded by friends who grew up watching kung fu movies, a Northern Virginia lion dance team is keeping Chinese and Vietnamese cultural traditions alive — one loud, energetic performance at a time … Now, the Hung Vuong Lion Dance Team is an extracurricular activity of a joint Boy and Girl Scout troop, Troop 612, based in Fairfax.” [WTOP]

It’s Thursday — Expect a sunny day with temperatures reaching up to 79°F. Winds will come from the north at 7 to 11 mph, with gusts up to 21 mph. The night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 56°F and a north wind blowing at 6 to 8 mph. [NWS]

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Toddler in Oakton Crash Has Died — “On Thursday, police with the Fair Oaks Police District announced that the 2-year-old toddler hospitalized from the double-fatal car crash succumbed to her injuries … Police say the driver was going 116 mph with two children in the backseat, before crashing into a barrier.” [WUSA9]

Gun Background Checks Not Happening — “The General Assembly passed a bill on April 22 with an emergency enactment clause added by Gov. Abigail Spanberger to increase the legal age to purchase a handgun in Virginia from 18 to 21 years old.” However, a month later, the Virginia State Police still hasn’t started conducting background checks as mandated by the legislation, frustrating patron Del. Garrett McGuire (D-17). [Cardinal News]

Man Sentenced to Prison for Murders — “Anthony Eugene Robinson, dubbed the ‘shopping cart killer,’ has been sentenced to two life sentences plus 10 years in prison … Robinson was found guilty of killing Beth Redmon and Tonita Smith in Harrisonburg in 2021.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Walkinshaw Secures Dem Nomination — Yesterday, Rep. James Walkinshaw “officially became the Democratic nominee for Congress in Virginia’s 11th District.” The first-time Congressman had been set to face a primary challenge from Bree Fram, but the former Space Force colonel ultimately ended her campaign after Virginia’s new district maps were nixed, telling ABC News the change didn’t leave her enough time to pivot. [James Walkinshaw/Bluesky]

Speed Humps Proposed on Reston Road — “Residents along part of Fairway Drive in Reston are voting on a Fairfax County traffic-calming proposal that would add three speed humps to the west end of the road … The ballot period began in April and ends June 13, according to Steve Sarandos, who heads up the task force” that has been looking at speed and traffic issues on Fairway Drive for seven years now. [Patch]

Va. Seeks to Spend Toll Revenue on Transit — “Virginia is pushing to reinvest express lane and toll revenue into public transit instead of road projects, even as public concerns persist about using priced roadways. The focus on reinvesting express lane revenue is reflected in the estimated $46.5 million the commonwealth expects to generate from its express lanes.” [Virginia Mercury]

Fairfax City Leads in Population Growth — “Fairfax City posted the fastest population growth rate among Virginia cities and towns with at least 20,000 residents between 2020 and 2025, according to newly compiled Census data. Fairfax City’s population grew from 24,146 residents in 2020 to 26,772 residents in 2025.” [Patch]

Tysons Media Company Names CEO — “Tegna Inc. on Monday named longtime D.C.-area media veteran Patrick Paolini its new CEO as the Tysons-based TV station operator works through litigation that aims to undo its merger with Nexstar Media Group Inc … Nexstar CEO Perry Sook said on the company’s earnings call earlier this month that Tegna is officially operating as a subsidiary of Nexstar until the litigation is resolved.” [Washington Business Journal]

It’s Wednesday — Expect showers and thunderstorms throughout the day, with patchy fog before 11am and a high near 80°F. Showers and thunderstorms are likely into the evening, tapering off around 11pm, with patchy fog developing until 1am. The night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 64°F. There’s a 60% chance of rain. [NWS]

There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.