morning notes

Boy Scouts Rescued in West Virginia — “A group of 31 Fairfax County Boy Scouts and adults were rescued Saturday afternoon after getting separated on the Cacapon River, West Virginia authorities said.” Troop 1865, which consisted of 24 kids and seven adults, “became split across three different locations while tubing.” [WJLA]

Waiter Fired for Alleged Racist Slur — “A waiter at a Fairfax restaurant has been fired after a racial slur was discovered written on the button of a customer’s receipt … Crazy Crab manager Rez Choudhury apologized to the customer and the community on Thursday.” [FOX5]

Area Malls Respond to Anchor Closures — “The shutdown of Saks Fifth Avenue’s Friendship Heights and Tysons stores this month leaves its landlords with hundreds of thousands of square feet to refill or repurpose. Those and other department store closures also have retail experts rethinking the traditional mall anchor store.” [WTOP]

Education ESOL Office Closing — “The U.S. Department of Education’s move [earlier this month] to dissolve an office dedicated to ensuring that English learners and immigrant students gain English proficiency and academic success has prompted uncertainty among Virginia’s schools and students.” [Virginia Mercury]

Va. Launches Measles Data Dashboard — “Virginia health officials launched a new dashboard Thursday to keep the public informed as measles cases surge in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Health reports an outbreak in Buckingham County with 17 confirmed cases. Statewide, VDH is reporting 40 cases this year.” [WWBT]

Overnight Paving on Franconia Road — “Weather permitting, lane closures will occur in the area of eastbound/westbound Franconia Road (Route 644) and the Loisdale Drive/Commerce Street (Route 789)/Frontier Drive (Route 2677) interchange Wednesday night, May 27, and Thursday night, May 28, for asphalt paving and patching.” [VDOT]

Indoor Soccer Training Center Proposed — “A large indoor soccer training facility has been proposed for a vacant building on Port Royal Road in Springfield. The Board of Zoning Appeals has scheduled a hearing on July 22 for a special permit for the project.” [Annandale Today]

Forrest Gump Actor Visits Fort Belvoir — “Actor, musician and veterans advocate Gary Sinise returned to Fort Belvoir with his Lt. Dan Band Thursday, telling service members and families their sacrifices remain at the center of his foundation’s mission … The appearance was part of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Invincible Spirit Festival, now in its 33rd installment nationwide at military medical centers.” [Inside NoVA]

It’s Tuesday — It will be mostly cloudy with a high of around 76°F and calm winds shifting to the east at 6 mph. There is a 40% chance of precipitation. Overnight, showers are likely after 2am with a low of about 65°F and a 50% chance of rain. [NWS]

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Lane Closures Lifted for Memorial Day — “The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will be suspending many highway work zones and lifting temporary lane closures on interstates and other major roads in Virginia from noon on Friday, May 22 until noon on Tuesday, May 26. While lane closures will be lifted in most locations, motorists may encounter semi-permanent work zones that remain in place during this time.” [VDOT]

Flights From Ebola-Affected Countries Sent to Dulles — “The Secretary of Homeland Security is ordering all U.S.-bound flights carrying travelers who were in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan within the past 21 days to land only at Washington–Dulles International Airport following the discovery of a rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak.” [FOX5]

Construction Funds Cover VDOT Shortfall — “The Commonwealth Transportation Board voted to transfer funds from construction projects and other areas to address a $193 million budget shortfall caused by increased spending on storm response and employee bonuses during Wednesday’s business meeting.” [Virginia Mercury]

AI Bills Fall by Wayside — “Most of the AI bills proposed by the General Assembly during the 2026 session were pushed aside over concerns that Trump would make good on his threat to sue and withhold broadband funding from states that pass laws stifling the technology’s growth.” [VPM News]

Arrests in Lego Retail Thefts — “Detectives from our Criminal Investigations Division have charged two suspects involved in nearly $10,000 worth of stolen merchandise, including LEGO sets, small appliances, and clothing, from stores across Fairfax County.” The cases date back to December 2025, targeting Target, Home Depot and Walmart. [FCPD]

Fairfax Connector Bus in Crash — Two lanes of Herndon Parkway were closed yesterday afternoon (Thursday) due to a crash involving a Fairfax Connector bus, the Herndon Police Department (HPD) said. Fairfax County police said “that no injuries were reported, and only minor damage occurred.” [DC News Now]

New Laws to Manage Invasive Species — “The measures make new opportunities for localities to collaborate on invasive control, set new requirements on the state Department of Transportation’s management of plants on highways and close a loophole on how plants are prohibited from sale in the commonwealth.” [VPM News]

Free Rec Center Access for Veterans — “In recognition of Memorial Day, the Fairfax County Park Authority invites veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families to enjoy complimentary access to select park amenities and activities on Monday, May 25.” The deal includes recreation center access, camping at Lake Fairfax Park and, for active service members, wagon rides at Frying Pan Farm Park. [FCPA]

It’s Friday — Expect rain before 5 p.m., followed by showers, with a high of around 61°F. East winds will be 9 to 14 mph, with gusts up to 18 mph, and an 80% chance of up to a quarter-inch of precipitation. Friday night will have showers until 11 p.m., then more rain, with a low of about 51°F, east winds at 8 to 13 mph, and a 100% chance of similar rainfall. [NWS]

Barn Fire in Great Falls — The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded last night to “a barn fire in the 200 block of Walker Rd in Great Falls. Crews encountered a well-involved barn fire and established tanker shuttle operations due to limited hydrants. All occupants and animals are out safely.” [FCFRD/X]

Congress Seeks Answers on Potomac Spill — “Key officials involved in the cleanup of a massive sewage spill in the Potomac River testified Wednesday at a congressional hearing that they quickly responded after a pipe burst and that public health was never at risk.” Lawmakers, however, expressed continued concern about the effects of the disaster and whether it could’ve been prevented. [WTOP]

Motorcyclist Killed in Crash Identified — “Preliminarily, detectives determined that Mikhail Perry, 22, of Fairfax, was traveling northbound on Route 29 on a 2005 Ducati motorcycle” when he crashed into a semi truck making a U-turn on Tuesday (May 19). Police say “speed was a factor in the crash for the motorcyclist.” [FCPD]

Virginia Revenue Exceeds Forecast — “Virginia’s economy is showing increasing signs of strain from slower job growth, rising inflation and weakening consumer confidence, even as state revenues continue exceeding expectations and giving lawmakers more room to negotiate a stalled state budget, Virginia Secretary of Finance Mark Sickles said Tuesday.” [Virginia Mercury]

Overdose Deaths Declining in Va. — “Virginia recorded one of the steepest declines in overdose deaths nationwide over the past year, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” Virginia Commissioner for Behavioral Health Daryl Washington attributed the drop to expanded access to naloxone and treatment programs. [WAMU]

Osprey Saved From Drowning — “The Fairfax County Animal Shelter said earlier this month that its animal services officers responded to a report of an osprey that had gotten trapped on a fishing line … When the officer arrived, the osprey had freed itself but looked to have gotten injured from the struggle.” [DC News Now]

Metro Featured in Smithsonian Exhibit — As part of a collaboration timed to celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary, the National Museum of American History is displaying a mural highlighting “destinations across the District, Maryland, and Virginia accessible by Metro Rail and Metro Bus.” A special Metro map shows the connections between the transit system and sites crucial to the nation’s history. [WMATA]

Private School Completes New Turf Field — “The Griffin Field project – the ‘field of dreams’ – at the Westminster School in Annandale is nearly completed. A ribbon-cutting celebration will be held in October. The independent, private school, located at 3819 Gallows Road, serves students from preschool through middle school.” [Annandale Today]

New Legal Notice — Restaurant seeks ABC on/off-premise alcohol license; objections in 30 days. [Public Notices]

It’s Thursday — Expect showers and possibly a thunderstorm today, with a high of around 67°F. The 90% chance of rain will drop to 60% at night, which will be cloudy with a low of around 54°F. Northeast winds will range from 7 to 10 mph. [NWS]

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Congressional Candidates Drop Out — Several House of Delegates candidates have officially suspended their campaigns after the Virginia Supreme Court voided the results of the April 21 redistricting referendum. That includes former Space Force Col. Bree Fram, who was set to challenge Rep. James Walkinshaw in the 11th District, and contenders for the proposed 7th District: Dorothy McAuliffe, Del. Dan Helmer, state Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim and J.P. Cooney. [ABC News]

Man Sentenced for Burke Lake Park Murder — “A man convicted of the 2023 slaying of his girlfriend at a Fairfax County park was sentenced Friday [May 15] to 40 years in prison, after a judge cited the defendant’s heavy use of psychedelic mushrooms on the night of the killing as one of his mitigating factors.” The judge said he believed Rami El-Sayed, 36, “was not fully aware of his actions.” [WUSA9]

Majority of Metrobus Riders Not Paying — “Metro says nearly seven out of every 10 bus riders are still not paying the fare to ride the bus. Now, a new crackdown is coming that will involve bus operators and transit police. Metrobus operators will quote the fare to ride the bus as a reminder to riders to pay.” [NBC4]

Burke Ranked Best Place to Live in Va. — “U.S. News & World Report has released its 2026–2027 Best Places to Live list, and the results might surprise you … Burke was the No. 1 Best Place to Live in Virginia, and it landed at 108 on the list of 250 U.S. cities. The Burke 22015 zip code also topped our list of the 20 Hottest Zip Codes in Northern Virginia.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Unionized Electricians Back Data Center Tax Break — “Dozens of electricians, all union workers who help build data centers across Virginia, attended a meeting of the Senate Finance committee Tuesday. They were there to urge negotiators to keep tax breaks for data centers, a sticking point in the ongoing fight over Virginia’s budget.” If a new budget isn’t in place by June 30, Virginia would face its first-ever partial government shutdown. [WVTF]

Metro Leader Pitches ‘Gold Line’ — “Randy Clarke sees Metro’s future in the Gold Line: A zippy, dedicated bus route from Georgetown to the new Commanders stadium.” The Metro general manager also that “fares are probably going up next year for inflation … three years after the last increase.” [Axios DC]

RA Revising Pesticide Notification Policies — “The Reston Association is updating its communication procedures for pesticide applications following community transparency concerns, according to an email sent Monday by Acting Chief Executive Officer Peter Lusk.” The changes are being implemented after local homeowner Amy Becker raised concerns at a board meeting on May 1. [Patch]

Asian Celebration Planned in Annandale — “The community is invited to an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration on Saturday, May 23, 2-6 p.m., at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space.” The festival will feature over 50 vendors, live entertainment, a fashion show, an eating contest, crafts and appearances by community organizations. [Annandale Today]

It’s Wednesday — There’s a 60% chance of rain, likely after 5 p.m. and a high near 95°F, with a west wind of 6 to 11 mph. Tonight, the low will be around 59°F, with a north wind of 5 to 7 mph and an 80% chance of rain. [NWS]

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

Heat Record at Dulles Airport — “Monday brought the heat. Dulles set a record at 95, while DC (93) and Baltimore (95) came close. Not done yet — Tuesday could bring more records with highs in the mid–upper 90s. Scorching through Wednesday.” [Capital Weather Gang/Bluesky]

Increased Traffic Enforcement for Memorial Day — “Officers will conduct increased enforcement efforts throughout the holiday weekend as part of ongoing traffic safety initiatives, including the national ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign, which continues through the end of May.” Police stressed the importance of safe driving behaviors after a crash in Oakton killed two people who reportedly weren’t wearing seat belts. [FCPD]

Possible Replacement for Closing JCPenney — A site plan submitted to Fairfax County on May 1 identifies Dick’s Sporting Goods as the future occupant of the space at Springfield Town Center that JCPenney is vacating after 53 years on May 24. The application seeks to demolish a 10,208-square-foot addition to the department store and replace it with a running track and synthetic turf field, suggesting the new store could be a Dick’s House of Sport like the one coming to Tysons. [Washington Business Journal]

Job Losses Hitting Unevenly — “Job losses directly and indirectly tied to President Donald Trump’s policies have hit Black workers in the D.C. area the hardest, a new study found.” As of March, the region had about 115,000 fewer jobs than before Trump took office for his second term in January 2025, the Economic Policy Institute says. [WTOP]

Electricity Legislation Signed — “Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Thursday signed legislation that directs regulators to assign electricity costs to data centers and allows Dominion Energy to spend $900,000 a mile burying local distribution lines.” [Inside Climate News]

Reston Contractor Accuses Rival of Poaching Workers — CACI filed a federal lawsuit on May 14 alleging “that T2S LLC of Belcamp, Maryland, recruited at least 20 high-skilled CACI employees in defiance of a non-solicitation pact the companies agreed to while CACI (NYSE: CACI) was assisting T2S on its bid for a $600 million U.S. Army cybersecurity-related contract.” The contractor wants a trial as it seeks to recoup lost profits and legal fees, along with $350,000 in punitive damages. [WBJ]

Boxing Gym Adding Retail Shop — “Z’s Boxing Gym in Annandale is opening a shop selling high-end boxing equipment a couple of doors away. Z’s Boxing Gear will open at 4113 John Marr Drive within the next few weeks, says Monica Zimmerman, the wife of Z’s Boxing Gym owner Eric Zimmerman.” [Annandale Today]

Asian Festival Draws a Crowd — “Morning rain failed to dampen the spirits of the thousands of people who turned out Sunday for the Sixth Annual Asian Festival on Main in the City of Fairfax.” More than 120 vendors, about half of them offering food and drinks, participated in the festival, which has been organized for six years now by the Old Town Fairfax Business Association. [Patch]

It’s Tuesday — Expect a sunny day with a high temperature of around 96°F and a southwest wind blowing at 6 to 10 mph. Tuesday night will be partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to about 75°F. A south wind will persist at around 10 mph, with gusts reaching up to 20 mph. [NWS]

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

SCOTUS Rejects Redistricting Appeal — “The Supreme Court on Friday rejected Virginia’s bid to restore a congressional map that would have given Democrats a chance to pick up four seats in the closely divided House of Representatives.” The court order was “issued without any noted dissent.” [Associated Press]

Boy Hospitalized by Shooting Range Mishap — “A 14-year-old boy was hospitalized after a shotgun exploded in his hands while at a Centreville shooting range on Sunday, according to the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) … The teen was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries to his hand.” [DC News Now]

Va. Could Allow Single-Stairway Buildings — Last week, “the state’s Board of Housing and Community Development advanced a proposal to allow single stairways in four-story buildings, setting it up for potential adoption in the next state code requirements.” Some lawmakers and advocates say the revision to building standards “could unlock housing development on vacant or underutilized lots.” [Virginia Mercury]

Grandmother Graduates From GMU — “At 72 years old, Irma Garcia of Woodbridge is graduating from George Mason University with a bachelor’s degree — decades after first putting her education on hold to raise her family.” She joined thousands of other students who celebrated at commencement ceremonies this past weekend.” [FOX5]

Beauty School Coming to Annandale — “A cosmetology school is expected to open in June on the corner of Columbia Pike and Annandale Road in central Annandale … The owner, Katy Hennessey, plans to offer classes leading to certifications in cosmetology, acrylic nails, and eyelash and eyebrow procedures.” [Annandale Today]

McLean Satellite Company Makes Acquisition — “Iridium Communications, a global satellite communications company, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the remainder of Aireon, a joint project it started in 2011, for $366.7 million. Currently, Iridium owns 39% of McLean-based Aireon, operator of the world’s only space-based” real-time global air traffic information system. [Virginia Business]

Meeting on Route 29 Improvements — “The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will host an in-person community meeting on the Route 29 Active Transportation Study at 7 p.m.” tomorrow (Tuesday) at Timber Lane Elementary School. FCDOT will present proposed improvements to the street, including sidewalks, bike paths, transit stops and crossings.” [FCDOT]

RCC Lauded for Water Safety Education — “The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation earlier this month declaring May as Water Safety Month … The proclamation cited the Reston Community Center’s efforts in providing swimming instruction and safety training for residents of various ages.” [Patch]

New Legal Notice — Business seeks retail on/off-premises wine-beer license; objections within 30 days. [Public Notices]

It’s Monday — It will be sunny with a high of around 95 degrees, and winds will shift to the south at 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon. Monday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to about 72 degrees and a south wind of around 8 mph. [NWS]

Murder Charge for Huntington Stabbing — Fairfax County police arrested a 16-year-old boy on Wednesday (May 13) and charged him with first-degree murder for a fatal stabbing that occurred at the Farrington Place condominiums last Saturday (May 9). “The suspect and victim are known to each other and there is no threat to the community.” [FCPD]

Geese Cause I-66 Backup — “A family of geese — walking, instead of flying — backed up traffic on westbound I-66 in Arlington for more than an hour [yesterday] afternoon. A Metro Transit Police K-9 officer was the first to respond, protecting the birds alone for about 45 minutes” before state and county police arrived to assist, D.C.-area public safety watcher Dave Statter reported. [ARLnow]

NAACP Backs Redistricting Appeal — The civil rights organization “asked the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse Virginia’s high court ruling striking down the state’s redistricting referendum, arguing the decision nullified the votes of millions of Virginians who approved the measure last month.” [Virginia Mercury]

Spanberger Focused on Midterm Elections — “Days after Virginia Democrats filed an emergency appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court as part of their ongoing redistricting battle, Gov. Abigail Spanberger said she’s focused on the fall midterm elections and ensuring voters are motivated to turn out.” This year’s elections “will proceed under the current map,” regardless of the appeal’s outcome, she said. [WTOP]

FCPS Expanding Montessori Program — “Fairfax County Public Schools is embracing the Montessori learning model in some schools. After launching a Montessori program this academic year, the district will expand its offerings to new schools in the 2026–2027 school year.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Smithsonian Castle to Reopen — “The Smithsonian Castle is temporarily reopening on the National Mall next week after a years-long closure, complete with historic treasures and New England eats … The Smithsonian is going big for America’s 250th anniversary, reopening some of its most beloved landmarks on the south side of the Mall amid major renovations.” [Axios DC]

Tenant Coming to Vacant Commercial Building — “Something new and different is coming to a long-vacant building in Seven Corners. The building, at 6320 Castle Place, will be the second location of Redwood K-Wellness, a spa focusing on scalp treatments aimed at producing thick, full, and healthy hair.” [Annandale Today]

Park Authority Wins Federal Energy Award — “The Fairfax County Park Authority has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy as a winner of the Better Project Award, which honors partners for outstanding accomplishments in implementing energy, water, and/or waste reduction projects at individual facilities.” [FCPA]

It’s Friday — The weather will be sunny with a high of around 71°F and northwest winds blowing at 10 to 13 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. Friday night will be mostly clear with a low near 53°F and calm winds. [NWS]

Woman Injured in Stolen Vehicle Crash — Fairfax County police officers responded last night (Wednesday) to “a crash involving multiple vehicles at Richmond Hwy and Lorton Rd in Lorton. An adult female was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Preliminarily, a delivery vehicle was stolen near Backlick Rd and Richmond Hwy in Fort Belvoir. The suspect then crashed into multiple vehicles and is now in custody.” [FCPD/X]

Health Care Bills Signed in Merrifield — “Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) on Wednesday signed a package of health care bills at Inova Schar Cancer Institute aimed at capping insulin costs, expanding insurance benefits and limiting how insurers use prior authorization and artificial intelligence.” [Patch]

High Security Planned for D.C.’s Fourth of July — “The July 4 celebration on the National Mall has been given the highest-level security designation, an unusual step for Independence Day that will unlock the full weight of local and federal law enforcement resources.” The designation “is typically given to events deemed potential targets for terrorism or other criminal activity” by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. [Washington Post]

Va. Could Mandate Changing Stations in Bathrooms — Virginia doesn’t require public restrooms to include diaper-changing stations, but that could change under a proposal from state Sen. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, who represents Alexandria and a sliver of Fairfax County. The state’s Board of Housing and Community Development advanced the proposal at a meeting on Monday (May 11) and will take a final vote “after the public has the chance to weigh in.” [Virginia Mercury]

Seafood Eatery Opens in Annandale — “Mad Seafood is bringing a taste of Louisiana to Annandale. The new restaurant, at the corner of Annandale Road, Poplar Street, and Markham Street, specializes in Cajun-style, farm-raised fish and shrimp.” [Annandale Today]

Congressional Candidate Likely Dropping Out — “A congressional candidate from Falls Church says he will leave the race if the Virginia Supreme Court’s decision on redistricting stands … Like most other contenders in the proposed new 7th District, Schiarizzi said he was awaiting a final outcome before formalizing any plans.” [ARLnow]

New Mural Honors Late Musician — “A new mural going up in Annandale celebrates singer-songwriter Cat Janice, who died of cancer in 2024 shortly after one of her songs, ‘Dance Outta My Head,’ went viral … The mural, located on the side of Annandale Watch & Clock at 4221 Annandale Road, should be completed by the end of next week, says Cat’s mother, Annandale resident Stacey Ipsan.” [Annandale Today]

McLean Restaurant Revived Under New Owner — “At Café Tatti in McLean, chef Giovanni Carlo has created his own version of the winter dish. And he’s not sure if he can ever remove it from the menu. ‘It’s one of the items that drives in new guests,’ says the restaurateur, who took over the 45-year-old restaurant with his wife, Sema, last year.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

It’s Thursday — Expect mostly sunny skies today with a high near 65°F and northwest winds at 11 to 14 mph, gusting up to 23 mph. Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low around 51°F, featuring northwest winds around 11 mph and gusts up to 18 mph. [NWS]

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Survey Work Starts on ‘Triumphal Arch’ — “Workers began preliminary surveys and testing Monday of the proposed site of a Triumphal Arch sought by President Donald Trump, the latest step in plans for the contentious project in the nation’s capital. Workers were seen inspecting the site of the proposed arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery with tools and equipment.” [Associated Press/ARLnow]

Regional Pizzeria Chain Using AI — “Behind the counter at Andy’s Pizza, AI now helps direct everything from when mozzarella gets ordered to the moment a pie needs to hit the oven. As big restaurant chains pour money into AI to cut labor costs, fast-growing D.C. pizza chain Andy’s is betting custom-built AI tools can help it scale without sacrificing hospitality.” [Axios DC]

Meeting on Pedestrian Safety at Herndon HS — “We’re working to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety on Bennett Street in front of Herndon High School!” Herndon and Virginia Department of Transportation staff will present preliminary concepts for improvements at a community meeting tonight (Wednesday) at 7 p.m. in the Herndon High School cafeteria (700 Bennett Street). [Town of Herndon/Instagram]

Retired Fairfax Deputy Loses Home in Fire — “Imagine losing nearly everything at age 72. That’s what happened to a retired Fairfax County deputy in March when his home burned to the ground. Dan DePalma’s neighbors say he spent his career helping others, so now they are trying to help him rebuild.” [NBC4]

Fairfax City School Briefly Evacuated — “Students at Daniels Run Elementary School in Fairfax City were evacuated for a short period of time on Tuesday as firefighters investigated the report of a building fire, authorities say.” Principal Susan Mullen later informed families that a light had “burst in a classroom, which generated some smoke.” No injuries were reported. [Patch]

Yemeni Cafe Opening Soon in Seven Corners — “Qahwah, a Yemeni coffee shop, is expected to open in Seven Corners within the next couple of weeks, as soon as it clears the inspection process. The shop is located in a long vacant building at 6315A Leesburg Pike that once housed the Seven Corners Pub.” [Annandale Today]

Prepare for Graduation Traffic — “Drivers may see heavier than normal traffic around George Mason University’s Fairfax campus from May 14 through June 17, according to a traffic advisory about graduation events at EagleBank Arena.” The stadium will host commencements for GMU and Northern Virginia Community College on May 14 and May 18, respectively, followed by a slate of high school graduation ceremonies. [Patch]

Lighthouse from 1800s For Sale — “The Middle Ground Lighthouse is a privately owned, fully restored lighthouse that is only accessible by boat. The property is now on offer for private sale.” Built in 1891, the lighthouse has been renovated into a private home, but its light still functions, flashing over the Chesapeake Bay near Newport News. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

New Legal Notice — Applicant seeks ABC license for on/off-premises beer, wine, mixed beverages. [Public Notices]

It’s Wednesday — Expect increasing clouds with a high near 75°F, a 30% chance of showers, and possible thunderstorms after 5 pm. Night will have showers and thunderstorms until 2 AM and a low of around 53°F. Precipitation chance rises to 90% with potential rainfall between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. [NWS]

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

Democrats Appeal Decision on Redistricting Amendment — “Democrats on Monday filed an emergency appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to halt a Virginia ruling invalidating a ballot measure that would have given their party an additional four winnable U.S. House seats.” [Associated Press/ARLnow]

SCOTUS Ruling Adds to Representation Concerns — “The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling weakening a key enforcement tool of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is fueling new concerns in Virginia over the future of Black political representation, particularly if Republicans regain full control of state government after the next census.” [Virginia Mercury]

Two Residents Charged With Sex Trafficking — “Two women are being held without bond in Alexandria after being arrested for alleged sex trafficking at a massage parlor in the Huntington area of Fairfax County, according to the Alexandria Police Department.” The arrests occurred after police executed a search warrant at a massage business on Ashlar Way. [ALXnow]

State Paid Family Leave Law Signed — “Virginia’s governor signed the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Law last month, making the commonwealth one of more than a dozen states offering similar benefits and the first in the South to do so. Gov. Abigail Spanberger made it official, saying the law is designed to help smaller businesses retain employees who encounter difficult times.” [WTOP]

FCPD Rolls Out Defibrillators to Patrol Officers — “The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) has launched a new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program that will equip patrol officers with additional life-saving tools to respond to cardiac emergencies in the community … As part of the program, each district police station will receive five Avive Connect AEDs to distribute across patrol shifts.” [FCPD]

Road Closure for Fairfax Blvd Improvements — “Please be advised of a planned temporary road closure on Warwick Avenue between Fairfax Boulevard and Farr Avenue. Warwick will be closed to thru traffic May 12-22, and drivers will be rerouted via Farr Avenue to Fairfax Boulevard.” [City of Fairfax]

Hook Road Ballfields Reopen After Renovation — “Reston Association leaders, community officials, and local families gathered Saturday morning for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Hook Road Recreation Area ballfields, celebrating the end of a ‘labor of love’ to modernize the facility.” The project had been under construction for months and in planning for almost a decade. [Patch]

Progress on Purple Line in Maryland — “The Purple Line is coming together in Maryland — the final track was laid on Thursday. We’ve been waiting for the 16-mile light rail line between New Carrollton and Bethesda for close to 10 years.” Now about 90% complete, the new rail line is expected to open to the public in winter 2027. [Axios DC]

It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny skies today with a high near 71°F, accompanied by a light north wind that will become variable. Tonight will see increasing cloud cover, with temperatures dropping to around 55°F. Winds will shift to the south at 6 to 11 mph, and gusts could reach up to 21 mph. [NWS]

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