The Trump administration has launched an investigation into the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office over its handling of cases involving undocumented immigrants as defendants.
The Justice Department notified Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano today (Wednesday) that it has opened an investigation into his office’s policy advising prosecutors to consider defendants’ immigration status when making decisions about plea agreements, charges and sentencing.
A proposal that would’ve established zoning rules for casinos is expected to be withdrawn when it goes before the Herndon Town Council later this month.
The Herndon Planning Commission indicated at a work session on Monday (May 4) that it will recommend denial of the zoning ordinance amendment, which defined a casino and set parameters for how one could be approved, Mayor Keven LeBlanc confirmed to FFXnow and other outlets, including Patch.
Fairfax County is officially evaluating the potential of incorporating a Reston Community Center satellite facility in its anticipated redevelopment of a Lake Anne apartment complex.
The county’s Board of Supervisors voted unanimously yesterday (Tuesday) to have planning staff review a comprehensive plan amendment significantly expanding the amount of non-residential uses allowed on the Crescent Apartments property at 1513 and 1531 Cameron Crescent Drive.
Elevated Gas Prices Continue — “Virginia drivers are feeling more pressure at the gas pump. And fuel prices continue to rise. The average fuel cost in Virginia has risen to above $4 per gallon, according to AAA data. Prices are the highest they’ve been since late July 2022,” driven by the ongoing war in Iran. [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Potomac Water Quality Improving After Spill — “Heading into the summer, environmental advocates are stressing the importance of continued water quality monitoring along the Potomac River, even as months of testing has shown E. coli levels are back to normal following January’s massive sewage spill.” [WTOP]
Va. Opposes USPS Gun Mailing Plan — “Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones on Tuesday joined 21 other states in opposing a proposed United States Postal Service rule that would allow certain firearms to be sent through the mail, warning the change could undermine state gun laws and make it easier for prohibited individuals to obtain weapons.” [Virginia Mercury]
Millions Dropped From SNAP Benefits — “At least 2.5 million low-income people quickly lost help affording groceries under a Republican-passed law that added new requirements for the nation’s largest nutrition program and shifted hundreds of millions of dollars in costs from the federal government to states, according to a study by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.” [Maryland Matters]
Transmission Upgrades Slowing Energy Projects — “Costs and delays related to upgrading transmission infrastructure are blocking new power sources from getting onto the grid in Virginia, according to a new analysis … It found that 103 power plants in Virginia have withdrawn or been significantly delayed by network upgrade bottlenecks since 2018, mostly clean energy projects.” [VPM News]
Italian Restaurant Expanding to Herndon — “Exciting news for the team at a popular Italian restaurant in Loudoun County – they are expanding and opening a new location in Herndon … The owners of Urbano Modern Italian announced they will be bringing a new restaurant to the Woodland Park Crossing shopping center.” [The Burn]
Teacher Wins Lottery Jackpot — “A Fairfax County teacher won a $986,399 jackpot in the Virginia Lottery’s The Lamp: Dark Arts online game after deciding to play on his wife’s birthday, according to a Virginia Lottery press release. The winner, who was not identified, later told his wife during a walk that he had a gift for her,” calling the winnings “truly life changing.” [Patch]
Scholarships Awarded to Local Students — “Some of the students honored at the Hispanic Leadership Alliance awards ceremony on May 4 are the first in their families to go to college, others came to the U.S. alone, and some just learned English a couple of years ago.” The organization “presented $1,000 scholarships to 29 Fairfax County seniors at a banquet at the FCPS Willow Oaks Administrative Center.” [Annandale Today]
New Legal Notice — Restaurant seeks ABC license for wine and beer, on/off-premises. [Public Notices]
It’s Wednesday — There’s an 80% chance of rain with showers and possible thunderstorms likely after 5 pm, with a high near 77°F, and south winds at 15 mph, gusting up to 30 mph. At night, showers and possibly thunderstorms will continue. The low will be around 55°F. [NWS]
There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors formally adopted a fiscal year 2027 budget this morning (Tuesday), while also setting a future public hearing on local control of speed limits in some areas.
The board set a June 9 public hearing on a proposed ordinance that, if enacted, would give the county more autonomy to reduce speed limits in residential and business districts.
Herndon is going all-in on a “hot and cool” theme with its newest festival, where upbeat and mellow musical performances will be complemented by activities such as a snowball fight and jalapeno-eating contest.
“Polar Heat on Lynn Street,” a free, day-long event on Saturday, May 16 sponsored by the town’s Parks and Recreation Department, will feature nonstop music on two different stages, food trucks, inflatables, a smores station and themed community vendor booths.
James Madison High School alum Bryce Eldridge is getting another shot at the majors after he was called up yesterday (Monday) by the San Francisco Giants.
A slugging and pitching star for the Warhawks, which won two state championships during his career, Eldridge was drafted by the Giants in 2023 with the 16th overall pick.
An existing restaurant at Reston Station will soon bring new life to the outdoor patio vacated at the end of 2025 by Matchbox.
Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse is expanding to the patio, where it will open a “Plaza Bar” with seasonal menu offerings, cocktails and more this Friday (May 7).
Kayaker Died After Great Falls Capsizing — “A kayaker who was rescued Sunday afternoon from the Potomac River died at Inova Fairfax Hospital, according to authorities. Emergency rescue personnel from both Fairfax County and Montgomery County, Maryland responded” around 2 p.m. on May 3 to a report of three people becoming separated from their boats near Great Falls. [Patch]
Firefighters Battle Groveton House Fire — Fairfax County firefighters responded yesterday (Monday) just after 11 a.m. to a house fire in the 6500 block of Enfield Drive in the Groveton area. “First-arriving crews arrived with heavy fire showing from a single-family home. All occupants were confirmed out prior to arrival.” No injuries were reported, and an investigation into the cause is underway. [FCFRD/Facebook]
Police Share Initial ‘Road Shark’ Results — “Between April 20 and 26, the Fairfax County Police Department worked in conjunction with the Virginia State Police (VSP) to enforce traffic laws throughout the county. In the first week, officers and troopers issued 781 citations for speeding, 294 citations for reckless driving, and 244 hands-free citations.” [FCPD]
New Family Leave Program Addresses Domestic Violence — “Virginia is the first Southern state to pass a statewide paid family and medical leave program, and it goes beyond new parents or serious illness. The law broadens eligibility by allowing paid leave for workers dealing with domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault.” [Axios Richmond]
Bill Would Allow Class Action Lawsuits — “Gov. Abigail Spanberger is weighing whether to sign or veto legislation that would, for the first time, allow Virginians to file class action lawsuits in state courts — a shift advocates say would expand access to justice, but one that has drawn pushback over how far the change should go.” [Virginia Mercury]
Dogs Found in Fairfax City Reclaimed — “City of Fairfax police released a photo Monday of two small dogs that were found walking together on Sunday in the city. The two dogs can be claimed at the Michael R. Frey campus of the Fairfax County Animal Services at 4500 West Ox Road.” Police shared at 2:48 p.m. today (Tuesday) that the dogs have now been reunited with their family. [Patch]
Shuttle Added to Mount Vernon — “A new shuttle service will soon make it easier to travel to George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate from the King Street Metro station in Old Town. Starting this Friday, May 8, $10 roundtrip shuttle tickets will be available with service to Mount Vernon on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through June.” [ALXnow]
National Mall Refreshing Concessions Kiosks — “A new concessions operator for the National Park Service is planning to give [food kiosks around the National Mall] a big upgrade. Between now and Memorial Day, they’ll transform the Mall’s eight kiosks into different cafe concepts—some themed around nearby museums and monuments — and add 25 food carts.” [Washingtonian]
It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny conditions with a high near 84°F, accompanied by breezy southwest winds at 10 to 20 mph and gusts reaching up to 33 mph. Night will bring increasing clouds, a low around 64°F, and a 30% chance of showers after 2 a.m. [NWS]
Want more local news? Check out our newest sister site, WSHnow, with the latest from across the region.
The number of Fairfax County residents counted as unemployed has risen 22% year-over-year and 62.5% since the beginning of the second Trump administration, according to new data.
A total of 23,518 residents were recorded as seeking jobs in February, according to data reported last week by the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement.
