A lower real estate tax rate, smaller transfer than school leaders sought and imposition of a meals tax are all part of Fairfax County’s $5.7 billion fiscal year 2026 budget slated for formal adoption next week.
“Our residents are worried” as they “prepare for the impact” of the Trump administration’s downsizing of the federal government and its related economic fallout, Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said at a budget markup session today (Tuesday).
A former longtime adviser to Rep. Gerry Connolly appears to be running to succeed his political mentor.
James Walkinshaw, a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for the past five years, filed paperwork today (Tuesday) to formally seek the Democratic nomination for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District.
A delivery-centered food hall is coming to Fairfax County.
Wonder, a New York-based concept that serves food from restaurants across the country for dining in, takeout and delivery, is planning to open several locations across the D.C. area this year, including ones in Reston and Franconia.
VHSL to Vote on Transgender Athlete Restrictions — “Even after Virginia imposed a new ban blocking transgender students from girls’ sports, advocates are making a last-ditch push this week to sway high school sports leaders — challenging a decision that others have applauded.” The Virginia High School League is scheduled to ratify its policy change at a meeting tomorrow (Wednesday). [Virginia Mercury]
Army Helicopter Flights Halted Near DCA — “The Army is pausing helicopter flights near a Washington airport after two commercial planes had to abort landings last week because of an Army Black Hawk helicopter that was flying to the Pentagon … The pause comes after 67 people died in January when a passenger jet collided in midair with a Black Hawk helicopter at Reagan airport.” [Associated Press]
Rock Used in Hybla Valley Business Burglaries — “Detectives from our Criminal Investigations Division are seeking the community’s help in identifying a suspect responsible for multiple burglaries in Hybla Valley.” Police first responded to a burglary call at La Taza Panaderia on April 17 where the suspect reportedly used a rock to break in. [FCPD]
Shooting Survivor Shares Story — “Her own cellphone video captured the start of the terrifying gunfire that changed Esther’s life forever. The six gunshots left her with permanent injuries and, for now, tethered to a tracheostomy tube she must use to speak … Collins Agyei, her son’s father and the man who nearly killed her, was sentenced to 23 years in prison on Thursday.” [NBC4]
New Bank to Open in Annandale — “The new Chase Bank branch at 4250 John Marr Drive in Annandale is expected to open on May 20. New customers who open a personal or business account at the Grand Opening will receive a coupon for $300, says Catherine Morrison, market director for consumer banking at Chase.” [Annandale Today]
Fairfax Connector Service Changes Coming — Fairfax Connector will implement changes to some bus routes starting May 17. “Key adjustments include the introduction of two new routes – Route 652 and Route 670 – designed to improve connectivity and meet emerging transit demands. In addition, Route 599 will be discontinued to optimize system efficiency.” [Fairfax Connector]
New Tech Used to Treat Parkinson’s Disease — “Rick Schena, of Alexandria, Virginia, and his doctor at MedStar Health, in McLean, have begun using the latest technology — adaptive deep brain stimulation — in his treatment for Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder.” Schena is the first Parkinson’s patient in the D.C. area to be treated with the technology. [WTOP]
It’s Tuesday — There’s a 60% chance of precipitation today, with potential thunderstorms starting at 11 am and temperatures peaking at 75. At night, showers and thunderstorms are likely before 11pm, with increasing clouds and lows around 57. [NWS]
Visitors to Reston Art Gallery and Studios can now watch the artistic process play out in real time as part of a newly unveiled exhibit.
A collaborative effort involving nearly a dozen different artists, the exhibit “TEXTURE: Paper & Paint / Quilts & Collage / Metal & More” opened at the gallery in Lake Anne Plaza (11400 Washington Plaza West) this past Saturday (May 3).
Three Herndon residents were arrested last month on charges of attempting to exploit children in Loudoun County.
The men — identified as 45-year-old Ravi Shankar Reddy Gunipalli, 29-year-old Thomas Ian Wallace and 28-year-old Ruben Oben Nouta — were among eight people arrested by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office during the week of April 21 as part of an “internet chat operation,” according to a press release.
Abduction Charges Dropped After Judge Rejects Plea Deal — “A Virginia man accused of trying to abduct a 4-year-old girl was freed from jail Friday after almost two years. The Fairfax County commonwealth’s attorney dropped charges against Hyram Baquedano Rodriguez after a judge refused to sign off on a guilty plea with a two-year sentence.” [NBC4]
Data Center Regulation Bill Vetoed — “Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed a bill with bipartisan support Friday that would have required data center applicants and energy utilities to disclose information to local governments on noise and environmental impacts of the project.” [WTOP]
FCPD Shares Latest Road Shark Campaign Data — “Between April 21 and April 27, officers issued more than 8,250 citations and warnings, including over 600 speeding citations and 160 reckless driving citations. These numbers highlight the ongoing need for focused enforcement and driver accountability across Fairfax County.” [FCPD]
Trucks Get Warning to Prevent Crashes Into Dulles Toll Road — “Construction vehicles hitting bridges and overpasses has been such an issue that a new warning system was recently put in place to stop it.” A crash that damaged a bridge in Reston in 2023 affected traffic for months afterwards, and other highways have seen similar incidents. [NBC4]
Nonprofit Adds Pantry With Menstrual Products — “Elected officials and the Junior League of Northern Virginia recently celebrated the opening of the Britepaths SNAP Gap Pantry in Fairfax. The Period Pantry, which is located in Britepaths’ offices at 3959 Pender Drive, provides the central Fairfax community with consistent, dignified access to a range of women’s health and hygiene products.” [Patch]
Occoquan Boardwalk Project Funding Vetoed — “Plans to extend the popular Occoquan Riverwalk have hit a major roadblock after Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed $1.2 million in state funding that town leaders had counted on to move the project forward.” [Potomac Local News]
Reston Native Pursues Entrepreneurial Ventures at UVA — “[Rajan] Chidambaram, a Reston, Va. native, is known around Grounds for his viral fraternity and sorority house tours on Instagram. But behind the scenes, he has been building a unique real estate venture, combining his interests in business and property.” [Cavalier Daily]
It’s Monday — There’s a 90% chance of showers and a possible thunderstorm after 2pm, with patchy fog clearing by 10am and a high near 76°F. Tonight, anticipate a low around 62°F with showers and a potential thunderstorm before 2am. [NWS]
George Mason University Board of Visitors meetings aren’t typically jam-packed, but a battle over diversity programs among the school’s leadership has stirred up the university’s student body.
At a meeting yesterday (Thursday), board members questioned university staff on whether the school is complying with the Trump administration’s crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in education.
Thousands of people are expected to visit Reston Town Center later this month for the return of the Tephra ICA Arts Festival.
Now in its 34th year, the annual festival organized by the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Arts will take place on May 17 and 18, bringing together more than 200 artists from across the U.S.
To celebrate Air Quality Awareness Week (May 5-9, 2025), Clean Air Partners is working with A Few Cool Hardware Stores to exchange DC, Maryland and Virginia residents’ gas-powered lawnmowers, weed trimmers, and blowers at select Ace Hardware locations in the region. DMV residents who turn in their gas-powered lawn tools will receive a FREE Ego Power+ replacement including battery and charger, while supplies last.
The exchanges will take place May 24-25 and June 7-8, 2025, at select Ace Hardware stores in the Baltimore-Washington region. Register here to trade in your gas tool for a FREE Ego Power+ replacement.
Compared to gas, electric lawn equipment can lower emissions but also noise pollution, health risks and maintenance costs and time. Residents are encouraged to remember these other tips to improve air quality:
This exchange is made possible by our generous sponsors: City of Alexandria, Fairfax County Office of Environment and Energy Coordination, Virginia Department of Environment Quality, DC Department of Energy and Environment, Pepco, SMECO.
For more information and resources for Air Quality Awareness Week, including the Clean Air Partners Air Quality app, visit cleanairpartners.net.
