Around Town

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.


News

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.


Around Town

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).


A Fairfax Connector bus approaches the Vienna Metro station bus bays (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

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.


Countywide

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.


News

Casino gaming still isn’t permitted in Northern Virginia, but that hasn’t stopped the Town of Herndon from considering zoning parameters for a potential establishment.

At a work session tonight (Monday), the Herndon Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss a proposed zoning ordinance amendment that would add a casino gaming establishment as an indoor entertainment use allowed near the town’s Metro station.


Flowers along Gallows Road near former Uno Pizzeria in Merrifield (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Kayaker Injured After Falling Into Potomac — “A man suffered life-threatening injuries Sunday after falling out of his kayak and being swept up in the Potomac River. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesperson Pete Piringer said the incident involved three men and unfolded near the Great Falls area.” [WTOP]

Measles Case Confirmed at Dulles Airport — “Virginia and Washington, D.C. health officials on Friday confirmed a new case of measles in the region after an infected person traveled through Washington Dulles International Airport last week. According to officials, the person is a D.C. resident who traveled through the airport on April 23 and April 24.” [Patch]

Lawsuit Challenges Reproductive Rights Amendment — “Tazewell County makes news once again — this time over a second lawsuit challenging a proposed constitutional amendment that would enshrine reproductive rights in Virginia. Filed in Tazewell County Circuit Court, the suit claims the ballot language is misleading and echoes arguments in a previously filed case that challenged the legality of the amendment process.” [Virginia Mercury]

Banfield Lawyers Challenge Guilty Verdict — “Brendan Banfield’s defense team has filed a motion to set aside the guilty verdict in the ‘au pair affair’ double murder trial, a little more than a week before his sentencing date where he faces a mandatory life sentence … Arguments over the motion are expected to be heard during the sentencing hearing next Friday, May 8, at 11 a.m.” [DC News Now]

How Allergy Season Compares to Last Year — “Coughing, sneezing, and sniffles are signs it’s officially the worst part of spring in DC: allergy season. According to the Weather Channel forecasts, Washington will experience a ‘very high’ presence of tree and grass pollen for at least two weeks.” [Washingtonian]

More Lane Closures on Route 29 — “Weather permitting, Route 29 between Union Mill Road/Centreville Farms Drive (Route 8285) and Summit Drive/Buckleys Gate Drive (Route 1257) will continue to have lane closures on weekdays from Monday, May 4, through Friday, May 15, for Route 29 widening project work … Drivers should expect delays and are advised to use alternate routes.” [VDOT]

Va. Given More Time to Restore Voting Rights — “Virginia has an extra month to comply with a federal court order that re-enfranchises residents with certain felony convictions — something a judge says the state has not done (in violation of federal law) for over a century.” [VPM News]

County Offers Free Trees to Residents — “FREE native trees and shrubs are here for Fairfax County residents! Urban Forestry + Solid Waste were up early loading seedlings and delivering them to the 66 Transfer Station and 95 Disposal Complex! Starting [May 1], residents can pick up 3 free seedlings.” [DPWES/X]

New Legal Notice — Public budget hearings May 12, 6pm; May 13 overflow; broadcast. [Public Notices]

It’s Monday — Expect mostly sunny weather with temperatures reaching a high of 76°F. The southwest wind will range from 7 to 11 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. Night will bring partly cloudy skies and a low of around 61°F. [NWS]


Countywide

Flags across Virginia will be lowered next Monday (May 4) to honor the memory of Dr. Cerina Fairfax and other victims of domestic violence.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger ordered today (Friday) that U.S. and Virginia flags be flown at half-staff on all state and local government buildings and grounds from sunrise to sunset, expressing a commitment to “helping those who face domestic violence or the threat of domestic violence.”


When purchasing a house or other property, it’s helpful to have a trusted partner to assist with research and the financial process, ensuring you’re getting what you’re paying for.

Here are the nominees for “Best Title Company in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. Did we miss your favorite business below? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 15.

Voting for Best Real Estate Agent for Sellers in Fairfax County is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, May 8 at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Moving Company in Fairfax County. The results are now official:

  1. JK Moving Services
  2. VanGuard Moving Express
  3. Bookstore Movers

News

The Fairfax County Planning Commission has thrown its support behind a proposed expansion of the Lofts at Reston Station with the expectation that the developer will address several outstanding complaints raised by existing residents.

All eight commissioners present for a meeting on Wednesday (April 29) voted to recommend that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approve a comprehensive plan amendment that would allow residential development on the 5-acre site at 1810, 1825 and 1850 Samuel Morse Drive, which are currently occupied by low-rise office buildings.


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