People walking by the Shops at Avenir Place near the Dunn Loring Metro station (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Fairfax County budget to eliminate residential program — “In addition to cuts to public safety, tax hikes, and the gutting of resources to the neurodivergent community, the advertised budget by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors could impact women and children with the proposed elimination of a program called New Generations.” [Fairfax Times]
It’s Thursday — The weather will be sunny, reaching a high near 79 as calm winds shift southward at 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. By Thursday night, expect partly cloudy skies and a low of about 55, with southeast winds at 5 to 7 mph calming down after midnight. [NWS]
Luxury condominiums are part of Reston Station mixed-use development — “The Reston Station development, going up now at the city’s Metro stop, could be called Reston 2.0.” [Washington Post]
Fairfax County residents speak out about $300M budget shortfall — “Hundreds of millions of dollars could be slashed from Fairfax County’s budget and people are concerned about what that will mean for their communities.” [FOX 5]
Fairfax County trash collection (photo via Fairfax County)
Fairfax County supervisors on Tuesday (April 22) took the first step in what could result in a local-government takeover of trash-collection services across single-family neighborhoods in the county.
Supervisors voted 9-1 to advertise, for a June 24 public hearing, a plan that would start the clock running on a five-year waiting period before the county government could create a unified, countywide trash-collection district.
That’s not solely due to the success of the business, which first opened its doors in 2017, but rather the result of precautions taken as the tariffs cloud the shop’s future.
Car coming down Westwood Center Drive in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Virginia Attorney General blasts Fairfax and Arlington prosecutors — “On Tuesday in Fairfax County, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares met with crime victims and their families who shared their stories about how they feel local prosecutors went easy on alleged criminals.” [ABC7]
One person killed another injured in Oakton construction accident — “A construction accident in Oakton, Virginia, left one woman dead and sent a man to the hospital with injuries, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.” [ABC7]
It’s Wednesday — Expect a mostly sunny day with temperatures reaching around 76 degrees, accompanied by a northeast wind of 5 to 7 mph, shifting to the east in the afternoon. The night will be mostly clear, with lows near 55 degrees and a southeast wind of about 5 mph, calming down later in the evening. [NWS]
Capitals player puts McLean home on market — “Nicklas Backstrom has put his McLean home on the market for $15 million, per Fairfax County property records and local real estate listings.” [Axios]
Ambulance fees going up in Arlington — “Fees for Arlington ambulance trips are going up in July, with baseline costs increasing to between $1,000 and $1,500.” [ARLnow]
Panera Bread in Reston (staff photo by Jared Serre)
One of the world’s most popular fast-casual brands will open a new Reston restaurant tomorrow, six years after closing its last neighborhood eatery.
Panera Bread is coming to 2401 Fulton Place, placing a grab-and-go option in the mixed-use development Halley Rise — located at the intersection of Reston Parkway and Sunrise Valley Drive near the Reston Town Center Metro station.
Planning a major home remodel—whether it’s an updated kitchen, a finished basement, or a complete home makeover—starts with one important choice: who’s going to bring your ideas to life? For many homeowners, the journey begins with deciding between a traditional general contractor and a design build firm.
In the past, renovations often meant hiring an architect or designer for the plans and then finding a general contractor to carry them out. But more homeowners today are discovering the benefits of working with a design build company—a team that handles every phase, from concept to construction, all under one roof.
Both methods can get the job done, but the path you choose will shape your experience in big ways—from communication and budget control to overall stress. If you’re looking for a smoother, more cohesive process, understanding the design build difference is key.
A design build firm merges the creative side of home renovation—design and planning—with the technical side—construction and execution—into one integrated service. Rather than coordinating between a designer and a builder separately (and hoping they stay aligned), design build firms offer a unified team that works together from the beginning.
At Synergy Design & Construction, our unique Renovation Roadmap is designed to make the experience as enjoyable as the final result. Our system prioritizes open communication, careful planning, and respect for both your home and your time.
Design build is an excellent choice for homeowners who want:
A single, connected experience from start to finish
A team that’s fully invested in their vision
Fewer surprises, hiccups, and unexpected costs
Thoughtful design paired with hands-on support
Comparing General Contractors To Design Build Firms
While both general contractors and design build firms manage remodeling projects, their roles—and your experience—differ in meaningful ways.
Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity (staff photo by James Jarvis)
Supervisor Pat Herrity, long seen as the frontrunner for the Republican Party’s lieutenant governor nomination, is bowing out of the race due to health reasons, he said Monday.
Herrity’s decision comes five weeks after undergoing heart surgery, which required the 65-year-old to take a step back from the campaign trail. Subsequent complications, he says, made the race much harder to run.
Cherry blossom trees along path to Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Fairfax County urges locals to kill spotted lanternflies — “On your next outdoor excursion, try finding the egg masses of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect in Fairfax County.” [Fairfax County]
It’s Tuesday — Expect a partly sunny day with temperatures reaching around 78 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 6 to 9 mph. As for Tuesday night, the skies will be mostly cloudy and the temperature will drop to approximately 56 degrees, while a gentle north wind of 3 to 5 mph persists. [NWS]
Gov. Youngkin announces Virginia passes 500 immigrant arrests — Gov. Glenn Youngkin said the Virginia Homeland Security Task Force has made over 521 arrests since it was formed in February, claiming the group has arrested over 500 ‘criminal illegal immigrants’. [WDBJ7]
Falls Church considering fee-based trash service — “At the March 24, 2025, budget presentation Mayor Letti Hardi directed staff to look into the feasibility of implementing a fee-based trash collection service in FY2026. Staff returned in April with the cost data while pleading for more time to implement such a plan.” [Falls Church Pulse]
GMU experts share gun violence data at Capitol hearing — “Featured speakers included several of the nation’s leading experts on firearms violence. They presented to an audience of more than 230 registrants including congressional staff, federal agency representatives, researchers, and advocacy organizations.” [GMU]
The Fairfax County Police Department said a man was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a victim inside a Target (12197 Sunset Hills Road) near the Reston Town Center.
Police said in a release today that the incident took place on April 14 around 1:40 p.m.
Easter tea party display at Tysons Corner Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Shake Shack headed to Reston Town Center in June — “Shake Shack’s Reston Town Center restaurant will be the burger and milk shake chain’s sixth location in Northern Virginia.” [Patch]
It’s Monday — There is a slight chance of showers in the early morning, followed by partly sunny conditions and a high of 71°F with southeast winds at 8-11 mph. Rain may return after 2pm with a 20% chance of precipitation. For Monday night, showers are more likely after 8pm, with mostly cloudy skies and a low of 63°F. Southeast winds will shift to the southwest after midnight, ranging from 5-9 mph and gusts up to 18 mph. There is a 40% chance of precipitation. [NWS]
Fairfax Police arrest a Peeping Tom — “A man was caught peeping into a window and quickly arrested.” [X]
No one hurt in Fairfax County townhouse fire — “No one was hurt in a Friday townhouse fire in Herndon, according to the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.” [DC News Now]
Measles case confirmed in Virginia — “After multiple exposures in the state, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has found the first case of measles in the state after a child traveled internationally and was diagnosed.” [WRIC]
