Reston

Pre-Dawn Northern Lights Glimpsed in D.C. Area — “Because of pesky clouds, the D.C. area initially missed out on a rare and magical opportunity to the see the northern lights Friday night. But during the pre-dawn hours Saturday, between about 4 and 6 a.m., the skies opened up just enough for an exceptionally rare view.” [Washington Post]

Local Judge to Decide If Embryos Can Be Property — “A trial is underway in Virginia that will determine whether state law allows frozen embryos to be considered property that can be divided up and assigned a monetary value. Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge Dontae Bugg heard arguments Thursday from a divorced couple who disagree over the ex-wife’s desire to use two embryos that they created when they were married.” [NBC4]

Deal Reached on State Budget — “Budget negotiators in the Virginia General Assembly have reached a bipartisan deal, ending a lengthy standoff over the spending plan and avoiding a highly unusual state government shutdown. Lawmakers will be back in Richmond on Monday to vote on the deal during a special legislative session.” [WTOP]

Pedestrian Safety Measure Approved — “The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on May 7…updated the county code to match the state code requiring drivers to stop — not just yield — for pedestrians at unsignalized intersections. It also prohibits drivers from overtaking vehicles stopped for pedestrians. Violators can be charged up to $500.” [Annandale Today]

Cookie Baked in Space to Be Displayed in Chantilly — “The first food ever baked in space is now on display at the National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia — and it’s a chocolate chip cookie…The dough was provided by McLean-based Hilton, the same cookie dough used to baked the warm chocolate chip cookies given at check-in to guests at its DoubleTree hotels.” [WTOP]

Longtime Hybla Valley Vacuum Store to Close — Sun Sew Vac will close on June 29 after nearly five decades of business. First opened in Mount Vernon Plaza in 1975 before moving to 7770 Richmond Highway in 2013, the vacuum and sewing machine store experienced a boom during the pandemic, but owner Robert Hines Jr. has now opted to retire. [On the MoVe]