The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted yesterday (Tuesday) to adopt a code amendment that would address the issue of criminal blight, which Virginia law defines as criminal activity on property that endangers the public health or safety of residents.
The new ordinance will be enforced through a multi-step process that starts with law enforcement identifying and investigating a property where there are recurring issues with drugs, prostitution or guns being discharged.
Jeff McKay has some neighborly advice for a next-door locality considering changing its governance structure.
“There is no perfect model. There are nuances to every one of these structures,” the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors chair said at a Sept. 9 forum.
Congress Could Subpoena Descano — “Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano’s lawyers said they have been informed that the House Judiciary Committee plans to subpoena him this week and expand its inquiry beyond immigration-related issues … The attorneys said staff members are seeking information about all cases that were nolle prossed [voluntarily stopped] during Descano’s tenure.” [WTOP]
Kennedy Center Apparently Closed — “President Donald Trump’s 19-month effort to seize full control of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts came to a head Tuesday as its board voted to immediately close the building for a two-year renovation — a roughly $250 million overhaul that Trump publicly threatened to block unless his name is added to the institution.” All doors to the venue were reportedly locked by 6 p.m. yesterday. [Washington Post]
Spanberger Nixes Proposed Trans Sports Ban — “Governor Abigail Spanberger quietly ended a rulemaking process initiated in the waning days of former-governor Glenn Youngkin’s administration. The rule would have limited transgender students’ ability to play sports and use facilities. But Spanberger said over the weekend the rule is now dead.” [WVTF]
Beyer Calls for ICE Shutdown — Rep. Don Beyer expressed support for shutting down ICE during a recent candidate forum that also touched on President Donald Trump’s proposed arch in Arlington and data centers, among other topics. “His challengers offered differing takes on the agency and its management,” with Republican Tony Sabio saying there needs to be “accountability … but we cannot throw a whole system out.” [ARLnow]
Algae Spotted in Lake Anne — “Small clumps of potentially harmful algae have been observed on the surface of Lake Anne following resident reports. While boating activities can continue, residents and visitors should avoid contact with algae and lake water in areas where algae is present.” [Reston Association]
Reston Hospital Adds Cardiac Center — Reston Hospital Center opened a dedicated open-heart surgery center on Monday (Sept. 14) in response to “heightened demand” in western Fairfax and Loudoun counties. The $15 million project added 35 employees, converted four “immediate care unit rooms into specialty cardiac care rooms,” and installed an elevator between operating rooms on the first floor and an ICU on the second floor. [Washington Business Journal]
Industrial Development Planned at Dulles — “Nearly 3 million square feet of new industrial development is slated for Dulles International Airport, a project that will clear space for its decade-long $22.5 billion redevelopment.” The MWAA board is scheduled to approve four ground leases at its meeting today (Wednesday) for cargo and aviation support facilities as well as other projects that are currently confidential “until a lease is signed.” [Washington Business Journal]
New Middle School Option in Reston — “Seven students make up the inaugural class of Reston Montessori School’s Secondary I Program, which extends Montessori education into the middle school years. The idea grew out of a vision Head of School Eliana Jaoude developed while teaching Upper Elementary students.” [Reston Letter]
Silent Reading Event in Fairfax Corner — “Fairfax Corner will hold its third Silent Read & Sip on Friday, September 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Previous events have proven popular and attracted between 150 and 200 participants.” In addition to sitting down with a book and beverage, attendees can check out a free book swap, browse the mobile store Wandering Shelf and craft bookmarks. [Northern Virginia Magazine]
It’s Wednesday — Expect sunny skies with a high near 86°F and a gentle south wind blowing at 3 to 6 mph. Wednesday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 66°F, and the south wind will continue at 3 to 6 mph. [NWS]
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The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted today (Sept. 15) to restore funding for crossing guard services at a number of public high schools.
The board unanimously approved a fiscal year 2026 budget carryover review package that included $707,908 in funding and 11 full-time police positions to restore coverage of 11 crossings at 10 high schools for the remainder of fiscal year 2027, which began on July 1 and will end on June 30, 2027.
After more than a month in business, Kinship Wine + Wares is ready to christen its launch in Reston with an official grand opening.
The wine and vintage houseware shop will formally introduce itself to Lake Anne Plaza with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Reston Chamber of Commerce on Thursday (Sept. 17), followed by a community celebration on Saturday (Sept. 19).
Fairfax County saw a slight decline in home prices and a more substantial drop in overall sales in August, as buyers pulled back in the wake of increased interest rates.
According to one key regional analyst, that could be the precursor to a sluggish remainder of the year.
Metro Service Changes for Track Work — Today (Tuesday), “from 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m., the Yellow Line will run modified service operating between Huntington and Mt. Vernon Sq only, and trains will single track on the Blue Line between Van Dorn St and Braddock Rd.” Metro workers will be conducting “proactive work” to prevent “track abnormalities from occurring due to extreme heat.” [WMATA/X]
Self-Driving Vehicle Regulations in the Works — “Leaders in the commonwealth are drafting proposals to establish a framework for implementing [autonomous vehicle] policy and create an ongoing advisory committee after the group concludes its work … Virginia’s proposed framework would focus on commercial use rather than personal vehicles, including ride-sharing and delivery services, buses and Class 7 and 8 heavy-duty vehicles.” [Virginia Mercury]
Dump Truck Overturned in Newington — “A couple of people were able to just drive away after an overturning truck and its load of dirt and gravel almost fell on top of them. It happened at Fullerton Rd. and Boudinot Dr. in Newington, VA during the noon hour.” Fairfax County Fire and Rescue responded to treat the driver for non-life-threatening injuries and address a fuel leak from the truck. [Dave Statter/X]
Residents Object to Verizon Landline Phase-Out — “Facing a statewide move from Verizon to phase out copper wire landlines, concerned citizens showed up to a Wednesday town hall meeting hosted by U.S. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Va.-10th, to voice their disapproval.” Speakers worried that losing landlines will leave them with no alternatives in areas with weak or nonexistent cell service. [Fauquier Now/Inside NoVA]
County Encourages Transit Use — “Promoted by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), Try Transit Week encourages commuters to explore alternatives to driving alone.” Among other incentives, Fairfax Connector is offering fare-free rides on its Route 798 Express bus between Tysons and Bethesda and piloting a closed-container beverage policy. [FCDOT]
I-66 Slugging Challenge Underway — Slugging has expanded on I-66 with the addition of the Monument Drive and University Blvd Park and Rides as new pick-up locations for commuters heading into D.C. and Rosslyn. “Those who register for the 66-day challenge can also receive incentives and become eligible to win up to $1,000 in prizes by logging their slugging trips.” [I-66 Slugging Network]
Chinese Restaurant Expands — “Chili Wok, a brand-new restaurant in Bailey’s Crossroads, offers traditional Chinese homestyle cooking. The restaurant is located in the former Yeshi Kitfo spot at 3400-D Washington Drive. It’s the third Chili Wok, following outlets in Vienna and Del Ray in Alexandria.” [Annandale Today]
FCPS Recruiting Cafeteria Workers — “Join Team FCPS! Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting an in-person Food and Nutrition Services job fair on Thursday, September 24, 2026 (9 a.m.-12 p.m.). Registration is not required to attend. Meet our team and interview on-site!” [FCPS]
Herndon HS Adds Girls’ Golf — “This summer Herndon High School added its first girls Virginia High School League (VHSL) golf team. A total of nine girls from freshman to seniors represent the Hornets … Reid Kiser, golfer and father of HHS junior Addison Kiser, led the effort to establish the girls team and create more opportunities within an already strong coed golf program.” [Reston Letter]
It’s Tuesday — Sunny with a high of around 79°F, light and variable winds shifting southeast around 6 mph in the morning. Tuesday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to about 59°F. The southeast wind will be around 5 mph before becoming calm in the evening. [NWS]
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By SARAH RANKIN Associated Press
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Power companies NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy, which are seeking approval to merge into one behemoth, announced plans Monday to sweeten the deal in Virginia, Dominion’s home base, where the proposal has faced skepticism from the Democratic governor and legislative leaders.
Fairfax County Public Schools officials are willing to at least explore the idea of selling naming rights to high school athletic facilities.
At its Sept. 8 work session, the Fairfax County School Board directed county staff to gather more information from the business community, while the elected officials try to hammer out policy guardrails.
Some potential upgrades are on the horizon for Alabama Drive Park in Herndon, including an overhaul of its soccer field and playground.
The Fairfax County Park Authority is currently seeking community feedback on a proposed renovation of the approximately 11-acre park, which is located within the Town of Herndon but owned and managed by the county.
