Piney Branch Stream near the Freeman House in Vienna, seen on April 11, 2026 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
The drought conditions plaguing parts of Virginia, including Fairfax County, since last fall are officially the worst the state has experienced in almost 20 years.
Yesterday (Thursday), the U.S. Drought Monitor classified over 60% of Virginia as being in a severe drought based on data collected through Tuesday (April 14). That’s the most widespread drought seen in the state since October 2007, surpassing levels recorded during previous droughts in 2008, 2010, 2023 and 2024, according to Fairfax County.
The statue of Reston founder Robert E. Simon on a bench at Lake Anne Plaza (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Reston’s annual celebration of its founding is set to return tomorrow (Saturday) — only this time, the festival will honor the nation’s origins as well.
The 2026 edition of Celebrate Reston, which was renamed last year after two decades as Founder’s Day, will feature a number of activities nodding to the U.S.’s 250th anniversary, while also putting a spotlight on the local community.
Whether you’re a newcomer to Fairfax County, switching neighborhoods or leaving for another town altogether, you’ll want a trustworthy mover who can help carry both the physical and mental weight of an often stressful life change.
Here are the nominees for “Best Moving Company Serving 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 1.
Voting for Best Roofing Company in Fairfax County is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, April 25 at 8:30 a.m.
Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Playground in Fairfax County. The results are now official:
George Washington reenactor holds a bottle of The Winery at Bull Run's commemorative Independence wine (courtesy The Winery at Bull Run/U2C by Rebecca Hagy)
In addition to learning about the country’s history through educational programs or taking in local attractions, Fairfax County residents will be able to celebrate America 250 by partaking in specially crafted alcohol.
The county will unveil a series of unique craft beverages to commemorate the U.S.’s 250th anniversary, starting this Sunday (April 19) with the launch of a pair of new wines developed by Fairfax County’s two wineries.
Chief Judge Penney Azcarate (photo via Fairfax County Government/Flickr)
Fairfax County Circuit Court Chief Judge Penney S. Azcarate will be honored by the local Board of Supervisors ahead of her retirement later this summer.
The 10-member board voted unanimously Tuesday (April 14) to prepare a resolution honoring Azcarate, who will retire June 30 after nearly 20 years as a judge in Fairfax County — including the last 10 as chief judge of the Circuit Court.
Cars drive on a hilly section of Prosperity Avenue in Woodburn (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Farmers Market Season Returns — “Fairfax County Farmers Markets return for the 2026 season, bringing farm-fresh produce, baked goods and specialty foods to communities across the county.” The season kicks off tomorrow (Saturday) in Burke, with the Reston and Mount Vernon markets also starting this month. Seven other markets are set to launch in May. [Fairfax County Park Authority]
State Budget Deal Unlikely Next Week — “Legislators are scheduled to meet next week to try to complete the two-year budget for Virginia — but the two chambers, which are both under Democratic control, are no closer to an agreement than they were at the end of the legislative session a month ago.” The General Assembly will reconvene next Thursday (April 23) for a special session as a July 1 deadline to approve a new budget looms. [Virginia Scope]
Early Voting on Redistricting Picks Up — Initially, early voting turnout in Northern Virginia for the proposed constitutional amendment to allow mid-decade redistricting “was largely muted compared to sizable turnout in parts of the state currently represented in Congress by Republicans.” However, more polling places opened last Saturday (April 11), leading to an apparent surge, with voters in Fairfax County alone casting 17,000 ballots. [WTOP]
Trump Arch Design Approved — “A federal commission has approved the design concept for the 250-foot triumphal arch that President Donald Trump wants to build at Memorial Circle.” The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, which is filled entirely with Trump appointees, “will review an updated design before taking a final vote at a future meeting.” [ARLnow]
Utility Regulation Bills Revised — “Del. Destiny LeVere Bolling’s (D–Henrico) HB1393 and state Sen. Louise Lucas’ (D–Portsmouth) SB253 cover electric line undergrounding, utility weatherization programs, data center grid costs, long-term fuel payments and more.” LeVere Bolling and a Dominion Energy spokesperson both expressed opposition to amendments proposed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger, saying they undermine the legislation’s goals. [VPM News]
Polling Site Relocation Proposed — “The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on April 14 authorized a public hearing on an ordinance to relocate the polling place for the Holmes precinct in Mason District from the Culmore Community Library to Bailey’s Elementary School. The hearing will be held on May 5, at 4:30 p.m.” [Annandale Today]
FCPD Trains Recruits for Training — “Inside the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) are nearly 40 police recruits training to reach their goal of becoming police officers. The Pre-Academy Recruit Program, launched in 2017, was created to help police recruits be better prepared before entering the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy.” [WJLA]
Reston Community Yard Sale Coming Up — “One of Reston Association’s longest-running and most popular community traditions returns this month with the semi-annual Community Yard Sale. More than 80 families will set up vendor tables at the event (vendor space is sold out), scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Reston Association parking lot.” [Reston Association]
It’s Friday — There is a 30% chance of showers mainly before 11 a.m., followed by mostly sunny skies with a high near 83°F. Winds will come from the northwest at about 7 mph. Overnight, expect mostly clear conditions with a low around 62°F and light, variable winds. [NWS]
The existing sign for Lake Anne Village Center on Baron Cameron Avenue in Reston (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Fairfax County and its consultant are close to finalizing a new look for signs that will greet residents and visitors as they enter Reston’s Lake Anne Village Center.
A concept design unveiled by Streetsense at a virtual meeting on Tuesday (April 14) swaps the current fountain-oriented logo for a simplified look with blockier font intended to evoke the neighborhood’s 1960s origins and defining Brutalist architecture.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) has proposed amendments to marijuana legislation that include delaying the launch of a recreational sales marketplace for adults.
The governor’s substitute for HB 642 and SB 542 would move the start of the legal retail market for marijuana from Jan. 1 to July, 1, 2027. It also changes marijuana possession limit from 2.5 to 2 ounces — still up from the current 1-ounce possession limit — and reduced the number of permitted stores from 350 to 200 until Jan. 1, 2029.
A new spot for ramen and Japanese cuisine has opened for business at Herndon’s Arrowbrook Centre.
National ramen chain Kyuramen opened yesterday (Wednesday) at 2330 Silver Arrow Way and is currently offering a limited “soft service” menu of the brand’s popular dishes. The opening marks the Kyuramen’s second location in Northern Virginia and first outpost in Fairfax County.
Fairfax County police secure the home of former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, in Annandale, Va., Thursday, April 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)
Former Virginia lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax is one of two people found dead early this morning (Thursday) after an apparent murder-suicide in Annandale.
Fairfax, 47, shot and killed his wife, 49-year-old Cerina Wanzer Fairfax, before turning the gun on himself inside the family’s home in the 8100 block of Guinevere Drive, the Fairfax County Police Department confirmed.
