Some of the biggest fireworks shows in the county are kicking off this weekend, as America prepares to mark its semiquincentennial on July 4.
In the week ahead, local communities and organizations will offer everything from classic community celebrations to alternatives to traditional fireworks displays, such as a daytime option at Mount Vernon or the Fairfax County Park Authority’s new patriotic drones lights show at Lake Fairfax Park.
A Virginia judge has hit pause on a new state law prohibiting assault weapons, preventing it from taking effect next week as planned.
The legislation, introduced by Fairfax County state Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim (D-37) and Del. Dan Helmer (D-10), was scheduled to ban the sale and manufacturing of assault-style firearms starting July 1. But yesterday (Thursday), a judge in Lancaster County issued an injunction that puts the law on hold amid a pending lawsuit and directs Virginia State Police to not enforce the ban.
Whether you’re diving into the housing market for the first time or planning a relocation, real estate agents in Fairfax County can help find the right property for your needs and price range.
Here are the nominees for “Best Real Estate Agent for Buyers in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. Did we miss your favorite agent below? Write them in!
Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, July 10.
Voting for Best Golf Course in Fairfax County is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, July 3 at 8:30 a.m.
Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Wedding Venue in Fairfax County. The results are now official:
This summer, Great Falls diners will be able to escape the D.C. region’s heat at a new restaurant designed to mentally transport patrons to a rustic mountain lodge.
Great Falls Lodge Bar & Grill is on track for a soft launch at 9835 Georgetown Pike in Great Falls Center in the first week of July, with a potential opening as soon as Monday, June 29, according to owner and chef Neel Kamal.
Fairfax Rescue Team Responds to Earthquakes — “A search-and-rescue team from Fairfax County, Virginia, is being deployed to Venezuela to assist with recovery efforts following a pair of powerful earthquakes that have left at least 164 people dead … The Virginia Task Force One (VA-TF1) said an 80-person, six-dog heavy urban search and rescue team was deployed.” [WJLA]
New Law Will Allow Stop Sign Cameras — “You’ve seen speed cameras, and red light cameras, but soon you could be seeing AI stop sign cameras in Virginia. Starting July 1, a new law allows Virginia communities to use cameras at stop signs and crosswalks in school zones, work zones, and high-crash corridors. The cameras can supplement the work being done now by crossing guards or law enforcement.” [WUSA9]
Gun Background Checks Can Resume — “A Lynchburg judge cleared the way for the reinstatement of background checks for the private sale of firearms on Wednesday after a legal back and forth that had halted the checks off and on since October. Background checks for the private sale of firearms will resume on July 1.” [Cardinal News]
Student Journalists Advocate for Protections — “Student journalists across Virginia are forming a new coalition to create protections for free speech in the classroom. It’s happened in Albemarle County and in Loudoun County, in Fairfax and in Alexandria — school administrators threatening to pull the plug on student journalism.” [WVTF]
Fairfax Firefighter Exits Hospital — “#FCFRD members, family, and friends gathered today to support Firefighter Thomas ‘Pup Jr.’ Williams as he was discharged from the hospital. On Sunday, Firefighter Williams suffered a life-threatening medical emergency while at work. His crew sprang into action performing life-saving emergency medical care before transporting him to the hospital” [FCFRD/Facebook]
Vienna Hosts Naturalization Ceremony — As part of its Liberty Amendments Month celebrations, Vienna will host a naturalization ceremony at the Vienna Community Center tomorrow (Saturday). The festivities begin at 3:30 p.m. with live music and entertainment before fifteen people take the Oath of Allegiance and be officially welcomed as new U.S. citizens at 5 p.m. [Town of Vienna]
Area Restaurants Recognized for Wine Offerings — “Wine Spectator has released its 2026 Restaurant Awards, and several spots across Northern Virginia have earned honors,” including Barcelona Wine Bar in Reston, the Capital Grill, Seasons 52 and more. “The annual program celebrates top destinations for wine and hospitality.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Metro Selling 50th Anniversary Merch — Metro opened a 50 Years of Metro Pop-Up Shop at 300 7th Street SW in D.C. yesterday (Thursday) that will stick around through July 10. “It’s stocked with everything you need to celebrate five decades of America’s Metro System, including exclusive 50th anniversary styles, rare finds, authentic bus stop signs, and a little DMV pride to honor the region’s most iconic ride.” [WMATA]
Local Graduate Builds Junk Removal Business — “What started as a college job for some extra coin in the pocket and beer money has now turned into a thriving business in Northern Virginia. [Andreas] Karagounis started Gen Z Junk Removal last March and now demos hot tubs and sheds and hauls them off for customers.” [WTOP]
It’s Friday — There is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly after 5 p.m., with partly sunny skies and a high of 92°F. At night, there is a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., with patchy fog possible after 3 a.m. It will be mostly cloudy, with a low of around 70°F and variable winds. [NWS]
Address: 1114 Ware Street SW
Neighborhood: Vienna Woods
Type: 7 BR, 5 (+1 half) BA single-family detached – 4844 sq. ft.
Open House: Saturday, June 27th, 12-2 pm
Listed: $1,999,999
Noteworthy: Resort-Inspired Custom Home Minutes from Downtown Vienna
Exceptional luxury custom home in the highly sought-after Vienna Woods community. Built in 2023, this stunning Craftsman-style residence sits on a quiet 0.29-acre lot and offers 4,844 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space with 7 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms.
The elegant interior features soaring ceilings, hardwood flooring, designer lighting, and an open-concept layout ideal for modern living and entertaining. A spacious dining room flows seamlessly into the family room, while the gourmet chef’s kitchen impresses with premium cabinetry, high-end appliances, a large center island, double sinks, and a bright breakfast area with direct backyard access. A main-level bedroom with an en-suite bath provides flexibility for guests or multi-generational living.
Upstairs, the luxurious owner’s suite offers dual walk-in closets and a spa-inspired bath with double vanities, a soaking tub, and a custom-tiled walk-in shower. Three additional bedrooms and two full baths, including a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, complete the upper level. The fully finished lower level adds exceptional versatility with a spacious recreation room, gym/bedroom, bonus room, and an additional bedroom with an en-suite bath. Outdoor living is equally impressive. The private backyard retreat features a swimming pool with a modern retractable cover for year-round enjoyment, a pool house with a recreation area, kitchenette, and full bath, plus a spacious patio and fenced yard. Ideally located near Southside Park, Yeonas Park, downtown Vienna, the W&OD Trail, Tysons Corner, Metro access, and within the highly rated Madison High School pyramid.
Listed by:
Morgan Samson – The Casey Samson Team
morgansamson.cst@gmail.com
(703) 609-1745
A Fairfax County high school student is one of just five to reach the finals of a national cooking contest held in Arlington this summer.
Safaa Haizoun, a 10th grade student at the Virginia Virtual Academy, an online program offered by multiple public school districts statewide, earned a spot in the K-12 National Cook-Off in early June by designing an original recipe for creamy masala chicken.
Fairfax County leaders say a recent proliferation of electrically assisted bicycles (e-bikes) among young people provides benefits but also brings dangers.
“It’s only a matter of time before we see serious injuries and worse,” Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn said at the Board’s June 23 meeting.
With the short-lived mochi donut wars in the rearview mirror, a new contest between more traditional, Southern-style donut chains has officially begun in Vienna.
The Texas-based franchise Shipley Donuts is now selling its signature hexagon-shaped pastries at 256 Maple Avenue East, filling a long-vacant storefront previously occupied by T-Mobile.
Fairfax County leaders are asking Gov. Abigail Spanberger to take into account the local area’s unique circumstances if a drought emergency needs to be declared in Virginia.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday (June 23) authorized Chairman Jeff McKay to send a letter to Spanberger, laying out concerns of local leaders and Fairfax Water officials.
