Fairfax County is leading solar panel installations and signups from a solar program backed by Virginia’s governor as homeowners look for ways to address rising electricity costs.
Switch Together, a bulk purchasing initiative to connect residents to solar installers, was recently expanded from Northern Virginia to other parts of the state. It was previously only open in Fairfax and Arlington counties, with Alexandria joining the roster last summer.
Home sale prices across the D.C. region grew at about half the national rate in the second quarter of 2026, but local home values remained well above the national average.
The D.C. metro area recorded a 0.9% increase in year-over-year median sales price in the April to June period, according to figures reported by the National Association of Realtors.
Fire Injures Resident in Dunn Loring — “Firefighters said crews responded shortly before 6:40 p.m. to reports of smoke coming from a two-story home. There, crews searched the home while battling the flames, with one person being transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.” [DC News Now]
$22B Dulles Revamp Could Come with Price Tag for Passengers, Taxpayers — “The plan removes the much-maligned “people movers”, rebuilds the C and D concourses, and add thousands of new parking spaces. However, Robert Mann, an aviation industry analyst and consultant with R.W. Mann & Company, says the project could also lead to a significant price tag for travelers and airlines … The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which runs Dulles’ operations, plans to finance most of the project through municipal bonds rather than direct federal funding. Airlines are also expected to help cover the cost, recouping some of the expenses through per-passenger charges, which are built into ticket prices.” [WAMU]
N. Va. Congressmen on Unannounced Visit to ICE Facility in Chantilly — “We exercised our right to direct congressional oversight over ICE facilities after hearing reports of overcrowding and lengthy stays at a facility designed for temporary processing. At the time of our visit, we did not witness overcrowding. ICE staff asserted that they are complying with a recent court order limiting stays at temporary processing facilities like Chantilly to 12 hours. Our oversight does not end with one visit. We will continue monitoring this facility and holding ICE accountable to ensure everyone in its custody is treated humanely and in accordance with the law.” [Reps. Don Beyer, James Walkinshaw and Suhas Subramanyam news release]
Vienna House Fire Response Injures Firefighter — “Fairfax County Fire and Rescue reports that crews responded to a commercial building fire at 400 Mill St NE in Vienna just after 12:30 p.m. [Friday]. When crews arrived, they found a two-story commercial structure with smoke and fire showing from the roof and building bays. As they battled the fire, a second alarm was requested because of the building’s size.” [Patch]
County Executive Recommends Dissolving Tree Commission — “The Office of the County Executive is calling for a number of boards and commissions to be dissolved, including the Fairfax County Tree Commission and the Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC). Those entities would be replaced by a new Environmental Commission. Some of the Tree Commission’s responsibilities might be shifted to the Urban Forest Management Division in the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services.” [Annandale Today]
Student Creates Tool for Nneurodivergent Job Seekers — “Now a rising senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax County, Virginia, Tuteja observed a similar pattern at school. Students who approach problems differently were “looked down upon or didn’t get as much support as they needed, because their disability wasn’t visible, and they were often seen as less capable,” she said. Those experiences prompted Tuteja to create Raaha, a free artificial intelligence tool that assists neurodivergent job seekers in determining whether a potential job will fit the way they work.” [WTOP]
Popes Head Road Closure at Fairfax County Parkway — “Eastbound and westbound Popes Head Road (Route 654) will be closed at Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) from 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, until 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, for water main work as part of the Fairfax County Parkway and Popes Head Road interchange project, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.” [VDOT]
Fairfax County Police Drone Team Wins Competition — “🏆 Taking home first place! Our Drone Team, RTCC, and SWAT put their skills to the test at the inaugural Capital Skies: An NVERS Game of Drones competition, hosted by the Northern Virginia Emergency Response System.” [FCPD/X]
New Legal Notice — RFP: rail third-track; pre-bid 9/10/26; bids 10/16/26; completion 6/16/29. [Public Notices]
It’s Monday — Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m., with sunny skies and a high of 94°F. The heat index may reach 100°F, and winds will shift to the southwest at 5 to 9 mph. There is a 30% chance of rain. Monday night will have scattered showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m., with partly cloudy skies and a low of 75°F. Winds will be southwest around 5 mph, becoming light and variable. The chance of precipitation is 40%. [NWS]
An immersive experience for toddler to elementary school age fans of the hit Disney show “Bluey” is one of several new attractions for families opening at Tysons Corner Center starting in September.
The children’s play store CAMP will open its latest themed experience, “Bluey x Camp: Bluey’s House” for kids ages 2 to 10 on Friday, Sept. 4, with a grand opening party to follow the next day. The 50-minute-long experience features a 5,000 square foot recreation of the cartoon dog’s home, where kids can play games from the show, such as “Keepy Uppy” or “Grannies.”
Fairfax County is home to numerous veterinarians committed to keeping the community’s pets healthy and happy, from regular checkups and emergency care.
Here are the nominees for “Best Veterinarian in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. Did we miss your favorite vet below? Write them in!
Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21.
Voting for the Best Dermatologists in Fairfax County is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, Aug. 14 at 8:30 a.m.
Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Eye Doctors in Fairfax County. The results are now official:
Saudi-style coffee shop Shotted is continuing its expansion across the D.C. area with the opening of its first drive-thru location in West Falls Church.
The coffee shop had a soft opening last week at the Shops at West Falls Church (7393 Route 29). It was formerly home to Compass Coffee, which closed the location after filing for bankruptcy in January.
An L.A.-based luxury furniture brand specializing in spill-proof modular sofas is opening its first showroom in Virginia today (Aug. 7) at Tysons Corner Center.
7th Avenue’s showroom — also its first in the D.C. area — will be set up with the brand’s water-repellent, stain-resistant modular sofas in a living-room-style area. The sofas come with removable, machine-washable covers and are designed to let customers rearrange cushions and sides into any type of configuration. The price for a love seat starts around $2,700; a three-seat sofa is nearly $4,000.
Hemp Businesses Sue Virginia Over New Cannabis Rules — “A new Virginia law has prompted a group of Virginia hemp business owners to sue the state, arguing that the sudden restriction on their products could force them out of business. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of seven plaintiffs across Virginia, challenges a state budget amendment set to take effect on August 15. The change gives retailers just six weeks to stop selling any hemp products containing more than two milligrams of THC … Former Virginia State Senator Chap Petersen, the attorney representing the business owners, argues that this goes beyond standard regulation.” [WDBJ7]
Gov. Spanberger Intervenes in Proposed Dominion Energy Merger Case — “As a Virginian, I am deeply skeptical about whether selling our primary, state-regulated utility to an out-of-state company is good for the commonwealth. I have serious questions about what this deal would mean for us. And as governor, I intend to get answers and be a voice for Virginians in the process.” [Washington Post op-ed]
Drought Continues Despite Recent Rain — “The latest U.S. Drought Monitor update for Fairfax County, released [Thursday] and based on data through Aug. 4, shows some improvement statewide. The area of Virginia facing extreme drought was cut by more than half this week, dropping to about 4 percent of the state from nearly 8.5 percent the week before. Close to a third of Virginia now has no drought classification at all, up from about 28 percent last week.” [Fairfax County Emergency blog]
Fairfax County Man Indicted by Grand Jury for Illegal Reentry — “A federal grand jury in Alexandria has indicted a Fairfax County man on a charge of illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported following an aggravated felony conviction.” [Patch]
Taiwanese Company to Locate Headquarters in Fairfax — “MedVoyage Global Inc., a Taiwan-based company that offers telemedicine for the maritime industry, is opening its U.S. headquarters at the Mason Enterprise Center in Fairfax. The new office will house some U.S. sales, system engineering and regulatory compliance operations for the company. MedVoyage said it plans to scale its local workforce over the next two years.” [Washington Business Journal]
Lake Anne Cardboard Regatta in Reston Is Saturday — “A fun and unique event, the Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta has quickly become a community favorite growing in size each year. The Regatta brings together residents, businesses, and visitors from across the Greater Washington, D.C. metro area. In this festive environment, Lake Anne Plaza swells with thousands of spectators who cheer on their favorite boats.” [Reston Museum]
Fairfax County Animal Shelter to Host Clear the Shelters — “Find your new best friend from Friday, August 21 to Sunday, August 23! We’re waiving adoption fees for all pets all weekend long. Whether you are looking for dogs, cats, or small animals like birds, reptiles, or guinea pigs, your perfect match is waiting. Help us clear our shelters!” [Fairfax County Animal Services]
Route 29 Lane Closures in Fairfax Start — “Weather permitting, lane closures will occur along part or all of Route 29 between Union Mill Road/Centreville Farms Drive (Route 8285) and Summit Drive/Buckleys Gate Drive (Route 1257) Thursday night, Aug. 6; Friday, Aug. 7; Sunday night, Aug. 9; Monday, Aug. 10, through Friday, Aug. 14, and Monday, Aug. 17, through Friday, Aug. 21, for Route 29 widening project work, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.” [VDOT]
It’s Friday — Expect mostly sunny conditions with a high of 91 and a heat index up to 102, with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 PM. Southwest winds will be light, increasing slightly in the morning. Friday night brings likely showers and thunderstorms before 8 PM, becoming mostly clear later, with a low of 73 and a 60% chance of precipitation. Rainfall may range from a tenth to a quarter of an inch, with heavier amounts in thunderstorms. [NWS]
The Fairfax County government is seeking ideas from the public and business community on modernizing its trash and recycling facilities and processes.
The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) on Aug. 4 put out a formal request for expressions of interest — known as an RFEI — to gather input that could be used in future planning. The request is not an official bid, according to the county.
Back-to-school shoppers will have an extra incentive to grab their school supplies, clothes and other items this weekend in Fairfax County and across the state.
Virginia will hold its annual three-day sales tax holiday, from Friday, Aug. 7 to Sunday, Aug. 9. Over the three days, the state and local option sales taxes are temporarily waived on qualifying clothing, footwear and school supplies, as well as emergency preparedness products and some appliances. The tax exemption applies to in-store and online shopping, according to the Virginia Department of Taxation.
