News

The outdoor basketball court at McLean Central Park is getting a new and hopefully improved look.

Contractor ATC began mobilizing this week for a renovation of the facility, a process expected to take about six weeks, depending on the weather, the Fairfax County Park Authority announced yesterday (Thursday).


Countywide

In just three days, the moon will cross right in front of the sun, creating a total solar eclipse that will be visible from more than a dozen states.

Virginia isn’t one of those states, but in Fairfax County, an estimated 87.4% of the sun will still be blocked when the eclipse peaks around 3:20 p.m. — a bigger percentage than the 2017 event, according to the Fairfax County Park Authority.


Countywide

Five Vehicles Crash on Route 123 in Lorton — Non-life-threatening injuries were reported in a five-vehicle crash on Ox Road near Silverbrook Road in Lorton, Fairfax County police reported at 7:18 p.m. yesterday (Thursday). One lane in each direction was open, but police advised drivers to use an alternate route. [FCPD/Twitter]

Case Against Suspect in 1994 Murder Advances — “Prosecutors argue that [Stephan] Smerk fatally slashed Robin Warr Lawrence, 37, in her West Springfield, Va., home in November 1994. On Thursday, Judge Gary H. Moliken in Fairfax General District Court found probable cause that Smerk killed Lawrence and allowed the case to proceed to a grand jury.” [Washington Post]


News

Hilton continues to rake in five-star reviews from employees.

The Tysons-based hotel giant has been named the best company to work for in the U.S. by Fortune Magazine, which released its 27th annual round-up of the top 100 companies today.


Around Town

The Tysons Community Alliance (TCA) hopes to put the “play” in “play-cemaking” with a mini festival on Saturday (April 6) that will feature food, art and opinions about what might make the urban center tick.

Hosted by Celebrate Fairfax at The PARC at Tysons (8508 Leesburg Pike) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the TCA Placemaking Fest is envisioned as both an example of how to distinguish Tysons and an occasion for community members to share their thoughts on future activities that could cement that identity.


Countywide

In the latest round of action on bills, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed 100 bills passed by the Virginia General Assembly, including one to protect Virginians from unlawful discrimination, hate crimes and antisemitism. The governor vetoed four others, including one to create civil penalties for shop owners who fail to advertise they are selling invasive plants that could harm other species.

Among the 100 bills signed is a measure that will codify a recommendation by the Commission to Combat Antisemitism that Virginia revise its laws to better protect Jewish citizens from hate crimes, along with Muslims, Sikhs and other ethnic-religious groups.


Countywide

County Cuts Herndon Police From Training Academy — “In a March 18 letter…Deputy County Executive Thomas Arnold, who oversees public safety, said he had decided ‘to terminate the Town of Herndon Police Department’s affiliation with the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy effective June 1.'” The move came after Herndon Police Chief Maggie DeBoard objected to the academy’s director signing graduation certificates in Chinese. [Washington Post]

Five Men Arrested in Online Child Solicitation Sting — “Five men have been arrested after a multi-day operation to bring down online predators, the Fairfax County Police Department announced on Wednesday…Those people then came to Fairfax County with the intention of committing a sex act with the minor, but instead found detectives waiting for them.” [WUSA9]


News

An office building in Tysons is being demolished to make way for workforce housing near the McLean Metro station.

SCG Development announced today (Wednesday) that it has closed on the financing needed to build the first phase of the project, which is being called Somos at McLean Metro. Construction can begin immediately on the mid-rise, 231-unit rental apartment building at 1750 Old Meadow Road.


News

The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) is seeking public input on several projects vying for inclusion in its six-year funding program.

The biggest request by far comes from Fairfax County, which applied for $587.2 million to fund four major projects — more than the other eight localities participating in the fiscal year 2024-2029 Six-Year Program combined.


Around Town

National Poetry Month has arrived, bringing a new slate of free poetry readings and other events at Fairfax County parks.

For the final year of her tenure, Fairfax County Poet Laureate Danielle Badra has organized a second “Poetry in the Parks” initiative, inviting community members to experience linguistic and natural beauty at the same time.


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