Tysons | FFXnow - Part 359

Published August 23, 2023 at 11:45AM

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The Coalition for TJ is petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to consider its lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s admissions policy, which was revised in 2020 with the goal of diversifying the student body.

In the petition filed Monday (Aug. 21), the advocacy group argues that the changes approved by the Fairfax County School Board discriminate against Asian students, who saw their share of the magnet school’s incoming classes drop from more than 70% to closer to 60% in the past few years.

Around Town

Competitive BBQ champion is expanding Alexandria restaurant into Dunn Loring

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 23, 2023 at 10:15AM

Myron Mixon Pitmaster BBQ specializes in Southern-style barbecue (courtesy Myron Mixon Pitmaster BBQ)

Dunn Loring diners will soon get a taste of the Southern-style smoked meats that have made Myron Mixon the self-proclaimed “winningest” man in barbecue.

Myron Mixon Pitmaster BBQ is slated to open a new restaurant at 2670 Avenir Place near the Dunn Loring Metro station this fall, its first expansion since launching in Old Town Alexandria in 2016.

Countywide

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published August 23, 2023 at 8:15AM

Boro Tower seen from Pike 7 Plaza in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Man Pleads Guilty to Killing Landlord — “Brian G. Sayrs Jr., now 27, confessed to killing his Lorton, Va., landlord, Emily Lu, who was last seen alive on the night of June 3, 2021, law enforcement officials said.” Sayrs pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and faces up to 32 years in prison. [Washington Post]

FCPS Bus Driver Vacancies Lead to Delays — “A school bus driver shortage is impacting students getting to school on time in Fairfax County. Fairfax County still needs 121 bus drivers to get kids to class for the new school year…In one Lincolnia neighborhood, some said buses were delayed more than 30 minutes.” [WUSA9]

Around Town

District Taco opens in McLean, kicking off franchise era

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 22, 2023 at 3:00PM

District Taco is now open in McLean (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

District Taco’s first franchise location has opened for business.

The Mexican fast-casual chain began serving customers at its new McLean restaurant on Tuesday, Aug. 15, an employee told FFXnow.

Join thousands of fun-lovers and explore the nation’s capital car-free!

By Sponsor

Published August 22, 2023 at 12:30PM

Coming up in just a couple of weeks, DC Bike Ride invites you to the region’s favorite social bike ride for riders of all ages and abilities and offers $20 off your Standard Registration now with promo code BIKEDC.

Take over the District and enjoy 20 miles of live music, photo zones, and other fun surprises along the way.

News

McLean Air Force veteran honored as ‘living legend’ at 105 years old

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 22, 2023 at 10:30AM

Winnie Evans holds her Living Legend proclamation with representatives from the Military Women's Memorial (courtesy Chesterbrook Residences)

Chesterbrook Residences has a certified living legend residing in its halls.

Major Winifred Evans, a resident of the McLean assisted living community since 2018, was honored last Thursday (Aug. 17) with a “Living Legend” proclamation from the Military Women’s Memorial in Arlington.

Countywide

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published August 22, 2023 at 8:15AM

A bridge at Lake Audubon in Reston (photo by Marjorie Copson)

Environmental Groups File Lawsuit Against Youngkin — “Environmental groups filed suit Monday in Fairfax County Circuit Court to prevent Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) from taking Virginia out of a multistate carbon-credit market aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.” The lawsuit argues that the governor doesn’t have the authority to withdraw from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. [Washington Post]

Man Planned to Hit People With Van at Dulles Airport — “A Maryland man charged…with planning an Islamic State-inspired attack at [National Harbor] pleaded guilty on Monday to engaging in a separate plot to drive a stolen van into a crowd of people at a nearby airport…Henry admits that he stole a U-Haul van from a parking garage in Alexandria, Virginia, drove it to Dulles International Airport…and entered a terminal building on March 27, 2019.” [NBC4]

News

Plan to replace American Legion Bridge revived with request for federal funding

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 21, 2023 at 3:00PM | Updated August 22, 2023 at 9:35AM

Traffic on the American Legion Bridge headed north into Maryland (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

(Updated at 9:35 a.m. on 8/22/2023) Maryland has renewed its commitment to replacing the American Legion Bridge and adding express lanes on the Capital Beltway, much to the relief of Northern Virginia transportation officials.

The Maryland Department of Transportation has applied for a federal grant to fund the initial phase of its project to widen the Beltway (I-495/I-270) and reconstruct the aging bridge, which provides the only road connection between Fairfax County and Montgomery County, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced today (Monday).

Neighborhood Expert: Small business spotlight — Beyond Organized

By Sponsor

Published August 21, 2023 at 12:30PM

Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or Laura@GuidingYourMove.com.

There’s nothing I love more than starting the school year off with decluttering, getting rid of all the STUFF that’s piled up over the summer and getting a fresh start for everyone to the year.

Countywide

Covid hospitalizations tick up slightly as county health officials monitor new variant

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 21, 2023 at 11:30AM

Fairfax County COVID-19 severity measures as of Aug. 18, 2023 (via FCHD)

Fairfax County health officials are monitoring a new COVID-19 variant that has gained traction in the U.S., becoming the most prevalent strain of the disease.

Since the pandemic ceased to be an official national health emergency in May, Covid has faded to the background for many, even as others struggle with long-term health issues after getting infected.