With the D.C. region facing scorching heat through this weekend, Fairfax County is adjusting its holiday closure plans to allow for a 24-hour cooling center at the Jim Scott Community Center in Oakton.
On top of previously announced extreme heat warnings for today and tomorrow (Friday), the National Weather Service issued an Extreme Heat Watch this morning for the region on the Fourth of July, predicting potential heat index values of up to 110.
The Fairfax Circuit Court has passed the gavel to a new chief judge.
Stephen Charles “Steve” Shannon officially assumed the position yesterday (Wednesday) more than a decade after he was first elected to serve as a judge on the court, the circuit court clerk’s office announced.
Are you looking to make a real impact in government or public service? Advanced education can be the key, and it’s closer than you think.
The Schar School offers master’s degrees and graduate certificates designed to help students build expertise, advance their careers, and make an impact in their communities and professions. Located just minutes from Washington, D.C., the Schar School combines rigorous academics with access to the institutions, organizations, and networks shaping policy and public service today.
Students benefit from:
• Renowned faculty with academic and real-world experience
• Hands-on learning through applied research and policy simulations
• Connections to government, nonprofit, and private-sector organizations
• Access to one of the nation’s most dynamic professional environments
Graduate programs are available in areas including:
• Public Policy
• International Affairs
• Public Administration
• National Security and Defense
• Government and Public Management
Explore programs, connect with admissions, and discover the graduate pathway that’s right for you.
A proposed redevelopment of an office building near Herndon into 98 townhouses needs a few tweaks before it can clear Fairfax County planners’ review.
At its meeting last week (June 24), the Fairfax County Planning Commission unanimously postponed a decision on a proposed rezoning by Arlington-based Felice Development Group for the project.
Hallmark is no longer greeting customers at Fair Oaks Mall, permanently closing its store there last week.
“We regret to inform you that our Fair Oaks Mall location is closing today,” the store said in an email sent to its customers on Friday (June 26). A coupon was attached for 20% off at other Banners’ Hallmark stores, “as a token of our gratitude.”
Partners in Care, a group of united professionals in the healthcare industry in Northern Virginia is delighted to have Kareem Rosser as part of their polo team on July 18th at Morven Park in Leesburg. We invite families and polo enthusiasts to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to sit on the lawn along with coolers to enjoy each match. There are food and beverage vendors to purchase goodies from as well. The cost to enter is $45/per car for admission. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Kareem Rosser during an exclusive book signing.
Discount code for parking pass – 26Guest5 for a $5 discount.
Pollution Expected From D.C. Fireworks — “Fireworks for this year’s July Fourth celebration are expected to cause hazardous levels of pollution around the National Mall and ‘very unhealthy’ conditions in central D.C., according to internal National Park Service documents.” The show will feature approximately 850,000 fireworks and start later than usual, at around 10:30 or 11 p.m. [Washington Post]
Va. ICE Mask Ban Blocked — “Virginia cannot enforce a newly passed law prohibiting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from wearing masks, a federal judge ruled less than 12 hours before it would have taken effect. Senior U.S. District Judge Robert Payne held the Justice Department was likely to succeed in its argument” that the U.S. Constitution bars the commonwealth from regulating federal officers’ conduct. [Courthouse News Service]
Va. Rejoins Emissions Marketplace — Virginia officially rejoined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative yesterday (Wednesday) after Gov. Abigail Spanberger ceremonially signed into law House Majority Leader Charniele Herring’s bill requiring the state to establish a “market-based trading program” to incentivize carbon emission reductions. Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s withdrawal from the pact was ruled illegal by a court in 2024. [VPM News]
Herndon Summer Youth Program Offered — “Cornerstones will offer an eight-week summer youth program for students in the Reston and Herndon area beginning July 6, even as families continue to question the future of one of the nonprofit’s longtime after-school programs.” The new program at the Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center will be open to students entering second through 12th grade. [Patch]
Dulles Greenway Toll Increase Opposed — “Local elected officials testified against potential Dulles Greenway toll hikes June 29 at a State Corporation Commission hearing in Ashburn.” The owner of the 14-mile roadway from Leesburg to Dulles International Airport filed an SCC application in December seeking to raise tolls to $6.75 during peak hours and $5.60 during off-times. [Loudoun Times-Mirror]
Funding for Firefighter Cancer Screenings — “Virginia’s new two-year budget earmarks millions to help offset current and forthcoming federal funding changes to healthcare and social services. It also accomplished a bipartisan multi-year effort to fund cancer screenings for firefighters.” [Virginia Mercury]
Tips for Safe Fourth of July — “The Fairfax County Police Department encourages residents to celebrate safely while enjoying fireworks, barbecues, outdoor events, and time with family and friends. With large crowds, increased travel, and heightened activity expected across the region, planning ahead and staying alert will help ensure a safe and memorable celebration.” [FCPD]
Free Ice Cream at RTC Family Night — “Kick off Fourth of July weekend in style at Reston Town Center’s Stars & Stripes Family Night! Join us in the Pavilion from 4-8PM for an action-packed evening of all-ages fun, featuring field games, face painting, live DJ, and more. Celebrate America’s 250th with a sweet treat — FREE Ben & Jerry’s ice cream from the truck, including the fan-favorite Americone Dream (while supplies last)!” [Reston Town Center]
It’s Thursday — Expect sunny and hot conditions with temperatures reaching around 102 degrees and heat index values climbing to 109. A gentle west wind will blow at 3 to 5 mph. Night will be clear with temperatures dropping to about 80 degrees. [NWS]
Support local journalism. Join the FFXnow Press Club to boost our reporting and to get upgraded newsletters.
Good Wednesday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Jul 1, 2026.
Here is what’s going on Thursday throughout the county, from our event calendar.
Sunny and hot conditions are expected, with temperatures reaching around 102 degrees and heat index values up to 110. There will be a light northwest wind at 3 to 5 mph. Thursday night will be clear with a low of about 79 degrees, accompanied by light and variable winds. See more from Weather.gov.
The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.
Virginia is facing another lawsuit over its newly adopted but not-yet-enacted ban on future sales and manufacturing of assault firearms.
The Trump administration sued the Commonwealth of Virginia and Virginia State Police in federal court today (Wednesday), arguing that its planned restrictions on gun sales violate the Second Amendment.
Two Vienna-based nonprofits are coming together to support victims of the twin earthquakes that left thousands dead and injured in Venezuela last week.
The One Neighborhood Foundation and People and Pets Together will host a fundraiser Saturday (July 4) from 8 a.m. to noon at Texas Donuts (167 Glyndon Street SE). A portion of every purchase will be donated to World Central Kitchen, the disaster relief nonprofit founded by celebrity chef José Andrés.
The newest addition to Fairfax County Public Schools, Skyview High School in Herndon, is set to open this fall with over 700 ninth and tenth graders who opt in to attend the new school.
But the county school board is still deciding on a plan for full implementation of school boundaries — wherever those lines are drawn.
