FCPS names Bailey’s assistant principal Outstanding School-Based Leader
Tricia Wayland, the assistant principal at Bailey’s Upper Elementary School, was named 2026 Outstanding School-Based Leader at Fairfax County Public Schools’ Honors Recognition Ceremony earlier this month. “Tricia is a proud FCPS graduate whose leadership reflects a deep and lasting commitment to her school community,” the program for the Honors event states. “She brings a thoughtful … Continued
New state laws expand tenants’ rights
By Julia Key Several new laws enacted this year by the General Assembly granting more rights to renters will take effect on July 1. Tenants now have more time to pay their rent if they miss the due date because of unexpected expenses, said Christine Marra, director of housing advocacy at the Virginia Poverty Law … Continued
Virginia budget imposes taxes on data centers for electrical consumption
The Virginia General Assembly approved a budget for the next two years that retains the sales tax exemption for data centers but adds an electricity consumption tax for the facilities. The agreement ends months of negotiations over data centers. A government shutdown was imminent if lawmakers failed to reach an agreement by the July 1 … Continued
School board approves school calendar policy
The Fairfax County School Board approved a policy framework for the development of school calendars. The policy adopted on June 11 states the school board “is committed to a clear, reliable academic calendar that prioritizes academic and instructional continuity, to the greatest extent possible in the form of full school weeks.” The new policy responds … Continued
Police seek suspect for attempted abduction and indecent exposure in Wakefield Park
UPDATE: The police issued this tweet on June 24: “Detectives have arrested the predator involved in this attempted abduction. There is no threat to the community.” Fairfax County Police are searching for a man who exposed himself to a woman in Wakefield Park in Annandale and then attempted to abduct another woman in the same … Continued
Mason District Arts Council brings history to life
Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, John Adams, suffragist Amelia Walker, and other figures from American history commemorated the nation’s 250th anniversary in a series of performances organized by the Mason District Arts Council. The free show “Passages: One-Act Plays and Oratorios” was presented at the Pozez Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia on June 20. It … Continued
Four fatal pedestrian crashes in a 48-hour period
There were five fatal crashes in a 48-hour period in Fairfax County, four involving pedestrians and one involving a motorcyclist. Two of the crashes were in Mason District – in Lincolnia and Seven Corners. “The last few days have proven deadly,” said Fairfax County Deputy Police Chief Dalton Becker at a news briefing on June … Continued
Local student named AAA Safety Patroller of the Year
Will Kinne, a sixth grader at Canterbury Woods Elementary School in Annandale, was named Safety Patroller of the Year by the branch of the American Automobile Association representing the D.C. region. Will is known for his calm demeanor, his ability to think quickly on his feet, and stay focused despite distractions from his peers, Fairfax … Continued
Bren Mar Park ES community excluded from FCPS boundary discussions
For the third time in the past few months, Fairfax County Public Schools hosted a meeting on school boundary changes affecting Bren Mar Park Elementary School, and the Bren Mar Park community wasn’t given a real chance to participate. FCPS is considering moving Bren Mar Park students to Key Middle School and Lewis High School, … Continued
Virginia adopts assault weapons ban
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a package of legislation on June 16 aimed at preventing gun violence, including a ban on assault weapons. Surrounded by law enforcement officers, lawmakers, students, healthcare workers, and families impacted by gun violence, Spanberger said the commonsense gun legislation “will keep our families, communities, and law enforcement safe.” The legislation … Continued
State leaders announce a compromise on a retail weed market
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger and General Assembly leaders approved an agreement to establish a cannabis retail market that would open on July 1, 2027. The compromise would be implemented through the budget process. It comes after Spanberger vetoed legislation passed by the General Assembly that would have allowed sales to start on Jan. 1, 2027. … Continued
Above the beltway, protestors call for fair elections
By Julia Key If you drove on the beltway under the pedestrian bridge in Annandale near the Audrey Moore Rec Center on Sunday afternoon, you would have seen American flags and signs calling for free and fair elections. This event, organized by local chapters of Indivisible and members of the Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church, was … Continued
New restaurants coming to Bailey’s Crossroads
Several new dining options are in the works for Bailey’s Crossroads. The Nile Restaurant is slated to open Monday, June 22, at 5624 Columbia Pike. Gamal Elhadi, the owner, plans to offer kebabs, grilled chicken, fried fish, salads, and Mediterranean specialties. Elhadi has been the manager at Duccini’s Pizzeria next door for the past 10 … Continued
Mason Arts 250 invites the public to a free theatrical event
By James Albright, chair of the Mason District Arts Council Our community’s busy celebration of the nation’s founding continues Saturday, June 20, with “Passages: One-Act Plays and Oratorio.” The program begins at 2 p.m. at the Pozez Jewish Community Center at 8900 Little River Turnpike just west of Annandale. Sponsored by the Mason District Arts … Continued
Underdog café opens in Bailey’s Crossroads
The recently opened Underdog Coffee and Bread in Bailey’s Crossroads is three times as large as the first one in Annandale. The new Underdog is located at 3511 Carlin Springs Road, next to REI. It has the same menu as the café at 7109 Columbia Pike, although eventually each location will have unique coffee drinks, … Continued