• Fairfax home prices keep climbing. The average home price in Fairfax County hit ~$950,000 last month. High-income buyers drive the market, while many first-timers watch from the sidelines. See the latest numbers

• Drone show to replace fireworks for July 4th in Fairfax. Lake Fairfax Park will swap its traditional fireworks for a drone light show this Independence Day. The county says the new display will be bigger, greener, and quieter. Details on the change

• Governor warns redistricting fight could chill voter turnout. Governor Abigail Spanberger says the ongoing redistricting battle risks discouraging Virginians from voting this fall. She calls for clarity and urges residents to stay engaged. Governor's comments

• Spanberger signs healthcare cost-cutting bills in Fairfax. Governor Abigail Spanberger visited Fairfax to sign new legislation aimed at lowering healthcare costs for Virginians. The bills target prescription prices and insurance transparency. Read what's changing

• FCPS proposes budget cuts to close $28M gap. Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid outlined a plan to trim programs and staff to balance next year's budget. The school board will debate the cuts in the coming weeks. What's on the chopping block

• Fairfax accessory housing debate heats up. The Fairfax City Council remains split on whether to allow more backyard "granny pods." A public hearing is coming, and the fight over neighborhood character vs. housing options is just getting started. Inside the council's divide

• Countywide trash plan scrapped after pushback. Fairfax officials have dropped their controversial plan for a single trash district. Residents spoke out against losing their current haulers, and supervisors listened. Why the plan failed

• New Tysons apartments: fewer, but larger units. A revised plan for Scotts Run in Tysons calls for bigger apartments and fewer total units. Developers say it's a response to shifting demand. Project details

• Loudoun's Pinstack entertainment center nears opening. The massive new venue will feature bowling, laser tag, bumper cars, and more. The Burn got a first look inside before the doors open. Sneak peek here

• Bike to Work Day returns Friday with dozens of Fairfax pit stops. Event info
• Homelessness in the DC region ticks up, new report shows. Read the findings
• Reston's Clarity restaurant reveals its debut dinner menu. Menu preview
• Small business owner backs Virginia paid leave at bill signing. Owner's comments
• Newborn abandoned near Stafford park; deputies investigating. Incident details

NoVA's feeling the squeeze: home prices keep rising, and budget cuts loom. But locals are still showing up, speaking out, and ready to celebrate summer with a few new twists.

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