George Mason University will launch a laboratory school in Loudoun County Public Schools as part of a partnership with Northern Virginia Community College. Laboratory schools are a way to get students prepared for high-demand careers. They are similar to charter schools. Students are selected through a lottery system. The lab schools provide specialized instruction for careers such as teaching, computer science, and technology. The Virginia Board of Education approved the funding for George Mason and five other colleges. Other schools to receive funding are Paul D. Camp Community College and ..read more

Coinciding with Star Wars Day, the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum announced that a new artifact — a new themed Boeing CV2 Cargo Air Vehicle — will go on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly in May. The museum said the CAV, with a wingspan of 20.2 feet and 128-kilowatt direct-drive electrical motors, is the first remotely piloted large electrical vertical takeoff and landing aircraft flown to support a U.S. commercial operation. Boeing partnered with Disney to mount X-wing body shells onto two of the drones for the Walt Disney World opening of the Star Wars: Gal ..read more

Early voting for Virginia’s June 18 primaries is now underway. It started Friday, May 3. Voters do not have to be registered by party to vote in the primary, and they can vote in either the Democratic or the Republican primary. In Fairfax County, early voting will remain open until June 15, with two early voting Saturdays, June 8 and 15. Voting won’t take place on Memorial Day. Fairfax County has three locations open: Fairfax County Government Center: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mount Vernon Governmental Center: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. North County Governmental Center: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Another 13 location ..read more

After 19 years, the Barnes & Noble location at Tysons Corner Center will close the doors on its two-level storefront on Sunday, May 5 before moving to a new location within the mall in early 2025. The Tysons location is currently offering 30 percent off books and 50 percent off toys, games, gifts, and its book Annex selections. The store’s recent social media posts also mention deeper discounts available in the store. During its final days, the store will be open on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The new store location is still being determine ..read more

Looking for a gift for your mom this Mother’s Day or perhaps something for your significant other? You can never go wrong with the pearl look. Add glamour to your style with current takes on the classic accessory, real or faux. Courtesy Lele Sadoughi Gold Elton Cat-Eye Sunglasses $195 at lelesadoughi.com Courtesy The Shoe Hive Pacifica Pearl Collar in Multi $360 at The Shoe Hive, 127 S. Fairfax St., theshoehive.com Courtesy The Shoe Hive Pearl Pablo Earrings in Pink Amethyst Multi $290 at The Shoe Hive, 127 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria, theshoehive.com Courtesy J.Crew Hand-beaded faux-pearl min ..read more

The 150th Kentucky Derby kicks off on Saturday, May 4, in Louisville, Kentucky. That’s a long way from Northern Virginia, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have the Derby Day experience. At these watch parties and derby events, you can sip mint juleps, don your fanciest hat, and watch the race — without spending money on airfare.   Bourn ‘n Derb at Aslin Beer Co.  May 4, 2–8 p.m.  At all of Aslin’s locations, guests to this derby day celebration can try their hand at horse racing — toy horse racing, that is. There will be races for kids and adults, plus a fancy hat contest, bourb ..read more

Eleven business leaders from Northern Virginia are among 30 finalists for Ernst & Young’s 2024 Mid-Atlantic Entrepreneur of the Year award. An independent panel of judges selected them “based on their demonstration of long-term value through entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth, and impact,” the Ernst & Young website said. Here are the regional finalists from Northern Virginia: Anil Sharma, CEO of 22nd Century Technologies, Tysons Kevin Kelly, chair and CEO of Arcfield, Chantilly Julie Sciullo, CEO of Association Analytics, Arlington County Sukumar Iyer, f ..read more

The Harlem Globetrotters will visit Laurel Hill Elementary School in Lorton in June now that students have won a Jersey Mike’s video competition called Court of Creativity. The kids did a one-take, one-minute video inspired by the basketball team’s iconic one-take videos. The video showcases athleticism and having fun on the basketball court. “At Laurel Hill Elementary, we are committed to making every aspect of education inclusive and accessible, and this extends to our physical education program,” said Julie Braden, physical education teacher at Laurel Hill Elementary School. “Each year ..read more

Thompson Italian in Old Town Alexandria could expand by 70 percent. The restaurant has applied for a special use permit that would allow it to expand to its third floor on King Street. The 89-seat restaurant would add 62 seats on that floor, bringing the total seating to 151, the permit said. “Minor interior renovations are proposed to the third level to accommodate the additional seating,” the request filed with the city said. Thompson Italian is located where Hank’s Oyster Bar used to be at 1024 King St. and has a different, more eclectic vibe than its Falls Church counterpart. The restaura ..read more

Gather the family and get ready to learn all about the bald eagle. Mason Neck State Park will host its 26th annual Eagle Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 11.  “Guests will be able to see animals such as hawks and owls up close as well as learn about the majestic bald eagles, with the hopes of seeing one in flight during the event,” said Mason Neck State Park Chief Ranger Jamie Leeuwrik.  There will be exhibits of animal shows, activities, and recreation clinics that “aim to highlight the rich natural history of Northern Virginia as well as foster stewardship of ..read more