Angela Woolsey | FFXnow

GMU launches campaign to fund Fairfax performing arts center renovation

Published February 6, 2025 at 1:15PM

George Mason University is planning a $70 million renovation of its Center for the Arts in Fairfax (rendering by Quinn Evans)

George Mason University has begun raising money in earnest to help fund a $70 million makeover of its performing arts center in Fairfax.

Publicly launched yesterday (Wednesday), the “Give Voice” initiative seeks to raise $35 million for a renovation of the Center for the Arts, the 1,935-seat concert hall at 4373 Mason Pond Drive. The university itself is expected to match the private donations with an additional $35 million.

Countywide

Figure skating tribute planned to raise money for DCA crash victims

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 6, 2025 at 11:15AM

Nearly two dozen crosses stand near Gravelly Point, honoring the 67 victims of the mid-air collision over the Potomac River (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Local superstar Ilia Malinin and other figure skaters will convene in D.C. next month to pay tribute to the victims of last week’s airplane and helicopter crash near Reagan National Airport.

Set for Sunday, March 2, at Capital One Arena, the “Legacy on Ice” benefit will raise funds to support the families and loved ones of the 67 people killed in the Jan. 29 crash, while serving as a showcase for the American figure skating community, which lost 28 members.

Countywide

Flu levels higher than usual in Fairfax, health department says

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 6, 2025 at 9:45AM

The Fairfax Health District is experiencing a high level of respiratory illness activity, as of Feb. 4, 2025 (via Fairfax County Health Department)

If it seems like you know or have encountered more sick people this winter, it might not be your imagination.

The Fairfax Health District, which includes Fairfax County, Fairfax City and Falls Church, is experiencing high levels of respiratory illnesses, driven particularly by influenza, according to the Fairfax County Health Department.

Countywide

JUST IN: FCPS to open on two-hour delay Thursday due to icy weather

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 5, 2025 at 3:55PM | Updated February 5, 2025 at 4:12PM

The surface of Wolftrap Creek turned to ice after snowstorms in January 2025 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County Public Schools will clear school grounds early tonight (Wednesday) and start classes late tomorrow (Thursday) in anticipation of some wintry weather.

FCPS announced that all activities on school grounds, including sports practices and extracurricular activities, must wrap up by 9 p.m. In addition, schools will start on a two-hour delay tomorrow with a mix of snow and sleet expected to freeze overnight.

News

Herndon police deny social media rumors of collaboration with ICE raids

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 5, 2025 at 9:00AM

A Town of Herndon Police Department vehicle (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The Town of Herndon Police Department (HPD) hopes to quash rumors that it has been collaborating with federal immigration agents on raids.

Claims that local police have participated in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids began cropping up in phone calls to the police department a few weeks ago and have now emerged in social media posts, particularly on TikTok, according to HPD spokesperson Lisa Herndon.

News

FCPD: Springfield man charged with attempted sexual assault

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 5, 2025 at 8:15AM

Police have charged Yapheth Ably Emiru with allegedly attempting to sexually assault a woman in Springfield (courtesy Fairfax County Police Department)

A man who tried to sexually assault a woman near the Springfield Crossing apartments late last month has been arrested, Fairfax County police announced yesterday (Tuesday).

According to the Fairfax County Police Department, officers were called to the 6700 block of Metropolitan Center Drive shortly after 2:30 a.m. on Jan. 27 for a report of an abduction and an attempted sexual assault.

Countywide

BREAKING: Fairfax County casino bill passes Virginia Senate

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 4, 2025 at 2:15PM | Updated February 4, 2025 at 4:22PM

State Sen. Scott Surovell speaks to Senate Bill 982, which would make Fairfax County eligible for a casino (via Senate of Virginia)

Legislation that would give Fairfax County the authority to ask voters to allow a casino is heading to the Virginia House of Delegates.

After a passionate debate that split Fairfax County’s typically unified delegation, the contentious bill from Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-34) to add the county to the short list of localities eligible to host a casino passed the state Senate today (Tuesday) by a 24-16 vote.

News

Dozens of species spotted in annual Reston winter bird count

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 4, 2025 at 11:15AM

A snow goose on the water in Reston (photo by Ed Hass)

Even with increased development in the area, Reston’s bird population has remained steady — at least according to Reston Association’s annual bird counts.

The organization’s environmental staff and volunteers identified 1,685 individual birds from 52 different species during their 2025 Reston Winter Bird Count, which was conducted on a Saturday in early January.

News

Report: Costs of relocating FBI HQ to Springfield site were overstated

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 4, 2025 at 9:45AM

The General Services Administration Warehouse in Springfield, potential site of the FBI's new headquarters (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The federal agency that led the search for a new FBI headquarters site provided some inaccurate estimates of the costs associated with a Springfield relocation, possibly hampering Fairfax County’s bid for the project, a new report found.

The inaccurate cost information was one of a few issues with the site selection process identified by the inspector general for the General Services Administration (GSA), which began a review in late 2023 in response to complaints from Northern Virginia’s Congressional delegation and concerns raised by the FBI.

News

Patrick Henry Library staff readies for move ahead of new facility’s construction

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 4, 2025 at 9:00AM

Inside Patrick Henry Library in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

After years of planning, the start of construction on a new library for the Town of Vienna is almost within sight.

Staff at Patrick Henry Library have started preparing to relocate to a temporary site in the Cedar Park Shopping Center, where some services will be offered while the new facility is being built, Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) announced in an alert to patrons on Friday (Jan. 31).