Author: Angela Woolsey

Angela Woolsey is the site editor for FFXnow. A graduate of George Mason University, she worked as a general assignment reporter for the Fairfax County Times before joining Local News Now as the Tysons Reporter editor in 2020.

Countywide

Cancer-treating Fairfax teenager named Time’s 2024 Kid of the Year

By Angela Woolsey
Fairfax resident and Woodson High School Heman Bekele has been named Time's 2024 Kid of the Year (courtesy Time)

Heman Bekele has another title to go along with his status as America’s reigning Top Young Scientist.

The 15-year-old Fairfax resident has been chosen as the 2024 Kid of the Year by Time for his efforts to create a soap that could help treat skin cancers. The magazine’s issue recognizing Heman and five other “Kid of the Year” honorees hit newsstands today (Friday).

Go to Cancer-treating Fairfax teenager named Time’s 2024 Kid of the Year Read more
Countywide

JUST IN: Virginia lifts drought warnings, including for Fairfax County

By Angela Woolsey
Wolftrap Creek in Vienna on Aug. 11 after the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County is no longer at high risk of experiencing a drought, thanks to the rain brought last week by Tropical Storm Debby.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced today (Friday) that it has lifted its drought advisories for almost all of the state, including Northern Virginia, which has been under a drought warning since late June.

Go to JUST IN: Virginia lifts drought warnings, including for Fairfax County Read more
Countywide

FCPD makes arrests in ‘organized’ thefts at ABC stores, Tysons retailers

By Angela Woolsey
The Virginia ABC store on Leesburg Pike in Dunn Loring (via Google Maps)

The Fairfax County Police Department is continuing to crack down on retail store thefts with the assistance of local businesses, Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control and other law enforcement agencies.

Recent investigations have yielded arrests in several cases that targeted “high-end” retailers, particularly in Tysons, and Virginia ABC stores around the region, Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis announced at a press conference yesterday.

Go to FCPD makes arrests in ‘organized’ thefts at ABC stores, Tysons retailers Read more
Around Town

The Alden in McLean announces new season of music, magic and theater

By Angela Woolsey
The Alden theater in McLean will host the Dia de los Muertos-themed musical "Sugar Skull!" on Oct. 30, 2024 (photo by Dave Titensor)

The schedule for The Alden’s next season has arrived.

Highlights of the McLean performing arts theater’s 2024-2025 Professional Series will include the world premiere of “The Remember Balloons,” a hybrid dance/theater production based on a picture book of the same name.

Go to The Alden in McLean announces new season of music, magic and theater Read more
Countywide

‘Whooping cough’ cases on the rise in Fairfax County, health dept says

By Angela Woolsey
Guy coughing into fist (via Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash)

The illness popularly known as “whooping cough” is on the rise in Fairfax County, according to local health officials.

The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) shared yesterday (Wednesday) that it’s seeing an increase in pertussis throughout the Fairfax Health District, which also includes the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. Cases are also up statewide and nationally.

Go to ‘Whooping cough’ cases on the rise in Fairfax County, health dept says Read more
News

UPDATED: Reportedly abducted child dies after police pursuit, crash on I-495

By Angela Woolsey
Northbound I-495 is closed at the Branch Avenue exit in Camp Springs, Maryland after a police pursuit and crash (via Google Maps)

A 1-year-old girl died today (Thursday) following a police pursuit that started on I-95 in Franconia ended with a crash in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

According to the Virginia State Police, troopers attempted to stop a vehicle headed north on I-95 near the South Van Dorn Street exit at approximately 8:46 a.m. today (Thursday).

Go to UPDATED: Reportedly abducted child dies after police pursuit, crash on I-495 Read more
News

Former Prince William exec to join Herndon as interim town manager

By Angela Woolsey
Herndon government offices (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The Town of Herndon has hired a former top executive from Prince William County as its interim town manager.

Christopher Martino will temporarily assume oversight of the town government’s operations on Sept. 3, taking over from current Town Manager Bill Ashton, who is set to resign effective Sept. 10, the town announced yesterday (Wednesday).

Go to Former Prince William exec to join Herndon as interim town manager Read more
News

Townhome concept suggested to replace century-old Vienna house

By Angela Woolsey
The current house at 128 Nutley Street NW in Vienna (via Google Maps)

A proposal to replace a single-family home behind the Village Green Shopping Center with townhouses encountered skepticism when the developer brought it to the Town of Vienna Planning Commission last month.

Sekas Homes presented two possible layouts for a 10-unit townhouse concept at 128 Nutley Street NW on behalf of the owners of the existing, 114-year-old house, who requested assistance with rezoning and redeveloping the property, the homebuilder’s vice president, Connor Sekas, told planning commission at a July 10 work session.

Go to Townhome concept suggested to replace century-old Vienna house Read more
News

JUST IN: Reston man charged with sexually assaulting child at South Lakes Village store

By Angela Woolsey
South Lakes Village Center (file photo)

A Reston man has been arrested after he allegedly sexually assaulted a child at a store in the South Lakes Village Shopping Center.

Police officers were dispatched to the 11100 block of South Lakes Drive at 10:30 p.m. last Friday (Aug. 9) for a reported assault, the Fairfax County Police Department says.

Go to JUST IN: Reston man charged with sexually assaulting child at South Lakes Village store Read more
News

Mars begins renovation of McLean headquarters

By Angela Woolsey
Mars is renovating its headquarters in McLean (courtesy Mars Incorporated)

Mars is upgrading its longtime headquarters in McLean.

The candy and pet food manufacturer announced yesterday (Tuesday) that, this August, it will begin a multi-year renovation of the two-story office building at 6885 Elm Street that has served as its global corporate base since 1984.

Go to Mars begins renovation of McLean headquarters Read more
View More Stories