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

UPDATED: Driver charged with DWI after Route 7 crash that hospitalized four

By Angela Woolsey
Four people were hospitalized by a vehicle crash at the intersection of Leesburg Pike and Colvin Run Road in Great Falls (via Google Maps)

(Updated at 11:25 a.m.) Fairfax County police arrested a driver involved in the crash on Route 7 that sent four people to the hospital on Saturday (April 2).

Richard Asenso Donkor, 23, from Sterling has been charged with driving while intoxicated — his second DWI in five years, the Fairfax County Police Department says.

Go to UPDATED: Driver charged with DWI after Route 7 crash that hospitalized four Read more
Countywide

Most-read Fairfax County stories of the week: March 28-April 1

By Angela Woolsey
Capital One Center plans to complete Phase 2 of The Perch and the "Block A" office and retail building (left) this year (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The weekend is almost here. Before you make one final April Fool’s Day joke or head to bed for some much-needed sleep after avoiding those pranksters, let’s revisit the past week of news in Fairfax County.

Here are the 10 most-read stories on FFXnow this week:

Go to Most-read Fairfax County stories of the week: March 28-April 1 Read more
Countywide

JUST IN: McLean man whose business provided concessions to local schools sentenced for child porn

By Angela Woolsey
U.S. Attorneys Office in Alexandria (via Google Maps)

A McLean resident who ran a concessions business that worked with local schools will serve 18 years in prison on multiple child pornography charges, federal prosecutors announced today (Friday).

Zackary Ellis Sanders, 27, engaged in sexually explicit conversations with at least six different minors between 2017 and 2020, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Go to JUST IN: McLean man whose business provided concessions to local schools sentenced for child porn Read more
News

Ulta Beauty launches Tysons store, opening today in Pike 7 Plaza

By Angela Woolsey
Ulta Beauty is opening today at Pike 7 Plaza in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The nation’s largest beauty retailer now has a location in Tysons.

Ulta Beauty will open its doors in Pike 7 Plaza (8387A Leesburg Pike) at 10 a.m. today (Friday) for a soft launch. A grand opening has been scheduled for April 11.

Go to Ulta Beauty launches Tysons store, opening today in Pike 7 Plaza Read more
Countywide

JUST IN: Appeals court lets FCPS proceed with revised TJ admissions process

By Angela Woolsey
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (via Google Maps)

Fairfax County Public Schools can use its revamped admissions process to evaluate the next class of prospective Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology students, a federal appeals court ruled today (Thursday).

The overhauled admissions process, which replaced a standardized test with an essay, a higher grade-point-average requirement, and other criteria, is the subject of an ongoing lawsuit filed against the county school board by the Coalition for TJ, a parent and community group that opposes the changes.

Go to JUST IN: Appeals court lets FCPS proceed with revised TJ admissions process Read more
News

Vienna to build more sidewalks using Robinson Trust funds this spring

By Angela Woolsey
The north side of Adahi Road at the Park Street intersection, where Vienna plans to add sidewalk (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Vienna is dipping into its sidewalk trust funds again.

During its March 21 meeting, the Vienna Town Council approved spending $261,448 to build sidewalks along two residential streets using money from the Robinson Trust Sidewalk Initiative, which was established by the late councilmember Maud Robinson’s estate after her death in 2019.

Go to Vienna to build more sidewalks using Robinson Trust funds this spring Read more
News

New Mexican restaurant and bar ‘El Sabor Grill’ now open in Vienna

By Angela Woolsey
El Sabor Mexican Grill in Vienna includes a bar (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Vienna’s newest Mexican eatery serves up margaritas as well as tacos and fajitas.

El Sabor Grill is now open in the town’s Cedar Park Shopping Center (262 Cedar Lane), taking over the two suites that El Sol Restaurante & Tequileria vacated in January.

Go to New Mexican restaurant and bar ‘El Sabor Grill’ now open in Vienna Read more
Countywide

Merrifield autonomous shuttle hums along, thanks to new grant funds

By Angela Woolsey
The autonomous Relay shuttle travels between the Mosaic District and the Dunn Loring-Merrifield Metro station (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The autonomous Relay shuttle that has been puttering around Merrifield will stay in operation at least through the end of this year.

Fairfax County accepted additional funding from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation last week to extend its pilot project through December 2022, as it hopes the recent decline in COVID-19 cases will boost the shuttle’s ridership.

Go to Merrifield autonomous shuttle hums along, thanks to new grant funds Read more
Countywide

Chocolate and gelato store coming to Tysons Corner Center this summer

By Angela Woolsey
Venchi Fine Italian Chocolates will open a store at Tysons Corner Center this summer (courtesy Venchi Fine Italian Chocolates)

A 140-year-old Italian chocolate manufacturer is setting up shop in Tysons — and no, a golden ticket won’t be required for entry.

Venchi Fine Italian Chocolates will open a boutique store in Tysons Corner Center, its first outside of the New York tri-state area, the company announced yesterday (Tuesday).

Go to Chocolate and gelato store coming to Tysons Corner Center this summer Read more
View More Stories