Angela Woolsey | FFXnow

Commanders rename training facility after Tysons AI tech contractor

Published August 21, 2025 at 11:45AM

Rendering of the newly named BigBear.ai Performance Center training bubble (courtesy Washington Commanders)

Though it’s not going to host their new stadium, Fairfax County continues to put its stamp on the Washington Commanders.

D.C.’s NFL team has granted the naming rights to its training facility in Ashburn to BigBear.ai, a Tysons-based contractor that develops artificial intelligence technology.

News

Police make arrests in repeated thefts at Reston Home Depot

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 21, 2025 at 8:30AM

Home Depot in Reston (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Home Depot in Reston has been the target of several shoplifting incidents this summer, and Fairfax County police believe they’ve identified the culprits.

Over the past month, the Fairfax County Police Department has arrested and charged seven people allegedly belonging to an “organized retail theft crew” that stole over $20,000 in merchandise across multiple occasions from the home improvement store at 1651 Reston Parkway.

Around Town

Ax dodging, craft brews await at new games and dining venue in Tysons

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 20, 2025 at 1:45PM

Doors to game rooms at Level99 in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Getting axed will take on a more literal yet more enjoyable meaning in Tysons next week with the arrival of Level99.

Ax Run, where players race along a narrow beam while dodging swinging foam axes, is one of 53 games that will test patrons’ physical and mental agility when the unique entertainment venue opens at Tysons Corner Center on Monday (Aug. 25).

News

Measles confirmed in another Dulles Airport traveler, as U.S. cases surge

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 20, 2025 at 11:45AM | Updated August 20, 2025 at 12:50PM

Dulles Airport main terminal (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Another case of measles has been confirmed in a person who traveled through Dulles International Airport last week, state health officials say.

The individual is a resident of another state, but they passed through the airport during the afternoon of Aug. 12, potentially exposing other travelers and workers, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced today (Wednesday).

Countywide

Trump administration moves to cut off funding for FCPS, punishing support for transgender students

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 20, 2025 at 8:30AM

Students hold trans rights and LGBTQ Pride flag signs at a rally protesting Virginia's model policies on transgender students outside Luther Jackson Middle School (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The Trump administration appears to be following through on its threat to withhold federal funds from public schools in Northern Virginia after they refused to roll back policies that support transgender and gender non-conforming students.

The U.S. Education Department announced yesterday (Tuesday) that it has placed Fairfax County Public Schools and the school systems in Arlington, Alexandria, Prince William and Loudoun on “high-risk status,” a move that it claims lets it attach specific conditions for releasing funding.

Around Town

Reston artist to cultivate ‘Weeds and Seeds’ exhibit at Lake Anne gallery

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 19, 2025 at 3:45PM

Artist Jennifer Duncan works on a painting for her new Reston Art Gallery and Studios exhibit "Weeds and Seeds" (courtesy Jennifer Duncan)

Reston Art Gallery and Studios will be overtaken by weeds next month — an intrusion that, in this case, will be enthusiastically welcomed.

The gallery at Lake Anne Plaza (11400 Washington Plaza West) announced today (Tuesday) that it will host a new exhibit titled “Weeds & Seeds: Observed Motifs” from local visual artist Jennifer Duncan from Sept. 6-28.

News

JUST IN: Tysons media company to be acquired in $6.2 billion deal

By Angela Woolsey and Associated Press

Published August 19, 2025 at 1:45PM | Updated August 19, 2025 at 9:49PM

The Boro office buildings in Tysons, where Tegna has its headquarters (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A national TV broadcast company based in Tysons could soon be subsumed into a rival.

Tegna, which became the first tenant to move into Boro Tower in 2019, announced today (Tuesday) that it has entered into a $6.2 billion agreement to be acquired by Nexstar Media Group, a media company whose local holdings include the CW affiliate DC News Now and the online political news outlet The Hill.

News

VHC Health prepares to demolish West Falls Church retail center

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 19, 2025 at 10:00AM

Graham Center in West Falls Church has been fenced off ahead of demolition (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Graham Center has officially closed after seven decades of hosting small, often immigrant-owned businesses.

The shop windows at the West Falls Church strip mall are now boarded up, and a chain-link fence covered with black windscreens surrounds the property, complete with “No trespassing” signs.

Around Town

Donatos Pizza circles Reston area for return to Fairfax County

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 19, 2025 at 9:15AM | Updated August 19, 2025 at 2:28PM

BBQ and buffalo chicken pizzas from the Ohio-based chain Donatos Pizza (via Donatos Pizza/Facebook)

An Ohio pizza chain is plotting a comeback years after mostly bowing out of Fairfax County.

Donatos Pizza announced earlier this month that it’s planning an “ambitious” expansion in the D.C. area, starting with restaurants in Reston, Herndon and Ashburn.

Countywide

Metro unveils possible new train designs for public vote

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 18, 2025 at 1:45PM

Proposed exterior design options for Metro's upcoming 8000-series rail cars (via WMATA)

While regional leaders continue to discuss a path forward for funding transit, Metro is turning to the public for help on deciding a look for its newest trains.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) unveiled three options today (Monday) for the exterior design of its incoming 8000-series rail fleet, which is expected to arrive next year.