Angela Woolsey | FFXnow

State Police: Driver pulled over for using phone on I-495, crashes into vehicles

Published May 14, 2025 at 2:30PM

I-495 North at the off-ramp to Braddock Road in North Springfield (via Google Maps)

A high-speed chase on the Capital Beltway (I-495) this morning started with a driver getting pulled over for using their cell phone, police say.

After allegedly seeing a violation of Virginia’s “hands-free” law banning the use of cell phones while driving, a trooper attempted a traffic stop on northbound I-495 near Braddock Road in the North Springfield area around 8:54 a.m. today (Wednesday), according to the Virginia State Police (VSP).

Around Town

Popular brunch spot First Watch to open in Reston next week

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 14, 2025 at 11:45AM

First Watch's beverage menu includes juices, coffee and brunch cocktails (courtesy First Watch)

First Watch will soon start serving up its signature avocado toast and million dollar bacon to Reston diners.

The daytime cafe chain is set to open in the former Carrabba’s Italian Grill at 12192 Sunset Hills Road near RTC West next Monday, May 19, a First Watch spokesperson told FFXnow, confirming a report by The Burn.

Countywide

FCPS to share initial suggestions for school boundary changes

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 14, 2025 at 9:15AM

South County High School (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Hundreds of Fairfax County Public Schools students could be directed to different schools under initial redistricting scenarios developed as part of a systemwide boundary review.

The Connecticut-based firm Thru Consulting, which was hired by the Fairfax County School Board last September, will present its first draft of potential boundary changes at a series of community meetings starting tomorrow (Thursday).

Around Town

NEW: Another grocery store to replace Whole Foods in Idylwood

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 14, 2025 at 8:30AM | Updated May 14, 2025 at 9:58AM

The now-vacant grocery store at Idylwood Plaza, formerly occupied by Whole Foods Market (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Idylwood Plaza has secured a new grocery store anchor.

The German chain Lidl will take over space at the shopping center previously filled by Whole Foods Market, which relocated to the Broad & Washington development in nearby Falls Church City in February.

News

DEVELOPING: Pedestrian seriously injured by crash near Tysons West

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 13, 2025 at 10:45PM

A sign for Tysons West at the Westwood Center Drive and Cornerside Blvd intersection (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A woman has been hospitalized following a crash outside Tysons West, police say.

Officers and medics were dispatched to Westwood Center Drive at Cornerside Blvd around 9:34 p.m. today (Wednesday) after a driver struck a pedestrian, according to the police scanner.

News

Herndon launches online portal for reporting parking issues

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 13, 2025 at 3:45PM

Cars parked along a residential street in Herndon (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The Town of Herndon Police Department (HPD) wants to expedite its response to parking violations on local streets.

A new online portal launched today (Tuesday) allows residents, businesses and other community members to report parking complaints directly to the department’s traffic unit, which enforces traffic laws and parking rules in addition to investigating crashes and assisting with traffic studies.

Around Town

Sunday Morning Bakehouse offers preview ahead of Tysons opening

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 13, 2025 at 2:45PM

Sunday Morning Bakehouse specializes in handmade croissants and other pastries (courtesy Sunday Morning Bakehouse)

An upcoming bakery in Tysons is inviting customers to get an early taste of its croissants and other pastries before it officially opens.

Sunday Morning Bakehouse will host a pop-up tomorrow (Wednesday) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Heming’s lobby at 1800 Chain Bridge Road. An assortment of croissants, brioche donuts and cookies will be available for purchase, along with hot coffee, iced matcha and iced oat milk latte.

News

Fairfax City celebrates Small Business Month, culminating in retail fair

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 13, 2025 at 9:15AM

JoyLife Spa is one of many local businesses participating in Fairfax City's Small Business Month initiative (courtesy Fairfax City Economic Development)

At a time when small businesses locally and nationally are starting to feel the economic fallout of federal spending cuts and tariffs, the City of Fairfax is doing its part to give those businesses a promotional boost.

Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) is nearing the halfway point of its Small Business Month celebrations, which kicked off on April 28 and will culminate on May 31 with a retail fair in Old Town Square (10415 North Street).

Countywide

Flood Watch issued for Fairfax County, with rain starting tonight

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 12, 2025 at 2:45PM

A bird bathes in a puddle by a street curb in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Though the sun was shining over Fairfax County this morning, the weather is expected to take a rainy turn soon.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for the D.C. region, warning of “excessive rainfall” that may lead to “scattered instances of flooding.”

Around Town

Whiskey tasting, outdoor movie screening coming to Colvin Run Mill

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 12, 2025 at 11:55AM

Colvin Run Mill water wheel (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

In case the present is becoming a bit overwhelming, a pair of upcoming events at Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls will give visitors the opportunity to escape into the past.

The historic site, located at 10017 Colvin Run Road, will first offer an adults-only experience with a Spirited Grains Whiskey Tasting this Saturday (May 17) starting at 4 p.m.