Author: FFXnow.com

Va. Man Charged in Pipe Bomb Investigation — “A man suspected of planting pipe bombs outside Democratic and Republican party headquarters in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, siege, on the U.S. Capitol was arrested Thursday, authorities say. Brian Cole Jr., 30, of Woodbridge, Virginia, was charged with transporting an explosive device and attempted malicious destruction by means of explosive materials, according to charging documents.” [NBC4]

D.C. Congestion Worsened in 2025 — “Drivers in the D.C. area spent more time stuck in traffic in 2025 than the year before, according to data from the analytics firm INRIX. The average driver in D.C. lost 70 hours to traffic in 2025, which the company calculates by looking at the difference between peak and off-peak congestion. That’s a 13 percent increase from last year’s 62 hours, according to the report.” [Washington Post]

County Considers Easing Accessory Unit Rules — “The Fairfax County Planning Commission is considering changes to make it easier for residents to establish accessory living units (ALUs) … The board authorized ALUs in 2021 as part of a major overhaul of the zoning code. At that time, there was opposition from residents who raised concerns that ALUs would destabilize neighborhoods and turn single-family homes into ‘boarding houses.'” [Annandale Today]

Federal Officers Seen at Vienna Park — “A group of about 10 to 15 federal law enforcement officers dressed in khakis and carrying firearms gathered at Nottoway Park outside the Town of Vienna around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday. ‘We are not ICE. This is not immigration,’ an officer with ‘DEA’ on his uniform told a Patch reporter.” [Patch]

Startup Tackles Prescription Drug Costs — “Founded in McLean last year, Crux works with global pharmaceutical companies and employers to bring quality-of-life medications such as those for weight loss, addiction and sleep to U.S. consumers at discounted rates.” Funded with $6.5 million from the venture capital firm Red Cell Partners, the company will first provide access to a “name-branded” diabetes/weight loss drug “through employee-benefit programs in early 2026.” [Washington Business Journal]

Holiday Events Coming to Local Parks — “Join family, friends and neighbors at the parks this holiday season. With more than 50 holiday-themed activities and events to choose from, Fairfax County Park Authority has something for everyone — from wagon and train rides to candlelit tours and, of course, Santa himself!” [FCPA]

Woodburn Students Visit Sen. Warner — “Wonderful to welcome kids from Woodburn Elementary School to see my office and decorate my Christmas tree today. At the end of the day, everything I do in the Senate is about building a better and stronger country for them to grow up in. Happy holidays, Virginia!” [Mark Warner/Bluesky]

Annual Pancake Breakfast at Historic House — “The Turner Farmhouse Foundation invites the community to its annual Pancake Breakfast and Open House on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the historic Turner Farmhouse in Great Falls. The event is free, open to the public and includes onsite parking. Guests are encouraged to RSVP online; tickets are provided at no cost.” [FCPA]

It’s Friday — Snow is expected before 11am, with temperatures reaching a high around 33°F. There is an 80% chance of precipitation. Ice accumulation is not anticipated, and new snow will likely be less than half an inch. Friday night will see patchy fog and mostly cloudy conditions, with a low temperature of approximately 26°F. [NWS]

FCPD Details Thanksgiving DWI Arrests — “Between November 26 and November 30, the FCPD arrested and charged twenty impaired drivers with a variety of DWI offenses. This enforcement push marked the department’s commitment to improve safety and remove impaired drivers from our roadways.” [FCPD]

New Agreement to Protect Chesapeake Bay — Outgoing Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin joined his counterparts from Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and “other regional representatives” on Tuesday (Dec. 2) to enact “a new, 15-year agreement to reduce pollution, build habitats, and protect the Chesapeake Bay.” [Virginia Mercury]

Virginia Lagging in Traffic Safety Laws — “When it comes to laws aimed at keeping drivers and passengers safe, D.C. and Maryland are ahead of Virginia, according to a new report from Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. But all three jurisdictions have room to improve … Among the improvements needed in Virginia include a need for a strong seat belt law.” [WTOP]

Bill Could Allow More Faith-Based Affordable Housing — “By some estimates, the Commonwealth has a shortage of some 300,000 homes and apartments, but some lawmakers are hoping to boost construction by relaxing some regulations for faith-based and nonprofit groups.” Legislation proposed by state Sens. Jennifer Carroll Foy, whose district includes Burke, and Jeremy McPike would allow religious organizations to develop affordable housing by-right. [NBC4]

Dems Committed to Redistricting Push — “Virginia Democrats appear to be sticking to a plan to put a constitutional amendment before voters that would allow a new congressional map in 2026, despite a sweeping victory in November’s general election and a fluid redistricting landscape nationwide.” Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell expects Democrats could flip at least the 1st and 2nd Congressional districts with redrawn maps. [VPM]

Juveniles Arrested for Vape Shop Burglaries — “A heavy police presence shattered the calm of a quiet street in the Broyhill Crest neighborhood in Annandale on Tuesday morning. Armed with a search warrant, police found evidence in a home on Bradley Circle tying a juvenile to burglaries at nine vape shops.” Police have identified a total of five juveniles they believe were involved, including three were arrested on Dec. 2. [Annandale Today]

Massive Debris Removed From Mount Vernon Trail — “The Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail discovered the debris, a large sling fender, sitting in the Potomac River’s low tide line near the Marina Towers building at 501 Slaters Lane during the Nov. 15 Mega Trash Bash cleanup.” Volunteers needed to return a week later to cut up the fender, which weighed an estimated 500 pounds, so they could remove it. [ALXnow]

Mini Art Vending Machine Offers Holiday Prints — Fairfax City’s Mini-Art Machine has reemerged at Cinema Arts Theatre (9650 Main Street), where it will sell winter and holiday-themed watercolor prints by artist Tommy Tang for $1 through Sunday, Dec. 28. “These stunning mini art prints would make perfect gift tags or holiday card enclosures for those special people on your list!” [Fairfax City]

It’s Thursday — Expect a mostly sunny day with highs around 42 degrees and wind gusts up to 24 mph. Evening will be partly cloudy, with lows near 23 degrees. Northwest winds of 5-10 mph will become light and variable after midnight, with gusts potentially reaching 18 mph. [NWS]

Miyares Sides with Feds in FCPS Funding Lawsuit — “Outgoing Attorney General Jason Miyares and other Republican officials jointly filed a brief last Tuesday in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, arguing that the U.S. Department of Education was right to label APS and Fairfax County Public Schools as ‘high risk’ and place restrictions on their funding” based on their policies supporting transgender students. [ARLnow]

Stronger Stance on Casino Proposed — “For the first time since news of the controversial Tysons casino project became public in January 2023, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will consider adding language to its draft 2026 Legislative Program to oppose legislation that would pave the way for the project to move forward.” The amendment will be proposed by Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn. [Patch]

Warner Launches Reelection Bid — Virginia Sen. Mark Warner officially announced yesterday (Tuesday) that he’s running for reelection in the 2026 Congressional midterms. In a video announcing his campaign for a fourth term, “Warner shared concerns about artificial intelligence’s potential impact on the job market and general affordability, including grocery prices, housing and energy costs.” [WTOP]

Republican Challenges Beyer — “Luke Nathan Phillips, a freelance tour guide, is running as a Republican against Rep. Don Beyer in Virginia’s 8th congressional district. In launching his campaign on Dec. 1, Phillips said his main priority is protecting the National Park System and other public lands.” He will compete against Vienna resident and former CIA agent Anthony “Tony” Sabio for the GOP nomination in a June primary. [Annandale Today]

Teen Arrested for Stolen Gun — “On November 28, at 6:42 p.m., detectives were alerted to a larceny in the 1900 block of Chain Bridge Road in Tysons. Our officers learned that Loss Prevention officers had observed the suspect concealing items and left the [store] before being apprehended.” The 18-year-old from D.C. has been charged with possessing a gun that was reported stolen from Prince George’s County, larceny and other offenses. [FCPD]

Cause of Kings Park West House Fire Found — “On Monday, December 1, around 5:15 p.m., the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) responded to reports of a house fire in the 4700 block of Twinbrook Road … Fire investigators with FCFRD’s Office of the Fire Marshal determined the fire originated in the discarded construction material at the rear of the structure. The fire was accidental and caused by improperly discarded smoking material. Damages are estimated at $108,600.” [FCFRD]

CUE Bus Stop Temporarily Moves — “The CUE Bus stop at Fairfax Boulevard and Campbell Avenue (Green 2, stop #8) will be unavailable during construction of the Beacon Landing housing development, which is scheduled to begin the week of Dec. 1. Westbound riders should use the bus stop located at Fairfax Boulevard and Spring Street.” [Fairfax City]

Metrobus Introduces Digital Signage — “Innovation is the name of the game! Check out our new digital bus sign (the first in the nation!) rolling out as part of a new pilot program. For now, you’ll only see this sign on one bus, but it offers a glimpse into the future of external communication & advertising on Metro.” [WMATA/Bluesky]

It’s Wednesday — Expect sunny skies and a high of 42 degrees, with northwest winds at 5 to 10 mph turning light from the west in the afternoon, and gusts possibly reaching 21 mph. Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low around 28 degrees and calm winds. [NWS]

Watch Out for Wintery Weather — “As snow makes its way across Virginia early this week, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) wants drivers to keep their guards up for slick roads and to check road conditions before doing any driving, especially during the Tuesday morning commute.” [Press release]

Sales Tax to Fund School Projects Proposed — “For years a bipartisan coalition at the Virginia legislature has sought to empower localities to offer a new sales tax to cover the cost of local school construction. Governor Glenn Youngkin repeatedly vetoed the effort, but those involved have promised to bring it back and Governor Elect Abigail Spanberger is on board.” [WVTF]

Man Arrested for Displaying Knife — Fairfax City police arrested a man yesterday (Monday) after he reportedly displayed a knife while in a business in the 3900 block of Pickett Road and threatened employees. The man was taken into custody “without incident,” and no injuries were reported. [Fairfax City Police/X]

House Fire Extinguished in Kings Park West — Fairfax County firefighters responded early in the evening yesterday to “a house fire in the 4700 block of Twinbrook Rd in the Kings Park West area. Units arrived to find smoke and fire showing from the rear of the home. The fire is under control. No civilian or firefighter injuries. Fire investigators are on scene.” [FCFRD/Facebook]

Ghost Kitchen Coming to Reston — “A new takeout restaurant called Roadhouse is headed to Reston and it will specialize in burgers, wings, and greens.” The team behind the concept hopes to begin operating out of the kitchen at Open Road in Reston Town Center on Jan. 5. [The Burn]

Hershey Eyes Tysons Pop-Up — “Something sweet is popping up soon in Tysons Corner Center. Hershey Super Sweet Adventure, an interactive pop-up experience, recently filed permits to open in the mall, Washington Business Journal reports.” Permits suggest that the pop-up, which made its debut in Chicago last year, will be located on the mall’s first floor next to Macy’s. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Volunteers Plant Native Garden in Annandale — “Volunteers spent hours this past weekend creating a native plant garden on Columbia Pike in front of the ACCA Child Development Center. The garden is the first project in the ‘Greening the Greenway’ pilot program, which is aimed at enhancing the Annandale Greenway, a five-mile trail between Annandale Community Park and Green Spring Gardens.” [Annandale Today]

Va. Wildlife at Risk of Reduced Protections — “The Shenandoah salamander, northern long-eared bat and the rusty patch bumble bee are among the many animals on the federal endangered species list that live in Virginia and could be impacted by proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act by the Trump administration.” [Virginia Mercury]

New Legal Notice — Annual 2026-2027 PHA plan available; hearing January 27, 2026. [Public Notices]

It’s Tuesday — Rain mixed with sleet is expected until 2 pm, followed by a chance of rain between 2 pm and 4 pm, with highs near 40°F. Light and variable winds will turn northwest at 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Precipitation is guaranteed, but sleet accumulation will be minimal. Tuesday night will be mostly clear, with lows around 28°F and northwest winds at 10 to 13 mph. [NWS]

Wintry Weather Possible This Week — “Sunny Monday with still-chilly highs in the low to mid-40s. A more substantial rain, perhaps briefly mixing with snow and sleet at the onset, moves in late Monday night into Tuesday.” Impacts are expected to be minimal, particularly east of I-95. The Capital Weather Gang is also tracking a potential storm system that could bring “wintry precipitation” Friday into Saturday, though confidence in that prediction is currently low. [Capital Weather Gang]

Four Injured in Burke House Fire — “Four people, including a firefighter, were injured in a two-alarm house fire early Saturday in the Burke area of Fairfax County. The fire was reported before 3 a.m. in the 5400 block of Guinea Road in Kings Park West, Fairfax County fire and rescue said in a social media post.” The cause of the fire remains under investigation, a department spokesperson told FFXnow. [Inside NoVA]

Reduced Holiday Spending Expected — “Virginians plan to dial back holiday spending this year, trimming budgets by about 5% even as the broader economy shows strong growth, according to a new Institute for Policy and Opinion Research survey at Roanoke College. The poll found that households expect to spend an average of $1,035 this season in Virginia — down from last year — and they’re shifting how they spend, putting more toward gifts while cutting back on personal purchases and experiences.” [Virginia Mercury]

Fairfax Water Proposes Rate Hike — “Fairfax Water is proposing a rate increase, which it says should add about $1.93 per month for most customers. According to Fairfax Water, the increased rates are necessary to cover rising costs for electricity, water treatment supplies, pipes, and project materials.” [Annandale Today]

Bill Targets ICE Face Coverings — “A newly introduced bill for Virginia’s 2026 legislative session would prohibit most law-enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while performing official duties … The bill, filed November 20 by Del. Michael J. Jones, applies to state and federal law enforcement officers operating in the Commonwealth.” [13NewsNow]

Two Arrested for Alleged Anti-ICE Plot — “Two brothers in Virginia have been arrested after an off-duty police officer overheard the men allegedly discussing plans to kill immigration officers, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday.” [Associated Press]

Runners Tackle Taco Bell Challenge — “The rules of the first-ever Taco Bell DC 50k were pretty simple, organizers Phil Hargis, 54, and Mike Wardian, 51, explained to the hundreds of participants shivering in below-freezing temperatures outside a Taco Bell in Old Town Alexandria on Saturday morning. Each participant must run to nine Taco Bells scattered across Alexandria, Arlington, and the District. At each location, they must purchase and eat an item off the menu.” [Washington Post]

Reminder: New Speed Limit on Herndon Parkway — “Starting Dec. 1, the speed limit on Herndon Parkway between Campbell Dr. and Summerfield Dr. will drop from 35 mph to 25 mph. This change improves safety for pedestrians and motorists and supports future crosswalk access to Chandon Park.” [Town of Herndon/X]

It’s Monday — Expect sunny skies and a high around 43 today, with winds at 5-10 mph becoming lighter in the afternoon, and possible gusts up to 18 mph. Night could bring snow and sleet between 1am and 4am, transitioning to rain and sleet, with a 70% chance of precipitation, clouds increasing, and lows around 30. [NWS]