Author: FFXnow.com

Fairfax Office Market in Flux — “While uncertainty remains and the Fairfax office market has stayed soft, there are signs of tightening or stabilizing. Demand for Class A and trophy office space remains high as tenants trade up from aging spaces in a ‘flight-to-quality’ trend as they seek new and improved amenities.” [Virginia Business]

Three Injured in Great Falls House Fire — Firefighters responded yesterday (Thursday) morning to “a two-alarm house fire in the 11100 blk Rich Meadow Drive in the Great Falls area. Firefighters arrived on scene with heavy fire showing from the rear of the home extending into the attic … Two civilians and one firefighter were evaluated with non-life-threatening injuries.” [FCFRD/Facebook]

Respiratory Illnesses Rising — “Respiratory illness activity in the Fairfax County Health District has increased to its highest level since February, according to the latest data from the Virginia Department of Health … This year’s flu season is expected to be more serious due to a new Influenza H3N2 mutation known as ‘subclade K,’ which is spreading in North America.” [Patch]

AG Looks to Settle Tuition Aid Lawsuit — “Outgoing Attorney General Jason Miyares is facing some pushback after he chose to enter into an agreement with the Trump administration rather than take its lawsuit … to court. In a Dec. 31 joint press release, the Legal Aid Justice Center, the ACLU of Virginia and the Dream Project announced that they had filed an emergency motion to intervene in a federal lawsuit that took aim at both undocumented and refugee students in Virginia.” [WRIC]

Health Centers Sue State — “Fifteen Virginia health centers on Tuesday announced they are suing the state government, claiming it has violated state and federal law through underpayments on Medicaid reimbursements. The collection of medical providers are designated as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), a type of nonprofit health clinics that are federally funded.” [Virginia Mercury]

Lawmakers to Consider AI Use in Education — “Moore’s experience with AI may help inform Virginia legislators as they head back to Richmond for the 2026 legislative session in mid-January. While details on legislation are still being parsed out, Roanoke Democratic Delegate Sam Rasoul, who chairs the House Education Committee, thinks any future regulations” will focus on children’s safety and emotional development as well as whether the technology actually helps them learn. [WVTF]

McLean Restaurant Featured on TV — “‘Signature Dish,’ the WETA PBS show highlighting the DMV’s diverse food landscape, kicks off its fourth season on Monday by visiting a McLean restaurant that specializes in serving new interpretations of American classics. Host Seth Tillman joins celebrity Chef David Guas for brunch at Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen, which is located at 6641 Old Dominion Drive.” [Patch]

Fairfax Library’s Top Reads of 2025 — Fairfax County Public Library recently released its lists of the most in-demand digital and print books for 2025. The library system also surpassed 4 million digital checkouts in a single calendar year for the first time on Dec. 22, a milestone met by only 29 libraries that use the digital catalog Libby by OverDrive in 2024. [FCPL]

Metro Silver Line Service Changes — Track work will disrupt some Metro service this weekend (Jan. 3-4), including on the Silver line. “Trains single track between McPherson Sq and Foggy Bottom. Trains run every 15 minutes between Ashburn and Clarendon. No Silver Line service in DC or Maryland.” [WMATA]

It’s Friday — The weather will transition from mostly cloudy to sunny, reaching a high of around 41 degrees. In the afternoon, calm winds will shift northwest at approximately 6 mph. At night, expect mostly cloudy skies and a low temperature around 26 degrees. [NWS]

DOJ Sues Va. Over Financial Aid for Immigrants — “The Justice Department sued Virginia on Monday over its policy of granting unauthorized immigrants in-state financial aid at public colleges and universities, saying that the assistance violates federal law because it discriminates against U.S. citizens living in other states.” [New York Times]

Washington Monument Light Show Starts — “Freedom 250, the public-private organization established by President Donald Trump to commemorate America’s semiquincentennial, will host a six-night light show at the Washington Monument to ring in the New Year. The first display will begin at 7 PM on Wednesday, December 31, and end just after midnight.” [Washingtonian]

International Student Restrictions Cost Virginia — “With college students returning to class after the New Year, international students face heightened uncertainty in Virginia, as ongoing federal actions — including visa bans and disruptions to application processing — have led to a projected $23 million revenue loss for the commonwealth compared to last fall.” [Virginia Mercury]

Virginia’s Top Spirits for 2025 — “Tito’s vodka sales more than doubled the second-most popular spirit this year, according to the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority. Virginians bought $75 million of Tito’s in various sizes.” [WTOP]

Rec Centers to Hire Lifeguards — “The Fairfax County Park Authority is hiring part-time, year-round lifeguards at all nine FCPA Rec Centers across Fairfax County, and we’re making it easier to apply, interview and get hired.” The park authority will hold an open hire event at the Audrey Moore Rec Center in Annandale on Jan. 10. [FCPA]

A Food Tour of Annandale’s Koreatown — Virginialicious was born in April 2024 after owner Soomin Kim moved to Northern Virginia and “became something of a Korean food concierge.” The company now offers regular restaurant tours for up to 12 people “in order to maintain a personalized feel, though private groups can be larger.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Fairfax City Oyster Fest Returns — “Fairfax City foodies looking to celebrate the arrival of 2026 should check out Kelly’s Oyster House and Bar in Old Town Fairfax, which is hosting its annual Oyster Fest on New Year’s Day. From 2 to 5 p.m., diners order from an all-you-can-eat menu … for $75 plus gratuity.” [Patch]

It’s Wednesday — There’s a chance of flurries before 11am, followed by mostly cloudy skies becoming sunny later, with a high near 39 and southwest wind gusts up to 21 mph. Wednesday night brings a 20% chance of more flurries and a low around 26, while New Year’s Day has a chance of precipitation until noon, followed by sunny skies and a high near 33. [NWS]

Driver in Fatal 2023 Hit-and-Run Still Unknown — “A Northern Virginia family is once again asking for justice as police search for the driver who killed their mother, 63-year-old Mary Wong, in a hit-and-run on Dec. 27, 2023. She was walking just a few yards from her home on Huntsman Boulevard in Springfield, Virginia, when police say she was struck by a driver who took off.” [NBC4]

Restaurants Prepare for Meals Tax — “Restaurants and bars in Fairfax County are preparing to implement the controversial meals tax starting on January 1 … The popular Vietnamese vegetarian restaurant Chay in Falls Church is adjusting the system to reflect the tax. Owner Thi Le said he plans to inform customers, who could be seen waiting in line for a table, about the meals tax on New Year’s Eve.” [WUSA9]

Man Charged After Crashing into Fence — “A 20-year-old Woodbridge man is facing a hit-and-run charge after his vehicle crashed into a fence in Fairfax City on Saturday night, according to authorities. City of Fairfax police responded around 11 p.m. for the report of a hit and run in the 10600 block of Maple Street, according to the incident report.” [Patch]

Manicures Connect Reston Students to Seniors — “The afternoon of beauty came courtesy of the GlamourGals of South Lakes High School, one of hundreds of chapters nationwide whose members aim to combat social isolation, foster empathy and build communication skills. For them, doing makeup, nails and crafts is a means to an end.” [Washington Post]

New Book Vendor Needed for Falls Church Library — “The closure of a nearly 200-year-old book wholesaler will impact how soon new materials turn up on the shelves at Falls Church’s Mary Riley Styles Public Library.” Baker & Taylor, a North Carolina-based company, announced earlier this year that it would end operations after nearly two centuries in business. [ARLnow]

James Patterson Awards Bonuses to Area Booksellers — “James Patterson has been busy spreading holiday joy. But he’s not doing it by writing books — he’s been writing checks. The bestselling author has once again gifted $500 bonuses to hundreds of the nation’s independent booksellers, including four in Northern Virginia.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Falls Church HS Alumni Hope to Inspire Writers — “Dozens of former students at Falls Church High School have published books. Carolyn Wixson McBride, one of those authors, and Craig Day, a Falls Church track and field coach, are launching an author mentorship program to harness the experiences of those authors to inspire current students.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Tuesday — Expect a sunny day with a high of 35 degrees accompanied by breezy west winds ranging from 17 to 23 mph, gusting up to 37 mph. For Tuesday night, the clouds will increase while the temperature drops to a low of 26 degrees. The west wind will settle down to 7 to 10 mph, gusting up to 22 mph. [NWS]

FBI Building Reportedly Closing — “After 50 years as the FBI’s main headquarters, the J. Edgar Hoover Building in D.C. is closing permanently, Director Kash Patel announced Friday … He didn’t state the exact date the building will close and when FBI employees will move into its new offices.” The closure would mark the end of a building that has been called one of the world’s ugliest. [WTOP]

Slime Museum Circles Tysons Location — Building alteration plans recently filed with Fairfax County “call for the buildout of a two-level space near the Nordstrom [at Tysons Corner Center] for the Sloomoo Institute, an ‘experiential slime children’s museum’ with locations in major metros across the United States.” A spokesperson says Sloomoo hasn’t yet signed a lease but “hopes to open in the area ‘soon.'” [Washington Business Journal]

Bills Planned to Support Emergency Managers — State lawmakers are planning to bring back bills to fund emergency management programs and personnel across Virginia after the legislation died in committee during the General Assembly’s 2025 session. “That lack of staffing has led emergency management to become more reactive rather than proactive, according to emergency management personnel, in areas across the state that lack full-time, dedicated emergency managers.” [Cardinal News]

Senator Warner Reflects on 2025 Work — “Reflecting on 2025, Virginia Sen. Mark Warner said he and his office helped tens of thousands of people across the state with individual requests, while criticizing cuts at federal agencies and the law enforcement surge in D.C.” [WTOP]

Post-Holiday Recycling Tips — “It’s always a wonderful time to recycle, especially during the holidays when there are usually more items to consider … The guide below will help you navigate all of the opportunities to recycle this holiday season.” Live trees will be picked up by collectors starting in early January, though they can also be disposed of at the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill to be turned into free mulch. [Fairfax County Government]

Vienna Hosts LOVE Sign — “The Town of Vienna will be host to Virginia’s LOVE sign from December 29, 2025 to Jan 5, 2026. It will be located at the Memorial Fountain area at the Town Green on Maple Avenue. Stop by any time to take photographs of the LOVE sign! Please share your photos on social media using the hashtag #LoveVA and #Vienna250.” [Historic Vienna]

First Hike Photo Contest to Return — “New Year’s Day in Fairfax County means it’s time for the Park Authority’s annual First Hike Photo Contest. To participate, visit any FCPA trail on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, take a photo, and submit it online before Friday, Jan. 2. The photo link will be posted here by 7 a.m. on Jan. 1.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Monday — Showers are likely before 10am, followed by cloudy conditions that will gradually clear up. Temperatures will peak at 58°F around 11am, but will then drop to around 41°F. Expect windy conditions. There is a 50% chance of precipitation. Tonight, partly cloudy skies and a low of 27°F can be anticipated. [NWS]

Annandale Church Houses Santa Bone Fragment — “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. And he’s in Annandale. Well, at least a bone fragment. Deacon Elmer explains that the small piece of one of the saint’s finger bones came to the church in the 1980s, donated by a parishioner who obtained it in Rome. It’s believed there are fewer than 20 relics of St. Nick currently in the United States.” [WAMU]

FCPD Officer Arrested for DUI — “On December 23, officers from the DWI Squad arrested Austin Wilkerson, 26, of Springfield, a 4-year veteran of the department, who was off-duty at the time of the incident.” Assigned to the Mount Vernon District station, Wilkerson has been charged with driving under the influence and “placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an Internal Affairs Bureau Investigation.” [FCPD]

Sentencing in Fatal Teen Overdose Case — “Last week, a federal judge sentenced 24-year-old Liam Conaway to 20 years in a federal prison. Prosecutors said he admitted obtaining the fentanyl-laced pills and selling them to [Fairfax County teen Cayden] Foster. Conaway was a student at James Madison University, and prosecutors said Cayden and Conaway had consumed pills together during Conaway’s school break from JMU.” [WTOP]

Former TJ Student Makes Olympic Team — “Congratulations to TJ alum Brandon Kim ’20! Brandon has been named to the Team USA Short Track team by US Speedskating and will represent the United States on the world stage at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics this February! We’ll be cheering Brandon on all winter long, Go Team USA!” [FCPS/Facebook]

Federal Cuts Hit D.C.-Area Nonprofits — “Laura Tomasko, senior policy program manager at the Urban Institute, said her organization’s new analysis looks at how D.C.-area nonprofits fared and what could happen next … Their analysis shows 43% of nonprofits in the D.C. area reported experiencing a disruption to their government funding, compared with 33% of nonprofits nationwide.” [WTOP]

Lawmakers Could Loosen Liquor Rules — “Changes to a law restricting liquor sales at Virginia restaurants are still on the mind of at least one state legislator representing Arlington.” Del. Patrick Hope (D-1) says “he is ‘open to revisiting’ a law that mandates that no more than 55% of a restaurant’s sales can come from liquor or mixed drinks.” [ARLnow]

Korean Seafood Restaurant Opens in Annandale — “A new Korean restaurant in Annandale specializes in raw blue crab marinated in soy sauce. GJ2_4U is located at 7031 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, between Kabob Corner and Iron Age, in the space formerly occupied by Thai Food.” [Annandale Today]

Capital Bikeshare Sets New Ridership Record — “Capital Bikeshare (CaBi) broke its all-time annual ridership record in November, reaching 6,369,376 trips in 2025. This surpasses the previous annual record of 6,114,324 trips, set in 2024 … However, while annual totals have reached new heights, recent monthly ridership has cooled significantly.” [Greater Greater Washington]

It’s Friday — There’s a 40% chance of precipitation, with rain likely between noon and 4pm, followed by a chance of sleet after 4pm. The day will be mostly cloudy with a high near 35. At night, the chance of precipitation increases to 80% with a low around 35. Expect rain mixed with sleet before 10pm, turning to rain until 1am. [NWS]