Author: FFXnow.com

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]

Area Malls Offer Black Friday Hours — “Northern Virginia’s malls are generally closed on Thanksgiving. That means shoppers will head out on Black Friday to scout discounts at malls and retailers … Here are the mall hours in Northern Virginia.” [Patch]

Firefighter Charged With Larceny — “On Thursday, November 25, 2025, an off-duty Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) firefighter was charged with petit larceny by the Fairfax County Police Department.” An employee of the department for three years, the firefighter “has been placed on administrative assignment pending the outcome of a Professional Standards Investigation.” [FCFRD]

Dominion Energy Rate Increase Approved — “State regulators on Tuesday approved a base rate increase for Dominion Energy that will raise the average residential customer’s monthly bill by $13.60, or about 9%, over the next two years.” The State Corporation Commission also created a new class for large-scale energy users to address the growing demands of data centers. [Cardinal News]

Early Voting for Braddock Supervisor Expands — “Early voting for the Braddock District Special Election expands this weekend!” Starting tomorrow (Saturday), early voting will be available at Burke Centre Library in addition to the Fairfax County Government Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both locations will then be open during the week until early voting ends after Dec. 6. [Fairfax County Office of Elections/Bluesky]

Lawmakers Renew Push for Free School Lunches — “A bill to provide elementary and secondary school students across Virginia with free breakfasts is heading back to the Virginia General Assembly. The proposed bill by Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (D-5) was killed in the House Appropriation’s Elementary & Secondary Education subcommittee in January due largely to its $29.2 million price tag.” [ALXnow]

Police Collect Toys for Santa’s Ride — “Since 1988, the Fairfax County Police Department’s annual Santa’s Ride has delivered toys and joy to children in hospitals and local charities … Help make the season brighter by donating new, unwrapped toys, books, or games at one of our many drop-off locations by Monday, December 8.” [FCPD]

Paris Baguette Opening in Falls Church — “Paris Baguette has announced plans to begin serving customers at 169 Hillwood Avenue starting at 6 a.m. on Saturday, offering free giveaways to go with its wide menu of baked goods and other breakfast and lunch items.” [ARLnow]

Comment Period for Parks Fee Increases Extended — “Recognizing the importance of community participation, the Park Authority Board is seeking public input to ensure the proposed 2026 Fee Schedule reflects the priorities of Fairfax County residents. To provide additional time for community members to share their perspectives, the public comment period has been extended to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4.” [Fairfax County Park Authority]

It’s Friday — Expect sunny skies and a high near 41 accompanied by a west wind blowing at 14 to 17 mph, gusting up to 34 mph. For Friday night, the weather will be mostly clear with a low of around 27, as the west wind continues at 7 to 10 mph and gusts reaching up to 20 mph. [NWS]

FCPS Serves Thanksgiving Meals — “On Monday, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) and Educate Fairfax hosted the first FCPS Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Herndon High School. FNS staff served more than 150 Thanksgiving-inspired meals in one hour, welcoming all students and their families from the community to participate. Close to 100 meals were also served at Justice High School.” [Fairfax County Public Schools]

GMU Professor Reportedly Fired for Drinking — “News4 has learned an adjunct faculty member at George Mason University (GMU) has been fired after multiple sources say they openly drank alcohol with their undergraduate students in class last week. The University confirms it has launched an internal investigation along with a police investigation into the allegations.” [NBC4]

Youngkin Reviews Tax Forecasts — “Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin said a group of corporate executives that advise him on how much tax revenue Virginia’s economy can expect are ‘cautiously optimistic’ about the coming budget cycle.” The report stood in contrast to warnings to the House and Senate appropriations committees that the state might “need to dip into a one-time surplus to cover projected expenses.” [VPM News]

Dems Propose Energy Efficiency Bills — “In recent days, House Democrats released some of their priority bills – two of which zoom in on energy efficiency in homes.” One would establish a task force to review the accessibility of weatherization and efficiency programs offered by power utilities to low-income customers, while the other would require utilities to implement upgrades, potentially reducing heating costs. [Virginia Mercury]

Local Woman Doubts Russia Will Agree to Peace Deal — “Reports of a potential peace deal aimed at ending the nearly four-year war in Ukraine are generating guarded hope among those with loved ones caught in the conflict, including a Fairfax County woman who says she wants to believe progress is finally being made but fears it may not hold.” [WUSA9]

Tysons Korean BBQ Spot Expands — “Now, one of the region’s very best tabletop grill restaurants, Ingle Korean Steakhouse, has expanded from Tysons to 14th Street. Since opening in 2022, Ingle Korean Steak has become a standout on the Korean barbecue scene for its higher-end vibe.” [Washingtonian]

FCPD Increases Patrols for Holidays — “With the holiday season in full swing, Fairfax County Police are stepping up patrols and encouraging residents to take steps to safeguard their homes.” During a patrol on Monday (Nov. 24), “officers from the McLean District worked alongside members of the Tysons Urban Team, passing out fliers and deploying both on bikes and on foot through neighborhoods.” [WUSA9]

Vienna Restaurant Hosts Thanksgiving Dinner — “The Virginian, in conjunction with Vienna Business Association and One Neighborhood Foundation, is hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner for people in our community who are food insecure, homeless, furloughed, or alone for the holidays.” Meals will be available tomorrow (Thursday) from 1-5 p.m., or while supplies last. Donations can be dropped off at the restaurant or sent to One Neighborhood’s Venmo account. [Vienna Business Association]

It’s Wednesday — Patchy fog will gradually give way to sunny skies, with a high near 70. There’s a 30% chance of precipitation. Night will be partly cloudy and breezy, with a low of 38 and winds gusting up to 39 mph. Thanksgiving Day will be partly sunny with a high of 44. [NWS]

Virginia U.S. Attorney Appointee Disqualified — “A federal judge has thrown out the criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, concluding that President Donald Trump’s handpicked prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan, was illegally appointed to the role when she single-handedly secured the indictments.” [Politico]

State Budget Challenges Expected — Virginia General Assembly legislators gathered at Radford University last week to hear forecasts for the 2026 budget. “Democrats, who are now in control of all three branches of Virginia’s government thanks to a record win by Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger, are bracing for stark cuts and a slowed economy.” [WVTF]

Va. GOP Grapples With Post-Election Future — “After Democrats swept all three statewide offices in November 2025 and picked up more than a dozen seats to solidify a 64-seat House of Delegates majority, Buchanan’s concerns have become the center of a widening debate inside a party struggling to process the magnitude of its losses — and to figure out what comes next.” [Virginia Mercury]

Metro Awarded Hybrid Bus Funding — The Federal Transit Administration announced last week that Metro will receive a $50.3 million grant to help it “procure 50 new 40-foot diesel-electric hybrid buses, replacing aging vehicles that have exceeded their useful life. The new buses will be deployed throughout the region and will enhance Metro’s ability to provide safe, efficient, and reliable service for riders.” [WMATA]

Friends Open Pottery Studio — “Reston neighbors and friends Jennie Persson and Paola Lluberas first tried making pottery on a beginner wheel in Lluberas’ back yard. The two wanted a creative outlet, but they found that pottery classes and studios in the area often had long waitlists or strict requirements. Their solution? The two opened their very own studio, Potters Union, in Herndon in October.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Falls Church Considers Affordable Housing Plans — “The city, through its Economic Development Authority, already owns nine small apartment properties in the Virginia Village community near Annandale Road. At a Nov. 19 meeting between elected officials and staff, discussion turned to moving forward on a consolidated plan for housing the neighborhood.” [ARLnow]

Parade to Honor McLean Youth Sports Supporter — “The McLean Revitalization Corporation (MRC) is pleased to announce that longstanding McLean youth sports leader Wayne Loving will be honored as the Grand Marshal of the McLean Winterfest Parade, to be held on Sunday, December 7 in Downtown McLean.” [Press release]

Winter Reading Program Starts Soon — Fairfax County Public Library is inviting community members to participate in its Winter Reading Adventure, which will kick off on Dec. 1 and continue through Jan. 31, 2026. Readers interested in taking on the challenge can pre-register through Beanstack now or pick up paper logs at their local branch once the program starts. [FCPL]

It’s Tuesday — Expect rain to begin after 3pm with a high temperature near 57. The precipitation probability is 80%, with less than a tenth of an inch expected. Rain will continue at night, with a low temperature around 52 and south wind at 6 to 8 mph. [NWS]

Man Hospitalized After Metrobus Fight — “A Metrobus ride turned violent Saturday [Nov. 22] after an argument escalated into a brutal beating, leaving a man hospitalized in critical but stable condition, according to the Metro Transit Police Department … MTPD and Fairfax County Police officers responded to the bus in Falls Church for reports of a fight on board.” [WJLA]

Woman Who Chained Children Sentenced — A Groveton woman has been sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty in July to assault and abduction charges. “Police called to an apartment in Groveton in August 2024 found two brothers, ages 7 and 9, with red marks on their ankles. Investigators seized chains and padlocks that had been used to restrain them while their mother, Wendi Del Cid Rodriguez, was at work.” [NBC4]

Lawmakers Seek Trump Call Transcript — “U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman on Friday led a press conference urging President Donald Trump to release the transcript of Trump’s 2019 phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman. The issue relates to the crown prince’s involvement in the 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Northern Virginia resident and Washington Post journalist.” [Inside NoVA]

Centreville Fun Land Faces Lawsuit — “Annandale residents Ellen and Michael Smith say a faulty go-kart caused severe injuries to their adult daughter, Chloe Elizabeth Smith. They have filed a $1 million personal injury lawsuit against Fun Land in Fairfax, The Independent reported. Chloe is autistic and is under the legal guardianship of her parents.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

FroYo Shop Opens in Annandale — “A frozen yogurt shop called Yomo opened Nov. 15 at 7406 Little River Turnpike in Annandale in the former Casa d’Mama Pizzaria spot. In addition to self-serve frozen yogurt, Yomo offers smoothies and Nutella crepes. Additional crepe varieties will be added later.” [Annandale Today]

Buckle Up for Thanksgiving Travel — “The holiday travel season is nearly upon us and Virginia State Police is asking everyone to buckle up every time you enter a vehicle. During the last two Thanksgiving holidays, more than half of the fatal crashes involved someone not wearing a seatbelt, or seatbelt use could not be determined.” [Press release]

Teacher Nominated for National Award — Laure Grove, an early childhood inclusion teacher at Terra Centre Elementary in Burke, has been nominated for a National Wildlife Federation award for her work leading sustainability initiatives. “What started as a small project to get the gardens ready for use again evolved into a schoolwide approach to get students involved and excited about protecting the environment.” [WTOP]

Holiday Donation Drives Underway — “There are many ways to support your neighbors and community this holiday season. We’ve rounded up a list of giving opportunities right here in Fairfax County,” including the annual Toys for Tots campaign and several food and winter clothing drives. [Fairfax County Government]

It’s Monday — Expect sunshine and a high of 55 degrees with a northwest wind around 6 mph, calming in the afternoon. By Monday night, skies will become mostly cloudy and the temperature will drop to around 41 degrees. The calm wind will shift to the south at about 6 mph after midnight. [NWS]