Author: FFXnow.com

FFXnow is the definitive local news source for Fairfax County, featuring countywide coverage and hyperlocal reporting on the Reston and Tysons areas. This article was written by an editor or other member of FFXnow's full-time staff.

FFXnow Daily Debrief for Apr 18, 2025

By FFXnow.com

Good Friday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Apr 18, 2025.

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  • NEW: Visas revoked for multiple international students at GMU (39076 views)
  • Potential Reston developers face mostly distrustful community at packed meeting (19407 views)
  • Driver killed in fatal crash south of Merrifield (14625 views)
  • Cover your grass: Fairfax County starts accepting unmown lawn complaints today (6930 views)
  • Ford Motor-inspired restaurant coming to Fairfax (6045 views)
  • Fairfax sees jump in number of unemployed residents with latest state data (5887 views)
  • Revolutionary War-themed events coming to Fairfax for 250th anniversary (5263 views)
  • These Fairfax restaurants are finalists for the 2025 RAMMYS Awards (5119 views)
  • Yemeni coffee brand opens first D.C.-area cafe in Fairfax City (3793 views)
  • Decline in corporate sponsorship causes challenges for Reston Pride organizers (2636 views)
  • Weapons detectors to be tested at Fairfax County high schools next week (2488 views)

    • 📅 Upcoming events

    Here is what’s going on Saturday throughout the county, from our event calendar.

    Here are the events planned for Sunday:

    🌤️ Saturday’s forecast

    The weather will transition from cloudy to mostly sunny with temperatures reaching a high of around 85 degrees. Expect southwest winds at 13-17 mph, gusting up to 30 mph. Later, Saturday night will be mostly cloudy with lows near 64 and southwest winds at 8-10 mph, shifting to northwest after midnight. See more from Weather.gov.

    🌅 Tonight’s sunset

    The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

    We hope you have a great weekend! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋

    Around Town

    ‘Longest Table’ fundraiser for Rustic Love coming to Vienna on May 3

    By FFXnow.com
    Longest Table event in Cloverdale, Calif. (via longestablecommunity.org)

    Only a few seat remain available as Vienna prepares to host a Longest Table fund-raising event on Saturday, May 3 from noon to 2 p.m.

    A total of 400 participants will be accommodated on two long tables placed on Mill Street, part of an international effort to support non-profit organizations.

    Go to ‘Longest Table’ fundraiser for Rustic Love coming to Vienna on May 3 Read more

    Poll: The best outdoor recreation in Fairfax County

    By FFXnow.com

    Fairfax is home to dozens of trails and parks accompanied by lush greenery, vibrant wildlife, waterside views and even waterfalls! Do you have a favorite local spot for walking, hiking or biking?

    Here are the nominees for “Best Outdoor Recreation in Fairfax” as part of our new FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. See your favorite outdoor spot below? If not, write them in!

    Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 9 a.m. Friday, May 2.

    Voting for the Best Food Truck in Fairfax is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

    Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Pizza Place in Fairfax. The results are now official:

    1. Wiseguy Pizza
    2. Paisano’s Pizza
    3. Pupatella

    Morning Notes for April 18, 2025

    By FFXnow.com
    Metro train traveling next to I-66 in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

    Fairfax Co. police launches recruiting push targeting laid-off federal workers — “Fairfax County police are launching a recruitment push aimed at federal workers who have lost their jobs.” [WTOP]

    Car fire near Tysons blocks traffic — “Watch: This is the car fire that tied up the Beltway south of Route 7 in Tysons a short time ago. Two lanes now getting by to the right.” [Dave Statter/X]

    Fairfax restaurant owner candidly tells customers struggles of staying open with tariff threats — “The owner of Okonomi Asian Grill in Fairfax is letting customers know the reality of making a profit and worries of tariffs affecting his bottom line.” [WUSA9]

    It’s Friday — Expect a mostly sunny day with temperatures reaching about 77°F, accompanied by a south wind blowing at 7-16 mph and gusts up to 28 mph. The night will be partly cloudy, as temperatures drop to around 64°F. The south wind will persist at around 14 mph and may gust up to 22 mph. [NWS]

    Make Your Own Scented Candles, Charm Jewelry At New Mosaic Boutique — “District Candle Lab and Fawne will celebrate the grand opening of their shared space in the Mosaic District on May 3 with free swag.” [Patch]

    FFXnow Daily Debrief for Apr 17, 2025

    By FFXnow.com

    Good Thursday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

    🕗 News recap

    The following articles were published earlier today — Apr 17, 2025.

    📅 Upcoming events

    Here is what’s going on Friday throughout the county, from our event calendar.

    ☀️ Friday’s forecast

    The weather will be mostly sunny, reaching a high of around 78 degrees, accompanied by a south wind ranging from 8 to 17 mph and gusts up to 29 mph. As for Friday night, expect partly cloudy skies and a low temperature of approximately 65 degrees. The south wind will persist at around 15 mph and have gusts as high as 21 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

    🌅 Tonight’s sunset

    The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

    Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.

    Morning Notes for April 17, 2025

    By FFXnow.com
    Two Fountain Square at Reston Town Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

    Lawsuit accuses Fairfax County School Board member of improperly spending business funds — “A lawsuit filed by a Northern Virginia company alleges that a Fairfax County School Board member who is a former official of the company improperly used business funds to pay for tens of thousands of dollars in personal and campaign expenses.” [Washington Post]

    It’s Thursday — Expect sunny skies and a high near 64 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind at about 7 mph. For Thursday night, the skies will be partly cloudy with temperatures dipping to around 47 degrees. The calm wind will shift to a southerly direction at approximately 5 mph after midnight. [NWS]

    Driver hits pedestrian after slamming into light pole and other cars — “A suspect is in custody after police say he crashed into a pole and several other cars before hitting a pedestrian in Fairfax County Wednesday night.” [Fox5]

    FCPL Honors 19 with Annual Star Volunteer Awards — “To recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of library volunteers and community partners, FCPL annually hosts the Star Volunteer Awards.” [Fairfax County]

    Northern Va. ‘trophy’ offices will likely stay valuable in turbulent times, analysis finds — “Though federal workforce reductions will likely cause fluctuations in office space this year, Northern Virginia’s most sought-after properties are expected to remain valuable.” [ARLnow]

     

    FFXnow Daily Debrief for Apr 16, 2025

    By FFXnow.com

    Good Wednesday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

    🕗 News recap

    The following articles were published earlier today — Apr 16, 2025.

    📅 Upcoming events

    Here is what’s going on Thursday throughout the county, from our event calendar.

    ☀️ Thursday’s forecast

    Expect sunny skies with a high temperature near 64 degrees and a northwest wind at 6 to 8 mph. Thursday night will see partly cloudy conditions with a low temperature around 47 degrees. Calm winds will become southerly at around 5 mph after midnight. See more from Weather.gov.

    🌅 Tonight’s sunset

    The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

    Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.

    Morning Notes for April 16, 2025

    By FFXnow.com
    Traffic on Route 50 in West Falls Church (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

    Education takes center stage in Virginia governor’s race — “With trust in Virginia’s public schools at a crossroads, education is once again taking center stage in the race for governor — and the two nominees are offering Virginians starkly different paths forward.” [Virginia Scope]

    It’s Wednesday — Expect sunny and breezy conditions with highs near 59°F accompanied by a 14 to 21 mph northwest wind and gusts up to 34 mph. Tonight, the skies will remain clear, with lows around 40°F and a 6 to 11 mph northwest wind, gusting up to 22 mph. [NWS]

    Virginia braces for changes to student aid programs — “U.S. Education Department suggests permanently altering Public Service Loan Forgiveness, income-based repayment programs.” [Virginia Mercury]

    GMU to Launch Virginia’s First Public Master’s Program in AI — “Students will learn how to manage artificial intelligence with real-world applications beginning in fall 2025.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

    Could Tysons Corner Casino Proposal Be A Potential Gateway To Online Gaming Legalization? — “Virginia lawmakers have decided to continue discussing the possibility of allowing a new casino complex in Tysons Corner, Fairfax County.” [Washington City Paper]

    Watch Out for These New Bakeries Coming Soon to Northern Virginia — “Croissants, cupcakes, and pastries are coming your way.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

    FFXnow Daily Debrief for Apr 15, 2025

    By FFXnow.com

    Good Tuesday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

    🕗 News recap

    The following articles were published earlier today — Apr 15, 2025.

    📅 Upcoming events

    Here is what’s going on Wednesday throughout the county, from our event calendar.

    ☀️ Wednesday’s forecast

    Expect sunny conditions and a high of 58°F, accompanied by a west wind at 14-18 mph, gusting up to 30 mph. The night will be clear with temperatures dipping to around 38°F, and a northwest wind blowing at 7-14 mph, gusting up to 20 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

    🌅 Tonight’s sunset

    The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

    Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.

    Morning Notes for April 15, 2025

    By FFXnow.com
    Turtles on a log in Wolftrap Creek (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

    States Jockey to Poach Federal Agencies From D.C. Area — “Ahead of Monday’s deadline for agencies to submit plans to relocate offices out of the region, officials in Ohio, Texas and Florida have been lobbying to land key agencies, sensing that D.C.’s loss of these major employers could be their economic gain.” [Washington Post]

    School Board Debates Expanding Cell Phone Restrictions — “During a recent work session meeting, FCPS proposed to ban the use of cellphones from the start to end of school, including lunchtime and in between classes. Phones and tablets would no longer be used for instructional purposes … The recommendations would align with a new law passed by the Virginia General Assembly to keep phones away from bell-to-bell.” [WUSA9]

    Seven Corners Bakery to Close After 30 Years — “After 30 years in the Seven Corners Center, Tiffany’s Bakery is closing for good. Their last day is April 26. Owner Beatrice Echegoyen plans to focus her energies on the other Tiffany’s Bakery, at 7022 Columbia Pike in Annandale … Both shops offer cakes, cookies, pastries, croissant sandwiches, and made-to-order cakes.” [Annandale Today]

    Possible Summer Opening for Reston Shake Shack — Shake Shack is aiming to open its new location at Reston Town Center in June. Construction “was well underway” when The Burn recently passed the nearly 2,800-square-foot space previously occupied by The Counter. [The Burn]

    Virginia Opts Out of Michelin Guide — “Virginia is noticeably absent from the forthcoming Southern restaurant guide that Michelin announced earlier this month … The state tourism office declined to participate in the pay-to-play guide — a whopping $360,000 to be included, reports Axios Richmond’s Karri Peifer.” [Axios DC]

    Local Teacher Competes to Be ‘America’s Favorite’ — Marcy Fisher, a first grade teacher at Union Mill Elementary School in Clifton, says it’s a “very emotional experience” to reach the quarterfinals of a national “America’s Favorite Teacher” contest. Voting to determine the semifinalists is open to the public until Thursday (April 17) at 7 p.m. [WTOP]

    County’s Poet Laureate Offers Free Workshop — “To celebrate National Poetry Month, explore the intersection between music and spoken word at the Making Your Mixtape: Poetry Writing Workshop on April 19, led by the Fairfax County Poet Laureate Angelique Palmer.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

    Metro Recognizes Anniversary of Train’s Debut — “On this day 10 years ago, the first 7000-series train debuted on the Blue Line, departing from Franconia-Springfield.” The trains became a headache for Metro after a derailment in Arlington in 2021 led to all of them being removed from service for inspections. [WMATA/Bluesky]

    It’s Tuesday — Scattered showers and possible thunderstorms after 2pm accompany a partly sunny day with highs near 65. West winds start at 10-15 mph, increasing to 21-26 mph and potentially gusting up to 41 mph. There’s a 30% chance of precipitation. At night, expect mostly clear skies with lows around 44. [NWS]

    View More Stories