Jared Serre | FFXnow

School Board seeks March special election for Braddock District seat

Published December 19, 2025 at 2:45PM

School Board member Rachna Sizemore Heizer (screenshot via FCPS)

If the Fairfax County School Board has its way, a new Braddock District representative will be in place by the end of the current academic year.

In accordance with Virginia law, the remaining board members yesterday (Thursday) petitioned the Fairfax County Circuit Court to schedule the special election to replace Rachna Sizemore Heizer, who was elected earlier this month as the county’s new Braddock District supervisor.

News

Man charged with murder for fatal Reston shooting

By Jared Serre

Published December 19, 2025 at 9:20AM | Updated December 19, 2025 at 10:26AM

Marvin Fernando Morales Ortez and the firearm allegedly used in the Dec. 17, 2025 fatal shooting of Marvin Ernesto Morales in Reston (photos via FCPD/X)

A Reston man was released from the custody of the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday (Dec. 17) less than 24 hours before allegedly killing another man, police said.

After a nearly two-hour manhunt, 23-year-old Marvin Fernando Morales-Ortez was arrested Wednesday afternoon and charged with one count of second degree murder — a felony that carries a maximum of 40 years in prison.

Around Town

Mediterranean fusion restaurant setting up shop near Dunn Loring Metro

By Jared Serre and Angela Woolsey

Published December 18, 2025 at 2:45PM

Signage has appeared for Mandi Mediterranean, a new restaurant, at the Shops at Avenir Place in Merrifield (staff photo by Jared Serre)

A restaurant fusing cuisines from the Mediterranean and South Asia is planning to open soon in a vacant storefront near the Dunn Loring Metro station.

Signage for Mandi Mediterranean has appeared in Merrifield at 2670A Avenir Place — the former home of Burger7, which closed in 2024.

Countywide

Fairfax County leaders advocate for education, Metro funding in meeting with state delegation

By Jared Serre

Published December 18, 2025 at 11:45AM

Local and state lawmakers meet for a pre-legislative meeting hosted on Dec. 16, 2025 by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (screenshot via Fairfax County)

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors welcomed multiple state lawmakers who represent the area this past Tuesday (Dec. 16) for an “open exchange of ideas” ahead of next month’s legislative session in Richmond.

As laid out in the 2026 legislative program adopted earlier this month, the local leaders pointed to funding for K-12 education, the need to increase the area’s housing supply, Metro funding and assistance with “responding to changing federal landscapes” as top priorities.

News

Vienna fire department tops fundraising goal to save ‘Santa’s sleigh’

By Jared Serre

Published December 17, 2025 at 3:45PM

Vienna VFD's 1946 Maxim Fire Engine (photo via Vienna VFD/Facebook)

All is bright for the Town of Vienna’s volunteer fire department headed into the thick of the holiday season.

A recent fundraising campaign organized to provide upkeep for Santa’s special sleigh — a 79-year-old antique fire engine — shattered the initial goal by more than $27,000, the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department announced last week.

News

Braddock District’s new supervisor pledges to put ‘local’ back in local government

By Jared Serre

Published December 17, 2025 at 9:15AM

Rachna Sizemore Heizer being sworn in as Braddock District supervisor (screenshot)

After 97 days, the Braddock District once again has its own representative on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Rachna Sizemore Heizer was formally sworn in yesterday (Tuesday), having won last week’s special election for the seat. She officially succeeds James Walkinshaw, who resigned after being elected to Congress earlier this year.

Around Town

Gourmet toast spot eyes winter opening in Great Falls

By Jared Serre

Published December 15, 2025 at 2:45PM

People eating at Toastique (courtesy Toastique)

It won’t be long before a fast-expanding chain offering gourmet toast dishes opens up in Great Falls.

Toastique, which opened a location in Vienna just last month, expects to begin serving customers at 9891 Georgetown Pike sometime in the next few months.

News

Democrats holding candidate forum today for 11th District delegate seat

By Jared Serre

Published December 14, 2025 at 8:30AM

Mackenzie's Tunes and Tonics at Old Town Plaza in Fairfax City (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

With mere days to campaign, voters will have only one chance to hear from those seeking the Democratic nod in the race to succeed David Bulova in the House of Delegates before heading to the polls Tuesday (Dec. 16).

Mackenzie’s Tunes and Tonics in Fairfax City (3950 University Drive, Suite 210) will host a candidate forum from 2-4 p.m. today (Sunday) featuring the five candidates seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination, party officials announced.

News

Fairfax Democrats quickly schedule primary for Jan. election to replace Bulova

By Jared Serre

Published December 12, 2025 at 11:50AM

Del. David Bulova (via Channel 16 screenshot)

Fairfax Democrats are wasting no time in their bid to retain David Bulova’s seat in the House of Delegates.

Local party officials have scheduled a firehouse primary for next Tuesday (Dec. 16) — only five days after news of Bulova’s departure as the 11th House District’s delegate became public.

Around Town

Gym at Mosaic District announces closure early next year

By Jared Serre

Published December 11, 2025 at 2:45PM

The LA Fitness/XSport Fitness location on Strawberry Lane in Merrifield (staff photo by Jared Serre)

One fitness center at Merrifield’s Mosaic District intends to close shortly after the start of the new year.

The LA Fitness gym located at 8190 Strawberry Lane will shutter next month, with its last day scheduled for Jan. 13, according to an email sent to members.