Author: Jared Serre

Jared Serre covers local business, public safety and breaking news across Local News Now's websites. Originally from Northeast Ohio, he is a graduate of West Virginia University. He previously worked with Law360 before joining LNN in May 2024.

Countywide

FCPD ends free child car seat inspection services due to budget cuts

By Jared Serre
Fairfax County Police Department vehicle (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Due to budget cuts, the Fairfax County Police Department is no longer offering free child car seat installations and inspections.

The department officially terminated its child safety seat program this past Tuesday (July 1), which marked the first day of fiscal year 2026.

Go to FCPD ends free child car seat inspection services due to budget cuts Read more
Around Town

Fast-casual hibachi chain opens newest location in Idylwood

By Jared Serre
Quickway Hibachi in Idylwood Plaza (staff photo by Jared Serre)

A regional chain of fast-casual hibachi restaurants has opened its newest location in Fairfax County.

Quickway Japanese Hibachi celebrated its grand opening at 7511-L Leesburg Pike over the weekend (June 28-29), bringing another dining option to Idylwood Plaza.

Go to Fast-casual hibachi chain opens newest location in Idylwood Read more
Around Town

New McDonald’s, rising from Burger King’s ashes, could open soon in Reston

By Jared Serre
The forthcoming McDonald's in Reston (staff photo by Jared Serre)

It looks like Ronald McDonald gets the last laugh in Reston’s fast food burger battle.

Following extensive renovations to a former Burger King at Hunters Woods Village Center, McDonald’s expects to open on the site this month, a company representative told FFXnow.

Go to New McDonald’s, rising from Burger King’s ashes, could open soon in Reston Read more
News

Walkinshaw’s primary win buoyed by legacy of late Gerry Connolly

By Jared Serre
James Walkinshaw speaks at a victory party (staff photo by Jared Serre)

It can be hard to pinpoint where Gerry Connolly ends and where James Walkinshaw begins.

Walkinshaw appeared to have no reservations about leaning into his close ties to the longtime representative for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District in his bid to succeed his political mentor and former boss.

Go to Walkinshaw’s primary win buoyed by legacy of late Gerry Connolly Read more
News

BREAKING: James Walkinshaw wins Democratic nod in Congressional special election

By Jared Serre and Angela Woolsey
James Walkinshaw speaks with voters (staff photo by Jared Serre)

Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw is now one election away from succeeding his political mentor in Congress.

Walkinshaw bested nine other candidates in a firehouse primary to secure the Democratic nomination for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, local party officials announced today (Saturday) shortly before midnight.

Go to BREAKING: James Walkinshaw wins Democratic nod in Congressional special election Read more
News

BREAKING: Republicans nominate former FBI agent in race to succeed Gerry Connolly

By Jared Serre
Stewart Whitson greets voters at Fairfax High School (staff photo by Jared Serre)

A former FBI staffer who said at a forum last Sunday (June 22) that he supports President Donald Trump “a hundred percent” will be the GOP’s nominee for a Fairfax-area Congressional seat this fall.

Stewart Whitson will advance to face the Democratic nominee in a Sept. 9 special election for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, local Republican officials announced this evening (Saturday).

Go to BREAKING: Republicans nominate former FBI agent in race to succeed Gerry Connolly Read more
News

Democrats report high turnout in early primary voting for Rep. Connolly’s seat

By Jared Serre
Voters wait to cast ballots during Thursday's Democratic early voting period (staff photo by Jared Serre)

Undeterred by long lines, more than 5,000 Fairfax County Democrats cast ballots during the party’s early voting period for the 11th Congressional District primary.

With turnout steadily increasing over the three days from Tuesday through Thursday (June 23-26), a total of 5,085 votes were cast — including a high of 1,793 yesterday, the final day before tomorrow’s scheduled primary election.

Go to Democrats report high turnout in early primary voting for Rep. Connolly’s seat Read more
News

Statewide Republican candidates, Gov. Youngkin to rally in Vienna next week

By Jared Serre
Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and Gov. Glenn Youngkin appear at a 2021 campaign event (via Glenn Youngkin/Flickr)

The three Republicans seeking election to statewide office this November will rally together in Vienna next week.

Current Virginia lieutenant governor and gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears, along with lieutenant governor nominee John Reid and incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares, who’s seeking reelection, will hold the ticket’s first joint appearance on Tuesday (July 1).

Go to Statewide Republican candidates, Gov. Youngkin to rally in Vienna next week Read more
News

Democratic Congressional candidates make their pitch to succeed the late Gerry Connolly

By Jared Serre
Irene Shin and James Walkinshaw (staff photo by Jared Serre)

Local Democrats seeking to succeed the late Rep. Gerry Connolly sought to distinguish themselves from a crowded field yesterday (Wednesday), outlining how they would represent Virginia’s 11th Congressional District if elected.

Nine of the 10 candidates vying for the Democratic nomination attended the party’s lone forum at the Reston Community Center in Hunters Woods ahead of a primary election on Saturday (June 28).

Go to Democratic Congressional candidates make their pitch to succeed the late Gerry Connolly Read more
News

Fairfax County’s first affordable housing conversion project breaks ground in Merrifield

By Jared Serre
Fairfax County officials in 2025 broke ground on an affordable housing project at 2990 Telestar Court in Merrifield (staff photo by Jared Serre)

A high-priority project to create more affordable housing in Merrifield is officially underway.

Officials with Fairfax County and developer Conifer Realty broke ground Monday (June 23) on a project to repurpose the currently vacant, four-floor office building at 2990 Telestar Court as an 80-unit affordable apartment building.

Go to Fairfax County’s first affordable housing conversion project breaks ground in Merrifield Read more
View More Stories