Jared Serre | FFXnow

Fairfax firefighters honored for response to Sterling explosion, training efforts

Published March 3, 2025 at 2:30PM

The Feb. 2024 explosion in Sterling, which resulted in FCFRD's honoring with an award for Outstanding Career Fire Department Response (photo courtesy of Loudoun County Fire)

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) was recently honored by the Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office with two awards for excellence based on its work over the past two years.

One honor, awarded for Outstanding Career Fire Department Response, came after local firefighters worked alongside Loudoun County firefighters to battle a “catastrophic explosion” at a Sterling home on Feb. 16, 2024.

News

BREAKING: Prison sentence commuted for former FCPD officer who fatally shot man in Tysons

By Jared Serre

Published March 2, 2025 at 11:15PM

Fairfax County Courthouse (staff photo by James Jarvis)

A former Fairfax County police officer who shot and killed a man in Tysons had his prison sentence commuted tonight (Sunday) by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Former Sgt. Wesley Shifflett was sentenced to serve three years in state prison on Friday (Feb. 28) after being convicted of recklessly handling a firearm.

Around Town

Springfield Town Center visitors looking for burgers can soon ‘have it your way’

By Jared Serre

Published February 27, 2025 at 2:30PM | Updated February 28, 2025 at 11:36AM

Springfield Town Center (file photo)

One of the world’s biggest burger chains is planning to set up shop in Springfield Town Center.

Representatives for Burger King requested three building permits for a space inside the mall earlier this month, according to Fairfax County’s permitting portal.

Around Town

Restaurant blending American, Afghan flavors opens at Twinbrooke Centre

By Jared Serre

Published February 26, 2025 at 11:15AM

Noosh Grill is now open at Twinbrooke Centre in Kings Park West (staff photo by Jared Serre)

A new restaurant aiming to blend popular American dishes with classic Afghan flavors has begun serving diners.

Noosh Grill kicked off its soft opening at 9573 Braddock Road in Twinbrooke Centre in the Kings Park West neighborhood today (Wednesday), bringing a family-inspired Halal eatery to the area.

Around Town

NEW: Preschool to replace Franconia laser tag spot next year

By Jared Serre

Published February 26, 2025 at 8:15AM

ShadowLand Laser Adventures, located in Franconia (staff photo by Jared Serre)

A private preschool franchise will soon replace a longtime laser tag spot in Fairfax County’s Franconia neighborhood.

Franchisees of The Goddard School officially purchased the nearly 1.8-acre property at 5508 Franconia Road last week, they confirmed to FFXnow, paving the way to make the school a reality.

Countywide

Public safety agencies face significant cuts in proposed Fairfax County budget

By Jared Serre

Published February 25, 2025 at 1:15PM | Updated April 8, 2025 at 8:29PM

Fairfax County and Arlington fire department vehicles on the scene of a two-alarm house fire on Ridgeview Circle (staff photo)

As Fairfax County officials work to fill an estimated $292.7 million budget shortfall in the next fiscal year, public safety services will bear a substantial brunt of potential cuts.

Of the $59.8 million in reductions proposed in the advertised budget, which was unveiled by County Executive Bryan Hill earlier this month, approximately $26.2 million will come from the police department, fire and rescue department, and sheriff’s office.

Around Town

New eateries and more changes expected at Merrifield’s Mosaic District

By Jared Serre

Published February 24, 2025 at 9:45AM | Updated February 25, 2025 at 7:26PM

A road blocked off at Merrifield's Mosaic District (staff photo by Jared Serre)

Home to dozens of restaurants and shops, Merrifield’s Mosaic District has a potentially exciting year ahead.

A variety of new tenants have already set their sights on the mixed-use neighborhood, while others are still considering one of many storefronts. Here’s a rundown of what to expect at the Mosaic District in the months ahead.

News

Chantilly man accused in Reston gym shooting indicted by grand jury

By Jared Serre

Published February 20, 2025 at 9:00AM | Updated February 20, 2025 at 9:49AM

Chantilly resident Steve Taehee Ha (via FCPD)

A grand jury has returned a true bill over the shooting death of a man at a Reston gym last summer.

Steve Taehee Ha, 43, was indicted Tuesday (Feb. 18), nearly six months after he was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

Around Town

Fairfax City Restaurant Week to return for winter 2025 on Monday

By Jared Serre

Published February 20, 2025 at 8:15AM

The Auld Shebeen's Fairfax City Restaurant Week menu includes a dessert, such as bread pudding a la mode (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Next week will be one of the best times of the year to be a foodie in Fairfax City.

Nearly three dozen restaurants will offer set-price menus as part of Fairfax City Restaurant Week, allowing diners to sample a variety of different dishes throughout the week.

Around Town

All-you-can-eat Japanese restaurant coming soon to West Falls Church

By Jared Serre

Published February 19, 2025 at 2:30PM

The site of the forthcoming Sushi Ohayo in West Falls Church (staff photo by Jared Serre)

An all-you-can-eat Japanese restaurant has set its sights on West Falls Church.

Signage for Sushi Ohayo has appeared in a storefront in the Shops at West Falls Church, signaling the brand’s third Fairfax-area restaurant.