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

BREAKING: Rep. Gerry Connolly diagnosed with cancer

By Jared Serre
Rep. Gerry Connolly speaks at Lorton Station Elementary School in 2024 (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Just two days after winning reelection to Congress, Rep. Gerry Connolly announced that he has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

Connolly learned of his diagnosis “a few days ago” after experiencing “some intermittent abdominal aches and pains,” but no other symptoms, he said in a statement posted on his social media pages this morning (Thursday).

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Around Town

King Arthur’s bake truck to hand out free cookies this weekend

By Jared Serre
King Arthur's Bake Truck (photo courtesy of King Arthur Baking Co.)

King Arthur Baking Company’s bake truck will make its long-awaited local debut this weekend.

The truck will dish out free chocolate chip cookies this Saturday (Nov. 9) in Fairfax Corner, near the brand’s new pop-up store, starting at 11 a.m.

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News

Springfield woman pleads guilty in $250k embezzlement scheme

By Jared Serre
A judge's gavel on a table (via Wesley Tingey/Unsplash)

A Springfield woman accused of embezzling more than $250,000 from her employer pleaded guilty to wire fraud in federal court today (Thursday).

Jennifer Giorffino, 53, faces up to 20 years in prison after misappropriating the funds from her employer, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia announced, identifying the organization only as one “dedicated to accounting for prisoners of war.”

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Around Town

French-inspired coffee and pastry chain eyes Merrifield location

By Jared Serre
The storefront of the forthcoming Maman in Merrifield (staff photo by Jared Serre)

A French-inspired chain of breakfast cafes is going to say “bonjour” to Merrifield.

The Mosaic District will become home to the first Virginia location of Maman, a New York-based brand offering coffee, pastries and other bites.

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News

BREAKING: Au pair in Herndon double murder pleads guilty to manslaughter

By Jared Serre
Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano speaks following the announcement of Juliana Peres Magalhaes' plea deal (staff photo by Jared Serre)

The au pair accused of shooting and killing a man as part of a 2023 double murder in the Frying Pan area entered a plea deal today (Tuesday), ultimately pleading guilty to the amended charge of manslaughter.

It is expected that Juliana Peres Magalhaes will later be recommended a sentence of time served for the charge, so long as she cooperates with the county’s case against co-defendant Brendan Banfield, Deputy Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Eric Clingan said in court.

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Countywide

Fairfax County court officials warn of jury duty scam

By Jared Serre
Fairfax County Courthouse (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

If you recently got a call claiming you missed jury duty, that’s (likely) not the case.

Fairfax County officials have received an uptick in reports about a scam claiming that residents have missed their jury duty assignments, according to Circuit Court spokesperson Camila Alfonzo Meza.

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Around Town

NEW: Ruthie’s All Day to bring Southern cooking to Fairfax Corner

By Jared Serre
One of the brunch offerings at Ruthie's All Day (photo courtesy of Ruthie's All Day)

A local restaurant brand dishing out comfort food has decided on Fairfax Corner for its second location.

Ruthie’s All Day will move into the space at 11951 Grand Commons Avenue, the brand announced today (Thursday). The new restaurant, which follows the brand’s first in Arlington, is expected to open in fall 2025.

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Around Town

Major ice cream chain to open store in Fairfax City shopping center

By Jared Serre
The forthcoming Cold Stone Creamery at Turnpike Shopping Center (staff photo by Jared Serre)

One year since a nearby Cold Stone Creamery location shuttered, the chain is again returning to the Fairfax area.

A new location of the international ice cream brand is coming to 9548 Main Street, replacing the former Flippin’ Pizza restaurant in Fairfax City’s Turnpike Shopping Center.

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News

Man who shot at Fairfax police officers during chase pleads guilty to assault

By Jared Serre
In-car video recorded by police shows Ricardo Singleton's arrest at the Bestway Supermarket shopping center in West Falls Church on Oct. 6, 2022 (via FCPD/YouTube)

A man who shot at police officers during a chase that came to an end in Fairfax County has pleaded guilty to three charges.

Ricardo Singleton, 30, pleaded guilty on Oct. 16 to three counts of assault on law enforcement in Fairfax County Circuit Court.

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