Author: James Jarvis

James Jarvis covers county government, local politics, schools business openings, and development for both FFXnow and ARLnow. Originally from Fauquier County, he earned his bachelor’s degree in government from Franklin & Marshall College and his master’s degree in journalism from Georgetown University. Previously, he reported on Fairfax, Prince William, and Fauquier counties for Rappahannock Media/InsideNoVa. He joined the ARLnow news team as an assistant editor in August 2023.

News

Annandale student newspaper editor named Virginia’s top student journalist

By James Jarvis

Published April 21, 2026 at 1:45PM | Updated April 21, 2026 at 5:27PM

Annandale High School Zoe Ligairi (school photo by James Jarvis, student photo courtesy Virginia High School League)

On Christmas night 2025, Annandale High School sophomore Annie Vu was killed in a high-speed crash on I-495 while heading home from a holiday dinner — a tragedy that shook the Annandale community and left many students and parents searching for answers.

Some of those answers came through the reporting of Annandale High School senior Zoe Ligairi.

Countywide

Proposed Fairfax County budget threatens middle school summer and after-school programs

By James Jarvis

Published March 11, 2025 at 1:15PM | Updated March 11, 2025 at 3:58PM

Glasgow Middle School students learn cooking skills in an after-school program (via FCPS/YouTube)

After-school and summer programs that serve thousands of middle school students are at risk of ending under Fairfax County’s proposed budget.

To close a projected $292.7 million funding gap, County Executive Bryan Hill pitched a fiscal year 2026 budget last month that cuts nearly $60 million in spending and 208 staff positions across multiple agencies, affecting everything from public safety to housing assistance programs and park maintenance.

Countywide

Photos: FCPS students get taste of future cafeteria meals at second annual food show

By James Jarvis

Published March 3, 2025 at 1:15PM

Students sample a new pasta concept at the second annual FCPS student food show (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is cooking up changes for next year’s school menus, and students got a first taste at the second annual FCPS Student Food Show last Thursday (Feb. 27).

Held at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles in Chantilly, the event invited hundreds of students — from elementary through high school — to sample and rate more than two dozen potential meal options, helping determine what could land on breakfast and lunch menus across the district’s 199 schools next year.

News

Fairfax County seeks public input on historic Gum Springs cemetery restoration

By James Jarvis

Published February 28, 2025 at 2:30PM

The Peake Family Cemetery in Gum Springs (courtesy Fairfax County Park Authority)

Fairfax County is seeking community input to help preserve the Peake Family Cemetery, a historically significant burial site in Hybla Valley’s Gum Springs neighborhood.

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) will begin restoration efforts this spring as part of its initiative to protect historic cemeteries across the county.

Countywide

Fairfax County leaders see no easy solution for school funding needs

By James Jarvis

Published February 26, 2025 at 3:45PM

The Fairfax County School Board and Board of Supervisors convene for a joint budget work session on Feb. 15, 2025 (via Fairfax County)

Fairfax County leaders met on Tuesday (Feb. 25) to address a growing school budget crisis, but after hours of debate, they left without a clear path forward.

Faced with rising costs and economic uncertainty heightened by threats of curtailed federal funding, officials agreed on support for Fairfax County Public Schools as a budget priority but remained divided on how to pay for it.

News

Lake Accotink preservation study progresses, with calls for a faster timeline

By James Jarvis

Published February 25, 2025 at 3:45PM

Lake Accotink (courtesy of Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services)

Fairfax County says it’s making steady progress toward its long-term goal of saving Lake Accotink from disappearing completely, but some residents worry the drawn-out timeline will make it harder — and more expensive — to preserve what’s left.

Years of sediment buildup from Accotink Creek have steadily shrunk the lake from 110 acres to about 49 acres. While the county has dredged the lake in the past — most recently in 1985 and 2008 — sediment continues to accumulate at a rate of 23,000 cubic yards per year.

Countywide

Gov. Youngkin unveils new job portal as federal workforce layoffs hit Virginia

By James Jarvis

Published February 24, 2025 at 3:45PM

Gov. Glenn Youngkin speaking at the Capital One headquarters in Tysons on Feb. 24, 2025 (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin had a message this week for federal workers in Virginia affected by the Trump administration’s mass layoffs: there are job openings in the Commonwealth.

Speaking at Capital One headquarters in Tysons today (Monday), Youngkin announced the launch of VirginiaHasJobs.com, a new website aimed at connecting job seekers with employment opportunities across the state.

Countywide

FCPS ‘planning for the worst’ with federal aid at risk and county funds limited, budget chair says

By James Jarvis

Published February 20, 2025 at 2:30PM

Fairfax County Public Schools school bus (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) could face a significant funding gap as county leaders weigh a budget proposal that falls short of what the school system requested, while looming federal policy changes threaten to cut millions in aid.

On Tuesday (Feb. 18), County Executive Brian Hill unveiled a proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 that includes $125.3 million in additional funding for schools, with $118.6 million going directly to FCPS’ operating budget.

News

Fairfax County seeks public input on pickleball court proposal at Mason District Park

By James Jarvis

Published February 19, 2025 at 8:15AM

Mason District Park pickleball court concept layout proposal (via Fairfax County Park Authority)

Fairfax County is considering adding a dedicated pickleball court at Mason District Park in Annandale and is asking residents for feedback before making a decision.

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) has opened a 30-day public comment period on the proposal, which would place the new court next to the existing tennis courts in the southwestern corner of the park.

Countywide

DEVELOPING: FCPS facing federal investigation over transgender policies

By James Jarvis

Published February 14, 2025 at 2:15PM | Updated February 14, 2025 at 3:24PM

A community member waves an LGBTQ pride flag at the rally protesting Virginia's model policies on transgender students (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Several Northern Virginia school districts, including Fairfax County Public Schools, are in the crosshairs of the U.S. Department of Education after a conservative legal group filed a complaint challenging their transgender-inclusive bathroom and locker room policies.

The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) opened an investigation this week into Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun and Prince William schools in response to the complaint from America First Legal, a nonprofit founded by former Trump advisor Stephen Miller.

View More Stories