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.

Published April 17, 2024 at 11:30AM

Lake Anne Plaza in Reston (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The Lake Anne Plaza summer concert series is making a comeback after a five-year break.

Beginning on Wednesday, June 12, the community will host weekly music events every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. in the plaza until Aug. 12, per a press release. Before 2019, the concert series, known as “Sunset Concerts at Lake Anne Plaza,” had been held consistently for 20 years.

News

Juvenile arrested for alleged rape and abduction in Reston apartment building

By James Jarvis

Published April 17, 2024 at 10:30AM

Fairfax County police vehicle with lights (file photo)

A juvenile was arrested for allegedly abducting and raping an adult woman in Reston.

The incident occurred just before 11:30 p.m. on April 15 in the laundry room of an apartment building on the 11900 block of Winterthur Lane, according to a Fairfax County Police Department press release. The victim was threatened with a knife before being sexually assaulted, police say.

News

Fairfax Park Authority seeks public input on South Lakes Drive Park basketball court upgrades

By James Jarvis

Published April 16, 2024 at 2:30PM

South Lake Drive Park basketball court (courtesy of Fairfax County Park Authority)

The Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking feedback from residents on proposed improvements to the basketball court at South Lakes Drive Park in Reston.

Below is a list of the proposed improvements, according to the park authority’s website.

News

Reston au pair indicted on second degree murder in fatal shooting case

By James Jarvis

Published April 16, 2024 at 11:30AM

Fairfax County Courthouse (staff photo by James Jarvis)

An au pair linked to a fatal shooting last year in Herndon has been officially charged with murder.

On Monday (April 15), a grand jury indicted Juliana Peres Magalhaes, a 23-year-old live-in au pair from Brazil, on charges of second-degree murder and use of a firearm, according to a press release from Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano.

News

Herndon man shot by police in critical condition after stabbing his wife and dog

By James Jarvis

Published April 15, 2024 at 3:30PM

Herndon Police Department vehicle (courtesy Herndon Police Department)

A Herndon man is in critical condition after being shot by police following a domestic dispute in which he stabbed his wife in their home over the weekend.

On Sunday, April 14, police were dispatched to the 900 block of First Place around noon in response to a 911 call from a woman who reported that her husband had stabbed her in their home, according to a Herndon Police Department press release.

News

Manassas Man arrested after road rage shooting incident in Centreville

By James Jarvis

Published April 15, 2024 at 1:30PM

Fairfax County police vehicle with lights (file photo)

A Manassas man was arrested this weekend after allegedly firing a gun at another vehicle during a road rage incident in Centreville.

According to a Fairfax County Police Department press release, police responded to the intersection of Compton Road and Centreville Road in Centreville on Saturday, April 13, after it was reported that a shooting had occurred.

News

FCPS hopes to alleviate school overcrowding with new boundary adjustment policy

By James Jarvis

Published April 15, 2024 at 9:30AM | Updated October 18, 2024 at 2:03PM

Parklawn Elementary School (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Several Fairfax County School Board members are working to revise the division’s boundary adjustment policy, which they believe is key to addressing the school system’s overcrowding issue.

Although there is agreement that a new policy is needed, some members are cautious about the timing and methods of its implementation.

Around Town

Burlington set to open at Mount Vernon Plaza this summer

By James Jarvis

Published April 12, 2024 at 2:30PM

New Burlington Coat Factory at Mount Vernon Plaza (staff photo by James Jarvis)

A new Burlington store is set to open in Mount Vernon Plaza this summer, according to a spokesperson for Federal Realty.

The discount retailer, formerly known as Burlington Coat Factory, will launch its seventh Fairfax County location at 7690B Richmond Highway, nestled between PetSmart and Michael’s. The company’s website lists an anticipated opening date of June 28.

News

Second Ugly Dumpling location in Fairfax may be coming to Fair Oaks Mall

By James Jarvis

Published April 11, 2024 at 3:30PM

Fair Oaks Mall entrance (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A second Ugly Dumpling appears to be opening in Fairfax inside Fair Oaks Mall.

The New-Jersey based Chinese restaurant, specializing in a variety of dumpling, dim sum, wontons and traditional noodle dishes has submitted a permit application for interior renovations in suite G-213 within the shopping center, per county records.

Around Town

International grocery store chain Fresh World set to open this fall in Mount Vernon

By James Jarvis

Published April 10, 2024 at 3:30PM

Fresh World 'Coming Soon' banner hangs over old Safeway in Mount Vernon (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Fresh World is slated to breathe new life into the long-empty grocery store at Mount Vernon Square, with a potential reopening scheduled for next fall.

Joshua Kim, the international grocery store chain’s chief operating officer, told FFXnow this week that building renovations are underway, with a tentative grand opening date planned for September 2024. Once open, this would be the company’s fifth location in the Northern Virginia area and third in Fairfax.

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