Mary Stachyra Lopez | FFXnow

Dulles Airport launches first-ever non-stop service to Taiwan

Published June 30, 2026 at 9:15AM

An Eva Air plane arrives at Dulles Airport on June 26, 2026 (courtesy Eva Air)

A Taiwan-based airline has just launched a 7,800-mile, nonstop route to Taipei from Dulles International Airport — the longest flight offered to any destination from D.C.-area airports.

Representatives from EVA Air, the Taiwanese government, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), and the Virginia Department of Aviation held a ceremonial water cannon salute, traditional dragon and lion dance performance, and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday (June 26) to mark the inaugural flight.

Around Town

Arlington-founded Bakeshop opens its biggest bakery yet in Vienna

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published June 29, 2026 at 1:45PM

Storefront for Bakeshop bakery and cafe in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

An Arlington-based dessert shop has opened its long-awaited Vienna location, the third in Virginia.

Bakeshop — which specializes in cupcakes, cakes, and macarons, in addition to breakfast sandwiches — opened its doors at 421 Maple Avenue East on June 20. The bakery and cafe took over and renovated the site of Skorpios Maggio’s Greek Family Restaurant, which closed in June 2024.

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Driver charged in Fairfax County Parkway hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published June 29, 2026 at 8:30AM

Shaza Edris (via Fairfax County Police Department)

The driver believed to be involved in a crash that killed a pedestrian on Fairfax County Parkway last December has turned herself in and been charged in the pedestrian’s death.

Shaza Edris, 20, of Fairfax, was charged with felony hit and run involving in death, and using a handheld personal communications device while driving, the Fairfax County Police Department announced on Friday (June 26).

Around Town

Where to find fireworks in Fairfax County for Fourth of July 2026

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published June 26, 2026 at 3:45PM | Updated June 26, 2026 at 6:01PM

Fireworks light up the night at the Workhouse Arts Center (courtesy Workhouse Arts Center)

Some of the biggest fireworks shows in the county are kicking off this weekend, as America prepares to mark its semiquincentennial on July 4.

In the week ahead, local communities and organizations will offer everything from classic community celebrations to alternatives to traditional fireworks displays, such as a daytime option at Mount Vernon or the Fairfax County Park Authority’s new patriotic drones lights show at Lake Fairfax Park.

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Planning underway for new linear park in north Fairfax City

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published June 26, 2026 at 10:00AM

The development plan for Northfax Linear Park (via City of Fairfax)

Planning is underway for a Northfax Linear Park that will one day have open green spaces, capture stormwater, and connect neighborhoods with a trail and retail plaza in Fairfax City.

During the Fairfax City Council’s work session on Tuesday (June 23), staff presented an early concept for what the park could look like, along with a timeline for finalizing the design guidelines.

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Fairfax student among five finalists in national cooking competition

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published June 25, 2026 at 3:45PM

Safaa Haizoun, a student at Virginia Virtual Academy, will compete for the People’s Choice award for the People's Choice Award in the K12 National Student Cook-Off (courtesy Hong Huynh)

A Fairfax County high school student is one of just five to reach the finals of a national cooking contest held in Arlington this summer.

Safaa Haizoun, a 10th grade student at the Virginia Virtual Academy, an online program offered by multiple public school districts statewide, earned a spot in the K-12 National Cook-Off in early June by designing an original recipe for creamy masala chicken.

News

FCPD seeks man who reportedly climbed on car hood in Springfield to demand money

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published June 25, 2026 at 3:00PM

Fairfax County Police released a surveillance image of a man suspected in a Springfield robbery (courtesy FCPD)

A woman and her 8-year-old child were in their car when a man reportedly climbed on the hood and robbed them earlier this month, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.

The department is asking for the public’s help identifying the suspect in the incident, which occurred in the 5200 block of Montgomery Street in Springfield on June 14 around 9:10 p.m.

News

Fairfax City Council approves pay raises for its members and mayor

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published June 25, 2026 at 10:00AM

The sign in front of Fairfax City Hall (staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

The Fairfax City Council has unanimously approved the first pay raise for its members and the mayor in over a decade, increasing annual compensation to $22,000 for members and $24,000 for the mayor.

The new rates are the maximum allowed under Virginia law, and will take effect July 1, 2027. The current pay is $12,000 for council members, and $13,000 for the mayor.

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County board approves sweeping vision for mixed-use, walkable spaces in Centreville

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published June 24, 2026 at 2:45PM

Route 29 in Centreville, not far from the intersection with Old Centreville Road. (staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously yesterday (Tuesday) to approve an updated long-term vision for Centreville that includes a defined central area, more mixed-use housing, enhanced public transit, and greater walkability.

The amendment to the county’s comprehensive plan sets a framework for growth and redevelopment over the next few decades in a sprawling suburban area covering 2,700 acres bisected by I-66. It also identifies potential county-owned locations for potential affordable housing, including a renovated Centreville library, and a hypothetical expansion of Metro’s Orange Line.

News

Annandale man charged with indecent exposure, attempted abduction in Wakefield Park

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published June 24, 2026 at 2:15PM

Moises Rico Rosales (via Fairfax County Police Department)

The Fairfax County Police Department has arrested an Annandale man in connection with reports of an indecent exposure and attempted abduction in Wakefield Park over the weekend.

Moises Rico Rosales, 35, was taken into custody yesterday (Tuesday) around 1:08 p.m. in the 4700 block of Americana Drive. He is charged with abduction with intent to defile as well as indecent exposure.