Author: Mary Stachyra Lopez

Mary Stachyra Lopez is a staff reporter covering business, public safety, education, and other community issues. She covered Northern Virginia news for years at several media outlets, and spent half a decade as an editor on The Atlantic's audience team before joining Local News Now. 

News

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

By Mary Stachyra Lopez
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).

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Around Town

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

By Mary Stachyra Lopez
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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News

Planning underway for new linear park in north Fairfax City

By Mary Stachyra Lopez
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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News

Fairfax student among five finalists in national cooking competition

By Mary Stachyra Lopez
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.

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News

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

By Mary Stachyra Lopez
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.

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News

Fairfax City Council approves pay raises for its members and mayor

By Mary Stachyra Lopez
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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News

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

By Mary Stachyra Lopez
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.

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News

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

By Mary Stachyra Lopez
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.

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News

World Central Kitchen distributes fresh meals to Burke residents after storm

By Mary Stachyra Lopez
World Central Kitchen partnered with the Fairfax location of Taco Bamba to distribute meals to Burke residents affected by the June 22, 2026 storm (courtesy World Central Kitchen)

Homeowners in several Burke neighborhoods have a lot of work ahead of them after trees, branches and downed power lines slammed into homes, cars and fences during a severe thunderstorm on Monday (June 22).

But as residents waited for the power to come back on the next day, the disaster relief nonprofit founded by celebrity chef José Andrés made sure that there was at least one thing they wouldn’t have to worry about: dinner.

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Countywide

Fairfax County police plan third wave of ‘Road Shark’ traffic safety campaign

By Mary Stachyra Lopez
A Fairfax County Police Department SUV with red and blue lights flashing (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

After issuing more than 10,000 traffic citations in early June, police are preparing to resume a traffic safety campaign targeting reckless drivers, speeding, and distracted driving later this summer.

The third phase of the “Road Shark” initiative, led by the Fairfax County Police Department in partnership with Virginia State Police, will begin Aug. 10.

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