Author: Vernon Miles

Vernon Miles is the ALXnow cofounder and editor. He's covered Alexandria since 2014 and has been with Local News Now since 2018. When he's not reporting, he can usually be found playing video games or Dungeons and Dragons with friends.

Countywide

Last Call: Blackfinn Ameripub in Merrifield to close out this weekend

By Vernon Miles
Blackfinn Ameripub in Merrifield (image via Blackfinn Ameripub/Facebook)

The Blackfinn Ameripub in Merrifield (2750 Gallows Road) will serve its last beer this weekend, according to staff at other franchise locations.

The pub featured classic Americana fare, like burgers and fries, a broad selection of ales, and a specialized “gameday menu“.

Go to Last Call: Blackfinn Ameripub in Merrifield to close out this weekend Read more
News

D.C. bus driver arrested for DWI with a bus full of children on a Cox Farms field trip

By Vernon Miles
Fairfax County police car with lights flashing (file photo)

A D.C. Public Schools bus driver was arrested for driving while intoxicated and child endangerment after going off-road with a bus full of 44 children and four adults.

The incident occurred as the children were returning from a trip to Cox Farms in Centreville. In a press conference last night, streamed by ABC7, Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) Captain Rachel Levy said the driver drove off the road, hit a rock, and flattened the rear tire.

Go to D.C. bus driver arrested for DWI with a bus full of children on a Cox Farms field trip Read more
Countywide

Tysons restaurant serves French toast in the a.m., sushi at night

By Vernon Miles

With its mix of coffee, French toast, and sushi, Cafe île (8270 Greensboro Drive) wants to be a little bit of everything rolled into one.

The eclectic menu ranges from tartine and croissants in the morning to a more Omakase-focus at night — a style of serving sushi that leaves the specifics of what’s served up to the chef.

Go to Tysons restaurant serves French toast in the a.m., sushi at night Read more
Countywide

Bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the Beltway opens in Tysons

By Vernon Miles
Person walks across a new pedestrian/cyclist bridge in Tysons (image courtesy VDOT)

A new bridge for cyclists and pedestrians is connecting two parts of Tysons previously separated by the Beltway.

The new bridge helps provide a link between the residential communities east of the Beltway to the Tysons Corner Center mall.

Go to Bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the Beltway opens in Tysons Read more
News

BREAKING: Malicious wounding in Hybla Valley amended to murder charge

By Vernon Miles
Chante Jones (photo via Fairfax County Police Department)

The Fairfax County Police Department announced that Chante Jones, 33, will be charged with second-degree murder after allegedly assaulting Michelle Huntley in June.

According to a police release, Huntley was found by a passerby at a bus stop in the 7900 block of Richmond Highway.

Go to BREAKING: Malicious wounding in Hybla Valley amended to murder charge Read more
News

Vienna Town Council clings to hope for office development, rejects townhouse alternative

By Vernon Miles
Map of 901 Follin Lane, where EYA proposed a townhouse development (image via EYA)

Developer EYA came to the Vienna Town Council with a plan to turn a long-vacant commercial into a new set of townhomes, but the Town Council warned that it isn’t willing to give up on office and commercial development just yet.

Tysons Edge, an office building at 901 Follin Lane, has gone through attempts to lease since 2013 and has been vacant since 2015. The 97,000 square foot office building has had $2 million worth of renovations poured into the building with little progress in attracting a new occupant.

Go to Vienna Town Council clings to hope for office development, rejects townhouse alternative Read more
News

Chairman McKay calls Springfield a ‘no-brainer’ choice for FBI HQ

By Vernon Miles
GSA warehouse in Springfield (image via Google Maps)

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay says Springfield would be an ideal choice for a new FBI headquarters — or would be if another agency wasn’t involved in an underhanded attempt to play favorites.

While it’s not exactly shocking that the county’s top elected official thinks Fairfax would be a good choice for the new FBI headquarters, McKay has gone a few steps past that and accused Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) of putting a finger on the scales.

Go to Chairman McKay calls Springfield a ‘no-brainer’ choice for FBI HQ Read more
Countywide

Fairfax County proposes compelling developers to replace lost affordable housing

By Vernon Miles
Construction is underway on The Rylan apartments in the Highland District (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Fairfax County is moving forward with an update to its affordable housing policy that could ensure a one-for-one replacement of affordable housing units in areas under redevelopment — signaling a major push to bind development to affordable housing preservation.

Open for public feedback until 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 28, the proposal would amend the county’s comprehensive plan to require developers to replace affordable housing on sites where it’s being eliminated in order to get their project approved.

Go to Fairfax County proposes compelling developers to replace lost affordable housing Read more
News

County seeks to shed new light on Springfield’s Trailside Park with plan amendment

By Vernon Miles
Trailside Park (photo via Google Maps)

Fairfax County is seeking public input on plans that could put Trailside Park (6000 Trailside Drive) in Springfield in a new light and add more utility to the location.

A new master plan amendment would add field lighting to the eastern-most baseball diamond. The other two at the site are already lit.

Go to County seeks to shed new light on Springfield’s Trailside Park with plan amendment Read more
View More Stories