Fairfax County Public Schools has revised, eliminated and postponed several planned redistricting proposals after extensive public feedback.
Superintendent Michelle Reid’s revised recommendations for new attendance boundaries were released last week ahead of a final public hearing on Thursday (Jan. 22).
The number of unemployed Northern Virginians spiked 41% year-over-year in November 2025, according to new federal data.
A total of 65,357 residents in the Virginia portion of the Washington metropolitan area were counted as unemployed for the month, according to figures released Jan. 16 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That compares to the 46,381 residents tallied as seeking jobs in November 2024.
New Governor’s First Executive Orders — Following her inauguration on Saturday (Jan. 17), “Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed 10 executive actions that broadly targeted affordability and pushed the commonwealth away from former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s approaches to education, immigration and race.” [VPM News]
Polls Open for House District 17 Election — “Residents in parts of Fairfax County will head to the polls on Tuesday, Jan. 20, to fill a vacancy in the District 17 House of Delegates seat. District 17 includes communities in Franconia, Huntington, Kingstowne, and Rose Hill.” Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. as Democratic nominee Garrett McGuire and Republican Christopher Cardiff compete to succeed longtime delegate Mark Sickles. [WUSA9]
Gun Brandished at Springfield Town Center — “Springfield Town Center in Virginia was locked down for 45 minutes Saturday night after an individual showed a gun during an incident. Police said they got a report of a ‘domestic-related brandishing’ incident just before 8:10 p.m.” There was no evidence any shots were fired. [WTOP]
Trooper Injured in American Legion Bridge Crash — “A Virginia State Police trooper and police dog suffered minor injuries in a crash during a pursuit Friday morning on Interstate 495. At approximately 3:38 a.m., the trooper spotted a vehicle on Interstate 95 northbound near Fairfax County Parkway traveling at 90 mph, Virginia State Police spokesman Matthew Demlein said in a news release.” [Inside NoVA]
DOJ Sues Va. for Voter Data — “The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday sued Virginia for not handing over state voter data, the latest among several states the department has targeted in an effort to retrieve registration information from individuals across the country since last year.” [The Hill]
Cause of Burke Centre House Fire Found — A house fire that occurred on New Year’s Day in the 5500 block of Corot Court was caused by an “electrical event” in the home’s basement, Fairfax County fire investigators have determined. No injuries to firefighters or the three occupants were reported, but “sadly, two cats died in the fire,” which resulted in an estimated $147,750 in property damages. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
Former NBA Player Arrested — “Former NBA player Delonte West, who once played a key role on the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers, has been arrested and charged with robbery and assault in Fairfax County, Virginia. West, 42, was arrested after the reported assault and robbery on Dec. 21 around 6:40 a.m. in the 5900 block of Richmond Highway in Belle Haven.” [WTOP]
FCPS Teacher Joins 5th House District Race — “Voters in [today’s] Democratic firehouse primary will have four candidates to choose from after Fairfax County Public Schools teacher Gregory Darrall entered the race this weekend … The candidates are competing to run for Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker’s seat” after she resigned to campaign for outgoing state Sen. Adam Ebbin’s 39th Senate District seat. [ALXnow]
Recommendations for Reston Visitors — “Today, it’s noted for its open-air town center, green spaces, arts and culture, and walking and biking trails that make it easy to get around Reston. Book a room at the Hyatt Regency Reston to be at the center of the action when you come to explore. Here’s what to do on your next visit to Reston.” [Southern Living]
It’s Tuesday — The weather will be sunny, reaching a high of 29 degrees, accompanied by a west wind blowing at 9 to 11 mph and gusts up to 24 mph. The night will be mostly clear with a low temperature of 17 degrees and light variable winds. [NWS]
Early Voting for School Board Election Begins — Early voting starts today (Friday) at the Fairfax County Government Center for the Braddock District school board special election, which has Democratic-endorsed candidate Tom Dannan and independent candidate Saundra Davis squaring off. In addition, tomorrow is the last day to vote early in the Jan. 20 special election for the 17th House District. [Fairfax County Office of Elections/Bluesky]
Virginia Child Dies From Flu — “Flu season has taken a grim turn in Virginia, as the state’s health department has reported the first death of a child caused by complications associated with influenza. In order to protect the family’s privacy, the only information the Virginia Department of Health is releasing about the child is that they were age 4 or younger and that the death was reported in the eastern region.” [WTOP]
Pimmit Hills Apartment Complex Sold — “An affiliate of Brookfield, Wisconsin’s MLG Capital acquired PeachTree of McLean on Peach Orchard Drive in a deal that closed in mid-December, according to public records.” The $100 million sales price exceeds the property’s assessed value of $81.7 million. “Bozzuto announced in early January it had taken over management of the property.” [Washington Business Journal]
Right-to-Work Repeal Unlikely This Year — “Representatives of both the business community and organized labor voiced skepticism at a recent forum that an end to Virginia’s right-to-work law is on the horizon for 2026 … Despite the views of those leaders, Sen. Jennifer Carroll Foy (D-33) has introduced legislation to effectively eliminate Virginia’s restrictions impacting unionization in the commonwealth.” [ARLnow]
Private School Expansion Approved — “The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 13 approved a project to expand the Phillips Programs, a nonprofit that operates a private school in Annandale for students with behavioral health challenges and developmental disabilities.” [Annandale Today]
McLean Therapy Provider Lands Funds for Expansion — “Positive Development Inc. has secured $45 million in new funding, just six months after raking in more than $50 million to expand its autism therapy to more kids. The company said the latest capital injection positions it to accelerate a national expansion.” It’s also expanding locally with centers coming to Fairfax, Woodbridge and Springfield as well as Maryland locations. [WBJ]
First Hike People’s Choice Winner Chosen — “The Fairfax County Park Authority is thrilled to announce Nathan Kennedy as the winner of the People’s Choice Award for the 2026 First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest. His captivating photo, taken at Huntley Meadows Park, received the highest number of online votes submitted by residents from across the county.” [Fairfax County Park Authority]
Park Authority Seeks Earth Day Vendors — “Join us for Fairfax County’s largest Earth Day celebration! The annual event, which draws thousands of visitors, will take place on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston. Applications are now being accepted” for retail vendors and exhibitors until Feb. 23, though the window for food vendors has already closed.” [FCPA]
New Legal Notice — Public hearing on school boundaries January 22, 2026, 6:15 p.m. [Public Notices]
It’s Friday — Clouds will increase today, bringing a high temperature near 37 degrees and a southern wind of 7 to 10 mph. Tonight, there’s a 30% chance of snow showers after 1am, with the clouds continuing to increase. The low temperature will be around 32 degrees, accompanied by a southern wind at 8 mph. [NWS]
Overflowing bathroom facilities and consistent mold problems are just a few of the issues making up Fairfax County Public Schools’ expansive maintenance backlog.
Maintenance and renovation needs were part of the Fairfax County School Board’s discussion of its latest draft Capital Improvement Program and a public hearing on Tuesday (Jan. 13).
FBI Searches WaPo Reporter’s Home — “Hannah Natanson, who has been covering President Donald Trump’s transformation of the federal government, had a phone, two laptops and a Garmin watch seized in the search of her Virginia home, the Post reported.” The Justice Department said the search was “part of a leak investigation into a Pentagon contractor accused of taking home classified information,” but Post Executive Editor Matt Murray called the action “deeply concerning” in a message to employees. [Associated Press]
Democrats Choose 39th Senate District Nominee — “Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (D-5) has been declared the winner in a firehouse primary for Virginia’s 39th District Senate seat, defeating three opponents with 70.6% of the 4,647 ballots cast.” A special election to choose a successor to state Sen. Adam Ebbin, who will resign on Feb. 18, has been set for Feb. 10. [ALXnow]
Va. House Passes Constitutional Amendments — “Virginia House Democrats wasted little time flexing their new majority on the opening day of the 2026 General Assembly, pushing through four proposed constitutional amendments Wednesday aimed at” protecting abortion rights, restoring voting rights for people convicted of felonies, removing a defunct ban on same-sex marriage and setting up a voter referendum on mid-cycle redistricting. [Virginia Mercury]
Wanted Man Arrested After I-495 Chase — “A man arrested after a brief car chase with Fairfax County police on Tuesday was previously wanted on several charges, including a felony, according to police officials.” The man was spotted on I-495 in the Huntington area in a car with a female driver. “Officials said the man was wanted for felony abduction and several other charges, while the woman faces an alluding charge.” [WJLA]
McLean Company to Support NASA — “NASA has selected a McLean-based company to provide launch range operations support at its Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia … Under the contract, ARES Technical Services Corporation, which is headquartered in McLean, will provide technical and operational support for launch range activities at Wallops.” [Center Square/Inside NoVA]
Dulles Adding Nonstop Taiwan Flights — “EVA Airways [on Monday, Jan. 13] announced that it plans to launch a new flight service to Washington in July, making it the first Taiwanese carrier to provide direct flights to the US capital. The airline plans to provide four flights to Washington in the initial stage using Boeing 787-9s, EVA Airways president Clay Sun told reporters in Taipei.” [Taipei Times]
Metro Swag in Demand — “While the Commanders flounder and Nats rebuild, our transit system is winning — breaking record ridership numbers and releasing merch that’s hotter than a Red Line rail at rush hour … Demand for Metro merch was up 300% in 2025, year over year, according to WMATA.” [Axios DC]
Art Contest to Encourage Glass Recycling — “Fairfax County is launching an art contest with the goal of educating kids in Mason District about the benefits of recycling glass. The contest is open to students in grades 6-12 who attend a school in the Justice, Annandale, or Falls Church high school pyramids.” [Annandale Today]
It’s Thursday — Expect mostly sunny skies and a high of 32 degrees with a west wind at 17 mph, gusting up to 30 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear with a low of 22 degrees, a west wind of 9 to 14 mph, and gusts up to 26 mph. [NWS]
Home sales across Fairfax County in 2025 were essentially flat from a year before, according to new data, while the average sales price was up modestly.
A total of 11,780 properties went to closing countywide last year, down 0.1% from 11,787 in 2024, according to figures reported Jan. 12 by MarketStats by ShowingTime.
A drought watch in place across Northern and Central Virginia since November has now escalated into a warning.
With limited rain and snowfall in recent weeks resulting in dry conditions, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued a drought warning advisory yesterday (Tuesday) for Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County and Fairfax City, as well as Roanoke River and the Shenandoah region.
Hunters Woods Village Center Sold — “Edens has offloaded Hunters Woods Village Center in Reston, more than 15 years after acquiring the Safeway-anchored retail center as part of a larger expansion.” Fairfax County property records show an affiliate of J.C. Bar, a Pennsylvania-based real estate company, bought the site for almost $30.5 million on Dec. 18. The center is 88% leased with almost 14,900 square feet of vacant retail space. [Washington Business Journal]
Two Arrested for Annandale Carjacking — According to Fairfax County police, “around 1:45 a.m. on Jan. 11, officers responded to the 7400 block of Little River Turnpike for the carjacking. The victim reported that a ‘known suspect’ had been riding in their vehicle when he brandished a gun and demanded that the victim get out of the car after an argument.” A 19-year-old man from Annandale and a 17-year-old boy were arrested after “a short chase.” [DC News Now]
No Injuries in Centreville House Fire — Firefighters responded around 5 p.m. yesterday (Wednesday) to a fire at a single-family home in the 15300 block of Harmony Hill Court. “Crews arrived to heavy smoke coming from the front door. The fire is under control. No civilian or firefighter injuries … Thank you to Loudoun County Fire and Rescue and Prince William County Fire & Rescue System for assisting.” [FCFRD/Facebook]
More Tension in U.S. Attorney’s Office — “The Justice Department has fired the No. 2 official in the U.S. attorney’s office for the Eastern District of Virginia after he declined to lead the controversial prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey.” Robert McBride’s removal came on the same day that Lindsey Halligan defended continuing to act as the U.S. attorney despite a federal judge ruling that her appointment was illegal. [MS Now]
Man Charged With Stealing Power Tools — “On December 30, 2025, officers responded to a larceny from a vehicle in the 4500 block of Roundhill Road in Rose Hill. The suspect forced entry into the van and stole multiple power tools around 4:45 p.m. A witness observed a subject removing items from a work van and took photos of the suspect and the vehicle.” The 58-year-old man initially eluded officers at a traffic stop before he was located and arrested in Fair Haven. [FCPD]
Japanese and Korean Restaurant Opening in Annandale — “Pike Chicken is expected to have a soft opening this Thursday afternoon and a grand opening on Friday. The restaurant, located at 7023 Columbia Pike in the former O’My Chiq space, features Japanese and Korean food. Diners can order sushi and nigiri from the Roll Play menu or stone pot bibimbap and other items from Bowl Play.” [Annandale Today]
McLean Cafe Plans Drive-Thru Location — “Sweet Leaf Cafe is coming to 603 W. Broad Street, the former location of a drive-thru Smoothie King. According to the business, this is the first new Sweet Leaf to open in five years.” Aiming for a summer launch, the new site will be the McLean-based company’s first with a drive-thru. [ARLnow]
Inside Tysons’ Japanese-Brazilian Steakhouse — “At Tysons’ swanky new Japanese-Brazilian steakhouse Churasuko, you can get wagyu carved tableside, sashimi skewered like meat, and a seafood tower with both dry ice and flames. As far as owner Derek Liu is aware, it’s the first restaurant in the country combining the two cuisines.” [Washingtonian]
It’s Wednesday — There is a 20% chance of rain in the morning and late afternoon, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 52. The chance of rain jumps to 70% tonight, with snow possible after 1 am, though little or no accumulation is expected. The low will be around 25. [NWS]
Fairfax County supervisors on Tuesday (Jan. 13) set a pair of future public hearings on proposed revisions to zoning rules for large-scale battery storage in the county.
The proposed changes would impact what are known as Battery Energy Storage Systems, or BESS. Language in the amendments would add a new definition for BESS and add new use standards and submission requirements, including minimum setbacks and the completion of a noise study before a site plan can be approved.
