Rob Hupp (third from right) in disc-golf competition (courtesy N.Va. Senior Olympics)
The new chair of the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics anticipates an expansive, inclusive, record-setting 2025 for the organization.
“We certainly have the opportunity to expose more local seniors to the challenges and pleasures of competing in the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics program,” Rod Hupp told FFXnow.
On Tuesday (Feb. 18), County Executive Brian Hill unveiled a proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 that includes $125.3 million in additional funding for schools, with $118.6 million going directly to FCPS’ operating budget.
A Fairfax County police officer at the Mosaic District in Merrifield (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Fairfax County will look at creating a corps of “community safety officers,” who would have fewer powers than sworn law-enforcement personnel but could support the police department’s mission in an era of recruiting challenges.
“Based on experiences in other jurisdictions around the country and in our region, it could have some merit,” Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw said when proposing on Tuesday (Feb. 18) that staff study the issue.
Bus shelters at the Vienna Metro station (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Winter Weather Advisory in Effect — “A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Thursday, Feb. 20, from 7 to 11 a.m. for accumulating snowfall during the morning commute. Expect accumulating snowfall and slick roads if traveling tomorrow morning, with surface temperatures in the upper teens to low 20s.” [Fairfax County Emergency Information]
Family of DCA Plane Crash Victim Sues — “The family of a passenger who died in the midair collision near Washington, D.C., filed legal claims against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the United States Army, seeking $250 million in compensation for each claim.” [ABC News]
Campaign Finance Reform Bill Goes to Governor — “The Virginia House and Senate voted unanimously Wednesday to tighten Virginia’s notoriously loose campaign-finance laws by banning the personal use of campaign funds, something already banned in 48 states and in federal contests.” Sen. Jennifer Boysko, who sponsored the Senate version of the bill, called it “a long-overdue first step” toward restoring faith in democracy. [Washington Post]
County Shares Resources for Fired Federal Workers — “Thousands of county residents and their families will likely be affected by the federal government’s recently announced plan to significantly downsize the federal workforce and budget. The county has a variety of resources and services that can help former federal employees, contractors and anyone else affected by job loss.” [Fairfax County Government]
Tysons Financial Firm Plans Expansion — “Nodal Exchange, LLC, North America’s largest power futures exchange and a subsidiary of the Deutsche Boerse Group’s EEX Group, will invest $300,000 to expand its operations. The expansion will create 33 new jobs.” The company’s headquarters are at 1921 Gallows Road. [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]
Fairfax City Police Seek Man Wanted for Gun Possession — “City of Fairfax Police are asking the public’s help in locating [a man] who is wanted on two felony firearm possession warrants and four misdemeanor warrants. Police warn members of the public not to approach [the man], who is known to carry firearms and knives.” [Patch]
Inside ‘Legendary’ Springfield Recording Studio — “If the walls of Bias Studios could talk, they would sing. And it would sound amazing. Hiding next to a firehouse in Springfield, this unassuming one-story brick building has been quietly cranking out hit after hit since 1980.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
It’s Thursday — Snow is expected mainly before 1pm, with a high near 29. The day will be blustery with wind gusts that could reach 33 mph. There’s an 80% chance of precipitation, and snow accumulation could be less than one inch. Thursday evening will be partly cloudy and continue to be blustery, with a low around 22. [NWS]
Gov. Glenn Youngkin discusses concerns about sweeping federal workforce cuts at a Feb. 18, 2025 press conference (via Governor of Virginia/Facebook)
A majority of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors criticized Gov. Glenn Youngkin yesterday (Tuesday) for backing the Trump administration’s efforts to shrink the federal workforce, warning that the sweeping cuts could undermine the economy of Fairfax County and, by extension, Virginia.
Led by Chairman Jeff McKay, the mostly Democratic board suggested that Youngkin, a Republican, could support President Donald Trump’s goals or the people in Virginia he was elected to represent, including thousands of federal workers and contractors, but not both.
Driving east on the Dulles Access Road toward the Reston Town Center expansion at sunset (staff photo)
Legislation to Reform Speed Cameras Stalls — “After lawmakers uncovered millions in speed camera revenue across Virginia, a proposal to tighten regulations on the devices has hit a legislative roadblock. The General Assembly now waits to see whether a pared-down version of the plan will survive without triggering an expansion of automated enforcement.” [Virginia Mercury]
Two Hospitalized by Lincolnia House Fire — “On Tuesday, February 18, at 7:12 pm, #FCFRD responded to a house fire in the 5100 block of Clinton Road in the Lincolnia area. Units arrived to smoke showing from the single-family home … Two civilians were transported. No firefighter injuries. Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.” [FCFRD/Facebook]
I-495 Lane Closures Near Tysons — “Ramps will be closed and traffic detoured nightly at eastbound Dulles Toll Road/Dulles Airport Access Highway to Northbound I-495 during overnight hours through March 1. The ramp from eastbound Dulles Toll Road/Airport Access Highway (Route 267) to northbound I-495 will also be closed nightly.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
N. Va. Church Cancels Kennedy Center Christmas Show — “On Sunday, Alexandria’s Alfred Street Baptist Church announced it would be cutting ties to the Kennedy Center after President Trump purged the arts center’s board. Alfred Street Baptist Church joins a list of events and shows canceling on the venue. [ALXnow]
Va. Push to Regulate Data Centers Falters — “Out of several dozen bills introduced on the subject, including a slate that had support from Republicans and Democrats in both the Senate and the House of Delegates, only a few remain alive — and industry critics say those have been watered down.” A state report on data centers came out too close to the beginning of the legislative session for significant changes to be fully considered, one delegate says. [Washington Post]
Metro Plans Tap-to-Pay System — “Metro is making strides this year, recently bringing back automated trains on the entire Red Line and readying to launch tap-to-pay in late spring … Tap-to-pay with a credit or debit card is anticipated for late May or early June, says [General Manager Randy] Clarke,” though SmarTrip cards will stick around. [Axios DC]
South Block Celebrates Fairfax CityOpening — “Representatives from the Fairfax City business community hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday morning to welcome the new South Block to Fair City Mall. The shop specializes in making healthy smoothies, acai bowls and juices.” [Patch]
Mount Vernon Police Station Head to Retire — “Maj. Matthew Luik, who has served as commander of the Mount Vernon District Police Station since last summer, is retiring from the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD), effective Feb. 21.” The station’s assistant commander, Capt. Jeff Mauro, will fill the position until a permanent hire is made. [On the MoVe]
It’s Wednesday — Expect snow mainly between 1pm and 4pm today, with cloudy skies and a high near 27. There’s a 60% chance of precipitation, accumulating less than half an inch of new snow. Tonight, a slight chance of snow before 7pm and isolated showers after 4am with lows around 22. The chance of precipitation is 20%. [NWS]
Fairfax County Government Center (staff photo by James Jarvis)
Additional taxes, including the possibility of a meals tax, program and staff cuts and less-than-requested funding for the school system are all incorporated in the Fairfax County government’s draft $5.7 billion fiscal year 2026 budget proposed by County Executive Bryan Hill.
“I don’t think anybody is happy with this budget, but this is where we are,” Hill said when delivering his proposal to the Board of Supervisors this morning (Tuesday). “We have been working diligently to figure out how to make this mildly palatable, to find the right balance.”
Automotive exhaust (photo via Oscar Sutton/Unsplash)
An effort by Fairfax County officials to crack down on excessively loud vehicle exhaust systems is facing an uncertain future in Richmond, where state legislators recently voiced concerns about the possible costs.
The powerful Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations voted 10-4 Monday night (Feb. 17) to send the proposed legislation to the State Crime Commission, which will study its provisions and report back later to the General Assembly.
Reston National Golf Course sign in fall (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
The window has closed for developers, property owners and other community members to nominate sites in Fairfax County for future redevelopment.
The county received about 50 nominations during its Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) process, which lets members of the public propose changes to the comprehensive plan that guides future land use and development. The submission period lasted from Jan. 13 through last Thursday, Feb. 13.
Fairfax County School Board student representative Megan Sawant speaks during a board meeting on Dec. 5, 2024 (via FCPS)
Fairfax County School Board members are mulling whether to increase the number of student representatives on the body.
The proposal, currently in the exploratory stage, is part of a broader push toward more direct engagement with the 180,000-plus students enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools.