More commercial development in Fairfax County could soon give way to housing after the Board of Supervisors approved that option for a pair of office properties in the Fair Oaks area.
The board voted unanimously at its Nov. 18 meeting to amend the county’s comprehensive plan and allow the Fair Oaks Business Park and nearby High Ridge office building to be redeveloped with more than 800 new homes.
The federal government is now leveling its own criminal charge against the man accused of a recent murder in Reston.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia has charged 23-year-old Marvin Fernando Morales Ortez with possessing a firearm as someone who is “illegally” present in the U.S.
Workers at two more Starbucks in Fairfax County could unionize, as a labor strike continues in response to stalled contract negotiations.
Petitions for union elections were filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) last Tuesday (Dec. 23) by 14 employees at the Plaza America cafe in Reston (11610-A Plaza America Drive) and 17 at the location at 1438 Chain Bridge Road in McLean.
The Democratic Party’s nominee for a deep-blue House of Delegates seat in southeast Fairfax County was determined yesterday (Sunday) by a mere 54 votes.
Ultimately, it was United Community Board of Directors chair Garrett McGuire who claimed victory in Sunday’s firehouse primary, narrowly besting veteran teacher Joy McManus in the race to succeed Mark Sickles as delegate in the 17th House District.
An instructional assistant at Annandale High School is facing criminal charges after allegedly assaulting a student earlier this month.
A school resource officer was notified on Dec. 19 that Jaime Gerardo Gallo Pacheco, a 33-year-old Annandale resident, had reportedly physically assaulted a student earlier that day, the Fairfax County Police Department says.
FBI Building Reportedly Closing — “After 50 years as the FBI’s main headquarters, the J. Edgar Hoover Building in D.C. is closing permanently, Director Kash Patel announced Friday … He didn’t state the exact date the building will close and when FBI employees will move into its new offices.” The closure would mark the end of a building that has been called one of the world’s ugliest. [WTOP]
Slime Museum Circles Tysons Location — Building alteration plans recently filed with Fairfax County “call for the buildout of a two-level space near the Nordstrom [at Tysons Corner Center] for the Sloomoo Institute, an ‘experiential slime children’s museum’ with locations in major metros across the United States.” A spokesperson says Sloomoo hasn’t yet signed a lease but “hopes to open in the area ‘soon.'” [Washington Business Journal]
Bills Planned to Support Emergency Managers — State lawmakers are planning to bring back bills to fund emergency management programs and personnel across Virginia after the legislation died in committee during the General Assembly’s 2025 session. “That lack of staffing has led emergency management to become more reactive rather than proactive, according to emergency management personnel, in areas across the state that lack full-time, dedicated emergency managers.” [Cardinal News]
Senator Warner Reflects on 2025 Work — “Reflecting on 2025, Virginia Sen. Mark Warner said he and his office helped tens of thousands of people across the state with individual requests, while criticizing cuts at federal agencies and the law enforcement surge in D.C.” [WTOP]
Post-Holiday Recycling Tips — “It’s always a wonderful time to recycle, especially during the holidays when there are usually more items to consider … The guide below will help you navigate all of the opportunities to recycle this holiday season.” Live trees will be picked up by collectors starting in early January, though they can also be disposed of at the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill to be turned into free mulch. [Fairfax County Government]
Vienna Hosts LOVE Sign — “The Town of Vienna will be host to Virginia’s LOVE sign from December 29, 2025 to Jan 5, 2026. It will be located at the Memorial Fountain area at the Town Green on Maple Avenue. Stop by any time to take photographs of the LOVE sign! Please share your photos on social media using the hashtag #LoveVA and #Vienna250.” [Historic Vienna]
First Hike Photo Contest to Return — “New Year’s Day in Fairfax County means it’s time for the Park Authority’s annual First Hike Photo Contest. To participate, visit any FCPA trail on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, take a photo, and submit it online before Friday, Jan. 2. The photo link will be posted here by 7 a.m. on Jan. 1.” [Annandale Today]
It’s Monday — Showers are likely before 10am, followed by cloudy conditions that will gradually clear up. Temperatures will peak at 58°F around 11am, but will then drop to around 41°F. Expect windy conditions. There is a 50% chance of precipitation. Tonight, partly cloudy skies and a low of 27°F can be anticipated. [NWS]
A teenager and a 75-year-old woman have died after a crash that occurred on the Capital Beltway (I-495) on Christmas.
Virginia State Police troopers and the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department were dispatched around 10:39 p.m. yesterday (Thursday) for a crash at the 49-mile marker near the I-66 interchange in Idylwood.
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — The developers of a Virginia offshore wind project are asking a federal judge to block a Trump administration order that halted construction of their project, along with four others, over national security concerns.
Dominion Energy Virginia said in its lawsuit filed late Tuesday (Dec. 23) that the government’s order is “arbitrary and capricious” and unconstitutional. The Richmond-based company is developing Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, a project it says is essential to meet dramatically growing energy needs driven by dozens of new data centers.
Fairfax County Democrats are once again asking voters to select a nominee for an empty House of Delegates seat on short notice.
The 17th House of Delegates District Democratic Committee will hold a firehouse primary this Sunday (Dec. 28) after House Speaker Don Scott scheduled a Jan. 20 special election to fill a seat vacated by Del. Mark Sickles on Wednesday (Dec. 24).
Efforts to repurpose Gateway Regional Park in the City of Fairfax into a wetlands education facility could both start and be completed in the coming year.
“That’s the plan,” new NOVA Parks executive director Justin Wilson told members of the Fairfax City Council at its Dec. 9 meeting.
