News | FFXnow - Part 497

Morning Notes

Published August 31, 2023 at 8:15AM

Reston is likely not a target in the quest for a new casino (staff photo by Angela Woolsey).

Lane Closures Lifted Ahead of Labor Day — “To make the most of the Labor Day weekend and remaining summer travel days, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is suspending most highway work zones and lifting most lane closures on interstates and other major roads in Virginia from noon Friday, Sept. 1, until noon Tuesday, Sept. 5.” [VDOT]

Defendants Charged In Violent Crime Conspiracy — “A superseding indictment was unsealed today charging 16 alleged members of a violent crime ring that committed multiple armed carjackings, armed robberies, money laundering, and firearms offenses. Federal law enforcement arrested eight defendants this morning; the remaining defendants were previously arrested.” [FCPD]

Traffic Alert: Two-vehicle crash shuts down northbound Fairfax County Parkway

By Fatimah Waseem

Published August 30, 2023 at 2:20PM | Updated August 30, 2023 at 2:48PM

Fairfax County firefighters respond to a crash on Fairfax County Parkway on Aug. 30, 2023 (via FCPD/Twitter)

(Update at 2:45 pm: both lanes are now open)

Earlier: A two-vehicle crash has shut down northbound Fairfax County Parkway at Rugby Road and southbound Fairfax County Parkway at Stringfellow Road this afternoon.

Tysons cybersecurity firm makes debut on list of fastest-growing companies in U.S.

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 30, 2023 at 2:15PM

Fairfax County has 120 companies on the 2023 Inc. 5000 ranking of America's fastest-growing private companies (via Inc. 5000)

The fastest-growing company in Fairfax County is a Tysons-based cybersecurity firm whose stated goal is to “fundamentally change” how organizations get technical expertise.

MOXFIVE claimed the 39th spot overall and the top spot for the security industry on the latest Inc. 5000, an annual ranking of the country’s most successful privately owned companies based on their revenue growth.

New ADA playground is being considered in Reston

By Fatimah Waseem

Published August 30, 2023 at 1:30PM

An example of a wheelchair-accessible swing (via RA)

A new American Disabilities Act (ADA)-friendly playground is in the works in Reston.

Reston Association is working with Friends of Reston to develop a playground that’s inclusive for kids with disabillities.

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published August 30, 2023 at 8:15AM

Lily pads cover the pond at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

TJ No Longer Ranked the Best U.S. High School — After three years in the top spot, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology has dropped to fifth in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best High School Rankings.” The data used for the 2023 list comes from 2018-2021, before the magnet school’s admissions policy changes took effect. [WTOP]

Potomac River Running Low on Water — “The Potomac River supplies drinking water to some 5 million people in the D.C. region, and right now, the river is running low. Water managers announced they may have to use water from backup reservoirs upstream — it would be the first time in more than a decade.” [DCist]

UPDATE: Man arrested after barricading with woman in Fair Oaks area townhome

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 29, 2023 at 5:40PM | Updated August 30, 2023 at 11:30AM

Fairfax County police car with lights on (file photo)

(Updated at 11:30 a.m.) A man was arrested at 10 p.m. last night after he barricaded himself and a woman in a home in Fair Oaks, prompting a police response.

Officers were currently on the scene in the 4100 block of Park Chase Drive, which is the Parkside at Fairfax Corner community yesterday afternoon and into the night.

Fairfax City’s first-ever for-sale affordable housing units open to residents

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 29, 2023 at 3:30PM

Restidents have started to move into the five townhouses designated as affordable dwelling units in Fairfax City's new Sutton Heights development (courtesy EYA)

Fairfax City’s first for-sale affordable dwelling units have officially become homes.

Residents have started moving into the designated units in the new Sutton Heights townhouse community at 3500 Pickett Road, developer EYA and the City of Fairfax announced today (Tuesday).

New bird enclosure opens at Frying Pan Farm Park

By Fatimah Waseem

Published August 29, 2023 at 11:30AM

Officials cut a ribbon to celebrate a new bird enclosure at Frying Pan Park (courtesy Fairfax County Park Authority)

The ducks, turkeys and peafowl at Frying Pan Farm Park now have a reason to celebrate.

A new bird enclosure was recently completed to house the park’s creatures, funded by contributions from the nonprofit Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park. Local officials gathered last Thursday (Aug. 24) to celebrate the grand opening of the project.

Fairfax County’s speed camera pilot hits bump due to malfunctioning flashing lights

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 29, 2023 at 10:30AM

A speed camera on Kirby Road outside Chesterbrook Elementary School (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Some broken lights have unexpected challenges for Fairfax County’s speed camera pilot program, which appears to be having an effect on drivers, based on early data.

For about a week in mid-July, the Winko-Matics — flashing lights that signal when a school zone is in effect — failed to turn on at three of the eight sites involved in the pilot, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.

NEW: Man arrested after three shot outside Merrifield taco restaurant

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 29, 2023 at 9:45AM

Three people were shot outside Taco Baja in Merrifield on Aug. 26 (via Google Maps)

(Updated at 9:55 a.m.) A man from Falls Church has been arrested for allegedly firing a gun into a crowd outside Taco Baja (7716 Lee Highway) in Merrifield.

Police say their investigation indicates that Jorge Armando Melendez Gonzalez, 25, approached a group of men standing outside the restaurant early in the morning on Saturday (Aug. 26).