FFXnow - Fairfax County, Va. local news

FFXnow Daily Debrief for Dec 30, 2025

Published December 30, 2025 at 9:00PM

Good Tuesday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Dec 30, 2025.

7:30 am: Morning Notes for December 30, 2025 | 🗣️ Comments
8:30 am: Republicans back homeschooling advocate for 17th House District seat | 🗣️ Comments
9:15 am: F45 Training closes Tysons gym after six years | 🗣️ Comments
10:00 am: Heavily used Groveton dog park to receive turf, accessibility upgrades | 🗣️ Comments
11:45 am: D.C. man charged with a dozen vehicle break-ins and thefts in Reston area | 🗣️ Comments
1:30 pm: DOJ alleges McLean man texted death threat to federal employee | 🗣️ Comments
2:45 pm: Housing with community center proposed for former T-Mobile campus in Reston | 🗣️ Comments
3:45 pm: Extended stay hotel in Fair Lakes could be turned into apartments | 🗣️ Comments

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Wednesday throughout the county, from our event calendar.

11:00 am: The Rocknoceros New Year’s Eve Ball
2:00 pm: The Rocknoceros New Year’s Eve Ball *Late Show*

🌨️ Wednesday’s forecast

Expect flurries and a slight chance of light snow in the morning, followed by mostly cloudy skies that will gradually clear up, with a high near 39 and southwest winds at 6-11 mph, gusting up to 21 mph. Wednesday night brings more flurries, a low around 25, and continued southwest winds at 6-11 mph, with a 20% chance of precipitation. On New Year’s Day, flurries may occur until noon, with a high near 33, a northwest wind of 13-15 mph, gusting up to 26 mph, and a 20% chance of precipitation. See more from Weather.gov.

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.

News

Extended stay hotel in Fair Lakes could be turned into apartments

By Nolan Stout

Published December 30, 2025 at 3:45PM

Sonesta Extended Stay Suites in Fair Lakes (via Google Maps)

A New York investment firm wants to convert an extended stay hotel in the Fair Lakes area into housing.

Churchwick Partners submitted a rezoning application to Fairfax County on Dec. 21 for the existing Sonesta Extended Stay Suites at 12811 Fair Lakes Parkway.

A post from Kokua at The Mather

Kokua at The Mather: Elevated Living. Personalized Care.

Published May 18, 2026 at 10:45AM | Updated May 19, 2026 at 3:22PM

Introducing Kokua at The Mather—Now Welcoming Residents

At Kokua, we believe that every stage of life holds possibilities for creativity, purpose, and growth. Located in the heart of Tysons, Virginia, Kokua offers a fresh, hospitality-driven approach to care developed by Mather, a nationally recognized pioneer in the senior living space with more than eight decades of experience. Newly opened in 2025, Kokua blends care with our research-driven approach to deliver personalized wellness tailored to individual needs.

For a limited time, Kokua is welcoming new residents seeking assisted living or memory support in the DC area with exclusive move-in incentives. Nestled in a lively urban neighborhood, our LEED-Gold certified community incorporates biophilic design that brings the outside in to enhance health and wellbeing.

THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED SPACES

In our assisted living and memory support neighborhoods, residents enjoy a collection of thoughtfully designed spaces that feel like an upscale hospitality destination.

Multiple restaurants offer chef-prepared cuisine with flexible, open-hours service, complemented by demonstration kitchens, art and music studios, as well as gathering spaces. A spacious outdoor terrace, Marzenia Salon, and beautifully appointed amenity areas create opportunities for wellness, connection, and everyday enjoyment.

FOCUS ON PERSONALIZED WELLBEING

Residents enjoy opportunities to choose from enriching programs, meaningful social opportunities with experiences such as sensory walks, meditation, acupuncture, Reiki, songwriting workshops, poetry readings, Sensory Symphony Swim, and more.

Assisted Living in Ādar

Ādar means “respect”, and Kokua delivers. Here, our team encourages residents to be as independent as possible, for as long as possible. Each one-bedroom apartment home (ranging in size up to nearly 900 square feet) offers generous space and thoughtful design, complemented by assistance with daily living tasks and emergency response systems for peace of mind.

Memory Support in Miran

Miran means “peaceful”—another pillar in the Kokua way of life. Private suites are designed for those with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or similar cognitive conditions. Our person-centered approach embraces individual strengths and needs, with an interdisciplinary team and through social events, wellness programs, creative arts, and more.

Kokua offers the next generation of care in Ādar and Miran, true to our commitment to highly personalized service rooted in respect for each individual.

With a limited number of residences available and exclusive move-in incentives currently offered, now is an ideal time to explore the personalized care and quiet luxury that Kokua at The Mather has to offer.

Contact us today if you’re interested in learning more, download our brochure at www.themathertysons.com/kokua. You can reach us at kokua@themathertysons.com or (571) 282.3650.

Learn More

News

Housing with community center proposed for former T-Mobile campus in Reston

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 30, 2025 at 2:45PM

Stanley Martin Homes' East Link redevelopment proposal for the former T-Mobile office campus in Reston (via Land Design Consultants/Fairfax County)

A local homebuilder has answered the call to redevelop T-Mobile’s now-vacant campus in Reston.

Stanley Martin Homes, which is headquartered in Reston, is proposing to build more than 1,000 residences, including 174 income-restricted units, in place of the 36-acre office park adjacent to the Herndon Metro station.

Announcement

Percy Jackson: A Very Godly Vacation Bible School

By The Falls Church Episcopal

Published May 18, 2026

This year’s Very Godly VBS, inspired by The Titan’s Curse, invites children into the world of Camp Half-Blood to explore faith, courage, belonging, and community through storytelling, music, crafts, games, science, and reflection in a fun and welcoming environment for all.

Location: The Falls Church

News

DOJ alleges McLean man texted death threat to federal employee

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 30, 2025 at 1:30PM

The Albert V. Bryan U.S. Courthouse in Alexandria (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A McLean man is facing federal prosecution after allegedly threatening a federal employee via a Google Voice text message.

The Justice Department charged Scott Allen Bolger, 33, last Friday (Dec. 26) with sending threats across state lines and making false statements when questioned by investigators, according to a press release and court documents.

Event

The Heart Leaf Center Golf Tournament

June 8, 2026 8:00 am -2:00 pm

Chantilly National Golf and Country Club

14901 Braddock Rd

Centreville,, Virginia 20120

Website Contact Social

The Golf Outing will be at the Chantilly National Country Club. Gather your friends for a fantastic day on the greens, enjoy friendly competition, and help us create a brighter future for our youth. Together, we can swing for a cause that truly matters to support area children receiving mental health counseling. Registration and Practice: 8:00-9:00am Tee Time: 9:00am Shotgun Start Lunch and Awards ceremony: 1:30pm- 2:30pm

News

D.C. man charged with a dozen vehicle break-ins and thefts in Reston area

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 30, 2025 at 11:45AM | Updated December 31, 2025 at 3:14PM

A Fairfax County police vehicle at Reston Town Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A man from D.C. is facing more than two dozen criminal charges in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins and thefts reported in western Fairfax County.

According to the Fairfax County Police Department, detectives believe the 30-year-old man is behind 12 different incidents that occurred in Reston, McNair and the Greenbriar area east of Chantilly, starting with a vehicle tampering and theft reported on May 31 in the 13600 block of Dulles Technology Drive near the Innovation Center Metro station.

News

Heavily used Groveton dog park to receive turf, accessibility upgrades

By Scott McCaffrey

Published December 30, 2025 at 10:00AM

Shih tzu puppy running on grass (via Joe Caione/Unsplash)

An ongoing public-private partnership will support improvements to benefit both dogs and their human companions at Westgrove Park in Groveton.

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board on Dec. 10 approved $10,084 from its Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program to cover half the cost of the planned upgrades. The Westgrove Pumphouse Association for Canine Kindness — known as Westgrove PACK — will fund the other half.

Around Town

F45 Training closes Tysons gym after six years

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 30, 2025 at 9:15AM

A sign for F45 at The Boro in Tysons (staff photo by Jared Serre)

The Boro residents resolving to prioritize fitness in the new year will need to look farther away for workout options.

F45 Training, the only gym in the Tysons neighborhood, permanently shut down the franchise on Dec. 13 after six years in business.

News

Republicans back homeschooling advocate for 17th House District seat

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 30, 2025 at 8:30AM

Christopher Cardiff is the Republican nominee for the 17th House District seat vacated by Mark Sickles (courtesy Christopher Cardiff)

Fairfax County Republicans have thrown their support behind a former data analytics professional and homeschooling advocate in a bid to flip Virginia’s 17th House District seat.

Voters registered in the district selected Christopher F. Cardiff as their nominee at a party canvass held yesterday morning (Monday), the Fairfax County Republican Committee (Fairfax GOP) announced.

Countywide

Morning Notes for December 30, 2025

By FFXnow.com

Published December 30, 2025 at 7:30AM

Sun shines through trees in winter at Wildwood Park in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Driver in Fatal 2023 Hit-and-Run Still Unknown — “A Northern Virginia family is once again asking for justice as police search for the driver who killed their mother, 63-year-old Mary Wong, in a hit-and-run on Dec. 27, 2023. She was walking just a few yards from her home on Huntsman Boulevard in Springfield, Virginia, when police say she was struck by a driver who took off.” [NBC4]

Restaurants Prepare for Meals Tax — “Restaurants and bars in Fairfax County are preparing to implement the controversial meals tax starting on January 1 … The popular Vietnamese vegetarian restaurant Chay in Falls Church is adjusting the system to reflect the tax. Owner Thi Le said he plans to inform customers, who could be seen waiting in line for a table, about the meals tax on New Year’s Eve.” [WUSA9]

Man Charged After Crashing into Fence — “A 20-year-old Woodbridge man is facing a hit-and-run charge after his vehicle crashed into a fence in Fairfax City on Saturday night, according to authorities. City of Fairfax police responded around 11 p.m. for the report of a hit and run in the 10600 block of Maple Street, according to the incident report.” [Patch]

Manicures Connect Reston Students to Seniors — “The afternoon of beauty came courtesy of the GlamourGals of South Lakes High School, one of hundreds of chapters nationwide whose members aim to combat social isolation, foster empathy and build communication skills. For them, doing makeup, nails and crafts is a means to an end.” [Washington Post]

New Book Vendor Needed for Falls Church Library — “The closure of a nearly 200-year-old book wholesaler will impact how soon new materials turn up on the shelves at Falls Church’s Mary Riley Styles Public Library.” Baker & Taylor, a North Carolina-based company, announced earlier this year that it would end operations after nearly two centuries in business. [ARLnow]

James Patterson Awards Bonuses to Area Booksellers — “James Patterson has been busy spreading holiday joy. But he’s not doing it by writing books — he’s been writing checks. The bestselling author has once again gifted $500 bonuses to hundreds of the nation’s independent booksellers, including four in Northern Virginia.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Falls Church HS Alumni Hope to Inspire Writers — “Dozens of former students at Falls Church High School have published books. Carolyn Wixson McBride, one of those authors, and Craig Day, a Falls Church track and field coach, are launching an author mentorship program to harness the experiences of those authors to inspire current students.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Tuesday — Expect a sunny day with a high of 35 degrees accompanied by breezy west winds ranging from 17 to 23 mph, gusting up to 37 mph. For Tuesday night, the clouds will increase while the temperature drops to a low of 26 degrees. The west wind will settle down to 7 to 10 mph, gusting up to 22 mph. [NWS]