FFXnow - Fairfax County, Va. local news

Expect mostly sunny skies today, as the temperature reaches a high near 44. Morning wind is light and variable, but will shift to the south at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight, the skies will be partly cloudy, and the low will be around 36. South winds will be 9 to 13 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. 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.

We hope you have a great weekend! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋

News

After semester of scrutiny, Mason president urges new graduates to stay true to core values

By Scott McCaffrey

Published December 19, 2025 at 3:45PM

George Mason University president Gregory Washington (screenshot via George Mason)

The newest graduates of George Mason University came from 38 states and 87 countries, overcoming obstacles and charting their own paths en route to commencement day.

“You did it!” university president Gregory Washington exclaimed during the university-wide commencement ceremony, held Dec. 18 at EagleBank Arena.

Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out! Reston Station’s Summerbration Returns.

By Sponsor

Published May 19, 2026 at 10:45AM

Sponsored by: Comstock and Reston Community Center

Summer starts here, and it’s packed with something for everyone. Join us at Reston Station for a season of free, family-friendly events designed to keep your calendar full and your nights unforgettable. From fitness and live music to movies under the stars, this is where summer comes to life.

BELOVED YOGA

Monday & Wednesday Nights

May 27 – September 2

TRAMPOLINE FITNESS

HOSTED BY VIDA FITNESS

Every Tuesday Night

June 2 – September 1

LIVE MUSIC

Friday Nights

May 29 – September 25

ALL-AMERICAN MOVIE MAGIC & MORE

Saturday Nights

June 6 – August 29

Visit our website for the full schedule and details.

Learn More

News

School Board seeks March special election for Braddock District seat

By Jared Serre

Published December 19, 2025 at 2:45PM

School Board member Rachna Sizemore Heizer (screenshot via FCPS)

If the Fairfax County School Board has its way, a new Braddock District representative will be in place by the end of the current academic year.

In accordance with Virginia law, the remaining board members yesterday (Thursday) petitioned the Fairfax County Circuit Court to schedule the special election to replace Rachna Sizemore Heizer, who was elected earlier this month as the county’s new Braddock District supervisor.

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

Around Town

Meadows Frozen Custard opens in Reston ahead of winter holidays

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 19, 2025 at 1:45PM

The Meadows Frozen Custard storefront at South Lakes Village Center in Reston (staff photo)

The Meadows Original Frozen Custard has at last completed its move from Ashburn to Reston.

After some delays, the frozen desserts shop began serving customers in the South Lakes Village Shopping Center (11130-I South Lakes Drive) on Wednesday (Dec. 17) and will celebrate its grand opening tomorrow (Saturday).

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

JUST IN: Temporary Annandale immigration court judge fired after defying Trump deportation push

By Associated Press

Published December 19, 2025 at 12:40PM | Updated December 19, 2025 at 1:54PM

The Annandale Immigration Court is housed in an office building at 7619 Little River Turnpike (staff photo by Jared Serre)

By JOSHUA GOODMAN Associated Press

MIAMI (AP) — A U.S. Army Reserve lawyer detailed as a federal immigration judge has been fired barely a month into the job after granting asylum at a high rate out of step with the Trump administration’s mass deportation goals, The Associated Press has learned.

Opinion

Poll: Best place for sledding in Fairfax County

By FFXnow.com

Published December 19, 2025 at 11:15AM

While the snow that recently fell in Fairfax County has mostly melted away, the first day of winter will arrive this Sunday (Dec. 21), bringing the promise of more snow — and more opportunities to haul out a sled out of storage.

Here are the nominees for “Best Place to Go Sledding in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. See your favorite spot below? If not, write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 2.

Voting for the Best Primary Care Doctor in Fairfax County is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, Dec. 26 at 8:30 a.m.

A few weeks ago, we voted on the Best Orthodontist in Fairfax. The results are now official:

Garai Orthodontics
Tisseront Orthodontics
Ghaffari Orthodontics

News

Old Town Fairfax shops count on holiday market for end-of-year business boost

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 19, 2025 at 10:00AM | Updated December 22, 2025 at 10:45AM

Woman shopping at Mode on Main by Mara in Old Town Fairfax at a Main Street Market (photo by Setareh Sabti/Mode on Main by Mara)

For many small businesses, the holiday shopping season is the most critical time of the year, determining their ability to continue operating, and Mode on Main by Mara is no exception.

The lifestyle boutique in Old Town Fairfax shared on Instagram this week that had processed 611 orders at that point since Nov. 1, leaving it shy of the 1,000 orders it says are needed to ensure it can keep its doors open at 10417 Main Street in 2026.

News

Man charged with murder for fatal Reston shooting

By Jared Serre

Published December 19, 2025 at 9:20AM | Updated December 19, 2025 at 10:26AM

Marvin Fernando Morales Ortez and the firearm allegedly used in the Dec. 17, 2025 fatal shooting of Marvin Ernesto Morales in Reston (photos via FCPD/X)

A Reston man was released from the custody of the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday (Dec. 17) less than 24 hours before allegedly killing another man, police said.

After a nearly two-hour manhunt, 23-year-old Marvin Fernando Morales-Ortez was arrested Wednesday afternoon and charged with one count of second degree murder — a felony that carries a maximum of 40 years in prison.

Around Town

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra teams up with Patti LuPone, dragons for new concerts

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 19, 2025 at 8:30AM

The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) is expanding its season with a pair of newly announced concerts.

In separate events next spring, the orchestra will host musical theater legend Patti LuPone and perform alongside the animated film “How to Train Your Dragon,” adding more star power to a season that has already featured cellist Yo-Yo Ma as a soloist.