Fencing lines a street near the U.S. Capitol in D.C. (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
In the wake of the country’s longest-ever federal government shutdown, a key safety-net organization is calling for a renewed emphasis on helping lower-income, working residents achieve economic independence across Fairfax County and the broader D.C. region.
While welcoming the shutdown’s end on Thursday (Nov. 13), United Way of the National Capital Area President and CEO Rosie Allen-Herring said at a briefing that morning that her organization believes “the impact will be felt, for thousands, for months ahead.”
Old Glory DC competes against NOLA Gold in a May 13, 2025 match at George Mason Stadium (photo by Sophia Price/Old Glory DC)
After its courting of professional cricket fizzled, George Mason University has scored an entirely different pro sports league.
George Mason Stadium on the university’s Fairfax campus will serve as the new home of Old Glory DC, the region’s Major League Rugby team, hosting all regular season and playoff matches starting in 2026.
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.
A multifamily residential building proposed in the Fairfax Crossing development (via BCT Design Group/Fairfax County)
Fairfax County officials are poised to consider two large redevelopments that would bring more than 1,000 housing units and tens of thousands of square feet of retail to Fair Oaks.
At its meeting Wednesday (Nov. 12), the Fairfax County Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve an amendment to its comprehensive plan for the redevelopment of the Fair Oaks Business Park.
A Step In Time Chimney Sweeps is proud to provide professional chimney services for homeowners for over 25 years. As part of our Summer Special, we are currently offering professional chimney inspections to help homeowners prepare their fireplaces and chimney systems before the heavy winter burning season begins again.
Our experienced team specializes in chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, chimney repairs, chimney relining, chimney cap installation, crown repairs, masonry work, fireplace services, wood stove installations, dryer vent cleaning, and much more.
A man was fatally struck by a train near the Burke Centre train station (via Google Maps)
One man was killed this morning (Friday) after being struck by a train in Burke.
Shortly after 9 a.m., the Fairfax County Police Department responded to the 10400 block of Premier Court — near Burke Centre station — after the collision was reported.
At a time when electricity and other costs are on the rise, the last thing homeowners need is faulty wiring contributing to their monthly bills — or creating a potential safety hazard. Options abound in Fairfax for making sure your electrical systems are efficient and safe.
Here are the nominees for “Best Electrician Servicing Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. See your favorite electrician below? If not, write them in!
Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 28.
Voting for the Best Plumber serving Fairfax is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, Nov. 21 at 8:30 a.m.
Baron Cameron Avenue at Reston Parkway (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Escalating costs have convinced an advisory board that Fairfax County should scale back its ambitions for funding transportation projects with special taxes collected from Reston property owners.
Sign for a home under contract (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Fairfax County’s October home-sales market had its best showing since July, with total sales volume up 10% month over month and 12.8% year over year.
A total of 1,027 residential properties went to closing in October, according to figures reported Nov. 11 by Bright MLS, the region’s multiple-listing service. That’s up 6.6% from 963 sales in October 2024.
A Virginia State Police vehicle (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
A Virginia State Police trooper will not face criminal charges after a teen was shot with his gun in Kings Park West earlier this year.
There is no evidence supporting the idea that the trooper shot the teen. Rather, the teen appears to have disarmed the trooper during a scuffle and accidentally shot himself, Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano announced yesterday (Thursday).
Lights shine around the Johnson Center on George Mason University’s Fairfax campus (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Trump Nominee Opposes Dulles Mobile Lounges — Former White House personnel office deputy director Trent Morse wants Dulles International Airport to eliminate its people movers, “saying the passenger-transport shuttles that drew headlines this week for a crash that sent 18 people to the hospital are slow, outdated and dangerous.” Morse’s nomination to the MWAA board is being considered by the Senate Commerce Committee in Congress. [Washington Post]
Man Charged With Threatening CIA Head — “A man armed with a box cutter who is accused of threatening to kill CIA Director John Ratcliffe was stopped on Nov. 5 by police as he tried to enter the agency’s headquarters in McLean, according to court documents.” The man was charged the following day with making threats against a federal official and was denied bond on Monday (Nov. 10). [Patch]
North Shore Drive Residents Frustrated by Crashes — “A drive along North Shore Drive in Reston shows one damaged car after another. Car parts and other debris line the side of the roadway. Fairfax County police say that in the past two years, 31 accidents and an additional 15 hit-and-runs have been reported along the well-traveled stretch.” [FOX5]
Virginia Introduces Digital IDs — “Virginians can now use a digital version of their driver’s license at the DMV, TSA, some ABC stores and a handful of police departments … Virginia is the first state in the nation where a digital ID will be accepted in lieu of a physical ID in multiple places, Virginia’s Department of Motor Vehicles announced this week.” [Axios Richmond]
Community College Students Walk Out — “Dozens of students staged a walkout at Northern Virginia Community College’s Annandale campus Nov. 12 to protest NOVA’s plan to convert the Humanities Building into HR and administrative offices … Students suspect NOVA’s goal is to cut costs by moving more courses online,” though NOVA President Anne Kress says the college has “no desire to displace classrooms.” [Annandale Today]
New Candidate for Potential Braddock School Board Race — “Annandale resident Alexa Krezel has announced plans to run for the Braddock District seat on the Fairfax County School Board, assuming current school board member Rachna Sizemore Heizer wins the special election for Braddock supervisor on Dec. 9.” Krezel and previously declared candidate Tom Dannan are both seeking an endorsement from the Fairfax County Democratic Committee. [Annandale Today]
Potomac River Cleanup Progress Stalls — “It’s not fishable or swimmable yet, but according to the Potomac Conservancy, the Potomac River earned a grade of ‘B’ for the fifth year in a row.” While the river’s water quality has come a long way from the “D” it earned in 2011, officials identified “development that results in the loss of forest land” as one hurdle keeping the region from achieving an “A” rating. [WTOP]
Wellness Expo Returns to Vienna — The Vienna Business Association’s “Wellness Wonderland” expo will return for a third year this Saturday (Nov. 15) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center. The event will include a resource fair with 50 health, wellness and fitness exhibitors as well as presentations by experts, including a keynote address by author and chef Amy Riolo. [Press release]
It’s Friday — Expect a sunny day with a high of around 58 degrees and a west wind of 6 to 9 mph. For Friday night, the weather will be mostly cloudy with a low of approximately 43 degrees, accompanied by calm wind conditions. [NWS]
