Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid speaks at a public hearing on her school redistricting recommendations and proposed Fiscal Year 2027-2031 capital improvement plan (via FCPS/YouTube)
Fairfax County Public Schools has revised, eliminated and postponed several planned redistricting proposals after extensive public feedback.
Superintendent Michelle Reid’s revised recommendations for new attendance boundaries were released last week ahead of a final public hearing on Thursday (Jan. 22).
Job interview (photo via Resume Genius on Unsplash)
The number of unemployed Northern Virginians spiked 41% year-over-year in November 2025, according to new federal data.
A total of 65,357 residents in the Virginia portion of the Washington metropolitan area were counted as unemployed for the month, according to figures released Jan. 16 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That compares to the 46,381 residents tallied as seeking jobs in November 2024.
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Wish You Were Here mural on the Draper’s Steak and Seafood building in Old Town Fairfax (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
New Governor’s First Executive Orders — Following her inauguration on Saturday (Jan. 17), “Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed 10 executive actions that broadly targeted affordability and pushed the commonwealth away from former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s approaches to education, immigration and race.” [VPM News]
Polls Open for House District 17 Election — “Residents in parts of Fairfax County will head to the polls on Tuesday, Jan. 20, to fill a vacancy in the District 17 House of Delegates seat. District 17 includes communities in Franconia, Huntington, Kingstowne, and Rose Hill.” Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. as Democratic nominee Garrett McGuire and Republican Christopher Cardiff compete to succeed longtime delegate Mark Sickles. [WUSA9]
Gun Brandished at Springfield Town Center — “Springfield Town Center in Virginia was locked down for 45 minutes Saturday night after an individual showed a gun during an incident. Police said they got a report of a ‘domestic-related brandishing’ incident just before 8:10 p.m.” There was no evidence any shots were fired. [WTOP]
Trooper Injured in American Legion Bridge Crash — “A Virginia State Police trooper and police dog suffered minor injuries in a crash during a pursuit Friday morning on Interstate 495. At approximately 3:38 a.m., the trooper spotted a vehicle on Interstate 95 northbound near Fairfax County Parkway traveling at 90 mph, Virginia State Police spokesman Matthew Demlein said in a news release.” [Inside NoVA]
DOJ Sues Va. for Voter Data — “The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday sued Virginia for not handing over state voter data, the latest among several states the department has targeted in an effort to retrieve registration information from individuals across the country since last year.” [The Hill]
Cause of Burke Centre House Fire Found — A house fire that occurred on New Year’s Day in the 5500 block of Corot Court was caused by an “electrical event” in the home’s basement, Fairfax County fire investigators have determined. No injuries to firefighters or the three occupants were reported, but “sadly, two cats died in the fire,” which resulted in an estimated $147,750 in property damages. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
Former NBA Player Arrested — “Former NBA player Delonte West, who once played a key role on the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers, has been arrested and charged with robbery and assault in Fairfax County, Virginia. West, 42, was arrested after the reported assault and robbery on Dec. 21 around 6:40 a.m. in the 5900 block of Richmond Highway in Belle Haven.” [WTOP]
FCPS Teacher Joins 5th House District Race — “Voters in [today’s] Democratic firehouse primary will have four candidates to choose from after Fairfax County Public Schools teacher Gregory Darrall entered the race this weekend … The candidates are competing to run for Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker’s seat” after she resigned to campaign for outgoing state Sen. Adam Ebbin’s 39th Senate District seat. [ALXnow]
Recommendations for Reston Visitors — “Today, it’s noted for its open-air town center, green spaces, arts and culture, and walking and biking trails that make it easy to get around Reston. Book a room at the Hyatt Regency Reston to be at the center of the action when you come to explore. Here’s what to do on your next visit to Reston.” [Southern Living]
It’s Tuesday — The weather will be sunny, reaching a high of 29 degrees, accompanied by a west wind blowing at 9 to 11 mph and gusts up to 24 mph. The night will be mostly clear with a low temperature of 17 degrees and light variable winds. [NWS]
Scattered snow showers in the morning will transition to rain showers between 9am and noon, with a cloudy sky and high near 46. Expect Southwest winds at 8 to 10 mph, gusting up to 20 mph, and a 50% chance of precipitation. Saturday night brings a mix of rain and snow from 1am to 4am followed by possible snow, as temperatures drop to around 31. Light Northwest winds at 3 to 5 mph accompany a 30% chance of precipitation. See more from Weather.gov.
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. 👋
2025 Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments board chair and Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk at the Talent Capital launch (photo by Chris Ferenzi)
Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk wrapped up a year as chair of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) with a call for continued regional collaboration.
“Regionalism isn’t something that’s easy,” Lusk said in valedictory remarks at COG’s meeting on Wednesday (Jan. 14). During the meeting, he passed the gavel to Reuben Collins II of the Charles County Board of Commissioners, who will chair the body for 2026.
Ilia Malinin competes during the men's short program at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer
It was at a relatively minor event in upstate New York in September 2022 that Ilia Malinin, the self-anointed “Quad God” who was fast becoming the biggest name in figure skating, finally landed the jump that so many people had thought impossible.
American Girl's new store at Tysons Corner Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Less than two weeks after temporarily closing, American Girl is ready to show off its makeover at Tysons Corner Center.
Workers have been busy today cleaning and putting the finishing touches on the popular doll maker’s new store in the mall ahead of its grand opening at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday).
From pulled muscles to arthritis, bodily aches and pains can become debilitating if not properly addressed. Fortunately, there are specialists in Fairfax County who can help.
Here are the nominees for “Best Orthopedists in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. See your favorite doctor 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. 30.
Voting for the Best Pediatrician in Fairfax County is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, Jan. 23 at 8:30 a.m.
Roberts Parkway from Burke Centre Parkway to Fairfax County Parkway in Burke (via Google Maps)
The Virginia Department of Transportation is seeking public input on potential changes to a key connection between Burke Centre and Fairfax County parkways.
An online survey open through next Wednesday (Jan. 21) asks community members to weigh in on proposed modifications to a half-mile stretch of Roberts Parkway, including the addition of a shared-use path and redesigns of the Burke Centre Parkway and Fairfax County Parkway intersections.