Countywide

As Arthur Read famously sang, having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card — especially one designed by the local community.

Earlier this month, Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) unveiled the winning designs from a month-long contest that invited members of the public to come up with fresh artwork for its checkout cards.


News

More commercial development in Fairfax County could soon give way to housing after the Board of Supervisors approved that option for a pair of office properties in the Fair Oaks area.

The board voted unanimously at its Nov. 18 meeting to amend the county’s comprehensive plan and allow the Fair Oaks Business Park and nearby High Ridge office building to be redeveloped with more than 800 new homes.


Around Town

Starting tomorrow (Tuesday), Vienna residents will have to travel a bit further to satisfy their Wendy’s cravings.

The fast food chain’s store in the neighborhood, located at 411 Maple Ave East, is closing after wrapping up service at midnight today (Monday), an employee confirmed to FFXnow.


News

The federal government is now leveling its own criminal charge against the man accused of a recent murder in Reston.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia has charged 23-year-old Marvin Fernando Morales Ortez with possessing a firearm as someone who is “illegally” present in the U.S.


Event

Flowers, Fine Art & Fashion is an immersive cultural experience presented by People of The Garden LLC, where nature, creativity, and modest couture converge in a breathtaking indoor garden setting.

Guests will journey through a living landscape featuring dramatic floral installations, botanical art, and a one-of-a-kind rectangular runway designed around lush greenery and sculptural plantings. Throughout the evening, attendees will experience a curated runway presentation showcasing modest fashion designers, alongside original fine art, artisan vendors, and interactive floral experiences.


News

Workers at two more Starbucks in Fairfax County could unionize, as a labor strike continues in response to stalled contract negotiations.

Petitions for union elections were filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) last Tuesday (Dec. 23) by 14 employees at the Plaza America cafe in Reston (11610-A Plaza America Drive) and 17 at the location at 1438 Chain Bridge Road in McLean.


News

The Democratic Party’s nominee for a deep-blue House of Delegates seat in southeast Fairfax County was determined yesterday (Sunday) by a mere 54 votes.

Ultimately, it was United Community Board of Directors chair Garrett McGuire who claimed victory in Sunday’s firehouse primary, narrowly besting veteran teacher Joy McManus in the race to succeed Mark Sickles as delegate in the 17th House District.


News

An instructional assistant at Annandale High School is facing criminal charges after allegedly assaulting a student earlier this month.

A school resource officer was notified on Dec. 19 that Jaime Gerardo Gallo Pacheco, a 33-year-old Annandale resident, had reportedly physically assaulted a student earlier that day, the Fairfax County Police Department says.


Countywide
Tables and chairs set up on the outdoor patio at the Shops at Avenir Place (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

FBI Building Reportedly Closing — “After 50 years as the FBI’s main headquarters, the J. Edgar Hoover Building in D.C. is closing permanently, Director Kash Patel announced Friday … He didn’t state the exact date the building will close and when FBI employees will move into its new offices.” The closure would mark the end of a building that has been called one of the world’s ugliest. [WTOP]

Slime Museum Circles Tysons Location — Building alteration plans recently filed with Fairfax County “call for the buildout of a two-level space near the Nordstrom [at Tysons Corner Center] for the Sloomoo Institute, an ‘experiential slime children’s museum’ with locations in major metros across the United States.” A spokesperson says Sloomoo hasn’t yet signed a lease but “hopes to open in the area ‘soon.'” [Washington Business Journal]

Bills Planned to Support Emergency Managers — State lawmakers are planning to bring back bills to fund emergency management programs and personnel across Virginia after the legislation died in committee during the General Assembly’s 2025 session. “That lack of staffing has led emergency management to become more reactive rather than proactive, according to emergency management personnel, in areas across the state that lack full-time, dedicated emergency managers.” [Cardinal News]

Senator Warner Reflects on 2025 Work — “Reflecting on 2025, Virginia Sen. Mark Warner said he and his office helped tens of thousands of people across the state with individual requests, while criticizing cuts at federal agencies and the law enforcement surge in D.C.” [WTOP]

Post-Holiday Recycling Tips — “It’s always a wonderful time to recycle, especially during the holidays when there are usually more items to consider … The guide below will help you navigate all of the opportunities to recycle this holiday season.” Live trees will be picked up by collectors starting in early January, though they can also be disposed of at the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill to be turned into free mulch. [Fairfax County Government]

Vienna Hosts LOVE Sign — “The Town of Vienna will be host to Virginia’s LOVE sign from December 29, 2025 to Jan 5, 2026. It will be located at the Memorial Fountain area at the Town Green on Maple Avenue. Stop by any time to take photographs of the LOVE sign! Please share your photos on social media using the hashtag #LoveVA and #Vienna250.” [Historic Vienna]

First Hike Photo Contest to Return — “New Year’s Day in Fairfax County means it’s time for the Park Authority’s annual First Hike Photo Contest. To participate, visit any FCPA trail on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, take a photo, and submit it online before Friday, Jan. 2. The photo link will be posted here by 7 a.m. on Jan. 1.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Monday — Showers are likely before 10am, followed by cloudy conditions that will gradually clear up. Temperatures will peak at 58°F around 11am, but will then drop to around 41°F. Expect windy conditions. There is a 50% chance of precipitation. Tonight, partly cloudy skies and a low of 27°F can be anticipated. [NWS]


Around Town

Good Friday 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 26, 2025.

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  • UPDATED: Body found in Fairfax County Parkway median, closing road (29965 views)
  • Man in Fairfax County Parkway median was killed in crash, police confirm (17671 views)
  • Indoor golf club and cafe swings for spring opening in Merrifield (7233 views)
  • Overhaul proposed for 51-year-old gas station in Franconia (4372 views)
  • Fairfax County to close offices, reduce services for Christmas 2025 (3044 views)
  • Temporary padel courts approved for office parking lot in Tysons (2946 views)
  • Reston Association disbands land use advisory committee in tense vote (3486 views)
  • Special election gives Republican new shot at David Bulova’s delegate seat (2488 views)
  • Delayed data shows jump in Fairfax joblessness, as region’s federal workforce shrinks (2362 views)
  • With condos under construction, new MetroWest developer seeks revisions to apartment plan (2212 views)
  • Former South Lakes football star gives back with Christmas donation drive (1900 views)
  • 📅 Upcoming events

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

    Here are the events planned for Sunday:

    🌤️ Saturday’s forecast

    Expect a partly sunny day with a high of 42 degrees, accompanied by an 8 to 10 mph north wind. The evening will be mostly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to around 31 degrees. A 5 mph northeast wind will become calm as the night progresses. 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. 👋