Countywide

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and KEVIN FREKING Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — As a partial government shutdown looms at week’s end, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has laid out a list of demands for the Department of Homeland Security, including an enforceable code of conduct for federal agents conducting immigration arrests and a requirement that they identify themselves to the public.


Around Town

Two Fairfax County community-theater organizations garnered a total of 34 nominations in the annual Washington Area Theatre Community Honors (WATCH) awards program.

Reston Community Players received 25 nominations, tying with Prince William Little Theatre for the most of any troupe, and Providence Players of Fairfax received nine.


Countywide

Lower-income Fairfax County residents rely more on their own vehicles to get to and from work, and are less likely to be able to telework throughout the week, than those at the top of the income spectrum.

Though not necessarily surprising, the data from the 164-page 2025 State of the Commute report recently issued by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) does have public policy implications.


Announcement

For many young families and seniors, everyday expenses continue to add up. Two locally owned Great Clips salons are helping make one routine expense a little easier.

Every Tuesday, seniors age 65+ and children age 10 and under can receive a haircut for just $17.99 at locally owned Great Clips locations in Fairfax City and Reston.


News

A wrongful death lawsuit against the former Fairfax County police officer who fatally shot Timothy Johnson outside Tysons Corner Center in February 2023 appears to be headed toward a settlement.

Fairfax County has agreed to pay Johnson’s mother, Melissa Johnson, $1.1 million to settle her claims against former Fairfax County Police Department Sgt. Wesley Shifflett, according to court documents.


Event

Join us on September 19, 2026 at 9:00 AM (Eastern Daylight Time) at 12000 Government Center Pkwy for Pender’s First Annual Angel Fund 5K!

This fun community event supports the Angel Fund at Pender Veterinary Centre, which helps pet owners in Northern Virginia cover unexpected veterinary costs when finances are tight. For over 50 years, Pender Veterinary Centre has been proud to care for pets and their families, and this 5K is all about bringing everyone together to celebrate that bond.


News

A citizens’ advisory panel is formally pressing for an outside consultant to be hired to analyze noise related to air traffic at Reagan National Airport.

But the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) appears disinclined to acquiesce to that request.


News

Four people were sent to the hospital today (Wednesday) due to injuries sustained in a West Springfield house fire.

The structure, located in the 7900 block of Jansen Court, appeared to go up in flames shortly after 7 a.m., the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department said.


Countywide

With the nation’s eyes on Minneapolis after residents Renee Good and Alex Pretti were fatally shot by federal agents this month, Democratic lawmakers have become increasingly critical of the Trump administration’s aggressive approach to immigration enforcement, with some calling for Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s impeachment.

In Richmond, state Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim is pushing three pieces of legislation that he says will keep “the chaos, lawlessness, and violence that we have seen perpetrated against Minnesotans from coming to Virginia.”


Around Town

Fairfax City is in the running to be ranked among the nation’s best small town arts scenes.

USA Today’s panel of independent editors nominated Fairfax for Best Small Town Arts Scene in its 10Best awards. There are 20 communities across the U.S. nominated in the category, including Abingdon in Southwest Virginia.


Countywide
Some cars are blocked in by snow piled up along Center Street in Vienna (photo by Amy Woolsey)

Former FCPD Officer Pardoned for Fatal Shooting — “Shortly before leaving office, Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin granted an absolute pardon to a former Fairfax County police officer who killed a man while on duty and was later convicted of reckless firearm handling.” Wesley Shifflett’s prison sentence for shooting Timothy Johnson in Tysons was previously commuted by Youngkin. With the pardon, his conviction will be erased. [VPM News]

Investigation of DCA Plane Crash Concludes — “After a yearlong investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board blamed multiple systemwide failures for the midair collision of an Army Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines regional jet that killed 67 people.” Among other issues, investigators say the FAA ignored warnings from air traffic controllers that helicopters and planes landing at Reagan National Airport lacked “adequate separation.” [NPR]

Guide to County’s Hypothermia Program — “We are still facing significant challenges with near record cold temperatures this week. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold can be deadly. Our Hypothermia Prevention Program is now active, designed to ensure that no one in our community is forced to sleep outside.” [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

Regional Restaurant Week Extended — “More Flavor. More Time. Winter #RestaurantWeek is officially EXTENDED through Feb 1. From signature 3-course lunches to can’t-miss dinners, the window is wide open. Follow the Flake: the icon marks participating restaurants.” [RAMW/X]

Helmer Settles Defamation Lawsuit — “Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, has reached a settlement with all parties in a defamation lawsuit he filed more than a year ago, ending a legal battle tied to sexual assault allegations that surfaced days before he finished second in a crowded June 2024 Democratic primary for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District.” [Virginia Mercury]

Behind the Scenes of FCPS Snow Days — “A week ago, as the threat of a major storm became realistic, the facilities team for Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia started holding meetings and getting contractors lined up.” Overseeing cleanup efforts from a snow command center at Woodson High School, FCPS leaders estimate that the response to Winter Storm Fern could cost about $1 million. [WTOP]

Reston Association Job Fair Coming — “Reston Association (RA) is gearing up for summer and inviting local job seekers to its Seasonal Job Fair, which will take place February 28 from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at RA Headquarters (12001 Sunrise Valley Drive).” Temporary positions will be available in aquatics, camps, tennis, maintenance and member services. [Reston Association]

A Look Inside Tysons Speakeasy — “Tysons got a taste of Tokyo last spring with the arrival of reservation-only Naisho Room atop the Watermark hotel. The sky-high speakeasy, which translates to ‘hidden’ in Japanese, is tucked inside the hotel’s gym.” [Eater DC]

It’s Wednesday — Expect increasing clouds and a high near 22, along with wind chill values dropping to -1, accompanied by a west wind blowing at 5 to 9 mph. Night will be partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to a low of 6 and wind chill values as low as -3. A calm wind will turn into a northwest breeze around 6 mph after midnight. [NWS]


Announcement

We love fall at Art House 7 and can’t wait for you to explore all our offerings. Painting, drawing, ceramics, and sewing/crocheting are our perennials, along with less traditional mediums. Kawaii Style Drawing and Digital Art are among our new classes for kids. We offer an excellent 6-week program for high schoolers preparing their college portfolios. Want something shorter? We have 3-week classes, including linocut notecards. Love ceramics? We have a dedicated studio that comfortably accommodates wheel and hand-building classes. 

Fall 1 Session begins Tue. Sep. 8.