More than 40% of homes across the D.C. region lost value over the past year, a new analysis found. But that doesn’t mean homeowners in Fairfax or surrounding areas are taking major losses on their properties.
Only 2.6% of D.C.-region home sales in the past year were listed for sale below the home’s previous sales price, according to data compiled by Zillow.
Fairfax County Public Schools officials are starting to close in on a name for the new high school expected to open in the Floris area south of Herndon next year.
The Fairfax County School Board will hold a public hearing at its meeting tonight (Thursday) to accept community feedback on potential names recommended earlier this month by FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid.
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McLean Sisters Fear Deportation — “Two sisters who were detained by border patrol agents while traveling back to the U.S. in early December fear they could be persecuted for their Christian faith if they are deported back to Iran, their pastor in Northern Virginia told News4.” An attorney representing the Motahari sisters says “they both have legal status, no criminal record and they had recently renewed their work permits until 2030.” [NBC4]
D.C. Region Sees Drop in Consumer Spending — “Consumers are spending less in the DMV — and D.C. is taking the biggest hit, according to a new Brookings report … The nonpartisan think tank says the administration’s policies have been “notably bad” for visitor spending — a big deal in a city where sales taxes make up nearly 17% of revenue.” [Axios DC]
Fairfax Therapy Startup Plans Expansion — Origin Therapy, which launched in August 2024 to help “speech, occupational and physical therapists launch and operate private practices,” has raised $2.6 million that it hopes to use to explore “other geographies and therapies where the need is also high.” The company has supported 19 therapy practices so far and is aiming to surpass 100 over the next year. [Washington Business Journal]
Cost-of-Living Concerns Pushed Voters Left — “Post-election research of Trump or third-party 2024 voters who flipped to Democrats in New Jersey and Virginia last month found that economic concerns were top of mind for these voters. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) and former Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) made cost-of-living the centerpiece of their campaign messaging, and it helped propel them to double-digit victories.” [Politico]
Restaurant Opens in Former Falls Church Motel — “Stratford Garden opened yesterday (Tuesday) at the long-vacant Stratford Motor Lodge at 300 W. Broad Street, abuzz with local officials including Falls Church Mayor Letty Hardi. The business, which promised a wide selection of beers and wines, offers a range of sandwiches, salads and pastas for brunch, lunch and dinner.” [ARLnow]
S’mores Hot Chocolate Creation Goes Viral — The Chantilly-based dessert cafe SoftSpot “is filling feeds and faces with their campfire-inspired concoction … The shop has flown through as many as 400 in a day, partner Neal Miglani tells Axios. And yes, ‘It’s as indulgent as it looks.'” [Axios DC]
Vienna Eatery Seeks Blood Drive Participants — Social Burger “is looking for residents to sign up for its blood drive on Dec. 23, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. All those who donate will get a free milkshake from Social Burger. The blood drive will benefit Inova Blood Donor Services and is being held in partnership with Somervilles Homes.” [Patch]
New Laws Coming in New Year — “Beginning January 1, 2026, a slate of new laws will kick into effect in Virginia. Here are some to be aware of,” including restrictions on telemarketing calls, a one-hour limit on social media for kids under 16, and increases to the minimum wage and unemployment benefits. [Northern Virginia Magazine]
It’s Thursday — Rain is likely after 4pm, with increasing clouds and a high near 54. There’s a 30% chance of precipitation. Night will see temperatures rise to around 55 by 3am. Rain is expected, with a 100% chance of precipitation and new rainfall amounts ranging between half and three-quarters of an inch. [NWS]
Good Wednesday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Dec 17, 2025.
Here is what’s going on Thursday throughout the county, from our event calendar.
Expect some rain after 4pm, with increasing clouds and a high around 48. The calm wind will pick up from the south at 5-8 mph in the morning, and there’s a 30% chance of precipitation. Rain will continue into Thursday night, with temperatures rising to 54 by 2am. The south wind will be stronger at 9-18 mph, with gusts up to 29 mph, and a 100% chance of precipitation. New rainfall amounts could reach between half to three-quarters of an inch. See more from Weather.gov.
The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.
*Mamistad Groups meet IN PERSON-only the introductory Zoom call is virtual. 🙂
Pregnancy and new mom groups are a lifesaver when it comes to normalizing those feelings we just can’t be prepared for.
All is bright for the Town of Vienna’s volunteer fire department headed into the thick of the holiday season.
A recent fundraising campaign organized to provide upkeep for Santa’s special sleigh — a 79-year-old antique fire engine — shattered the initial goal by more than $27,000, the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department announced last week.
Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) officials want to renovate three aging recreation centers, but with money tight, at least one project will have to be put on hold.
Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole told members of the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday (Dec. 16) that she is hopeful the full $60 million in funding needed for the Audrey Moore Rec Center will be included in the 2026 park bond sent to voters next November.
A man was fatally shot in south Reston this morning (Wednesday), prompting an extensive police search for another man believed to be the suspect.
Fairfax County police officers were dispatched to the 12300 block of Fan Shell Court in the Cocquina Cluster around 11:49 a.m. after a 911 caller reported that his mother had arrived at the house and found it to be “a mess,” suggesting a possible break-in, according to scanner traffic.
One recent customer of the Express Food Mart in Annandale is now a millionaire — at least before taxes kick in.
A lottery ticket sold by the convenience store at 4713 Backlick Road resulted in a $1 million prize for the not-yet-identified buyer, Virginia Lottery announced on Sunday (Dec. 14).
Like many local and state officials in Virginia, the Trump administration appears to be growing impatient with a perceived lack of progress by Maryland to replace the American Legion Memorial Bridge.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced last week (Dec. 9) that the Federal Highway Administration will seek feedback and proposals on ways to accelerate the delivery of a new bridge in the hopes of relieving congestion on the Capital Beltway (I-495/I-270).
