Around Town

A business hoping to offer the feel of a traditional golf course inside a Merrifield storefront is hoping to open next year.

NextVision Golf Club, which will offer indoor golf simulators, coaching, a cafe and more, anticipates a “late spring 2026 opening,” owner Sean Oh told FFXnow.


News

A familiar Republican face is seeking the 11th District seat in Virginia’s House of Delegates.

The GOP has named Adam Wise, a firearms instructor and self-defense teacher, as its nominee for next month’s special election — only two months after he was defeated by incumbent Democrat David Bulova in the November general election.


News

A growing sport is getting a temporary home in Tysons, bringing new life to a parking lot that’s been slated for redevelopment for more than a decade.

Earlier this month (Dec. 3), the Fairfax County Planning Commission unanimously approved a development plan amendment to allow six outdoor padel ball courts on surface parking for the Greensboro Park offices at 8200 Greensboro Drive.


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.


Countywide
A Christmas tree inside the National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Missing Herndon Man Found Dead — “The body of missing 79-year-old Leonard Thompson was found in Troutville, Va. on Saturday, ending a multi-day search for the Herndon man. Thompson had been missing since Monday, with Virginia State Police putting out a critically missing adult alert the following day.” [DC News Now]

Dozens Charged With Crimes in Fairfax City — “Fairfax City Police recently arrested an 18-year-old man and served nine juvenile suspects a combined total of 24 juvenile petitions in connection to a string of events that started at Fairfax High School’s homecoming football game on Oct. 17, according to authorities.” The incidents included disorderly conduct at the game, a McDonald’s robbery, a gun being discharged at a party and a theft at Wawa. [Patch]

South Run House Fire Under Investigation — “Firefighters in Fairfax County responded to a two-alarm house fire early Saturday morning in the South Run area. The blaze was reported around 4:48 a.m. in the 9300 block of Castle Hill Road, officials said … One resident was taken to the hospital for evaluation.” [WJLA]

New Advanced Academic Center Approved — “The Fairfax County School Board approved a motion on Dec. 18 to create a full-time Advanced Academic Program at Poe Middle School … A phasing option allows third through sixth-grade students currently attending the AAP Center at Canterbury Woods Elementary School to stay there through the sixth grade.” [Annandale Today]

Police Investigate Credit Card Skimmers — “Detectives from our Financial Crimes Unit, with the assistance of the United States Secret Service (USSS), conducted a countywide skimmer-detection operation at more than 100 locations across Fairfax County resulting in the recovery of 20 credit card skimming devices … Skimming devices were located at multiple convenience stores, discount stores, and grocery stores throughout Fairfax County and the Town of Herndon.” [FCPD]

Virginia Dems Highlight Affordability Agenda — “Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger and top Virginia Democrats are aiming to lower costs through programs with little impact on the state budget, they said in a press conference Thursday … Youngkin’s $72 billion budget proposal, released Wednesday, forecast more revenue for the state than predictions released by state legislators.” [VPM News]

Police Investigate Vienna Mailbox — The U.S. Postal Inspector’s Office and Fairfax County police investigated a Postal Service mailbox outside Navy Federal Credit Union’s Vienna branch on Thursday (Dec. 18) after a security officer reported hearing a suspicious noise. “As a precaution, the bank’s branch and the immediate surrounding outdoor area were evacuated. Once it was determined that the noise was coming from a safe device and there was no threat to the public, the bank branch was reopened.” [Vienna Police]

Change in FFXnow’s Newsletter — “ARLnow and its sister sites are about to embark on a significant change: switching to a new email service provider. After 16 years of delivering our daily newsletters from the same email provider we are switching to Beehiiv.” [ARLnow]

It’s Monday — The skies will gradually become cloudy, reaching a high temperature of around 44 degrees, accompanied by a light southwestern wind of about 6 mph during the afternoon. On Monday night, there is a 40% chance of rain and snow occurring from 1 am to 4 am, followed by a possibility of rain after 4 am. With an expected low of 35 degrees, the light south wind will intensify to 5-10 mph later in the evening. [NWS]


Event

Music. Art. Food. Community. The Takoma Park Folk Festival brings it all together for one free, unforgettable day. Discover six stages of live music from around the world, shop an acclaimed juried craft show, enjoy international cuisine, connect with local community organizations, and let the kids explore crafts and activities in the Children's Nook. It's one of the region's most beloved traditions, and a celebration of the creativity, diversity, and welcoming spirit that has long defined Takoma Park.

New this year! Jam at the Crossroads is a place for musicians of all levels to come together and be part of the music.


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 19, 2025.

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

  • UPDATED: Man fatally shot in Reston, suspect arrested after intense search (27753 views)
  • National security tech contractor moves N. Va. office to Reston (26899 views)
  • Dusting of snow delays opening of Fairfax County parks, school sites (14777 views)
  • JUST IN: Gretchen Bulova wins primary for husband’s Va. House seat (9928 views)
  • American Girl store set to close, relocate within Tysons Corner Center (9310 views)
  • Trump administration pushes for action on American Legion Bridge rebuild (8844 views)
  • Herndon site near future western high school deemed ‘suitable’ for data center (8055 views)
  • Fairfax County Park Authority rec centers may have to wait in line for upgrades (6581 views)
  • FCDOT proposes streets for testing reduced 20-mph speed limit (5699 views)
  • Lottery ticket sold in Annandale nets $1 million in winnings (4149 views)
  • UPDATED: Taxi driver killed, three injured in Richmond Highway crash (3912 views)
  • Public hearing to name FCPS’ new western high school set for tonight (3826 views)
  • Man dies after getting charged with DUI by Fairfax City police (3276 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 mostly sunny skies today, as the temperature reaches a high near 44. Morning wind is light and variable, but will shift to the south at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight, the skies will be partly cloudy, and the low will be around 36. South winds will be 9 to 13 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. 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. 👋


    News

    The newest graduates of George Mason University came from 38 states and 87 countries, overcoming obstacles and charting their own paths en route to commencement day.

    “You did it!” university president Gregory Washington exclaimed during the university-wide commencement ceremony, held Dec. 18 at EagleBank Arena.


    News

    If the Fairfax County School Board has its way, a new Braddock District representative will be in place by the end of the current academic year.

    In accordance with Virginia law, the remaining board members yesterday (Thursday) petitioned the Fairfax County Circuit Court to schedule the special election to replace Rachna Sizemore Heizer, who was elected earlier this month as the county’s new Braddock District supervisor.


    Around Town

    The Meadows Original Frozen Custard has at last completed its move from Ashburn to Reston.

    After some delays, the frozen desserts shop began serving customers in the South Lakes Village Shopping Center (11130-I South Lakes Drive) on Wednesday (Dec. 17) and will celebrate its grand opening tomorrow (Saturday).


    News

    By JOSHUA GOODMAN Associated Press

    MIAMI (AP) — A U.S. Army Reserve lawyer detailed as a federal immigration judge has been fired barely a month into the job after granting asylum at a high rate out of step with the Trump administration’s mass deportation goals, The Associated Press has learned.


    Announcement

    There’s something a little bit magical about picking up a foil for the first time — or drawing back a bow and watching your arrow fly true. It’s why fencing and archery have such a hold on kids and adults alike: real focus, real skill, and a thrill you don’t get from the usual sports lineup.

    This fall, Nova Fencing & Archery Club in Bailey’s Crossroads is opening registration for both, with beginner classes for every age starting the week of September 12th. Fencing welcomes ages 7 to 12 and teens and adults 13 and up. Explore Archery, coached by USA Archery certified instructors, welcomes ages 8 to 12 and meets Tuesdays or Saturdays. And for our youngest fencers, ages 4 to 6, ABC’s of Fencing meets on Saturdays. All classes run eight sessions for $195, equipment provided, no experience needed — yes, even for grown-ups who’ve never held a sword or a bow before.