FFXnow - Fairfax County, Va. local news

Expect a chance of showers after 3pm, cloudy skies, and a high near 69 with light east winds increasing to 5-8 mph in the morning; 20% chance of precipitation. For Saturday night, there’s a 70% chance of showers mainly after 2am, lows around 59, and a northeast wind at 7-13 mph, with gusts up to 21 mph; new precipitation amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch are possible. 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. 👋

Around Town

New veterinary ER in Chantilly lets owners stay with pets during treatment

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published October 10, 2025 at 3:45PM

Lila the dog sits with Dr. Samantha Storey, nursing trainer Jordan Jangel (left) and Dr. Kit Parkinson (middle, seated) at VEG ER for Pets in Chantilly (photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

A 24/7 pet emergency room that allows owners to stay with their furry and feathery friends through all stages of treatment opened its 114th location this week in Chantilly.

VEG ER for Pets, located at 5009 Westone Plaza, offers an open floor plan with no lobby, and immediate contact with the medical team. Owners are able to follow their pets throughout treatment and have the option to observe procedures such as surgeries. Overnight stays for hospitalizations are also offered at no additional charge.

A post from Schar School

Ready for the next step in your career? Explore graduate programs near D.C.

Published July 28, 2026 at 10:45AM

Advance Your Career. Explore Graduate Programs Near D.C.

Are you looking to make a real impact in government or public service? Advanced education can be the key, and it’s closer than you think.

The Schar School offers master’s degrees and graduate certificates designed to help students build expertise, advance their careers, and make an impact in their communities and professions. Located just minutes from Washington, D.C., the Schar School combines rigorous academics with access to the institutions, organizations, and networks shaping policy and public service today.

Students benefit from:

• Renowned faculty with academic and real-world experience
• Hands-on learning through applied research and policy simulations
• Connections to government, nonprofit, and private-sector organizations
• Access to one of the nation’s most dynamic professional environments

Graduate programs are available in areas including:

• Public Policy
• International Affairs
• Public Administration
• National Security and Defense
• Government and Public Management

Explore programs, connect with admissions, and discover the graduate pathway that’s right for you.

Explore Programs

News

Wolf Trap private school’s plan to expand grade levels finds support

By Nolan Stout

Published October 10, 2025 at 2:45PM

The entrance to Oakcrest School in Wolf Trap (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A private school in the Wolf Trap area is one step closer to expanding its services to younger students.

The Fairfax County Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval Wednesday (Oct. 8) of a special exception permit for Oakcrest School to expand its campus to add kindergarten through fifth-grade students.

Countywide

Fairfax County leaders to fight any state bills diluting local authority to regulate housing

By Scott McCaffrey

Published October 10, 2025 at 1:45PM

One University affordable housing development in Fairfax (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Fairfax County leaders appear ready to battle any efforts in the 2026 General Assembly session to strip powers of local government to regulate creation of new housing.

“We want affordable housing,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said, but the county’s lobbying efforts in Richmond would be focused on “making sure the General Assembly doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all” approach that erases local decision-making powers.

Event

First Baby? Connect with other New Moms! (Online)

August 8, 2026 11:00 am -12:00 pm

Online event (see link)

Website Contact Social

*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.

Countywide

White House begins firing federal workers amid shutdown, as Democrats call move ‘illegal’

By Associated Press and Angela Woolsey

Published October 10, 2025 at 1:15PM | Updated October 10, 2025 at 2:51PM

Russell Vought, Office of Management and Budget director, listens as he addresses members of the media outside the West Wing at the White House in Washington, Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House budget office said Friday that mass firings of federal workers have started in an attempt to exert more pressure on Democratic lawmakers as the government shutdown continues.

Russ Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, said on the social media site X that the “RIFs have begun,” referring to reduction-in-force plans aimed at reducing the size of the federal government.

Opinion

Poll: The best local shop in Fairfax County

By FFXnow.com

Published October 10, 2025 at 11:15AM

In and around Fairfax County, a variety of small business boutiques, vintage stores and gift shops can make for a fun afternoon of browsing.

Here are the nominees for “Best Local Shop in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. See your favorite store below? If not, write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24.

Voting for the Best Hardware Store in Fairfax is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Happy Hour in Fairfax. The results are now official:

P.J. Skidoos
Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern
Caboose Brewing

News

Man who punched Dulles Airport gate agent sentenced to prison, fined

By Jared Serre

Published October 10, 2025 at 10:00AM | Updated October 10, 2025 at 11:49AM

A United Airlines Express airplane taxis at Dulles International Airport (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A 54-year-old man who admitted to punching a gate agent at Dulles Airport earlier this year will spend two months in federal prison.

Yesterday (Thursday), U.S. District Court Judge Michael Nachmanoff also ordered Christopher Stuart Crittenden to pay $15,000 in restitution and a $5,000 fine as part of his sentence.

News

Hit-and-run in Seven Corners leaves motorcyclist hospitalized

By Jared Serre

Published October 10, 2025 at 9:15AM

Fairfax County police logo (file photo)

Fairfax County police are investigating a hit-and-run crash that happened in Seven Corners late last night (Thursday).

One man is in life-threatening condition after his motorcycle was struck by a “dark color SUV.” The SUV then fled the scene, the Fairfax County Police Department said.

News

Developer breaks ground on $100M data center building in Chantilly

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 10, 2025 at 8:30AM

A rendering of the upcoming Chantilly Premier data center (courtesy Penzance)

A new data center is coming online in Chantilly.

Developer Penzance announced yesterday (Thursday) that it recently broke ground and secured $100 million in financing for Chantilly Premier, a three-story data center facility that will occupy approximately 12 acres of land adjacent to the Chantilly Auto Park south of Route 50.