Countywide

Hayfield Secondary School has withdrawn its football team from playoff contention, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid announced tonight (Monday).

According to Reid, the decision was made by Hayfield principal Darin Thompson as questions continue to mount about the recruiting practices used by head coach Darryl Overton and his staff and how FCPS has responded to the allegations.


Around Town

McLean’s Holiday Homes Tour is coming back.

The previously annual fundraiser organzied by the Women’s Club of McLean will return on Dec. 5, inviting community members to visit local houses decked out for the winter holidays for the first time since 2019.


News

Reston Association members will once again see an uptick in the annual assessment that they pay for the services and facilities provided by the homeowners’ organization.

The RA Board of Directors voted at its meeting on Thursday (Nov. 21) to adopt a $23 million budget for 2025 and implement a $848 assessment fee — a $31 or 3.8% increase from the current rate of $817, according to a memo from RA staff to the board.


News

As a whole, the office market in Tysons remains challenged, but declining demand for office space, a national trend in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, is hitting some properties harder than others.

The area’s office vacancy rate continues to climb, reaching 22% as of Sept. 30, up from 19% at the same time in 2023 and 14% in mid-2020, according to data from the Tysons Community Alliance’s (TCA) inaugural Tysons Quarterly Market Report.


Event

Local author and Fairfax County Public Library librarian Luis D. Aponte invites parents and community leaders to an empowering discussion inspired by his book “A Safe Place: How to Prevent the Next School Shooting.” Drawing on seven years of research into more than 1,200 U.S. school shooting incidents, he shares practical, nonpartisan, research‑based steps families and schools can use to strengthen safety and emotional well‑being. Discover hopeful, community‑building solutions that help every child feel supported and able to thrive. Attendees receive two free ebooks, with a paperback signing to follow.

Adults. No registration required. Free event. For more information, visit ASafePlaceBook.com.


Countywide

Riders on Metro’s Silver Line and other lines serving Fairfax County could see a number of service improvements coming down the track.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s board of directors got a first look at the transit agency’s fiscal year 2026 budget conditions and, if funding allows, potential service improvements at a meeting of its finance and capital committee last Thursday (Nov. 21).


News

Fairfax County police believe speeding and alcohol both contributed to a crash on Fairfax County Parkway in Reston that killed a woman over the weekend.

Officers and medical personnel were dispatched to northbound Fairfax County Parkway over Elden Street around 2:40 a.m. on Saturday (Nov. 23) for the single-vehicle crash.


Countywide
A colorful fall morning at Lake Newport in Reston (photo by Terry Baranski)

Two Injured in Annandale Apartment Fire — “Two people were injured in a three-alarm fire that started at about 2 a.m. on Nov. 23 in a garden-style apartment building in the 4900 block of Americana Drive … Two occupants were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.” [Annandale Today]

Hybla Valley Popeyes Damaged by Fire — “Fairfax County firefighters responded to a fire shortly after 1 p.m. on Nov. 23 at Popeyes restaurant at Mount Vernon Crossroads shopping plaza in Hybla Valley.” The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but no injuries were reported. The restaurant has closed until further notice. [On the MoVe]

No Charges Against Officers in Fatal Penn Daw Shooting — Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano announced that no criminal charges will be pursued against the police officers involved in last year’s fatal shooting of Brandon Lemagne outside a McDonald’s in Penn Daw. The May 11, 2023 shooting followed a struggle where Lemagne was reportedly able to take a gun from one of the officers. [WUSA9]

Herndon Apartment Residents Report Mold — After experiencing an asthma attack, Cody Segraves investigated the HVAC unit at his home in the Trellis Herndon Apartments and “discovered what he suspected to be mold … Other residents of the Herndon, Virginia, complex said they’ve uncovered something similar in their units. But when the issue gets raised to building management, Segraves said it’s ignored.” [WTOP]

Popular Lorton Restaurant Appears to Have Closed — “The Hometown Grill and Bar, a popular dining establishment that opened in late 2021 at Lorton Station Town Center, has been closed for several days, according to multiple reports from community members. A ‘Closed’ sign appears at the restaurant entrance at 9000 Lorton Station Boulevard, #N, and the restaurant’s Facebook page is no longer active.” [On the MoVe]

State Legislators Consider Response to Student Protests — “House lawmakers studying how some of Virginia’s universities handle campus protests and free speech policies faced criticism Wednesday after arranging a hearing that some in attendance felt leaned heavily toward institutional and pro-Israeli perspectives.” [Virginia Mercury]

McLean Mansion Bought by Private Equity Leader — “A senior managing director with Vista Equity Partners manages Eagles Perch LLC, which paid $25.5 million cash on Oct. 31 for The Cliffs in McLean, according to Virginia records.” The sale of the 33,000-square-foot mansion was the priciest in the D.C. area so far this year and among the top five for the region ever. [Washington Business Journal]

It’s Monday — Expect sunny skies and a high near 59, with calm winds turning south at around 6 mph later in the afternoon. As for Monday night, there’s a 50% chance of showers after 1am, accompanied by mostly cloudy conditions and a low of around 49. South winds will persist at 5 to 8 mph. [NWS]


Sports

A football season that began in potential turmoil quickly steadied and became a winning campaign of consistency for the Langley Saxons.

The high-school team finished 9-3, reached the semifinals of the 6D North Region tournament playoffs as the No. 3 seed and tied for second in the Liberty District.


Sports

One thing remains constant about this season’s 6D North Region tournament-championship football game. The Madison Warhawks will be playing in the high-school contest for a fifth straight year.

Four-time defending champion, top seed and undefeated Madison (12-0) also will be hosting that clash for the fifth time in a row in Vienna, with kickoff slated for Saturday (Nov. 30) at 1 p.m.