Illuminated snowmen decorations surround a small green space at Capital One Center in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Holidays Bring Uptick in Respiratory Illnesses — Dr. Katherine Cox-Flaherty, a pulmonologist with Inova, says the flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses tend to increase around the holiday season. This year has been no exception, but the uptick in circulating viruses is currently “around par for the course for wintertime.” [WTOP]

Arrest Made in Recent ABC Store Thefts — A 38-year-old man from Alexandria has been charged with petit larceny in connection to six thefts at Virginia ABC stores reported on Dec. 13 and 14. Police say they’re still looking for more suspects in a string of thefts where individuals were seen “concealing bottles of high-end tequila and cognac in coats and bags.” [FCPD]

Connolly Wins Bid for Key Committee Role — House Democrats chose Rep. Gerry Connolly to serve as their top member on the House Oversight Committee over New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, favoring experience over calls for fresh leadership after a tough general election. “Connolly had unsuccessfully run for the Oversight role twice before. He was facing concerns from colleagues over his recent cancer diagnosis.” [Associated Press]

Contractor Opens Reston Headquarters — The aerospace and defense contractor V2X announced on Monday (Dec. 16) that it has opened its new corporate headquarters at 1875 Campus Common Drive in Reston. “This strategic move aligns with V2X’s commitment to innovation and operational excellence in support of national security, defense, and mission readiness worldwide.” [V2X Inc.]

Annandale Renter Fights Eviction — “Fairmont Gardens tenant Zahid Khan says he’s being evicted because he filed a complaint with Fairfax County about the unsanitary and unsafe conditions at the Annandale apartment complex. He’s fighting the eviction in court.” [Annandale Today]

New Annandale Sports Bar Offers Korean Fusion Dishes — The name of JMT Kitchen + Bar comes from a Korean saying that roughly translates to “just my taste,” says owner Jin-Gak Bae, whose family also owns Han Gang. “Anyone who heads to the Annandale building that shares space with A&J Restaurant and Kozy Ramen & Bar will realize that this statement is no exaggeration.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Longtime Tysons Santa Answers Questions — “Mike Graham has been Santa for 40 years now, long enough to long outlast the shops around him at Tysons Corner Center. Long enough for the kids who once perched on his lap to grow up and bring kids of their own, to build the kind of loyalty that leads families to jet in each year just to see him from Michigan, Texas, California.” [Fairfax Machine]

Truck Ban Approved for Two Lorton Streets — The Virginia Department of Transportation has “signed off on a ban on through truck traffic on Gunston Cove Road and Lorton Market Street between Richmond Highway and Lorton Road.” Signage alerting drivers to the change was recently installed by VDOT, not the Fairfax County Department of Transportation as initially reported. [On the MoVe]

It’s Wednesday — Expect rain to begin around 9am, with a high of 53 degrees and mild southeast winds at 6 mph. By night, rain will likely continue until 1am, cooling to a low of 36 degrees. Precipitation chances are 80%, with an additional tenth to a quarter inch of rainfall possible. [NWS]


A sign warns people to keep off a power lines tower by the W&OD Trail in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Metro Plans Holiday Rail Closures — “If you’re planning on taking Metro over the holiday season, you might want to plan ahead for some scheduled track construction that could cause delays. Metro will close several stations on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines starting Friday, Dec. 20.” [WTOP]

Gov. Proposes Ending State Taxes on Tips — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin says eliminating state taxes on tipped employees will be a “foundational piece” of his proposed budget. The move could provide tax relief to “an estimated 250,000 people working in food service and hospitality,” but some worry it will lead employers to shift “more of a worker’s compensation to tips rather than wages.” [Virginia Mercury]

Vienna to Allow Accessory Living Units — The Vienna Town Council signaled on Dec. 9 that it will adopt a measure to allow accessory living units for the first time “in areas zoned for single-unit detached homes, which are RS-16, RS-12.5 and RS-10. Accessory living units may often be referred to as in-law suite or granny suite, as they may accommodate relatives, caregivers and sometimes renters.” [Patch]

Panel Highlights Route 1 Development Potential — Developers recently got an update on revitalization efforts and opportunities in the Richmond Highway corridor. “The ‘Spotlight on Richmond Highway’ event, held Dec. 10 at the Belle Haven Country Club, was the first time since 2016 that the corridor was highlighted for members of NAIOP Northern Virginia.” [On the MoVe]

Boutique Gift Shop Opens in Vienna — “Nutcrackers, gingerbread houses, and sweet pink Christmas trees are nestled amid jewelry, stuffed animals, and cozy winter hats in Vienna’s new boutique gift shop, Cherry Lane. Sarah Randall opened her shop at 115 Church St. NW just in time for the holidays, following a year of preparation.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Bitcoin-Happy Tysons Company to Join Nasdaq — “MicroStrategy shares briefly surged on Monday before faltering to end nearly unchanged, after the software company and bitcoin stockpiler was selected to join the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 index, further brightening the prospects of the stock.” [Reuters/Yahoo Finance]

County to Consider New Sites for Land Use Changes Next Year — “The nomination process for site-specific plan amendments to Fairfax County’s Comprehensive Plan will start Jan. 13 and run through Feb. 13. The Comprehensive Plan is the guiding document for land use and development decisions and sets forth the community’s vision for the future.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Tuesday — Patchy fog will make way for an initially cloudy morning that will turn sunny with a high around 62. Southwest winds at 6-9 mph shift to the northwest in the afternoon. At night, the sky will be partly cloudy, and the temperature will drop to around 37. [NWS]


The 2024 Herndon WinterMarkt draws a crowd (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Two Injured in Two-Alarm Apartment Fire — A two-alarm fire at a “garden-style” apartment building in the 4200 block of Buckman Road in Woodlawn yesterday (Sunday) led to a civilian and a firefighter being taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. “Units arrived to fire showing from the lower level of the 3-story building. Firefighters rescued multiple people.” [FCFRD/Facebook]

Oakton Condo Residents Report Drone Sightings — “Groups of drones seen flying around the suburbs of Washington, D.C., in recent days are leaving many people perplexed and wondering what — if anything — they should do. Residents of the Hawthorne Village Condominiums in Fairfax, Virginia, say drones began flying nearby about 8 p.m. and stuck around for a few hours.” [NBC4]

Reston Office Buildings Get New Owner — “Bernstein Management Corp. purchased Reston Crossing, a 334K SF property next to the Dulles Toll Road, for an undisclosed price, it announced this week. The two-property complex is 54% leased, it said.” Seller “Tishman Speyer had been planning to redevelop the 14-acre site next to the Silver Line since January 2018.” [Bisnow]

Gun Confiscated at Dulles Airport — “Authorities at Washington Dulles International Airport intercepted the 26th firearm of the year, breaking the record for most guns TSA has detected in a single year, according to the Transportation Security Administration. The previous record of 25 was set in 2022.” [Patch]

Korean BBQ Restaurant Opens in Fairfax City — “Chosun Hwaro, a Korean barbecue restaurant that first opened in Ellicott City, Maryland, is coming to Fairfax City. The restaurant began its soft opening … December 12. The new location is at 10790 Fairgrounds Dr. in the new Boulevard VI development.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Falls Church Movie Theater Anticipates Spring Launch — “The seven-screen Paragon Theaters will be located at 112 Founders Row in a mixed-use building with multifamily housing, restaurants, and underground parking. Jared Comess, a vice president at Paragon Entertainment Holdings LLC, anticipates it will open the first week of May with several special events.” [Annandale Today]

New Cafe Serves Tea and Pastries in Falls Church — “A cozy cafe serving Japanese matcha and French pastries opened its doors last month in Falls Church. Offerings at Midori Tea House include sparkling fruit drinks, hot tea, petite desserts — and of course, the cafe’s specialty, matcha.” [ARLnow]

It’s Monday — The day will be cloudy with a high near 50 and a 40% chance of rain, along with possible patchy fog before 10am. Cloudy conditions continue in the evening with a low around 48, and south wind at 7-13 mph. The chances of precipitation are 40% in the day and 60% at night. [NWS]


Tysons Central office building can be seen behind Shake Shack at Pike 7 Plaza (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Reston Native Engaged to Selena Gomez — “While Gomez, a global superstar, and [Benny] Blanco, a chart-topping producer, have captured worldwide attention, it’s Blanco’s Northern Virginia roots that make this romance even more special for NoVA fans.” Born in Reston, Blanco attended Langston Hughes Middle School and South Lakes High School. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Fairfax City Police Chief to Retire — “Erin Schaible announced on Thursday that she was retiring as the chief of police for the City of Fairfax Police Department. Schaible was hired as Fairfax City’s first female chief in January 2019.” The news came after the Fairfax City Council voted to terminate City Manager Laszlo Palko on Tuesday (Dec. 10), but a police spokesperson says the timing is coincidental. [Patch]

Boundary Adjustment Considered for Lincolnia School — “The Parklawn Elementary School community came together Dec. 11 to hear Fairfax County Public School’s plans for a boundary study to relieve overcrowding … The Parklawn boundary study is separate from the ongoing FCPS district-wide boundary study, which is looking at all county schools.” [Annandale Today]

Park Authority Releases Call for Farmers’ Market Vendors — “Calling all local farmers and food producers! Applications are now open for food producers to participate in the wildly popular Fairfax County Park Authority Farmers Markets in 2025. If you’re passionate about what you grow or make, this is your chance to share it with the community!” [FCPA]

Police Station Hosts Winter Clothing Donation Drive — “The Fair Oaks District Station is hosting a Winter Coat, Hat, and Glove Drive to support local children in need this winter season. [The] drive ends: Saturday, Jan. 4. Your donations will make a huge difference by keeping kids in our community warm throughout the colder months.” [Fairfax County Government/Twitter]

Pricey McLean Mansions Land Buyers — A 16,000-square-foot home at 1113 Langley Lane with “an indoor sports court that doubles as an entertainment pavilion” has a buyer who’s expected to pay over $11 million. Another mansion in the Langley Farms neighborhood — a 14,000-square-foot house at 1150 Chain Bridge Road with a sauna, tea house and outdoor koi pond — is also now under contract after being listed for over $22 million. [Washington Business Journal]

Where to See Christmas Lights in N. Va. — “Looking for the best and brightest neighborhood Christmas lights? Check out our annual list of some of Northern Virginia’s most popular neighborhood holiday light displays, plus a few professional twinkling winter wonderlands.” [Inside NoVA]

It’s Friday — Expect mostly sunny skies during the day with a high temperature close to 41°F and a gentle breeze from the northeast. Heading into Friday night, the skies will turn mostly cloudy with temperatures dipping to about 28°F, accompanied by a 6 mph northeast wind. [NWS]


An exit sign on I-495 near Annandale (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

How N. Va. Has Changed Over Six Decades — “Any time a group of Northern Virginians get together, there’s a good chance the conversation will turn to how much the area has changed since they’ve been living here … A look back at the last 60-plus years shows the remarkable speed of the region’s transformation.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Falls Church Senior Living Complex Begins Construction — “A forthcoming senior living development with 215 apartments has broken ground in Falls Church. The Reserve — part of the expansive West Falls development project — will offer both independent living and assisted living, as well as memory care, through operator Experience Senior Living.” [ARLnow]

Metro to Reintroduce Automated Trains — “For the first time in 15 years, a computer instead of a human will be the primary controller of riders’ Metro trains. The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) — which oversees and enforces safety practices on the D.C. area’s Metrorail system — gave Metro the final approval to switch to an automatic train operation (ATO) system at a meeting Tuesday.” [NBC4]

Hot Chicken Restaurant Nears Grand Opening — The Red Bird will celebrate the grand opening of its Bailey’s Crossroads location this Saturday (Dec 14) from noon to 4 p.m. “We will have the music bumping with a Live DJ and food flowing! Get your free sandwich or bowl ticket by following this post and tagging one friend and then check your DM! Free hats, shirts and merch until out!” [The Red Bird/Instagram]

Wiehle Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Celebrated — Officials and community members gathered yesterday (Wednesday) for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Washington & Old Dominion Trail pedestrian bridge over Wiehle Avenue in Reston. Remaining construction on Wiehle is expected to wrap up next spring. [FCDOT]

Fairfax City Awards Grants to Nonprofits — “The City of Fairfax has awarded grants totaling $217,827 to eight nonprofit human services organizations through the city’s new nonprofit grant program.” The city allocated $300,000 in its budget to create the program, which offered mini-grants of up to $10,000 and standard grants of up to $50,000. [City of Fairfax]

D.C. Region’s Most Expensive Zip Codes Ranked — The ZIP code 21056 in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, is the most expensive in the D.C. region with a median home selling price near $3.4 million, according to an annual list from RealtyHop. Coming in second and third are 22066 (Great Falls) with a median sales price of $2.4 million and 22101 (McLean) with a median price of $2.2 million. [WTOP]

Artists Invited to Display Work in Annandale Businesses — “Local artists are invited to participate in the second round of Art in Daily Spaces, a project that transforms Annandale businesses into temporary art galleries. Art in Daily Spaces is organized by Community Art For Everyone (CAFE) with support from ArtsFairfax. Fifteen artists will be selected to display their works.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Thursday — Expect sunny skies and a high of 41 degrees, accompanied by a southwest wind blowing at 10-14 mph and gusts reaching up to 22 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear with a low of 26 degrees. The northwest wind at 6 mph will become calm during the evening. [NWS]


Reston Parkway approaching Sunset Hills Road in fog (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

One Injured in Fairfax Connector Electric Bus Crash — “Around 6:30 pm, #FCFRD responded to reports of a bus into a building in the 12000 blk of Government Center Parkway in the Fair Lakes area. Units arrived to find a bus crashed into a parking structure and on fire. The fire is under control. Firefighters contained the fire to the electric bus. One civilian was transported with non life-threatening injuries.” [FCFRD/Facebook]

Fairfax City Motel Demolished — “On Monday, an excavator began the demolition of the Hy-Way Motel at 9640 Fairfax Blvd. Expected to last two weeks, the demolition is the first step in the construction of a new permanent supportive housing facility by The Lamb Center and Wesley Housing.” [Patch]

ICYMI: Comstock Withdraws From Downtown Herndon Project — Town of Herndon officials shared last night (Tuesday) that developer Comstock has decided not to proceed with its long-stalled downtown redevelopment project. Staff said they still believe in the 5-acre site’s potential but “will take some time to evaluate” what to do next. [FFXnow]

Local Restaurants Voted Favorites in D.C. Area — Washingtonian’s 2024 poll of its readers’ favorite restaurants in the region is light on Fairfax County establishments, but Aslin Beer Company, which has a taproom in Herndon, came out on top for “favorite local beer restaurant.” Andy’s Pizza, which can be found in Tysons, also repeated as the no. 1 spot for pizza. [Washingtonian]

Electronics Stolen From Pohick Library — “On October 28, at 9:46 a.m., officers responded to the 6400 block of Sydenstricker Road in Burke for a burglary report. The complainant reported that multiple electronics were missing from the library. Officers reviewed surveillance footage and observed an unidentified man entering the library at 3:00 a.m. that morning.” [FCPD]

More FCPS Teachers Sticking Around — “Fairfax County Public Schools is retaining over 90% of teachers for the first time in four years, a promising sign that teachers may not be leaving the school division at the rate they were in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic … Special education retention rates are also showing positive trends, [Superintendent Michelle] Reid said.” [WTOP]

Metro Set to Revive Automated Train System — “Starting on the Red Line, trains will be spaced and timed based on computer rather than human operation. Officials say the switch could be made as soon as this Sunday … The savings, Metro says, could be used to open an hour earlier and stay open an hour later on the weekend.” [Washington Post]

Chantilly Bakery to Close PermanentlyFirehook Bakery has announced that it will close all three of its locations in Chantilly, Alexandria and Dupont Circle on Dec. 24 to focus on the “rapid growth and expansion” of its nationwide Firehook Cracker business. The bakery has been a “favorite among pastry lovers” since 1992. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Immigrant Advocates Brace for Trump Return — “Facing the threat of mass deportations, local immigrant rights groups are stepping up their rapid response activities to protect vulnerable community members.” Advocates discussed their plans for responding to president-elect Donald Trump’s threats “at a forum Dec. 6 in Annandale sponsored by the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Wednesday — Heavy rain and patchy fog are expected, with temperatures rising to 63°F by 10am. Winds will increase in the afternoon, gusting up to 33 mph. Total precipitation of 1-2 inches is possible. At night, there’s a 40% chance of rain before 10pm, followed by cloudy skies that will gradually clear with a low of 32°F. [NWS]


A deer stands next to a discarded pumpkin in Vienna (photo by Amy Woolsey)

Annandale Man Arrested on Child Porn Charges — “Fairfax County Police charged an Annandale man with multiple counts relating to the possession and production of child sexual abuse materials.” Police say the man was identified based on a tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about someone uploading sexual material involving children. [Annandale Today]

Shots Fired Near Fairfax City Apartments Under Investigation — “City of Fairfax Police are investigating a shooting incident that took place early Friday in the Fairfax Square neighborhood. Someone discharged a firearm around 4:10 a.m., in the 9900 Block of Fairfax Square, according to police. Investigators found casings and projectiles at the scene.” [Patch]

Annandale Condo Building Condemned After Fire — The Nov. 23 fire at the Talltree South Condominiums is still under investigation. “Because the fire investigators found asbestos in the building, the nine families who live there are prohibited from getting into their apartments to get their possessions. They haven’t been told when they’ll be able to move back — only that it could be six months to a year.” [Annandale Today]

McLean Man Runs Seven Marathons in a Week — A man from McLean recently “ran seven marathons on seven different continents in just seven days. Longtime marathon runner Frank Fumich started his adventure with a race in the frozen wasteland of Antarctica on Nov. 15 as part of The Great World Race.” [WTOP]

New Korean Restaurant Opens in Falls Church — “A new Korean steakhouse is now open in Falls Church, from the owners behind Honest Grill. Seoul Prime is an intimate, elegant dining experience with an emphasis on high-quality cuts of beef … The new restaurant is at 106 Founders Ave. in the Founders Row apartment complex.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Kids Fly to “North Pole” from Dulles Airport — “Early Saturday morning, a crowd of almost 100 kids was buzzing with excitement as they waited to board their ‘North Pole’-bound flight out of Dulles International Airport … The annual flight, which took off from Dulles for the first time 34 years ago in 1990, provides an incredible journey for children battling life-threatening illnesses, and their families.” [NBC4]

Local Firefighters Warn of Increase in Fires — Cooking-related fires are a common call for service at this time of the year, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Battalion Chief Matt Tamillow. “Tamillow told WUSA9 they also see an increase in fires caused by space heaters and fireplaces as the temperatures start to drop.” [WUSA9]

It’s Tuesday — Expect a slim chance of rain after 1pm, cloudy skies, and a high around 61 with calm winds picking up to 5-7 mph from the south later in the day; 20% probability of precipitation. Tuesday night brings rain, potentially heavy, a low of 55, south winds at 7-10 mph, and a 100% chance of precipitation; new rainfall may reach up to three quarters of an inch. [NWS]


Sunset over a parking garage near The Boro in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Guns Allegedly Found in Raided GMU Students’ Home — “Court documents, which do not publicly indicate a reason for the search, allege that authorities found guns and magazines inside the home — materials authorities say belonged to the father and brother of the George Mason students.” A lawyer for the family says claims the men posed a threat are “baseless and inflammatory,” and a judge denied Fairfax County prosecutors’ petition to bar them from having guns. [Washington Post]

Tysons Security Company in Demand After Health Care CEO Killing — “Since the shooting death of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the phones at Global Guardian have been ringing off the hook. The McLean-based company, which provides executive protection worldwide, has experienced a surge in demand for its services.” [WUSA9]

No Injuries From Centreville House Fire — “Just after 3:15pm [yesterday] #FairfaxsBravest responded to a reported outside fire in the 14000 blk of Coachway Drive in Centerville. As crews arrived on scene bystanders alerted the crew that the back of the house was on fire. Firefighters quickly went to work and were able to extinguish the fire preventing major exposure to the rest of the home.” [FCFRD/Instagram]

Bailey’s Crossroads Getting New Signage — “New gateway signage will be developed for the Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners Commercial Revitalization District. The idea is to create a sense of place and branding for the area and encourage redevelopment, says Mike Van Atta, president of the Crossroads + Corners Coalition (C3).” [Annandale Today]

Pilates Studio to Open at Mount Vernon Plaza — “The new pilates studio at Mount Vernon Plaza may be opening just in time for fulfilling some New Year’s resolutions. Club Pilates franchise owner Valyn Jenkins said they are hopeful about starting their soft opening Dec. 31, though it could be pushed to the following week.” [On the MoVe]

Tysons Consulting Firm Head Named CEO of the Year — The Washington Business Journal has named Booz Allen Hamilton CEO, chairman and president Horacio Rozanski its CEO of the Year for 2024. This year, the company “has seen double-digit revenue growth driven by increased government demand for services tied to cybersecurity, defense and the rapid advance of technology.” [WBJ]

Fairfax City Welcomes Veterinary Clinic — “Fairfax business leaders joined Mayor Catherine S. Read on Thursday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome Bond Vet to the city. The urgent care veterinary clinic opened its doors at Scout on the Circle in October.” [Patch]

It’s Monday — Expect rain primarily between 7am and 1pm, with a high temperature of around 52°F. There’s a 90% chance of precipitation, with new amounts ranging between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. As for Monday night, anticipate mostly cloudy conditions and a low temperature near 43°F. [NWS]


A display advertising the Winter Lantern Festival has been installed next to the longstanding “Tysons III” development signs off Route 123 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Metrobus Cracks Down on Fare Evasion — “Before the pandemic, about 25% of passengers didn’t pay when they got on a Metrobus, General Manager Randy Clarke said. But since then, about 70% haven’t been paying. In an effort to address that, the transit agency launched a targeted campaign this week, hoping that officer visibility and efforts will make customers think twice before avoiding the cost.” [WTOP]

Springfield Neighborhood Braces for Data Center Impacts — “As [Richard Andre Newman is] approaching 60, he’s considering selling his Fairfax County home and moving away. That’s because he’s getting a new neighbor: Plaza 500, a 466,000-square-foot data center and an adjacent electrical substation to be built a few hundred feet from townhomes, playgrounds and a community center.” [Associated Press]

Dominion to Expand Annandale Substation — “The Fairfax County Planning Commission on Dec. 4 approved the expansion and modernization of the Westcott Substation along the Holmes Run trail.” Dominion Energy says the upgraded station will better “manage additional energy demand, such as electric vehicle charging and storage of surplus energy generated by solar power cells.” [Annandale Today]

McLean Central Park Ribbon-Cutting Delayed — “Due to the extremely cold temperatures forecasted for Saturday, the planned ribbon cutting at McLean Central Park will be postponed until early Spring on a date to be determined. Stay tuned for updates and announcements on my social media pages.” [Supervisor Jimmy Bierman/Facebook]

Google Among Investors in McLean Finance Company — McLean-based Range has raised $28 million from Google seed fund Gradient Ventures and others “to help it bring artificial intelligence to the forefront of the wealth management industry.” The company’s custom AI-driven software could someday provide direct assistance to its 1,200 clients, who must earn at least $350,000 a year. [Washington Business Journal]

Annual Pancake Breakfast Returns to Turner Farm — “The Turner Farmhouse Foundation is hosting its annual pancake breakfast and open house on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9:30-11 a.m. Parking is available on site with volunteers able to assist. The event is open to the public at no cost.” [Fairfax County Park Authority]

Mount Vernon Trail to Get New Water Fountains — “Thanks to a grant the George Washington Memorial Parkway and Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail received from the National Park Foundation this past summer, seven new water fountains will be coming to the Mount Vernon Trail in 2025.” [On the MoVe]

It’s Friday — Expect sunny skies, a high of 37 and a northwest wind with gusts as high as 23 mph. During Friday night, the skies will be mostly clear, and temperatures will drop to a low around 24 degrees. [NWS]


Giant Christmas tree ornaments stand outside Angelika Film Center at the Mosaic District in Merrifield (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Police and FBI Raid GMU Students’ Home — “In the early morning hours of November 7, more than 12 police officers showed up outside at an address in Springfield, Virginia, knocked, broke down the door, and raided the family home of two Palestinian American students at George Mason University.” The students’ family believe they were targeted for their involvement in the advocacy group Students for Justice in Palestine, which was suspended by GMU on Nov. 12. [The Intercept]

Snow Possible in D.C. Region Today — “A winter weather system is expected to impact the National Capital Region on Thursday, Dec. 5. Currently, we are expecting a slight chance of light snow showers in the morning, with minimal accumulation anticipated.” A Wind Advisory will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

Suspect in Trump Campaign Office Burglary Arrested — “Police have arrested the man they suspect of burglarizing President-Elect Trump’s campaign office in the Northern Virginia suburbs four months ago in a break-in captured on camera, said a spokesman for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s office.” The man was arrested in California but also has a pending misdemeanor charge in Fairfax County. [Washington Post]

Review of Mount Vernon County Facilities Begins — “The master planning process has officially begun for how the Mount Vernon Governmental Center and other nearby Fairfax County-owned facilities might look five to 10 years from now. On Nov. 18, Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck met with a newly formed steering committee to provide initial information about the project.” [On the MoVe]

Little Beast to Open Falls Church Restaurant — “Known for its picture book-style art and Detroit-style pizza, Little Beast Cafe & Bistro plans on bringing a little whimsy to the ground floor of Broad & Washington (111 E. Broad Street) sometime next year.” The eatery previously had a Reston location that closed last December. [ARLnow]

Winter Wonderland Coming to Annandale — The Eileen Garnett Civic Space will host a Winter Wonderland Festival this Saturday, Dec. 7, one of many winter holiday events planned around Fairfax County. “There will be tree decorating and lighting, live music by the Annandale Terrace Elementary School’s 5th-grade chorus, hot cocoa and treats, and activities for children, including winter-themed crafts.” [Annandale Today]

Reston Steakhouse Plans Gingerbread Decorating Party — “Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse in Reston is throwing a gingerbread house party. Pastry chef Chris Works will be presenting a one-of-a-kind workshop for children of all ages on Sunday, Dec. 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.” [Patch]

It’s Thursday — Mostly cloudy skies will clear up gradually, leading to a high around 37 degrees and breezy conditions. Precipitation chances stand at 30%. Night will be mostly clear with a low near 29 degrees, accompanied by a west wind between 16 to 21 mph and gusts as high as 38 mph. [NWS]


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