Fairfax County Public Schools is set to allocate an additional $3.4 million to safety and security upgrades, drawing from surplus revenue identified in its mid-year budget review.
The funding includes $1.5 million from a class-action settlement with Juul, as well as higher-than-expected sales tax revenue and tuition payments from the City of Fairfax.
A right-wing group’s lawsuit challenging Fairfax County Public Schools policies designed to be inclusive of transgender and other gender non-conforming students will be allowed to move forward.
Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge Brett A. Kassabian issued an order last Friday (Dec. 6) mostly overruling an attempt by the Fairfax County School Board to dismiss the civil suit, which argues that policies requiring students to be identified and treated based on their gender identity violate the rights of students who don’t want to follow those policies.
A Fairfax County School Board member’s desire to affirm the defined rights of student journalists in the wake of the Hayfield Secondary School athlete-transfer uproar died on a 9-3 vote at the Dec. 5 board meeting.
At-large board member Ryan McElveen introduced the measure as part of a broader discussion of the Hayfield athletics matter. He said it was in reaction to allegations, which have not been independently confirmed, of student journalists at Hayfield having their work on the issue censored.
Great Falls Park has resolved to stop accepting cash as payment for its entry fees in the new year.
The National Park Service announced yesterday (Monday) that it will require visitors to the park at 9200 Old Dominion Drive to pay their entrance fees with a credit or debit card or by electronic means starting on Jan. 1, 2025.
Preliminary work for future bus rapid transit service from Tysons to Alexandria along the Route 7 corridor is taking another step forward.
The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) voted on Thursday (Dec. 5) to send out a request for proposals to firms interested in studying the easternmost leg of the corridor from Seven Corners to Alexandria.
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]
Fifteen options are now on the table, as regional and state leaders mull ways to establish dedicated funding for Northern Virginia transit operations.
A full range of funding options for Metro and other public transportation systems was presented to the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) on Thursday (Dec. 5), including new taxes and fees.
Fairfax County School Board members and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid took formal steps last week to address the alleged athletic recruiting irregularities at Hayfield Secondary School that have roiled the entire community.
At the school board meeting on Thursday (Dec. 5), Reid offered her first public mea culpa for the crisis of confidence in Fairfax County Public Schools leadership sparked by its handling of the controversy around Hayfield’s football program.
Free photos with Santa and holiday fun for all ages.
Celebrate Fairfax invites you to join the 4th Annual Winter Market at The PARC at Tysons (8508 Leesburg Pike) on Saturday, December 14, from 12-5 p.m.!
Step into a winter wonderland filled with festive holiday spirit and discover unique gifts from 20+ local makers, artisans, and crafters. The Winter Market offers an array of family-friendly activities, local performances, and creative inspiration to make this holiday season truly memorable.
In addition to one-of-a-kind holiday shopping, guests can enjoy free photos with Santa, making it a special day for families and kids of all ages.
Be sure to stay for the much anticipated reveal of the People’s Choice winner from the Create-Inspire-Empower Art Exhibit, with this event marking the last chance to view over 200 incredible art pieces.
Celebrate Fairfax is thrilled to bring this community together for a day of free, festive fun. Join us for a joyful celebration and make new holiday memories at The PARC at Tysons!
For more information, visit Celebrate Fairfax Presents Winter Market 2024.
Inova Health System will soon expand its Reston footprint with a new medical office at Reston Station.
Inova 360° Concierge Medicine, the nonprofit healthcare system’s subscription-based primary care program, has signed a lease for 4,505 square feet at 1880 Reston Row Plaza, a 10-story office building now under construction near the Wiehle Metro station, Reston Station developer Comstock announced last week.
