News

A Maryland man will spend the next decade in federal prison for selling fentanyl to a buyer who was actually an undercover officer with the Fairfax County Police Department.

U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff sentenced Jahrulle Terrence Whyte t0 10 years or 120 months in prison yesterday (Thursday) after the 29-year-old Glen Burnie resident pleaded guilty earlier this year to distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl.


Drivers head east on Route 29 near Fair Oaks (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

McKay Worried About Trump’s Impact on Local Economy — “A second Trump presidency could have a devastating effect on the Fairfax County economy, Board of Supervisors Chair Jeffrey McKay warns.” He’s also concerned about potential cuts to federal health and housing programs, but says the county’s Trust Policy provides some protection for undocumented immigrants, as Trump promises mass deportations. [Annandale Today]

Man Gets Life in Prison for 2022 Shootings — Jordan Cochran was sentenced to life in prison yesterday (Thursday) after being “convicted in August of fatally shooting 18-year-old Kebbren Leigh-Gaye at a bus stop in the Hybla Valley area of Richmond Highway in a disagreement that began over a pair of shoes.” He then shot a man who declined to give him a ride, permanently blinding him. [Washington Post]

Uptick in Pneumonia Cases Reported — “D.C.-area urgent care centers are reporting a big uptick in ‘walking pneumonia’ cases … According to MedStar, which operates 33 urgent care centers in the D.C. region, it saw 1,758 cases this October — a 358% increase from the 391 cases seen in October of last year.” [WTOP]

Cybersecurity Firm Opens Tysons Office — Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Censys has signed a four-and-a-half-year lease for 4,471 square feet at 8260 Greensboro Drive in Tysons. Expected to have 20 workers, the new office is the company’s first in the D.C. area, bringing it closer to federal customers like the defense and homeland security departments. [Washington Business Journal]

Retired Firefighter With Cancer Honored by Friends — “On a pristine Saturday along Pohick Bay in Fairfax County, Va. a parking lot full of first responders and military dignitaries gathered in unison. They weren’t there for an emergency, but to honor a gifted colleague who was forced to retire after 25 years of service to focus on the fight of his life.” [WJLA]

Nonprofit Launches Annual Holiday Donation Drive — “Britepaths, a Fairfax-based nonprofit, is seeking donations from the community to provide holiday meals and gifts for children of Fairfax County area families in need. Last year, Britepath’s holiday program helped 265 children during the holiday season.” [Patch]

How N. Va. Private Schools Are Using A.I. — “Many independent K-12 schools are … forming policies and educational standards that aim to utilize AI’s potential benefits without compromising the quality of instruction students receive. Here’s how some members of NoVA’s private-school community are addressing AI now and for the future.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Lorton Neighborhood Working to Add EV Chargers — “This past summer, the Mount Vernon District registered its first participant in Charge Up Fairfax — the county’s program designed to help residents of community associations more easily access electric vehicle (EV) chargers.” The Shepherd Hills Homeowners Association hopes to have its charging stations in place next spring. [On the MoVe]

It’s Friday — With patchy fog clearing by 9am, the sky will transition from cloudy to mostly sunny, with temperatures reaching a high near 56 degrees. There is a 30% chance of precipitation. Night will be mostly clear, with a low temperature around 45 degrees. [NWS]


News

The Virginia Department of Transportation has a plan to improve safety along Walker Road in Great Falls, targeting persistent concerns with visibility, speed and overall road design.

The proposed changes — detailed in a safety assessment finalized in October — address high-risk areas identified by residents, who flagged specific trouble spots where conditions are particularly dangerous.


News

Efforts to upgrade bus service along the Route 7 corridor from Tysons to Alexandria continue to roll steadily forward, albeit with no recent headline-grabbing advances.

The $518 million initiative dubbed Envision Route 7 appears to be “moving along well,” Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) chair Matt de Ferranti said at the organization’s Nov. 7 meeting.


Countywide

Inova Fairfax Hospital plans to open the region’s first EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing) unit for those experiencing a mental health crisis.

The unit, which opens to patients Nov. 19, was created in response to community need for enhanced behavioral health services, Inova said in a news release.


As the holidays approach, homeowners begin their annual preparations — cleaning, decorating, meal planning, and organizing guest rooms. Amid all the excitement and planning, one key aspect often gets overlooked: the bathroom, particularly the toilet.

Whether it’s hosting a large family dinner or entertaining friends for holiday parties, the last thing any homeowner wants is an embarrassing plumbing problem such as leaking, clogging, slow filling, or visibly aging toilets. That’s where ToiletKing steps in with their fast and affordable process for replacing toilets in under an hour, ensuring homes are holiday ready from top to bottom.

In response to these potential problems, ToiletKing, a Virginia-based home service company founded in Loudoun County, is offering a unique solution — replacing homeowners’ toilets in under one hour. This service is designed to be both fast and affordable, addressing a range of common toilet issues that often arise at inconvenient times.

Addressing Common Toilet Problems Before the Holidays

During busy holiday gatherings, the bathroom, and particularly the toilet, is one of the most frequently used spaces in a home. Toilets that are aging, malfunctioning or have a weak flush can quickly become a source of stress. Some of the most common issues include:

  • Clogging: Frequent clogs are not only a nuisance but can also cause significant embarrassment when hosting guests.
  • Leaking: Toilets that leak water at the base or from the tank can lead to costly water damage and increased utility bills.
  • Running Toilets: Toilets that continuously run can waste gallons of water each day, driving up water bills and creating unnecessary noise.
  • Slow Refills: Toilets that take too long to refill after flushing can be frustrating and cause inconvenience during busy gatherings.
  • Cracked or Discolored Toilets: Toilets that are cracked or have visible yellowing due to age or hard water stains can diminish the overall appearance of a bathroom.

Replacing problematic toilets before the holidays is a proactive measure that can help avoid potential inconveniences for homeowners and their guests.

Fast and Efficient Service

ToiletKing has developed a process that allows them to replace toilets quickly and efficiently, completing the installation in less than one hour. This expedited service is designed to help homeowners avoid long waits or interruptions to their holiday plans.

Christos Karageorgos, Founder of ToiletKing, explains the company’s approach: “Our process focuses on streamlining the toilet replacement experience. We’ve structured our service so that we can replace any standard toilet within an hour and with precision, minimizing disruption to homeowners. We understand that during the holidays, time is of the essence, and we aim to make the process as quick and stress-free as possible.”

Affordability and Transparency

In addition to speed, ToiletKing emphasizes affordability and transparent pricing. The company aims to provide homeowners with an affordable solution for upgrading their toilets without compromising on the quality of service and materials. All pricing is provided upfront, with no hidden fees or unexpected costs, which can be especially important during a season when homeowners are often juggling multiple expenses.

The company’s competitive pricing, combined with a high level of expertise, has positioned them as a convenient option for those seeking to upgrade their toilets in preparation for holiday gatherings. The company’s service is designed to cater to both those who need last-minute solutions or who want to replace an aging toilet before it becomes a larger issue.

How ToiletKing’s Process Works

ToiletKing’s replacement process is simple: homeowners visit the website and select a toilet from one of the company’s four all-inclusive toilet replacement packages: Basic, Standard, Deluxe, or The Kings Throne. Each package, while varying in price, includes all the same excellent service: choice of toilet, delivery, professional installation, and responsible removal of your old toilet. The company also offers a range of bidets and an affordable extended service warranty for those customers who would like additional peace of mind.

ToiletKing offers a range of high-quality and high-performance brands such as Kohler, Toto, American Standard, and Swiss Madison that fit seamlessly into any bathroom style, ensuring functionality without sacrificing aesthetics. With ToiletKing’s affordable and efficient toilet replacement service, you can easily check one item off the list when it comes to preparing your home for the holidays.

Visit toiletkingva.com to see the company’s full selection of toilet models and bidets and purchase your new toilet today!


News

Herndon leaders indicated this week that they’re confident enough in the town’s financial reputation to put it on the line for the sake of Comstock’s long-awaited downtown redevelopment project.

As discussions continue on a new agreement with the developer that must be finalized by Dec. 10, the town is starting to hammer out a financing plan for the public portions of the project that could involve borrowing money through the issuance of municipal bonds.


Workers clean up the landscaping around a pedestrian bridge from Reston Town Center to Discovery Square (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

McLean Mansion Allegedly Bought with Stolen Money — “The way Nigerian authorities tell it, their country’s former national security adviser misappropriated more than $2 billion from his own government, routing some of it to a family friend — the man who bought the mansion in McLean. In the United States, according to Nigerian authorities, the man sought to launder the money in part by purchasing homes.” [Washington Post]

Congressman Arrested for Being Drunk at Dulles Airport — “House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul was detained by police at Dulles International Airport earlier this month in an incident that he described as ‘the result of a poor decision’ to mix Ambien and alcohol.” He has been charged with being drunk in public for the Nov. 4 incident. [Semafor]

Suspect Wanted in Armed Tysons Robbery — “On October 25, at 5:14 p.m., officers responded to the 2000 block of Chain Bridge Road in Tysons for a robbery call. The victim reported that a suspect entered the business with a firearm and demanded money. The suspect then fled out of the business with cash from the register and into a vehicle. The victim was not harmed.” [FCPD]

FCPS to Address Crowding at Lincolnia School — “Community meetings have been scheduled to discuss options for easing overcrowding at Parklawn Elementary School, Mason school board member Ricardy Anderson announced.” A virtual meeting is planned for Nov. 25, followed by an in-person forum on Dec. 11 in the school’s cafeteria. [Annandale Today]

Fairfax Connector Gives Riders Safety Lights — “Be Smart. Be Safe. Be Seen. We’re lighting up Fairfax County by providing bus and rail riders with safety lights. Our Fairfax Connector team handed out dozens at the Huntington Metro this evening.” [Fairfax Connector/Twitter]

Animal Shelter Seeks Owners of Found Pets — “Do you recognize these found pets? Please help us find their families by sharing this post!” The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is looking to get several dogs, a cat, two rabbits and one parakeet found around the county between Nov. 4 and 12 to their proper homes. [FCAS/Facebook]

Mediterranean Restaurant Lands in Falls Church — “Cafe Zevian, a Mediterranean concept by Adem Kaplan, will be located at the bottom of The Kensington senior living facility at 700 W. Broad Street … The new eatery will open in the former space of Famille, a French-inspired restaurant that closed in 2022. It’s scheduled to open for business by the end of the week.” [ARLnow]

FFXnow Has Joined Bluesky — While FFXnow isn’t joining outlets like NPR and The Guardian in fully leaving Twitter (at least for the time being), we’ve added Bluesky and Threads to our growing roster of active social media platforms, which also includes Facebook and Instagram. To keep up with all our stories, you can also sign up for our email newsletter.

It’s Thursday — Expect rain in the afternoon, with cloudy skies and a high of 52. Rain will continue until 4am, accompanied by patchy fog and a low of 45. The chance of precipitation increases from 70% to 90% at night, with potential amounts between a quarter and half an inch. [NWS]


Around Town

A new dog care business from a local couple has staked out territory in the developing expansion of Reston Town Center.

With construction expected to finish later this month, Molly’s Dog Care will officially open its doors at 11992 Inspiration Street on Dec. 8. The nearly 4,000-square-foot center will offer day care, boarding and grooming services to pups of all sizes and personalities, according to its website.


News

A nearly 3-mile stretch of the Washington & Old Dominion Trail has been out of commission this week, but pedestrians and bicyclists should be able to return soon.

Dominion Energy closed the trail from Mill Street NE in Vienna to Sandburg Street in Dunn Loring on Monday, Nov. 11 as part of its ongoing project to replace electric power lines between the Clark and Idylwood substations.


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