District Avenue in Merrifield’s Mosaic District mostly empty after rain and Sunday farmers’ market (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

ICE Agents Previously Seen in Chicago — “Unraveled has verified the agents in Molina’s videos were far from their usual base of operations. The team has been recorded inflicting violence on immigrants, protesters, and observers in the Chicago area since last summer, including outside the region’s ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois.” [Unraveled]

Police Seek Leads in 20-Year-Old Murders — “It has been 20 years since two women named Marion were killed 2 miles apart by the same person, Fairfax County, Virginia, police said. And the suspect has never been located. Police are asking for the public’s help in finding new information on who killed them.” Police say DNA testing confirmed that Marion Newman and Marion Marshall, both Springfield residents, were killed by the same person. [WTOP]

Grocer Bans Workers From Wearing Masks — “Employees at MOM’s Organic Market locations across Maryland are demanding answers after the Rockville-based grocery chain instituted a policy prohibiting them from wearing medical face masks on the job. According to an internal document reviewed by The Banner, the policy, which went into effect [on Aug. 10], is related to customer service.” [Baltimore Banner]

Dominion Requests Help With Fuel Costs — “Dominion Energy asked the State Corporation Commission for permission to recover an additional $922 million in fuel costs, citing extreme power demands during severe winter weather and a national rise in gas prices as reasons for the escalation beyond its original calculations.” [Virginia Mercury]

MedStar McLean Building Sold — The MedStar Health Medical Center at 1420 Beverly Road was sold last week by owner Stewart Investment Partners to Thomas Park “for an undisclosed price.” The 47,185-square-foot building is fully leased with MedStar Health occupying 85% of the space, and it was last renovated in 2022. [Citybiz]

Contractor Indicted for Fraud — “A former accounting contractor is accused of diverting nearly $2 million from a Falls Church software company by disguising payments to her personal bank account as legitimate vendor expenses, according to federal court records.” The woman was indicted on seven counts of wire fraud last Wednesday (Aug. 12) by a federal grand jury. [Patch]

Push for Tysons Convention Center Continues — “Tysons as the right environment for a convention center isn’t the question, [Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay] said; it’s whether the economics and partnership opportunities make it a good idea financially.” Tysons has been considered as an option for a “hotel/motel conference center” since the county’s 1984 comprehensive plan, but as the area develops, potential sites are dwindling. [Washington Business Journal]

Netflix Movie Has Local Origins — “Don’t Say Good Luck,” starring Adam Sandler’s daughter, Sunny Sandler, “was inspired by the co-screenwriter and D.C. native Laura Hankin’s own experience: She landed the lead in the then-Woodrow Wilson High School’s production of ‘Moby Dick! The Musical’ right when her own mother became sick.” The movie includes places inspired by D.C.-area hangout spots, such as the malls in Tysons. [Axios DC]

It’s Monday — Expect mostly sunny skies today with a high near 89°F and a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 PM. Tonight, there will be partly cloudy skies and a low around 71°F. North winds will blow at 3 to 6 mph. [NWS]


Countywide

ArtsFairfax’s $601,900 in new operating support grants exceeds last year’s support by $10,000 and will aid organizations in all nine county magisterial districts plus the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church.

The organization announced its fiscal year 2027 grant awards on Thursday (Aug. 13). A total of 65 local arts groups will receive funds, up from 56 a year ago. Four organizations were first-time recipients.


When the workday grind, current events or the general stresses of life get you down, you can count on Fairfax County’s many spas to provide a welcome, relaxing retreat.

Here are the nominees for “Best Spa and Wellness Center in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. Did we miss your favorite business below? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28.

Voting for the Best Veterinarian in Fairfax County is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, Aug. 14 at 8:30 a.m.

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

  1. Integrated Dermatology of Fairfax
  2. Forefront Dermatology
  3. Clinical Skin Center

News

Another person has died while in custody of the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO).

Ricky Edwards, 61, was found unresponsive in a cell at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center on Wednesday (Aug. 12), prompting deputies to announce a medical emergency, according to a press release.


News

A daycare teacher is facing charges of misdemeanor assault and battery following an alleged assault on a child at the Reston school, Fairfax County police said yesterday (Aug. 13).

Detectives responded to Bright Horizons Daycare at 11400 Commerce Park Drive on Aug. 7 for a report of an assault on the 3-year-old.


Bright orange marigold flowers with a bee collecting nectar on a bloom amidst green foliage.
A bee on French marigold flowers in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

New Group Opposes License Plate Readers — “A new advocacy group is trying to get the Board of Supervisors to remove the police department’s Flock license plate readers that are popping up all over Fairfax County.” DeFlock Fairfax will host a public event highlighting its concerns about the automated cameras on Aug. 22 at Ravensworth Baptist Church in Annandale. [Annandale Today]

Kennedy Center Board Votes for Closure — “The battle over the Kennedy Center’s future escalated Thursday as President Donald Trump’s allies on the board took new steps to commemorate him with physical changes to the iconic performing arts institution that could defy a federal court order.” [ARLnow and AP]

Governor Tours Local Health Clinic — Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger visited Neighborhood Health in the Groveton area yesterday (Thursday), “touting the progress the state has made in capping insulin costs and preventing prescription drugs from becoming unaffordable.” She also highlighted recently approved funding intended to offset the impacts of Medicaid changes on local residents. [WTOP]

Civil War Soldier’s Remains Destined for ANC — “A young Union soldier who likely died fighting in the Second Battle of Manassas more than 160 years ago is finally heading to his final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery. The National Park Service announced Thursday it will transfer the soldier’s remains to the Office of Army Cemeteries.” [Inside NoVA]

I-95 Ramp Closure Tonight — “Weather permitting, the ramp from northbound I-95 to Franconia Road/Old Keene Mill Road (Route 644, Exits 169 A-B) will be closed for paving Friday night, Aug. 14; Sunday night, Aug. 16; and Monday night, Aug. 17 … Drivers are asked to follow posted detour signs.” [VDOT]

NSO Sees Bump in Support at Wolf Trap — “One of the few bright spots in the [National Symphony Orchestra’s] budgets suggests its audience is waiting in the wings, willing to buy tickets to performances outside the Kennedy Center. Its summer residency at Wolf Trap, an outdoor performing arts venue in Northern Virginia, beat sales projections last fiscal year and is on pace to do so again.” [Washington Post]

Veterans Launch Printing Center in Kingstowne — “PostNet, a global leader in high-quality shipping, printing and logistics solutions, has opened a new veteran-owned center in Alexandria, Virginia, at 6471 Old Beulah Street, and will host a grand opening celebration on Aug. 18 at 11 am.” [Press release]

Free Celebration at Clemyjontri Park — “Celebrate inclusion at the Clemyjontri Park Open House event on Sunday, Aug. 30. Fairfax County Park Authority’s access and inclusion staff invites one and all out to explore the wonders of this inclusive play space located at 6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean.” [FCPA]

It’s Friday — Expect mostly cloudy skies with a high near 88°F and a 30% chance of showers and possible thunderstorms after 5 PM. In the evening, there is a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms until 10 PM, followed by showers after 2 AM, with a low around 71°F and light, variable winds. [NWS]


News

Gin Dance Company’s upcoming performance at Capital One Hall in Tysons will be its last.

Previously advertised as the launch of its 16th season, the Sept. 12 premiere of “Lightning” will instead serve as an unexpected swan song for the Reston-based arts organization after co-founders Shu-Chen and Gary Cuff announced yesterday (Wednesday) that they will wind down operations.


Countywide

Fairfax County is bringing back a popular program that provides free trees to community groups for planting on privately owned properties.

The county’s Urban and Community Forestry Division (UCFD) is currently accepting applications for its tree distribution program until Oct. 30, inviting any local community organization — from volunteer groups and civic associations to faith organizations and nonprofits — to participate.


News

The Herndon Town Council voted this week to authorize collective bargaining with officers in the town’s police department.

Unanimously passed on Tuesday (Aug. 11) with the exception of one absent member, the ordinance permits police employees to negotiate hourly wages and annual base salaries, and an advance pay program through a union.


A leaning sign for the Fairfax County Parkway Trail in the Franklin Farm area of Herndon (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

No Changes to Va. Vaccine Rules — “After President Donald Trump issued an order seeking more spaced out childhood vaccinations, the Virginia Department of Health joined other medical experts in backing the existing childhood vaccination schedule … VDH said the executive order does not change Virginia’s school immunization requirements, which include two doses each of measles and mumps shots and one rubella dose.” [ALXnow]

Task Force Deployed to Colombia — “Members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue team landed in Bogotá, Colombia, on Wednesday to assist after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake rocked the area. A 10-person disaster coordination and structural engineering assessment team was deployed in support of the U.S. Department of State’s response to the disaster.” [WUSA9]

Herndon Man Charged With Kidnapping — “A Herndon man accused of abducting an acquaintance at knifepoint and leading police on a pursuit through three jurisdictions has been arrested on federal carjacking and kidnapping charges, court records show.” The man also still faces state-level charges related to robbery, domestic assault, reckless driving and driving without a license. [Patch]

Police Crack Down on Reptile Theft Ring — “Two men are facing charges in connection with an organized theft scheme that led to the theft of more than 60 reptiles from multiple stores in Maryland and Virginia … Fairfax Police first began looking into the thefts after officers were called to a Petco on Richmond Highway in Groveton on May 21. Officers learned two suspects walked into the store and stole four pythons from the reptile habitat.” [WUSA9]

Reston Media Analytics Firm Plans Layoffs — Comscore “is making ‘substantial’ headcount reductions, executive salary cuts and a possible decrease in its footprint” after reporting a net loss of $6.2 million in the first quarter of 2026. The company didn’t comment on how many workers will be affected overall or at its Reston headquarters, but pay cuts will include a 20% reduction to CEO Matt McLaughlin’s $625,000 base salary. [Washington Business Journal]

Regional Downturn in Public School Enrollment — Fairfax County, Prince William and Loudoun public schools all reported drops in student enrollment last year compared to the 2024-2025 and 2022-2023 academic years. “Declining birth rates, immigration and migration patterns and housing costs are all playing a role in fewer students enrolling in public schools, experts said.” [WTOP]

Advocates on Abortion Referendum — “As Virginians vote this fall on whether to put enshrine protections for abortion and other reproductive healthcare at the highest level — the state constitution — advocates on either side are presenting familiar, and newer, arguments on the issue.” [VPM News]

New Vietnamese Restaurant at Eden Center — “Restaurateur couple Thao Tran and Tin Truong want to add a slightly more upscale date-night spot to the mix” at the Falls Church retail hub. “Their new restaurant, Tam Tam Brunch and Dinner, has a trendy bistro vibe, with a menu spanning from a citrusy salmon crudo to abalone soup to a variety of hot pots.” [Washingtonian]

It’s Thursday — Expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 90 degrees and a northwest wind blowing at 5 to 8 mph. During the night, the weather will be partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 72 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind at 3 to 5 mph. [NWS]

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