Graham Gorkowski was a tackling leader for Madison against Centreville (file photo by Deb Kolt)
For the first time in 46 years, the Madison High School Warhawks finished undefeated at 10-0 in regular-season football action.
The Warhawks capped the perfect campaign with a 41-0 blowout victory over the visiting Centreville Wildcats Friday night (Nov. 8). Madison also wrapped up a perfect Concorde District record of 5-0 to clinch the outright league title.
The top runners in the girls race near the two-mile mark (staff photo by Dave Facinoli)
By a comfortable margin of 17 points and a much closer two, respectively, the Langley Saxons and Chantilly Chargers won girls and boys region cross country-championships on Wednesday (Nov. 6).
Langley scored 61 points and had its top five runners finish among the top 21 in the 2.98-mile 6D North Region girls high-school race at Burke Lake Park. The Yorktown Patriots were second with 88 points.
The region champion Oakton Cougars (staff photo by Dave Facinoli)
It was deja vu all over again in the championship match of this season’s girls 6D North Region field hockey tournament, with one difference.
The Oakton Cougars won the title for the second straight year over the Yorktown Patriots, 1-0, but on the road instead of on their home turf. Oakton also won by a one-goal margin, 2-1, over the Patriots in 2023.
Metrobus at the Dunn Loring Metro station (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Elections have consequences, and now, Northern Virginia leaders are in wait-and-see mode on what those could be for local transit and transportation funding.
The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) board met Thursday (Nov. 7) for the first time since the 2024 general election, when Donald Trump regained the presidency and Republicans took control of at least one chamber of Congress — an unnerving prospect for Northern Virginia’s mostly Democratic political leaders.
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.
Fairfax, are you ready for a culinary gem that’s been taking Arlington by storm?
Ruthie’s All Day is officially expanding to Fairfax Corner in 2025, and it’s hard to overstate what a win this is for our local food scene. Imagine savoring Southern-inspired dishes that pack bold flavors, all crafted with love and care — that’s the Ruthie’s experience.
For those unfamiliar, Ruthie’s All Day has earned its reputation as one of Virginia’s top dining spots since opening in 2020. The restaurant draws crowds for its welcoming atmosphere and the nostalgic, homey feel that keeps people coming back. Owner and chef Matt Hill, a James Beard Award nominee, channels his North Carolina roots and honors his late grandmother, Ruthie, by creating the kind of warm, unforgettable meals that feel like they’re straight from her kitchen.
From tender, 14-hour, smoked brisket to addictive campfire cookies (pro tip: try them warm!), each dish is crafted with a blend of passion and skill that you can taste in every bite.
Ruthie’s has quickly become a local favorite, even snagging top spots on Northern Virginia Magazine’s Best Restaurants list year after year, and was featured by Virginia Living as a top pick for dining out. Their commitment to quality has earned Ruthie’s more than just high praise — it’s won the hearts of the Arlington community and beyond.
And now, with plans to open at Fairfax Corner, Ruthie’s is ready to bring that same charm and award-winning flavor closer to home for Fairfax residents. This new location promises a spacious, inviting layout, complete with outdoor seating, a full bar, and a menu filled with both Ruthie’s classics and seasonal specials. It’s not just a restaurant — it’s an experience.
Excited yet? The countdown is on, and this is one spot you’ll want to put on your 2025 to-do list. So Arlington fans, share your favorites in the comments, and Fairfax foodies, get ready to welcome this all-day eatery!
FCPS Central Office in Merrifield (staff photo by James Jarvis)
Facing growing concerns over inconsistent grading practices, the Fairfax County School Board is moving forward with plans for a comprehensive update of its grading policy for the first time in more than a decade.
The policy revamp comes after years of complaints from teachers, parents, and students that the current system lacks clarity and consistency.
Jose Lazaro Cruz has been arrested for allegedly murdering his wife, Ana Jurado, in West Falls Church on April 30, 1991 (courtesy FCPD)
A man who fled the U.S. shortly after being accused of the 1991 killing of his estranged wife in West Falls Church will sit behind bars for the next two decades.
Jose Lazaro Cruz, 60, was sentenced yesterday (Thursday) to 20 years in prison for the stabbing death of Ana Jurado, which occurred more than 30 years ago in the 3100 block of Cofer Road.
A truck lifts a worker inspecting a utility pole along Route 29 near Centreville (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
County Warns About Fake Shredding Events — “Residents have recently reported arriving at Fairfax County facilities for shredding events that were falsely advertised on a suspicious website. These events are not associated with the county and we urge you to take steps to avoid misinformation and potential scams.” [Fairfax County Government]
Hayfield Argues Against Potential Postseason Ban — “Hayfield Secondary School made its final appeal Thursday to overturn a recommended two-year postseason ban in football. The hearing was held before a Virginia High School League three-person Executive Committee subcommittee,” which now has five working days to reach a final decision. [Inside NoVA]
FCPD Details Results of License Plate Readers — “The Fairfax County Police Department reports strong results from license plate readers.” Since the tools were introduced in November 2022, they have led to arrests of 514 people, 200 stolen vehicle recoveries, 43 gun recoveries and the locations of 30 missing people. [Annandale Today]
Local Voters Cite Economy, Abortion Among Top Issues — “Originally a Republican stronghold, Fairfax began to shift in the early 2000s as its population grew more diverse and younger families moved in. From student loan debt and health care to economic stability, these issues drive voters to make their voices heard in what many see as a defining election.” [The Wash]
Speculation on Youngkin Joining Trump Team — “Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin has been getting closer to Donald Trump in recent months, with the two even appearing together on stage, leading to questions about whether Youngkin would possibly leave the state and join the incoming Trump administration.” [WTOP]
Herndon Cybersecurity Firm Buys Competitor — Everfox “previously known as Forcepoint Federal, has acquired Frederick, Maryland-based Yakabod Inc., a 23-year-old software company that provides cybersecurity and related services to federal agencies, corporations, universities and other organizations.” Announced on Nov. 1, the deal is Everfox’s second acquisition in three months. [DC Inno]
Herndon Homecoming Parade to Close Streets — “The Herndon High School Homecoming Parade is set to take place this Saturday, November 9th, kicking off at 9:30 am… To ensure the safety and smooth flow of the event, please take note of the following street closures and parking restrictions on Saturday morning.” [Town of Herndon]
Meadowlark Gardens Lets Kids See Winter Lights for Free — “Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights has four nights when kids will be admitted for free. On those nights, kids ages 2 to 12 will be admitted to the botanical gardens when they are accompanied by someone who has paid to get in.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
It’s Friday — Expect sunny skies and a high near 70 degrees with a light northwest wind that will reach 5-10 mph in the morning and potentially gust up to 20 mph. Clear conditions will continue into Friday night, with a low around 45 degrees. [NWS]