Residents in the Wolf Trap area might need to find a new source of bonsai and other plants in the future.
The owners of Wolf Trap Nursery are seeking to redevelop the nearly 6.5-acre property at 9439 Leesburg Pike where they have sold a variety of home and garden plants for 53 years, according to a rezoning application recently submitted to Fairfax County.
George Mason University’s efforts to diversify its workforce violate a civil rights law intended to end segregation, according to the Trump administration.
Following a roughly six-week-long investigation of GMU’s hiring practices, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has found that the Northern Virginia-based university violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race in public education.
National Guard in D.C. Now Armed — “Some National Guard units patrolling the nation’s capital at the direction of President Donald Trump have started carrying firearms, an escalation of his military deployment that makes good on a directive issued late last week by his defense secretary.” [Associated Press]
Fire at Merrifield Shopping Center — Fairfax County firefighters responded to “reports of smoke coming from” the Providence Place shopping center in Merrifield around 4:15 a.m. on Friday (Aug. 22). “Arriving units located a fire in the kitchen of a restaurant in the shopping center … Smoke extended to two neighboring businesses. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries. Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.” [FCFRD/Facebook]
Algae Clears From Lake Accotink — “Lake Accotink is now clear of the reported blue-green algae. However, please remember that swimming and pets are not permitted in the lake. Algae blooms are normal and natural occurrences during the summer months depending on temperature, sunlight, and nutrient conditions. Please lookout for lakefront signs and advisories through September in the event of another bloom.” [Fairfax County Park Authority/Facebook]
FCPD Videos of Traffic Violations Go Viral — Since the Fairfax County Police Department’s communications director bought a pointer with a Mickey Mouse-like hand, “millions of people are viewing and engaging the videos with ‘Tappy,’ the pointer’s given name. In July, views reached 19 million on Facebook. The department has over 61,000 Instagram followers, a spike of over 200% since the beginning of January 2024.” [WTOP]
Regional Restaurant Week Extended — Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington’s (RAMW) annual Summer Restaurant Week was set to end yesterday (Sunday), but the organization “announced Thursday that more than 120 restaurants have opted to extend their restaurant week deals until August 31.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Virginia’s Largest-Ever Lottery Jackpot Claimed — “According to the Virginia Lottery, the winner in June 27’s Mega Millions drawing purchased one ticket that ended up being worth nearly $350 million … While we do not know their identity, the Virginia Lottery says the winner plans to buy a zero-radius riding lawn mower with their millions.” [WUSA9]
Fairfax City Man Owns World’s Largest Zelda Collection — “In July, the Guinness Book of World Records made it official, declaring software engineer Constantine Adams as the new world record holder for the largest collection of [Legend of] Zelda memorabilia, more than doubling the previous record of 1,816 held by Anne Martha Harnes of Norway.” [Patch]
It’s Monday — The weather will be sunny with a high temperature of around 83 degrees and a northwest wind blowing at 7 to 10 mph. During Monday night, conditions will be partly cloudy with a low temperature of about 61 degrees, and the northwest wind will continue at approximately 7 mph. [NWS]
Checkers & Rally’s is circling Fairfax County, searching for a spot that one of its drive-thru restaurants can pull into.
No specific locations have been identified yet, but the fast-food chain is actively recruiting franchisees who could introduce it to the county, according to a public relations representative, citing Springfield specifically as one possible area of interest.
In the mood to bowl a strike with some friends? Fairfax County has a handful of alleys to try out.
Here are the nominees for “Best Bowling Alley in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. See your favorite place below? If not, write them in!
Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5.
Voting for the Best Kid’s Birthday Party Venue in Fairfax is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.
Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Seafood Restaurant in Fairfax. The results are now official:
A new ear piercing studio has set up shop at Tysons Corner Center.
Studs, a growing national chain started in New York City, opened its first Virginia location at the mall’s second level near Nordstrom (1961 Chain Bridge Road, Suite J8U) on Aug. 13.
Man Detained by ICE Previously Charged in Fairfax — “Federal agents and D.C. police detained a man along the National Mall as he cried and screamed for help on Wednesday afternoon.” The man had been charged with sex crimes in Fairfax County in January, but Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano says the charges were dropped after the victim and her mother, whose cooperation was critical to the case, declined to move forward. [NBC4]
McLean Woman Dies From Beltway Fall — “A 36-year-old Virginia woman died Wednesday night after falling from an overpass on the outer loop of the Beltway near MacArthur Boulevard and Clara Barton Parkway in Bethesda, Maryland State Police said Thursday morning in a press release. State police are investigating the incident and have identified the woman who died as Madina Rhine of McLean, Virginia. The release did not state why or how Rhine fell.” [Bethesda Today]
Richmond Overtaking N. Va. in Data Center Growth — “The Richmond region is becoming the fastest-growing data center market in the country … Northern Virginia’s ‘Data Center Alley’ being close to capacity is driving developers south, according to a report this month from real estate services firm Avison Young.” [Axios Richmond]
Brothel Charge Against Spa Dropped — Fairfax County prosecutors dropped a misdemeanor charge of “keeping, residing in, or frequenting a bawdy place” against a massage spa in West Falls Church on Tuesday (Aug. 19) as part of a plea agreement. The business pleaded guilty to operating a massage parlor without a license, a violation that carries a $500 fine, but police say it “remains under active investigation.” [Washington Examiner]
Court Rejects Felon Voting Rights Case — “The Fourth Circuit rejected a challenge to Virginia’s singular voting rights restoration process Tuesday, ruling the system isn’t a licensing scheme subject to scrutiny under a First Amendment doctrine. George Hawkins, convicted as a minor of attempted murder and aggravated malicious wounding in 2010, challenged the system after Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin declined to restore his voting rights in 2023.” [Courthouse News Service]
Poll Finds Support for Housing Reform — “A survey of about 1,300 Virginia voters found that the vast majority of respondents — about 73% — believe that the state lacks enough homes that people can afford to rent or buy.” A majority of Northern Virginia respondents showed support for building affordable housing, allowing homes on smaller lots, capping rent increases for older properties and other legislative changes. [ARLnow]
Tysons VC Firm to Fund Veterans-Led Startups — “Investment firm Veteran Ventures Capital has raised $60 million to deploy equity investments into more than a dozen defense and civilian technology startup companies in the next few years.” The firm, which moved its headquarters from Tennessee to The Boro in April 2024, is looking to support companies involved in space, drones, robotics, cybersecurity, computing, and A.I. and machine learning. [Washington Business Journal]
Reston Town Center Hosts Back-to-School Bash — “BXP, Ted’s Bulletin and Shake Shack in Reston Town Center will be hosting a Back-to-School Bash on Saturday.” Scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the pavilion, the event will include live performances, arts and crafts, a Children’s Entrepreneur Market, giveaways, information about educational programs and more. [Patch]
It’s Friday — Expect a sunny day with a high of around 83°F and a gentle north wind at about 6 mph. The night will be clear, and temperatures will dip to around 62°F, accompanied by a southeast wind blowing at 3 to 5 mph. [NWS]
Nicole started out as a regular customer at Big Planet Comics. She’d wait around after school, pick up comics, and get into conversations with the staff about books.
Eight years ago, they asked if she had any interest in working there.
Though it’s not going to host their new stadium, Fairfax County continues to put its stamp on the Washington Commanders.
D.C.’s NFL team has granted the naming rights to its training facility in Ashburn to BigBear.ai, a Tysons-based contractor that develops artificial intelligence technology.
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ) has been ranked the fifth best high school in the county and the first in Virginia in a new U.S. News & World Report ranking.
Released on Tuesday (Aug. 19), the ranking highlighted the magnet school’s unique, STEM-focused program offerings and amenities, including its 15 specialized research labs, courses like DNA science and advanced marine biology, and a student-led academic journal.
