Art in Daily Spaces returns this spring – Applications now open
By James Albright, chair of the Mason Arts Council After two successful years of transforming Annandale into a street-long art show, Art in Daily Spaces returns with expanded plans for 2026. Funded by a generous grant from ArtsFairfax to Community Art for Everyone (CAFE), Art in Daily Spaces will take to the streets of Annandale … Continued
Rocks appear on field at Roundtree Park
Why is the soccer field at Roundtree Park covered with at least a hundred rocks? Park visitors had some ideas: Maybe it’s an alien landing strip, one person jokingly suggested. Or something to do with a mystical ceremony? A nearby neighbor walking her dogs had an answer. She was at Roundtree Park on Dec. 30 … Continued
Transportation is a big issue for school boundary plan
When the Fairfax County School Board meets on Jan. 10 for a public hearing on school boundary changes, a key issue will be whether transportation will be provided to students who remain at their current school. At the board’s Dec. 18 meeting, a motion by board chair Robyn Lady (Dranesville) to provide transportation only to … Continued
New Virginia laws take effect
Several laws enacted by the Virginia General Assembly took effect on Jan. 1, including the following: Kids and social media – The Consumer Data Protection Act prohibits children under age 16 from using social media for more than one hour a day. The law requires social media companies to use a neutral age screen mechanism … Continued
DOJ sues Virginia over tuition policy for immigrants
Immigrant rights organizations are challenging a suit filed by the Justice Department that seeks to block Virginia from allowing undocumented immigrants access to public colleges and universities at the in-state tuition rate. The suit, filed Dec. 30, charges a Virginia law “providing in-state tuition and financial assistance for illegal aliens” violates federal laws and executive … Continued
Fire destroys martial arts studio at Barcroft Plaza
A fire at Barcroft Plaza at about 9 a.m. today destroyed UMS Martial Arts. No one was hurt; the buildings were unoccupied when the fire started, according to the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Fire investigators are assessing the damage and determining the cause. The two businesses on either side, Aqua-Tots and the Benjamin … Continued
Body found by Holmes Run in Lincolnia
A resident of Crater Place in the Parklawn neighborhood called the police to report a deceased man near Holmes Run on Dec. 27. “The man’s identity is pending,” the Fairfax County Police Department states. “Preliminarily, detectives believe this is an isolated incident and are investigating the death as a possible overdose.”
Meals tax takes effect on Jan. 1
Dining out will get a little more expensive on Jan. 1. That’s when Fairfax County’s new meals tax takes effect. The Board of Supervisors approved a 4 percent food and beverage tax in May. The tax applies to prepared meals and beverages sold at restaurants, cafes, bars, bakeries, food trucks, and other establishments that offer … Continued
Candidates selected for special election for House of Delegates District 17
Garrett McGuire, a community leader, is the winner of the Democratic firehouse primary to select a candidate for the seat in the House of Delegates vacated by Del. Mark Sickles. McGuire will face Republican candidate Christopher Cardiff, a homeschool advocate. Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger appointed Sickles Secretary of Finance. A special election for the 17th district … Continued
2025: The year in review
JANUARY Annandale residents express their views on renaming Little River TurnpikeSome residents speak out against giving Little River Turnpike an honorary name in recognition of the Korean community. Leasing underway at Alta Nova apartmentsTenants begin moving into a new apartment complex on Columbia Pike in Bailey’s Crossroads. Shop owners facing displacement seek rent reliefSmall businesses … Continued
Falls Church HS to launch mentorships with alumni authors
Dozens of former students at Falls Church High School have published books. Carolyn Wixson McBride, one of those authors, and Craig Day, a Falls Church track and field coach, are launching an author mentorship program to harness the experiences of those authors to inspire current students. Day, who graduated from Falls Church in 1977, hopes … Continued
Take a hike and a photo on New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day in Fairfax County means it’s time for the Park Authority’s annual First Hike Photo Contest. To participate, visit any FCPA trail on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, take a photo, and submit it online before Friday, Jan. 2. The photo link will be posted here by 7 a.m. on Jan. 1. Prizes, sponsored by the Fairfax … Continued
Special election to replace Del. Mark Sickles
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger has appointed Del. Mark Sickles (D-17th District) as Virginia’s next Secretary of Finance. A special election will be conducted on Jan. 20 to fill his remaining term. The 17th District includes Franconia, Springfield, and parts of Alexandria in Fairfax County. The Fairfax County Democratic Committee will hold a firehouse primary on Dec. … Continued
Annandale HS instructor charged with assault
The Fairfax County Police Department’s Child Abuse Squad has charged an instructional assistant at Annandale High School with Simple Assault. Following an investigation, detectives learned Jamie Gerardo Gallo Pacheco, 33, of Annandale, physically assaulted a student on Dec. 19. A school resource officer heard about the incident earlier that day and called the police. On … Continued
Tysons mall to offer slimy fun for kids
An “experiential slime children’s museum” is coming to the Tysons Corner Center, the Washington Business Journal reports. The Sloomoo Institute is planning a “timed ticketed slime experience” and a retail store, according to the article (subscription required). The slime museum offers children ages 4 and up a chance to make and play with slime in … Continued