FFXnow - Fairfax County, Va. local news

Expect rain and patchy fog today with a high of 58°F and east winds at 10 mph, gusting up to 23 mph. Rain continues Saturday night with patchy fog, a low around 55°F, and east winds at 6 to 10 mph, gusting up to 20 mph. There’s a 100% chance of precipitation during the day and 90% at night, with new rainfall between a quarter and half an inch possible. See more from Weather.gov.

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

We hope you have a great weekend! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋

News

JUST IN: Lorton private school employee charged with child solicitation

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 22, 2026 at 3:45PM

Lawrence Lofzewski (courtesy Fairfax County Police Department)

A former police officer who now works at a private school in Lorton has been charged with child solicitation, the Fairfax County Police Department announced today.

Detectives in the FCPD’s Child Exploitation Unit received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Lawrence Lofzewski, a 37-year-old Springfield resident, “had posted disturbing online content regarding minors,” according to a press release.

Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out! Reston Station’s Summerbration Returns.

By Sponsor

Published May 19, 2026 at 10:45AM

Sponsored by: Comstock and Reston Community Center

Summer starts here, and it’s packed with something for everyone. Join us at Reston Station for a season of free, family-friendly events designed to keep your calendar full and your nights unforgettable. From fitness and live music to movies under the stars, this is where summer comes to life.

BELOVED YOGA

Monday & Wednesday Nights

May 27 – September 2

TRAMPOLINE FITNESS

HOSTED BY VIDA FITNESS

Every Tuesday Night

June 2 – September 1

LIVE MUSIC

Friday Nights

May 29 – September 25

ALL-AMERICAN MOVIE MAGIC & MORE

Saturday Nights

June 6 – August 29

Visit our website for the full schedule and details.

Learn More

Countywide

County board salutes 10 years of students helping seniors in ‘Shark Tank’ competition

By Scott McCaffrey

Published May 22, 2026 at 3:30PM

Proclamation marking 10th anniversary of Shark Tank Technology Competition (via Fairfax County)

Fairfax County leaders marked the 10th anniversary of the Fairfax Area High School Student Shark Tank Technology Challenge earlier this week.

“It’s only gotten bigger and better,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said when presenting a proclamation saluting the contest’s first decade on Tuesday (May 19).

Announcement

Summer Special Chimney Inspection

By A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps

Published May 21, 2026

A Step In Time Chimney Sweeps is proud to provide professional chimney services for homeowners for over 25 years. As part of our Summer Special, we are currently offering professional chimney inspections to help homeowners prepare their fireplaces and chimney systems before the heavy winter burning season begins again.

Our experienced team specializes in chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, chimney repairs, chimney relining, chimney cap installation, crown repairs, masonry work, fireplace services, wood stove installations, dryer vent cleaning, and much more.

Around Town

Wonder food hall plans grand opening in Hybla Valley next week

By Katie Taranto

Published May 22, 2026 at 2:45PM

Wonder's new location in Alexandria (Staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

New York City-based food hall Wonder is continuing its regional expansion with a new location in Hybla Valley.

Wonder is hosting a grand opening next week for its new food hall at 7713 Fordson Road in the Fordson Place shopping center. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, with festivities including giveaways and a ribbon cutting.

Event

CookOut Cook Off

June 7, 2026 1:00 pm -5:00 pm

Unity of Fairfax

2854 Hunter Mill Road

OAKTON, Virginia 22124

Website Contact

🔥 The Summer Cookout Cook Off is ON! 🔥

Get ready to fire up your taste buds, Fairfax! On Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 1-5 PM, Unity of Fairfax is hosting its very first Summer Cookout Cook Off, and YOU are the judge.

News

New vision for Centreville calls for town center, more walkable, mixed-use spaces

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published May 22, 2026 at 1:45PM

The Centreville Task Force provided input on Fairfax County's comprehensive plan amendment for Centreville (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Centreville could get a defined town center with more walkable, mixed-use spaces over the next few decades if Fairfax County adopts a proposed amendment to its comprehensive plan.

The amendment lays the groundwork for connecting parts of Centreville that are split by I-66 with pedestrian pathways and potentially an extension of New Braddock Road; expanding the availability of affordable and mixed-use housing; and enhancing public transportation, including a potential location for a hypothetical expansion of Metro’s Orange Line.

Opinion

Poll: Best after school programs in Fairfax County

By FFXnow.com

Published May 22, 2026 at 11:45AM

Whether your kid enjoys getting active outdoors, expressing their artistry or volunteering in the community, Fairfax County offers plenty of options for keeping students busy outside the classroom.

Here are the nominees for “Best After School Programs in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. Did we miss your favorite program below? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, June 5.

Voting for Best Tutoring Service in Fairfax County is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, May 29 at 8:30 a.m.

A few weeks ago, we voted on the Best Title Company serving Fairfax County. The results are now official:

Federal Title & Escrow Company
Cardinal Title Group
EKKO Title

Around Town

First Friday Night Live! concert of season canceled due to rain

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 22, 2026 at 11:15AM

A banner and light stand set up for a Friday Night Live! concert in Herndon (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The rain that’s expected to persist in the D.C. area throughout Memorial Day weekend has already put a damper on one summer tradition.

Tonight’s Friday Night Live! concert in Herndon has been canceled due to the inclement weather, organizers announced this morning (Friday).

News

Person and dog rescued from two-alarm McLean house fire

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 22, 2026 at 10:10AM

A Fairfax County Fire and Rescue engine at a house on Turkey Run Road in McLean (via FCFRD/Facebook)

A McLean resident was hospitalized as a result of a fire that broke out at their home in the Langley High School area early this morning (Friday).

Firefighters were dispatched to the 900 block of Turkey Run Road for the house fire at around 12:49 a.m., according to scanner traffic.

News

Choral singer, McLean arts center namesake among winners of 2026 ArtsFairfax Awards

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 22, 2026 at 9:15AM

The 2026 ArtsFairfax Awards will go to Bruce Berlage, Karen and Jim Cleveland, the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation and Thomas Beveridge (courtesy ArtsFairfax)

Support for the arts can take different forms, as evidenced by the honorees who will take center stage this fall at the 2026 ArtsFairfax Awards.

ArtsFairfax announced earlier this month that this year’s recipients of the annual awards will be longtime McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) donor and board member Bruce Berlage, Reston community leaders Karen and Jim Cleveland, the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation and D.C.-area singer, conductor and composer Thomas Beveridge.