The State of NoVa: Fairfax County


Posted at 06:15 AM ET, 04/12/2013

Fairfax City votes to join Fairfax Water, Great Water Wars of Fairfax County nearly over
By Tom Jackman
Vienna also joined Fairfax, dropped its lawsuit. Falls Church will vote on it.

By Tom Jackman  |  06:15 AM ET, 04/12/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax City, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Vienna | Tags:  Fairfax City, Va., Fairfax Water, Fairfax County, Va., Falls Church, Va., Vienna, Va.

Posted at 05:06 AM ET, 04/05/2013

McLean’s John Tran named first Asian-American judge in Virginia history, to join Fairfax bench
By Tom Jackman
Va. General Assembly elects him to Fairfax County Circuit Court bench.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:06 AM ET, 04/05/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, McLean | Tags:  John M. Tran, Judge Gerald Bruce Lee, Fairfax County Circuit Court

Posted at 05:07 AM ET, 04/03/2013

Fairfax County launches search for police chief
By Tom Jackman
Waited until fire search was done; Edwin Roessler now acting chief.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:07 AM ET, 04/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Police | Tags:  Fairfax County, Va., Fairfax County Police Department, Edwin Roessler, David Rohrer, Jim Morris

Posted at 05:12 AM ET, 03/25/2013

Fairfax, Loudoun and Arlington top the rankings as three healthiest counties in Virginia
By Tom Jackman
New national study considers many health factors, finds NoVa healthiest.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:12 AM ET, 03/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Arlington County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County | Tags:  Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Arlington County, Virginia Department of Health, health rankings

Posted at 05:08 AM ET, 03/25/2013

Fairfax County deer, and their journey from the woods to the butcher to those in need
By Tom Jackman
How the deer management program works, from beginning to end.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:08 AM ET, 03/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County | Tags:  Fairfax County, Va., deer, deer control, Rock Creek Park

Posted at 05:10 AM ET, 03/21/2013

Are you smarter than a Fairfax supervisor? John Cook invites residents to figure out county budget
By Tom Jackman
Budget simulation ‘game’ simplifies dollars, lets citizens decide tax rate

By Tom Jackman  |  05:10 AM ET, 03/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County | Tags:  John Cook, Fairfax County, Va., Fairfax Board of Supervisors

Posted at 05:02 AM ET, 03/18/2013

‘SWATing,’ the seamy ‘underweb,’ and award-winning Fairfax cybercrime journalist Brian Krebs
By Tom Jackman
Brian Krebs covers cybercrime, gets armed police visit for his troubles.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:02 AM ET, 03/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Crime | Tags:  Brian Krebs, Krebs on Security, SWATing, cybercrime

Posted at 12:47 PM ET, 03/14/2013

Petitions seeking reduction in gun violence taken to NRA headquarters, but NRA won’t accept them
By Tom Jackman
National group MomsRising.org said it had 150,000 signatures

By Tom Jackman  |  12:47 PM ET, 03/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County | Tags:  National Rifle Association, MomsRising.Org, Reston-Herndon Alliance to End Gun Violence, guns, Gloria Pan, Lori Haas

Posted at 05:14 AM ET, 03/14/2013

Fairfax vs. Prince George’s: As FBI HQ race heats up, is it acceptable to disparage the competition?
By Tom Jackman
Fairfax economic director Gordon jokes about FBI being near crime

By Tom Jackman  |  05:14 AM ET, 03/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Development, Fairfax County | Tags:  Gerald Gordon, Fairfax County, Va., Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, FBI headquarters, Prince George's County, Md.

Posted at 05:03 AM ET, 03/13/2013

Alexandria, Prince William residents step up to help fallen police officers and their families
By Tom Jackman
Fundraisers held for officers Peter Laboy and Chris Yung

By Tom Jackman  |  05:03 AM ET, 03/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Alexandria, Prince William County, Fairfax County, Police | Tags:  Peter Laboy, Chris Yung, Long Dinh, Junius Walker, Alexandria, Va., Prince William County, Va., Fairfax County, Va.

Posted at 05:15 AM ET, 03/12/2013

Extend Metro to Centreville, Woodbridge and Ft. Belvoir? Connolly and Moran put idea on table
By Tom Jackman
Reps. Connolly and Moran want transit in projected growth areas

By Tom Jackman  |  05:15 AM ET, 03/12/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Metro, Centreville, Woodbridge, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Traffic | Tags:  Metro, Gerry Connolly, Jim Moran, Centreville, Va., Fort Belvoir, Va., Woodbridge, Va.

Posted at 05:14 AM ET, 03/08/2013

UPDATE: Annandale brothel owner sentenced to 30 months in prison; new spa opens in same spot
By Tom Jackman
But a new spa has opened in the same business park on Backlick Rd.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:14 AM ET, 03/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Annandale, Crime, Fairfax County | Tags:  Susan Lee Gross, Peach Therapy, prostitution, human trafficking, Michael Frank, Joni Robin

Posted at 05:12 AM ET, 03/04/2013

VDOT announces $34 million tech upgrade for I-66, but is that really going to help? Maybe, kinda.
By Tom Jackman
More signs, more sensors, more cameras. But not more lanes.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:12 AM ET, 03/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Traffic, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County | Tags:  Interstate 66, Virginia Department of Transportation

Posted at 05:05 AM ET, 02/25/2013

Bryan Glenn, missing W.T. Woodson student, committed suicide, medical examiner rules
By Tom Jackman
Bryan Glenn was object of intense search by police and community

By Tom Jackman  |  05:05 AM ET, 02/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Fairfax City | Tags:  Bryan Glenn, Fairfax County police, Virginia medical examiner, teen suicide

Posted at 11:34 AM ET, 02/20/2013

Vienna names Jim Morris, current acting chief of Fairfax County, to head Vienna Police Department
By Tom Jackman
His departure opens up the competition for top Fairfax job.

By Tom Jackman  |  11:34 AM ET, 02/20/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Vienna, Police, Fairfax County | Tags:  Jim Morris, Vienna, Va., Vienna Police Department, Fairfax County Police Department

Posted at 11:33 AM ET, 02/08/2013

Fairfax Underground: A deeper look at the wide open online forum with one million visitors per month
By Tom Jackman
Cary Wiedemann wants full transparency, no filters.

By Tom Jackman  |  11:33 AM ET, 02/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Media, Springfield | Tags:  Fairfax Underground, Cary Wiedemann, Center for Democracy & Technology, Electronic Freedom Foundation

Posted at 05:02 AM ET, 02/05/2013

USO opens Warrior and Family Center on Fort Belvoir, largest USO center in world
By Tom Jackman
Facility for wounded warriors has space for recreation, career, quiet

By Tom Jackman  |  05:02 AM ET, 02/05/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County | Tags:  USO, Warrior and Family Center, Fort Belvoir, Sloan Gibson, Kathleen Causey, Charles Eggleston

Posted at 05:08 AM ET, 02/01/2013

Fairfax County’s Matthew Poldy, 10, catches world record fish off coast of Key West
By Tom Jackman
A 23-pound grouper breaks previous junior angler record by six pounds

By Tom Jackman  |  05:08 AM ET, 02/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Sports | Tags:  Matthew Poldy, fishing, black grouper, Oak Hill, Va., Greg Poldy

Posted at 05:01 AM ET, 01/29/2013

Fairfax County, with Ashley Wagner win, rules U.S. figure skating championships again
By Tom Jackman
And Northern Virginia has a slew of young talent close behind

By Tom Jackman  |  05:01 AM ET, 01/29/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Ashburn, Fairfax County, NoVa, Sports | Tags:  Ashley Wagner, figure skating, Fairfax County, Va., Michael Weiss, Madison Vinci, Brianna Laxson, Maria Yang, Washington Figure Skating Club, Armin Mahbanoozadeh

Posted at 05:19 AM ET, 01/25/2013

NoVa real estate back to booming? $600K houses in short supply, condos in high demand
By Tom Jackman
$7.2 million house in western Loudoun tops sales list

By Tom Jackman  |  05:19 AM ET, 01/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington County, Prince William County, NoVa | Tags:  Northern Virginia real estate, Loudoun real estate, Upperville, Va., Michael Elias, Lisa A. Sturtevant

Posted at 05:15 AM ET, 12/31/2012

Loudoun deer hunters rank 3rd in Virginia in kills
By Tom Jackman
Fairfax set its all-time high in 2011, but only ranked 54th statewide

By Tom Jackman  |  05:15 AM ET, 12/31/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Loudoun County, Fairfax County | Tags:  Deer hunting, Deer harvesting, Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Lee Walker

Posted at 06:15 PM ET, 12/21/2012

Fairfax Underground website ordered to remove Fairfax High School grades
By Tom Jackman
More than 2,000 pages of grades from last year posted anonymously

By Tom Jackman  |  06:15 PM ET, 12/21/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Schools, Fairfax City, Courts | Tags:  Fairfax Underground, Cary Wiedemann, Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax High School

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 12/05/2012

Annandale’s John McHenry collapses while waiting for jury duty, saved by other jurors and defibrillator
By Tom Jackman
Nearby defibrillator in Fairfax courthouse beats “the Widowmaker.”

By Tom Jackman  |  05:00 AM ET, 12/05/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Annandale, Fairfax County, Courts | Tags:  John McHenry, Fairfax County, Annandale

Posted at 05:36 AM ET, 11/30/2012

Fairfax County trying to lure FBI HQ to Springfield
By Tom Jackman
The government already owns big space near the Franconia Metro

By Tom Jackman  |  05:36 AM ET, 11/30/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Development | Tags:  FBI, FBI headquarters, Robert Mueller, Jeff McKay

Posted at 05:15 AM ET, 11/30/2012

Washingtonians love their jobs, lives. Surprised?
By Tom Jackman
A Post poll finds large majorities happy with work-life balance.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:15 AM ET, 11/30/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Development | Tags:  Work, Life, Job satisfaction, Sunday Post Magazine

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 11/27/2012

Fairfax board takes big step in removing planned road through Tysons Corner’s last green space
By Tom Jackman
A planned highway ramp through a Tysons Corner park is meeting resistance.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:00 AM ET, 11/27/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Tyson's Corner, Development, Fairfax County, Vienna | Tags:  Tysons Corner, Tysons forest, Old Courthouse Spring Branch park, Cathy Hudgins, Fairfax County

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 11/16/2012

Here come the Beltway HOT Lanes — you ready?
By Tom Jackman
Virginia’s grand experiment in easing traffic through free market tolls.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:00 AM ET, 11/16/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Traffic, Fairfax County | Tags:  Hot lanes, 495 Express Lanes, traffic

Posted at 01:13 AM ET, 11/08/2012

Sean Lanigan: The rest of the story (Vol. 3)
By Tom Jackman
A report concluded the district saw Sean Lanigan as ‘an unsavory fellow.’

By Tom Jackman  |  01:13 AM ET, 11/08/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Centreville, Schools, Courts | Tags:  Sean Lanigan, Fairfax County Public Schools

Posted at 01:37 AM ET, 11/02/2012

Rain, erosion from Sandy did not harm NoVa water
By Donna Peterson
Utilities were ready for heavy rain and erosion

By Donna Peterson  |  01:37 AM ET, 11/02/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Arlington County, Alexandria, Fairfax County | Tags:  Potomac River, Northern Virginia water, Fairfax County, Arlington County, Alexandria

Posted at 11:57 AM ET, 10/31/2012

George Mason U. to launch South Korean campus
By Tom Jackman
The university is making its second attempt at a campus outside Virginia.

By Tom Jackman  |  11:57 AM ET, 10/31/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  George Mason University, Schools, Fairfax County | Tags:  George Mason University, Songdo Global University, Incheon Free Economic Zone, New Songdo City

Posted at 09:28 PM ET, 10/29/2012

Annandale massage parlor Peach Therapy was a full service brothel in heart of Fairfax County. Is it still?
By Tom Jackman
Former owner admitted prostitution. It remains open in heart of Fairfax Co.

By Tom Jackman  |  09:28 PM ET, 10/29/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Annandale, Crime, Fairfax County | Tags:  Peach Therapy, human trafficking, sex trafficking, Annandale

Posted at 09:48 PM ET, 10/24/2012

Falls Church will enter mediation to sell its water utility to Fairfax County, where most customers are
By Tom Jackman
Falls Church charges 60 percent more than Fairfax Water, Fairfax says

By Tom Jackman  |  09:48 PM ET, 10/24/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Falls Church, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Vienna | Tags:  Falls Church, Fairfax County, Falls Church water, Fairfax Water

Posted at 01:14 AM ET, 10/22/2012

Fairfax Police Chief David Rohrer posts farewell video
By Tom Jackman
After 32 years as a cop, becomes Deputy County Executive.

By Tom Jackman  |  01:14 AM ET, 10/22/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Government, Police | Tags:  David Rohrer, Fairfax County Police Department, Fairfax County

Posted at 02:10 AM ET, 10/19/2012

George Mason student launches Fairfaxpedia
By Tom Jackman
It’s a Fairfax version of Wikipedia. Go ahead, write something.

By Tom Jackman  |  02:10 AM ET, 10/19/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  George Mason University, Fairfax County | Tags:  Fairfaxpedia, Frank Muraca, Cvillepedia, Fairfax Tomorrow, Charlottesville Tomorrow, Wikipedia

Posted at 02:46 AM ET, 10/09/2012

Fairfax County woman builds livable ‘tiny house’ as part of sustainability movement
By Donna Peterson
A Fairfax County resident has built a 210-square-foot home for her master’s degree.

By Donna Peterson  |  02:46 AM ET, 10/09/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Development, Manassas | Tags:  Sarah McNair, tiny house, American Public University

Posted at 12:46 AM ET, 10/05/2012

Sharam, international house DJ star, allegedly swindled by Fairfax County convicted felon
By Tom Jackman
The former Deep Dish member, Grammy winner is out $100,000.

By Tom Jackman  |  12:46 AM ET, 10/05/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Great Falls, Springfield, Crime, Fairfax County | Tags:  Sharam, Yoshitoshi, Deep Dish, Kristin Gardner Kelly, embezzlement

Posted at 01:18 AM ET, 10/03/2012

Rabies in NoVa: Is it on the rise? Must all kids and pets stay inside at all times? Experts say no
By Tom Jackman
Experts say no. But it sure seems like a lot of rabies out here.

By Tom Jackman  |  01:18 AM ET, 10/03/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax City, NoVa, Fairfax County | Tags:  Rabies, Fairfax City, Lake Barcroft, Fairfax County, rabid beaver, rabid fox, rabid raccoon, rabid Indonesia

Posted at 03:34 AM ET, 10/01/2012

Take a look around: Political signs have vanished from Fairfax County roads and medians
By Tom Jackman
After a law change, a look at area roads shows candidates seem to be voluntarily complying.

By Tom Jackman  |  03:34 AM ET, 10/01/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Traffic | Tags:  Political signs, Pat Herrity, Fairfax County, David Albo

Posted at 05:17 PM ET, 09/26/2012

Fairfax police Chief David Rohrer stepping down: A look at his legacy and possible successors
By Tom Jackman
Will he get a new HQ built? Who will take his place?

By Tom Jackman  |  05:17 PM ET, 09/26/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Police | Tags:  David Rohrer, Fairfax County, Fairfax County police

Posted at 03:35 PM ET, 09/23/2012

Kathrine Switzer, Boston Marathon pioneer, started running in Fairfax County, went to Marshall HS
By Tom Jackman
At 65, the Marshall High grad is still running, advocating for women.

By Tom Jackman  |  03:35 PM ET, 09/23/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Sports | Tags:  Kathrine Switzer, George C. Marshall High School, Boston Marathon, women's running, Dunn Loring, Va., Fairfax County

Posted at 12:53 AM ET, 09/12/2012

Sustainable, million dollar homes — a green residential community launches in Fairfax
By Tom Jackman
Five-acre lots with their own mini-farms, water, natural gas and septic fields try to create a new standard for sustainable housing.

By Tom Jackman  |  12:53 AM ET, 09/12/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Centreville, Development, Fairfax County | Tags:  Jay Zawatsky, sustainable living, green living, Foxmont, Diane Basheer

Posted at 02:04 AM ET, 09/10/2012

Fairfax County recalls its own Civil War history with the Battle of Ox Hill anniversary reenactment
By Tom Jackman
Fairfax County’s only major battle, a bloody affair at the tail end of Second Manassas, marked its 150th anniversary.

By Tom Jackman  |  02:04 AM ET, 09/10/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County | Tags:  Battle of Ox Hill, Battle of Chantilly, Civil War sesquicentennial

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 09/05/2012

Fairfax County crime hit all-time low in 2011
By Tom Jackman
Even as the population grows, crime in the region’s biggest county plummeted to record depths.

By Tom Jackman  |  08:00 AM ET, 09/05/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Crime, Police | Tags:  Fairfax County crime, crime statistics

Posted at 12:41 PM ET, 08/24/2012

Why change the numbers of the Fairfax, Prince William and Franconia parkways? Here’s why
By Tom Jackman
Three popular Northern Virginia roads are getting new numbers, even as their names remain.

By Tom Jackman  |  12:41 PM ET, 08/24/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Prince William County, Traffic | Tags:  Fairfax County Parkway, Prince William Parkway, Franconia-Springfield Parkway

Posted at 05:54 AM ET, 08/14/2012

Navy sub commander from Fairfax County accused of adultery, faking his own death
By Tom Jackman
Cmdr. Michael P. Ward II moved from Burke to take command of the USS Pittsburgh. He was relieved of command seven days later.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:54 AM ET, 08/14/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County | Tags:  Michael P. Ward II, Burke, Va., USS Pittsburgh

Posted at 02:08 PM ET, 08/13/2012

Arlington County taking lead in curbing runoff to Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay
By Donna Peterson
The county is the first in NoVa to submit proposals to the EPA, but Fairfax is close behind.

By Donna Peterson  |  02:08 PM ET, 08/13/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Arlington County, Fairfax County | Tags:  Chesapeake Bay, Arlington County, Potomac River, pollution, runoff

Posted at 11:22 PM ET, 08/08/2012

Fairfax County seeing rise in ‘gray divorces’
By Tom Jackman
Divorces in younger age groups declined, but those ages 55 and older are splitting up more than before.

By Tom Jackman  |  11:22 PM ET, 08/08/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Courts | Tags:  Gray divorce, Fairfax County

Posted at 07:24 AM ET, 08/08/2012

Evan Moss gets his seizure dog
By Tom Jackman
Evan Moss, who suffers from severe seizures, raised $45,000 and got dogs for seven others.

By Tom Jackman  |  07:24 AM ET, 08/08/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Books | Tags:  Evan Moss, My Seizure Dog, epilepsy, tuberous sclerosis complex, service dogs

Posted at 12:59 PM ET, 08/07/2012

‘Lawless,’ film based on Fairfax County native Matt Bondurant’s book, is terrific
By Tom Jackman
REVIEW | Tom Hardy and Shia LeBoeuf perfectly capture the book set in Virginia in the 1930s.

By Tom Jackman  |  12:59 PM ET, 08/07/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Books, Mount Vernon, Fairfax County | Tags:  Lawless, Matt Bondurant, Wettest County in the World

Posted at 04:30 AM ET, 08/01/2012

Fairfax joins Arlington, approves streetcar in Baileys Crossroads
By Tom Jackman
A short, uncontroversial segment will start in Skyline, run through Baileys Crossroads and connect with Columbia Pike.

By Tom Jackman  |  04:30 AM ET, 08/01/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Arlington County | Tags:  Fairfax County streetcar, Arlington County streetcar, Bailey's Crossroads

Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 07/30/2012

The terrible case of Ronnie Lee Durham, his son, his ex-wife and her lawyer (and me)
By Tom Jackman
The former Fairfax County man’s abuse of his wife has him on the run, and now alleged identity theft has him in more trouble.

By Tom Jackman  |  11:00 AM ET, 07/30/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Crime, Courts | Tags:  Ronnie Lee Durham, Terri Durham, identity fraud

Posted at 06:05 PM ET, 07/23/2012

Paula Zahn documentary on Fulton-Raver murders omits Fairfax cops, prosecutors who solved case
By Tom Jackman
The detectives and prosecutors declined to be interviewed, so Paula Zahn’s show deleted them from the story.

By Tom Jackman  |  06:05 PM ET, 07/23/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Media, Crime | Tags:  Rachael Raver, Warren Fulton, Paula Zahn

Posted at 01:19 AM ET, 07/23/2012

Hong Kong tycoon Eric Hotung ordered to pay son Michael Hotung $1.2 million by Fairfax County jury
By Tom Jackman
The tale of Eric Hotung, his colorful Hong Kong family, and life in the former Ted Kennedy mansion in McLean.

By Tom Jackman  |  01:19 AM ET, 07/23/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Courts, McLean | Tags:  Eric Hotung, Michael Hotung, Winnie Ho

Posted at 06:10 PM ET, 07/12/2012

Will Fairfax County determine the next president?
By Tom Jackman
Congressmen respond to theory that defense contractors will sway Fairfax County and the entire state.

By Tom Jackman  |  06:10 PM ET, 07/12/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Politics | Tags:  Fairfax County, presidential election, swing state

Posted at 10:35 AM ET, 07/11/2012

Centreville’s Trudy Harsh uses Brain Foundation to house those with mental illness
By Tom Jackman
The Centreville woman has bought nine homes, but now looks for someone else to pick up the torch.

By Tom Jackman  |  10:35 AM ET, 07/11/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Social Services, Fairfax County | Tags:  Trudy Harsh, Brain Foundation, mental illness

Posted at 04:30 AM ET, 07/06/2012

Fairfax County’s ‘Black Widow,’ Sonya Thomas, sets new world mark for women’s hot dog eating
By Tom Jackman
Sonya Thomas has many eating world records, but hot dogs have made her famous

By Tom Jackman  |  04:30 AM ET, 07/06/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County | Tags:  Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas, competitive eating

Posted at 03:26 PM ET, 07/01/2012

Tales from the Aftermath: NoVa without electricity
By Tom Jackman
Expensive gas, darkness in Great Falls and questions about the failing 911 service.

By Tom Jackman  |  03:26 PM ET, 07/01/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  NoVa, Fairfax County | Tags:  NoVa power outage, four-dollar gas, NoVa 911 outage

Posted at 05:02 PM ET, 06/26/2012

Columbia Pike streetcar not so popular, commenters say
By Patricia Sullivan
Those from Fairfax and Arlington who commented on the proposed Columbia Pike streetcar split their support in a Pike Transit Initiative survey.

By Patricia Sullivan  |  05:02 PM ET, 06/26/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Arlington County, Fairfax County

Posted at 05:30 AM ET, 06/25/2012

Sean Lanigan: The rest of the story (Vol. 2)
By Tom Jackman
If Fairfax County had paid his legal fees in 2010, his case would have faded from public view.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:30 AM ET, 06/25/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Schools | Tags:  Sean Lanigan, Fairfax County schools

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 06/19/2012

New Fairfax police-fire HQ pushed back to 2016
By Tom Jackman
The current 45-year-old building has a leaky roof, asbestos, and bad electrical, ventilation and water systems. But a good location.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:00 AM ET, 06/19/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County | Tags:  Fairfax County public safety headquarters, Massey Building

Posted at 07:09 PM ET, 06/07/2012

The Springfield Mall abduction and death of Bobbie Bosworth: The rest of the story (Part 2)
By Tom Jackman
Bosworth’s husband sues the mall, the security company and the convenience store, and ultimately receives a settlement.

By Tom Jackman  |  07:09 PM ET, 06/07/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Springfield, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Courts | Tags:  Bobbie Bosworth, Springfield Mall, Vornado Realty Trust, Securitas, Judge Charles Maxfield

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 05/25/2012

Ambulance chasing: it’s not just for lawyers anymore
By Tom Jackman
A benefit 5K “ambulance chase” raises money for a Fairfax County volunteer fire station.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:00 AM ET, 05/25/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Firefighters | Tags:  Fair Oaks Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, ambulance chasing

Posted at 11:28 AM ET, 05/24/2012

Fairfax County native Matt Bondurant hits big screen with ‘Lawless’ film based on Va. bootleggers
By Tom Jackman
The film of Matt Bondurant’s 2008 book “The Wettest County in the World” debuted at Cannes on Saturday.

By Tom Jackman  |  11:28 AM ET, 05/24/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Books, Fairfax County, Media | Tags:  Matt Bondurant, Lawless movie, The Wettest County in the World

Posted at 05:37 PM ET, 05/14/2012

Mount Vernon’s Woodlawn Stables threatened by expansion of Route 1
By Tom Jackman
Traffic planners say the highway needs to be expanded, but that could cut through the heart of the historic property.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:37 PM ET, 05/14/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Mount Vernon, Sports, Fairfax County | Tags:  Woodlawn Stables, Mount Vernon, Route 1 expansion

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 05/11/2012

A suicide in Burke. Should we have reported it?
By Tom Jackman
A woman killed herself in a busy department store. Would you have printed that?

By Tom Jackman  |  05:00 AM ET, 05/11/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County | Tags:  suicide, mainstream media

Posted at 05:30 AM ET, 05/01/2012

Clifton and Haymarket have more town council vacancies than candidates running for them
By Tom Jackman
Both small towns now have write-in campaigns launched. But could an unknown suddenly seize a council seat?

By Tom Jackman  |  05:30 AM ET, 05/01/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Politics, Fairfax County, Prince William County | Tags:  Clifton town council, Haymarket town council, write-in candidates, write-in election

Posted at 04:30 AM ET, 04/06/2012

New Fairfax Metro station names are so boring
By Tom Jackman
No spark, no real local flavor. No stations named after rock stars. Just the place where they’re located.

By Tom Jackman  |  04:30 AM ET, 04/06/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Metro, Fairfax County

Posted at 11:34 AM ET, 03/27/2012

Dixie Pig BBQ owner Addie Arthur has died
By Tom Jackman
Her family ran the famed barbecue joints from 1924 until the Route 1 branch closed in 1996.

By Tom Jackman  |  11:34 AM ET, 03/27/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Alexandria, Fairfax County | Tags:  Addie Arthur, Dixie Pig

Posted at 05:05 PM ET, 03/26/2012

Fairfax painting its deer shocking pink; will the shame finally make them go away?
By Tom Jackman
The day-glo pink pesticide is aimed at the ticks who ride the deer from the woods to our backyards.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:05 PM ET, 03/26/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County | Tags:  Pink deer, Vicky Monroe

Posted at 11:13 PM ET, 03/15/2012

Fred Crabtree, Vienna’s ‘Mr. Baseball,’ hangs ‘em up at 96
By Tom Jackman
Besides 50 years in Vienna Little League, he acquired numerous Fairfax County parks, and he has a county park named after him.

By Tom Jackman  |  11:13 PM ET, 03/15/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Vienna, Fairfax County, Sports | Tags:  Fred Crabtree

Posted at 12:15 PM ET, 03/08/2012

Fairfax schools may honor military enlistees
By Tom Jackman
Parents say those who go to college aren’t the only ones who deserve recognition at spring commencement ceremonies.

By Tom Jackman  |  12:15 PM ET, 03/08/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Schools | Tags:  Military enlistees

Posted at 05:30 AM ET, 03/06/2012

Fairfax crackdown on dancing gets cracked down on (Update: Bill tabled for four months)
By Tom Jackman
The move to limit dance floors to 150 square feet draws uproar from dance community. (UPDATE: Bill tabled for four months.)

By Tom Jackman  |  05:30 AM ET, 03/06/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County | Tags:  Dancing, Dance hall permits

Posted at 04:00 AM ET, 03/01/2012

Correct Fairfax Metro station names are all here
By Tom Jackman
Metro is looking for new names for the new Silver Line stations. Here’s what they should be.

By Tom Jackman  |  04:00 AM ET, 03/01/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Metro, Fairfax County, Reston, Herndon | Tags:  Metro

Posted at 12:20 PM ET, 02/27/2012

Fairfax’s Dave Albo explains his viral video
By Tom Jackman
The delegate tells why he discussed his love life before the Va. General Assembly.

By Tom Jackman  |  12:20 PM ET, 02/27/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Politics, Fairfax County | Tags:  Dave Albo, Virginia

Posted at 04:30 AM ET, 01/23/2012

Annie McCann’s parents keep pushing death probe
By Tom Jackman
They believe they’ve identified a woman last seen with the 16-year-old Groveton girl before she died in Baltimore.

By Tom Jackman  |  04:30 AM ET, 01/23/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Crime, Fairfax County | Tags:  Annie McCann, Virginia

Posted at 12:15 PM ET, 01/17/2012

Fairfax rape case leads to national database upgrade
By Tom Jackman
The fingerprints of a man who had been previously deported weren’t in the database. Now old prints will be digitized.

By Tom Jackman  |  12:15 PM ET, 01/17/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Immigration, Fairfax County, Loudoun County | Tags:  Secure Communities, Frank Wolf, Virginia

Posted at 06:09 PM ET, 01/13/2012

Michelle Obama busts a move at Hayfield
By Tom Jackman
The First Lady did some “random dancing” with the cast of iCarly at Hayfield Secondary School Friday.

By Tom Jackman  |  06:09 PM ET, 01/13/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Media, Fairfax County | Tags:  Michelle Obama, iCarly, Virginia

Posted at 06:18 AM ET, 01/05/2012

Fairfax again embroiled in treehouse controversy
By Tom Jackman
For the second time in three months, Fairfax zoning inspectors have targeted a homemade treehouse constructed by a military veteran. The first one survived. Will this one?

By Tom Jackman  |  06:18 AM ET, 01/05/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Springfield | Tags:  Blevins treehouse, Virginia

Posted at 11:05 PM ET, 01/03/2012

Fairfax lawyer Glenn Lewis plummets from limelight
By Tom Jackman
He was one of the most widely known, and most expensive, divorce lawyers in the D.C. area. Now Glenn Lewis’s practice has collapsed, he’s filed for bankruptcy and facing fraud and malpractice claims.

By Tom Jackman  |  11:05 PM ET, 01/03/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Courts, Fairfax County | Tags:  Glenn Lewis, Virginia

Posted at 12:44 PM ET, 12/21/2011

McLean man making strong bid for presidency; Newt Gingrich rally in Arlington tonight
By Tom Jackman
Newt Gingrich can’t deny it — he’s been living and voting in Fairfax County for years. Will that help him politically? Uh, maybe not so much.

By Tom Jackman  |  12:44 PM ET, 12/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  McLean, Politics, Fairfax County | Tags:  Newt Gingrich, Virginia

Posted at 01:27 PM ET, 12/20/2011

Holiday rap videos take on Hanukkah, airport security
By Tom Jackman
Local rappers have been busy lately, with Fairfax Station’s B-Boyz doing their fourth annual Hanukkah video, and Arlington comic Remy busting out his take on “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer.”

By Tom Jackman  |  01:27 PM ET, 12/20/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Arlington County, Music | Tags:  B-Boyz, Remy Munasifi, Virginia

Posted at 06:57 AM ET, 12/20/2011

Annie McCann death case takes more odd turns
By Tom Jackman
The 16-year-old girl from West Potomac High School in Fairfax County was found dead in a Baltimore housing project. Now, a suspect in her case has reportedly admitted killing another young woman.

By Tom Jackman  |  06:57 AM ET, 12/20/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Crime, Fairfax County | Tags:  Annie McCann, Virginia

Posted at 12:18 PM ET, 12/15/2011

Vandals smash Fairfax Station Christmas display
By Tom Jackman
Michael Lester’s large light display was vandalized by someone with a baseball bat, and then run over by a car, on Sunday night. He has surveillance video, which may help identify the culprits.

By Tom Jackman  |  12:18 PM ET, 12/15/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Crime | Tags:  Christmas vandalism, Michael Lester, Virginia

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 12/09/2011

Thomas Jefferson High to be outfitted by Under Armour?
By Tom Jackman
The top-rated Fairfax County science and technology school is in second place so far in a national spirit competition to win free uniforms and gear.

By Tom Jackman  |  01:00 PM ET, 12/09/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Schools, Sports | Tags:  Thomas Jefferson High School, Virginia

Posted at 06:43 PM ET, 12/08/2011

Redskin Rickie Harris again ruled competent for DUI trial
By Tom Jackman
After one Fairfax County judge ruled that the former player was competent, the Redskins sent him to a new expert, who said he wasn’t competent. A second judge disagreed, again.

By Tom Jackman  |  06:43 PM ET, 12/08/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Courts, Sports | Tags:  Rickie Harris, Virginia

Posted at 12:51 PM ET, 12/07/2011

Fairfax Clerk John Frey announces run for Virginia attorney general (UPDATE: Democrats demand he resign)
By Tom Jackman
The longtime clerk of the Fairfax County Circuit Court becomes the third Republican candidate in the race. He is not stepping down from the clerk’s office.

By Tom Jackman  |  12:51 PM ET, 12/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Politics | Tags:  John Frey, Virginia

Posted at 09:25 PM ET, 12/01/2011

Fairfax Water looking at impact of uranium mining
By Tom Jackman
While Virginia considers whether to lift a moratorium on uranium mining, for a site in southern Virginia, Fairfax Water has commissioned a study, and one board member thinks that’s a bad use of taxpayer money.

By Tom Jackman  |  09:25 PM ET, 12/01/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Politics | Tags:  Fairfax Water, uranium mining, Virginia

Posted at 03:59 PM ET, 11/17/2011

Fairfax police sued in David Masters shooting
By Tom Jackman
A wrongful death suit was filed on behalf of the unarmed man killed by a Fairfax officer, but the dead man’s ex-wife and stepdaughter say it was done without their knowledge or consent.

By Tom Jackman  |  03:59 PM ET, 11/17/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Police, Courts | Tags:  David Masters, Jon Shields, Virginia

Posted at 04:35 PM ET, 11/09/2011

Bobby Stafford, respected defense lawyer, dies
By Tom Jackman
The 6’8” criminal defense attorney was endlessly charming but also extremely knowledgeable.

By Tom Jackman  |  04:35 PM ET, 11/09/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Courts, Fairfax County

Posted at 10:13 AM ET, 11/09/2011

Loudoun sheriff ousted; Fairfax sheriff hangs on
By Tom Jackman
Sheriff Steve Simpson, running as an independent, was swept under the Republican tide by former DEA Agent Mike Chapman, while Fairfax Sheriff Stan Barry won a fourth term handily.

By Tom Jackman  |  10:13 AM ET, 11/09/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Politics | Tags:  Mike Chapman, Steve Simpson, Stan Barry, Bill Cooper, Virginia

Posted at 09:53 PM ET, 11/06/2011

Fairfax sheriff candidate’s ad draws angry responses
By Tom Jackman
Republican challenger Bill Cooper published an ad on the eve of the election that says he is supported by deputies, officers and firefighters, though no unions or associations endorsed him.

By Tom Jackman  |  09:53 PM ET, 11/06/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Politics | Tags:  Bill Cooper, Stan Barry, Virginia

Posted at 08:31 AM ET, 11/03/2011

Fairfax sheriff still fending off pension allegations
By Tom Jackman
He entered a three-year county retirement program in 2009, then decided to run for reelection this year, drawing GOP attacks.

By Tom Jackman  |  08:31 AM ET, 11/03/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Politics | Tags:  Stan Barry, Bill Cooper, Virginia

Posted at 01:03 PM ET, 10/31/2011

Fairfax board candidate DeCarlo raps, ‘dances’
By Tom Jackman
Christopher DeCarlo, running for chairman of the county board, launches his first foray into music.

By Tom Jackman  |  01:03 PM ET, 10/31/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Politics | Tags:  Christopher DeCarlo, Virginia

Posted at 10:19 AM ET, 10/04/2011

The sad, terrible death of Exit 49C on the Beltway
By Tom Jackman
The Beltway/I-66 interchange was bearable because there were two northbound exits. Now there’s one. Do the traffic gods hate us?

By Tom Jackman  |  10:19 AM ET, 10/04/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Traffic, Fairfax County | Tags:  Interstate 66, Capital Beltway, Virginia

Posted at 06:28 PM ET, 09/28/2011

Arlington, Fairfax bringing streetcars back to life
By Tom Jackman
As part of its redevelopment of Columbia Pike, Arlington and Fairfax counties hope to launch a 4.7-mile streetcar route from Baileys Crossroads to Pentagon City, then expand to Crystal City and beyond.

By Tom Jackman  |  06:28 PM ET, 09/28/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Arlington County, Fairfax County, Development, Traffic | Tags:  Streetcars, Virginia

Posted at 08:49 AM ET, 09/27/2011

Holly Mitchell completes Ragnar Relay in memory of husband
By Megan Buerger
Holly Mitchell, whose husband died during last year’s Ragnar Relay race, completed it in his memory this year, running 13 of the 200 miles.

By Megan Buerger  |  08:49 AM ET, 09/27/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Sports | Tags:  Holly Mitchell, Shane Mitchell, Ragnar Relay, Virginia

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 09/27/2011

Loudoun, Fairfax remain top two wealthiest counties in America
By Tom Jackman
Newly released census figures show that Loudoun County, with a median household income of more than $119,000, remains the wealthiest county in the country, Fairfax County is second and Arlington County is fifth.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:00 AM ET, 09/27/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Loudoun County, Fairfax County | Tags:  Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Virginia

Posted at 04:58 PM ET, 09/23/2011

Northrop Grumman opens its HQ in Falls Church
By Tom Jackman
The giant defense, aerospace and IT firm relocates its headquarters from Los Angeles to the Fairview Park office park just off Route 50 and the Beltway in the Falls Church area.

By Tom Jackman  |  04:58 PM ET, 09/23/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Development | Tags:  Northrop Grumman, Virginia

Posted at 11:53 AM ET, 09/22/2011

One year after tragedy, Fairfax wife runs relay again
By Megan Buerger
Holly Mitchell‘s husband died during last year’s Ragnar Relay. This weekend, she’ll run in his honor.

By Megan Buerger  |  11:53 AM ET, 09/22/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Sports | Tags:  Holly Mitchell, Shane Mitchell, Ragnar Relay, Virginia

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 09/21/2011

Vote Evan Moss for People magazine’s ‘Hero’
By Tom Jackman
The 7-year-old author from the Alexandria area of Fairfax County is one of nine nominees for People’s “Reader’s Choice Hero” award, which carries a $10,000 grand prize.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:00 AM ET, 09/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Books, Fairfax County | Tags:  Evan Moss, Virginia

Posted at 03:30 AM ET, 09/19/2011

Fairfax’s Gary Gaal gets his own day, and ‘new’ house
By Tom Jackman
The retired Army colonel’s volunteerism got him his own day, and a $100,000 exterior home makeover.

By Tom Jackman  |  03:30 AM ET, 09/19/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Franconia, Fairfax County | Tags:  Gary Gaal, Virginia

Posted at 09:58 PM ET, 09/09/2011

Scenes from NoVa’s devastating flood
By Tom Jackman
Residents in Huntington, in Fairfax County, and Woodbridge in Prince William County appeared to suffer the brunt of the floods, which killed three people in Northern Virginia.

By Tom Jackman  |  09:58 PM ET, 09/09/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  NoVa, Woodbridge, Fairfax County | Tags:  NoVa flood, Virginia

Posted at 04:30 AM ET, 09/09/2011

UPDATE: Evan Moss raises $42,000 for service dogs
By Tom Jackman
The 7-year-old author of a book, trying to raise $13,000 to buy a service dog to help him with severe epileptic seizures, has now raised enough money for seven other children to get dogs too.

By Tom Jackman  |  04:30 AM ET, 09/09/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Books, Fairfax County | Tags:  Evan Moss, Virginia

Posted at 04:49 PM ET, 08/30/2011

Sean Lanigan sues Fairfax schools for his legal fees
By Tom Jackman
The former Centreville elementary school teacher, acquitted of molesting a 12-year-old girl, asked the school board to repay $107,000, but the board only offered $60,000, conditional on a waiver of future liability.

By Tom Jackman  |  04:49 PM ET, 08/30/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Centreville, Fairfax County, Schools | Tags:  Sean Lanigan, Virginia

Posted at 09:06 PM ET, 08/25/2011

Fairfax taking hard look at youth sports head injuries
By Tom Jackman
THE STATE OF NOVA | One Fairfax supervisor wants to educate parents about spotting and dealing with head injuries.

By Tom Jackman  |  09:06 PM ET, 08/25/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Sports, Schools

Posted at 04:15 AM ET, 08/22/2011

Fairfax County homelessness gets in-depth look
By Tom Jackman
The Connection newspapers compile an issue with dozens of stories, editorials, photos and video about the effort to end homelessness in Fairfax County by 2018.

By Tom Jackman  |  04:15 AM ET, 08/22/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County | Tags:  Homelessness, Virginia

Posted at 12:10 PM ET, 08/02/2011

Evan Moss raises more than $13,000, will get seizure dog
By Tom Jackman
Evan Moss, 7, has severe epileptic seizures; the money he raised will be enough to get several other children seizure dogs, too.

By Tom Jackman  |  12:10 PM ET, 08/02/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Books | Tags:  Evan Moss, Virginia

Posted at 07:27 PM ET, 07/26/2011

In Mt. Vernon, Gov. McDonnell signs ‘Ashley’s Law’
By Tom Jackman
The death of Ashley McIntosh, in a car crash with a Fairfax County police cruiser in 2008, spurred a new law governing how emergency responders may enter intersections with a red light.

By Tom Jackman  |  07:27 PM ET, 07/26/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, Police | Tags:  Ashley's Law, Cindy Colasanto, Virginia

Posted at 04:30 AM ET, 07/25/2011

Evan Moss update: Hundreds turn out, thousands raised
By Tom Jackman
Evan Moss sold 400 copies of his book “My Seizure Dog” as he strived to raise the $13,000 needed to buy a service dog to help him with his severe epileptic seizures.

By Tom Jackman  |  04:30 AM ET, 07/25/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Books, Fairfax County | Tags:  Evan Moss, My Seizure Dog, Virginia

Posted at 04:59 PM ET, 07/22/2011

Evan Moss, 7-year-old with epilepsy, has his first book-signing Sunday
By Tom Jackman
Evan Moss needs $13,000 to purchase a specially trained seizure dog to help him, and he had the idea to write a book to raise the money. Then he did it. Now he’s ready to sign and sell them.

By Tom Jackman  |  04:59 PM ET, 07/22/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Books | Tags:  Evan Moss, My Seizure Dog, Virginia

Posted at 04:20 AM ET, 07/18/2011

Fairfax’s Alliance Theatre pulls off ‘Hairspray’ flash mob
By Tom Jackman
It’s basically just a live commercial for their upcoming show, but in the middle of Fairfax Corner on a Friday evening, it’s fun to watch it unfold.

By Tom Jackman  |  04:20 AM ET, 07/18/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County | Tags:  Alliance Theatre, Virginia

Posted at 04:58 PM ET, 07/11/2011

Hybla Valley Good Samaritans save dozens in fire
By Tom Jackman
A 3 a.m. apartment fire could have been a huge tragedy, but two men who were just coming home alerted all 36 residents, who escaped unharmed.

By Tom Jackman  |  04:58 PM ET, 07/11/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Firefighters, Hybla Valley | Tags:  Brandon Pressley, Joel Ventura, Virginia

Posted at 01:57 PM ET, 07/11/2011

Annandale High parents don’t want students transferred to higher-rated Woodson
By Tom Jackman
W.T. Woodson High School, just outside Fairfax City, is one of the top high schools in the area. But many Annandale High parents are opposed to a redistricting that would send their students there.

By Tom Jackman  |  01:57 PM ET, 07/11/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Annandale, Schools, Fairfax County | Tags:  Annandale High School, Virginia

Posted at 03:30 AM ET, 07/11/2011

Fairfax County pondering buying Falls Church Water, again
By Tom Jackman
Fairfax Supervisor John Foust is floating the idea that the county should buy Falls Church Water, which charges much more than Fairfax Water but is run by the city of Falls Church.

By Tom Jackman  |  03:30 AM ET, 07/11/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Falls Church, McLean, Fairfax County | Tags:  Falls Church Water, Virginia

Posted at 06:47 PM ET, 07/08/2011

Fairfax state trooper is first woman promoted to major
By Tom Jackman
Captain Tracy S. Russillo, who has overseen the Fairfax division of the state police for the last three years, will be the first woman to hold the rank of major in the department’s 79-year history.

By Tom Jackman  |  06:47 PM ET, 07/08/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Police | Tags:  Tracy Russillo, Virginia

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 07/07/2011

Fairfax County planning new $176M police, fire HQ
By Tom Jackman
Fairfax officials want to construct a new police and fire headquarters near the current government center, and to then demolish the current Massey Building headquarters.

By Tom Jackman  |  07:00 AM ET, 07/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Police, Firefighters | Tags:  Fairfax police fire headquarters, Virginia

Posted at 11:42 PM ET, 07/06/2011

Fairfax’s ‘Tuba Guy’ keeps marching, and tooting
By Tom Jackman
Jay Converse, 55, is the man who marches all over the middle part of Fairfax County playing his tuba. You’ve seen him, you’ve wondered what the deal is. Here it is.

By Tom Jackman  |  11:42 PM ET, 07/06/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Music | Tags:  Jay Converse, Virginia

Posted at 11:59 AM ET, 06/28/2011

Fairfax police fire officer in David Masters killing
By Tom Jackman
Officer David Scott Ziants, who shot and killed the unarmed motorist David Masters on Route 1 in 2009, was fired for violating the Fairfax police policy on use of deadly force.

By Tom Jackman  |  11:59 AM ET, 06/28/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Crime, Mental Health, Police

Posted at 07:32 PM ET, 06/21/2011

Fairfax Beltway sex case: The rest of the story
By Tom Jackman
Did Salem Trad really have sex on the Beltway at 85 miles per hour, and then drunkenly crash into cabdriver Abdu Omar? Here’s the full story.

By Tom Jackman  |  07:32 PM ET, 06/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Woodbridge, Fairfax County | Tags:  Beltway sex case, Salem Trad, Abdu Omar, Virginia

Posted at 01:18 PM ET, 06/21/2011

Fairfax ‘Beltway sex’ jury awards $22,000 to cabbie
By Tom Jackman
Salem Trad claimed he couldn’t have been driving when a Beltway crash happened because he was engaged in a sex act in the back seat. A Fairfax County jury apparently disagreed.

By Tom Jackman  |  01:18 PM ET, 06/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County | Tags:  Beltway sex, Salem Trad, Virginia

Posted at 12:32 PM ET, 06/20/2011

Trial starts in Fairfax #beltwaysex case
By Washington Post staff
Tom Jackman tweets from the court on a lawsuit about a crash on the Beltway last year — in which the defendant was allegedly driving at 85 miles per hour while drunk and having sex with a woman “partially or totally in the backseat of the car.”

By Washington Post staff  |  12:32 PM ET, 06/20/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County | Tags:  Beltway sex, Virginia

Posted at 04:55 PM ET, 06/16/2011

Fairfax reduces its homeless population, even in recession
By Tom Jackman
Their plan included creating an office to end homelessness and building partnerships with groups already battling the problem.

By Tom Jackman  |  04:55 PM ET, 06/16/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County | Tags:  Fairfax County homelessness, Virginia

Posted at 10:27 PM ET, 06/15/2011

On the Beltway, a claim of drunken sex at 85 mph
By Tom Jackman
A cab driver alleges his cab was struck by a drunk driver who was also having sex at the time. The drunk driver denies that he was the driver. So does the girl. So does the OTHER guy in the car.

By Tom Jackman  |  10:27 PM ET, 06/15/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County | Tags:  Beltway sex, Virginia

Posted at 11:27 AM ET, 06/15/2011

Fairfax County tops the nation in male life expectancy
By Tom Jackman
A new county-by-county study of average life expectancy in America has Fairfax County rated number one for guys. So have a cigar! Or not.

By Tom Jackman  |  11:27 AM ET, 06/15/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County | Tags:  long life expectancy, Virginia

Posted at 10:00 AM ET, 06/10/2011

Lake Braddock Band’s Roy Holder steps down
By Tom Jackman
Roy Holder led the Lake Braddock Band to 30 consecutive years of superior ratings, an unmatched streak in Virginia. His final concert at the Burke school is Saturday night.

By Tom Jackman  |  10:00 AM ET, 06/10/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Schools, Fairfax County, Music | Tags:  Ron Holder, Lake Braddock Band, Virginia

Posted at 05:31 PM ET, 06/06/2011

Clifton Elementary School parents lose Supreme Court appeal
By Tom Jackman
The Virginia Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal by parents of students at Clifton Elementary School, meaning the school will likely close for good June 21.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:31 PM ET, 06/06/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Schools | Tags:  Clifton Elementary School, Virginia

Posted at 01:41 PM ET, 05/23/2011

Lanigan update: Readers send thousands to defense fund
By Tom Jackman
Fairfax County schoolteacher Sean Lanigan has received thousands of dollars in donations for his legal defense fund.

By Tom Jackman  |  01:41 PM ET, 05/23/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Centreville, Schools | Tags:  Sean Lanigan, Virginia

Posted at 05:49 PM ET, 05/19/2011

Lanigan update: Fairfax Chief Rohrer issues statement
By Tom Jackman
Fairfax County Police Chief David M. Rohrer sent out a statement to his department Thursday strongly defending his detectives in the case of Centreville schoolteacher Sean Lanigan, accused and then acquitted of molesting a 12-year-old student.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:49 PM ET, 05/19/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Police | Tags:  Sean Lanigan, David Rohrer, Virginia

Posted at 04:45 AM ET, 05/17/2011

Fairfax County’s Chronicle newspapers shut down
By Tom Jackman
The three monthly Chronicle papers, serving communities in the Lorton, Fairfax Station, Springfield and Fairfax City areas, closed down for good on Friday due to financial problems.

By Tom Jackman  |  04:45 AM ET, 05/17/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Media | Tags:  Chronicle newspapers, Virginia

Posted at 06:30 PM ET, 05/16/2011

Lanigan update: Fairfax schools issue statement
By Tom Jackman
The Fairfax County schools issued a statement on the Sean Lanigan case Monday evening, saying it was standard practice to transfer a teacher after a “serious disciplinary proceeding,” and that Lanigan should seek reimbursement from the teachers’ association.

By Tom Jackman  |  06:30 PM ET, 05/16/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Schools | Tags:  Sean Lanigan, Fairfax County schools, Virginia

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 05/16/2011

Sean Lanigan: The rest of the story (Vol. 1)
By Tom Jackman
In the wake of Sunday’s story about the saga of Fairfax County school teacher Sean Lanigan, here are more details about the case including new photos of the gym equipment room where Lanigan was falsely accused of molesting a 12-year-old girl.

By Tom Jackman  |  08:00 AM ET, 05/16/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Centreville, Fairfax County, Schools, Police | Tags:  Sean Lanigan, Nicole Christian, Virginia

Posted at 12:57 PM ET, 05/11/2011

Fairfax PTAs weigh in on school system disciplinary process
By Tom Jackman
As the Fairfax County school district weighs how to change its disciplinary process for students, the countywide Council of PTAs releases its own recommendations.

By Tom Jackman  |  12:57 PM ET, 05/11/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Schools

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 05/02/2011

Fairfax man fought segregation and won
By Tom Jackman
Paul E. Sullivan of the Alexandria area of Fairfax County fought his neighborhood pool association when they wouldn’t admit a black family. He took the case to the U.S. Supreme Court and won. He recently died.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:00 AM ET, 05/02/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County | Tags:  Paul Sullivan, Virginia

Posted at 01:20 PM ET, 04/29/2011

Fairfax schools struggle with long kiss-and-ride lines
By Tom Jackman
The cars are piling up outside Fairfax County schools during morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups, and school officials say they’re having a hard time changing parents’ attitudes about driving kids to school.

By Tom Jackman  |  01:20 PM ET, 04/29/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Schools | Tags:  kiss and ride, Virginia

Posted at 12:04 PM ET, 04/29/2011

Lawsuit: Herndon boy told to jump from moving school bus
By Tom Jackman
Delontae Wingfield says his Fairfax County school bus driver wouldn’t let him off the bus. So he jumped. Two years later, he’s still having headaches and seizures. Now his family is suing.

By Tom Jackman  |  12:04 PM ET, 04/29/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Herndon, Fairfax County, Schools | Tags:  Delontae Wingfield, Virginia

Posted at 04:20 AM ET, 04/28/2011

Fairfax police bust 30 alleged drug dealers at GMU Dead show
By Tom Jackman
Fairfax police arrested 30 people on drug dealing charges at a recent concert at George Mason, a reminder that the police here are still serious about the war on drugs.

By Tom Jackman  |  04:20 AM ET, 04/28/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, George Mason University, Crime, Music | Tags:  Furthur, Virginia

Posted at 05:26 PM ET, 04/26/2011

Former Redskin Rickie Harris: Dementia or drunk driving?
By Tom Jackman
Former Redskin Rickie Harris is facing mandatory jail time for his third drunk-driving arrest in five years. His lawyer says Harris suffers from dementia from his years in the NFL. Fairfax prosecutors aren’t so sure.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:26 PM ET, 04/26/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Sports | Tags:  Rickie Harris, Virginia

Posted at 05:03 AM ET, 04/26/2011

Costco coming to Route 1, traffic may be affected
By Tom Jackman
Fairfax County on Tuesday approved the arrival of a new Costco warehouse store on Route 1 in Mount Vernon. With BRAC also coming to the area, drivers are holding their breath.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:03 AM ET, 04/26/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Mount Vernon, Fairfax County | Tags:  Mount Vernon Costco, Virginia

Posted at 02:21 PM ET, 04/21/2011

Fairfax crime plummets in 2010 (but they don’t want you to know that)(UPDATE with Chief’s reply)
By Tom Jackman
Fairfax County crime dropped nearly 8 percent last year, despite a new crime reporting system that should have caused the raw numbers to rise. They still didn’t.

By Tom Jackman  |  02:21 PM ET, 04/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Crime | Tags:  Fairfax crime statistics, Virginia

Posted at 12:56 PM ET, 04/20/2011

Fairfax officers pull woman from burning car
By Tom Jackman
Three Fairfax County police officers saved the life of a woman by pulling her from a burning car shortly before it exploded last week.

By Tom Jackman  |  12:56 PM ET, 04/20/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Police | Tags:  Fairfax County police, Virginia

Posted at 12:32 PM ET, 04/20/2011

Fairfax police train for mental health situations
By Tom Jackman
Fairfax County police officers are receiving training in how to defuse situations involving people in the midst of mental health crises.

By Tom Jackman  |  12:32 PM ET, 04/20/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Police | Tags:  mental health, Virginia

Posted at 06:45 PM ET, 04/19/2011

In Annandale, Obama answers NoVaCoCo questions
By Tom Jackman
President Obama got some good questions from students and a professor at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale during a town hall meeting Tuesday.

By Tom Jackman  |  06:45 PM ET, 04/19/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County | Tags:  Obama town hall, Virginia

Posted at 04:18 AM ET, 04/18/2011

Chantilly home explosion still unexplained
By Tom Jackman
The Nguyens’ home in Chantilly exploded in December. Four months later, no one has given them an explanation why.

By Tom Jackman  |  04:18 AM ET, 04/18/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Chantilly, Fairfax County | Tags:  house explosion, Thuan Nguyen

Posted at 05:45 AM ET, 04/12/2011

Mt. Vernon porn joke by Hyland aide draws no laughs
By Tom Jackman
An April Fool’s Day joke on Facebook about an adult video store moving into a Mount Vernon shopping center may have cost an aide to Supervisor Gerry Hyland his job.

By Tom Jackman  |  05:45 AM ET, 04/12/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Mount Vernon, Fairfax County | Tags:  Mount Vernon, Gerry Hyland, Virginia

Posted at 11:22 PM ET, 04/10/2011

Dave Grohl discusses his NoVa roots
By Tom Jackman

By Tom Jackman  |  11:22 PM ET, 04/10/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Springfield, Fairfax County, Music | Tags:  Dave Grohl, Foo Fighters, Virginia

Posted at 02:51 PM ET, 04/04/2011

I-66 in Fairfax to be nightmare for next 18 months. AAGGH!
By Tom Jackman
I-66 in Fairfax County, between the Beltway and Route 50 in Fair Oaks, is going to be down to one lane at nights for resurfacing.

By Tom Jackman  |  02:51 PM ET, 04/04/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Fairfax County, Traffic | Tags:  I-66, Fairfax County, Traffic