New D.C. Pandas Land at Dulles Airport — A FedEx plane carrying two pandas destined for the National Zoo in D.C. touched down at Dulles International Airport shortly before 10 a.m. yesterday (Tuesday). Now in a 30-day quarantine, Bao Li and Qing Bao will make their public debuts on Jan. 24, with Zoo members getting a sneak peek earlier in January. [NBC4]
Local Cafe’s Pumpkin-Shaped Bagels Go Viral — “Pumpkin-shaped bagels have taken the internet by storm. And the trendsetter is no other than Northern Virginia’s Bobby’s Bagel Cafe … The viral treat is available at the shop’s Herndon, Oakton, and Reston locations. Customers need to preorder their bagels two to three days in advance due to high demand.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Community College Teachers Challenge President — “Faculty of Northern Virginia Community College, the second-largest community college in the nation, gave the president an overwhelming ‘no confidence’ vote. In a draft statement organized by the 9-Month Teaching Faculty Caucus Executive Committee, members outlined their concerns with Anne Kress, Ph.D., who has been serving as president of the school since 2020, along with Vice President Eun-Woo Chang.” [Fairfax County Times]
FCPS Seeks Boundary Review Committee Members — “As part of its community engagement plan, FCPS is accepting applications until Oct. 18 for its Boundary Review Advisory Committee,” which will meet biweekly to provide feedback on “potential future school boundary changes.” A consultant recently launched a systemwide review that’s expected to wrap up in January 2026. [On the MoVe]
Asian Restaurant in Vienna to Close — “The family-run Asian fusion restaurant Mixx Delight will be looking for a new location after just opening last year in Vienna. In a social media post, the Tran family said the Vienna location at 448 Maple Ave. E. will close ‘due to unforeseen circumstances.’ The Vienna location will be open until Nov. 17.” [Patch]
Hunter Mill Coat Drive Launches — The Reston nonprofit Cornerstones launched its annual Winter Coat Closet donation drive yesterday, accepting new or gently used heavy winter coats as well as new hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves through Nov. 8. Donations can be dropped off at 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 210, from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday to Friday. [Hunter Mill District Office]
Retired Supervisor Honored With Tree Planting — “Fairfax County leaders honored former Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross by planting a tree … at Mason District Park on Oct. 11. The Roots of Leadership event focused on Gross’s key role in establishing the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ regional tree canopy goal.” [Annandale Today]
Affordable Housing Developments Win Awards — “The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority is the recipient of several recent national awards, recognizing its leadership, innovation and equitable strategies in affordable housing.” Awards went to the Residences at North Hill, which opened last year, and One University near George Mason University’s Fairfax campus. [FCRHA]
It’s Wednesday — The forecast shows sunny skies and a high temperature near 56, accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 8 to 11 mph with gusts reaching 20 mph. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy, with the temperature dropping to around 40 degrees. [NWS]
