Author: FFXnow.com

Voters Seek Change in Midterms — “Voters nationwide were in the mood for change, according to The AP Voter Poll, which found that roughly three-quarters of voters feel ‘angry’ or ‘dissatisfied’ with the direction of the country … With undeniable momentum, Democrats were eyeing majorities in the House and Senate, which would curb Trump’s power after he’s faced few limits from a compliant Republican-controlled Congress.” [Associated Press]

District Bans Foie Gras — “With 73% voting yes on Initiative 86, a clear majority of Washingtonians have chosen to say au revoir to foie gras — a.k.a., fattened duck and goose liver. The ballot initiative was one of the few contentious fights of the general election.” [The 51st]

Man Charged With Fairfax City Break-Ins — “A 60-year-old man accused of breaking into a Fairfax Boulevard convenience store and damaging the entrance to a nearby tobacco shop faces additional felony charges in Fairfax County, according to police reports and Virginia court records.” [Patch]

Report Finds Gaps in Career Education — “Virginia’s career and technical education review found regional disparities in access to courses and credentials, according to a state report released Oct. 1 … The Virginia Department of Education acknowledged in the report that the commonwealth’s 10 most frequently earned CTE credentials do not consistently meet expectations for industry recognition and alignment.” [Virginia Mercury]

Metro Phasing Out Bus Tracking Tool — “Metro riders who use BusETA to check when their bus is coming will need to switch to another tool early next year. WMATA says it plans to retire BusETA on Jan. 3, 2027 … Metro is directing riders to its newer Rider Tools on wmata.com and the MetroPulse app.” [WJLA]

Winter Clothing Drive Underway — “The Office of Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, along with several community partners … will be collecting new and gently used coats, beanies, gloves, scarves, earmuffs, and other winter gear from November 2nd to December 5th for Second Story, Committee for Helping Others, The Lamb Center, and Northern Virginia Family Services.” [Providence District Office]

Hunan Restaurant Coming to Herndon — A Chinese restaurant called Red Ember Hunan Cuisine is taking shape in the Village Center at Dulles shopping center at 2425 Centreville Road, Suite 14. “The sign has been installed on the facade out front and work is definitely underway inside the space.” [The Burn]

PE Teacher Named State’s Best — Colvin Run Elementary School’s Patrick Noel was named the Virginia Elementary Physical Education teacher of the year this month by the Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Previously nominated for the award twice, “Noel’s profile grew during the pandemic school closures when he began filming basketball trick shots in the school gym and posting to social media to stay connected to his students.” [Fairfax County Public Schools]

New Legal Notice — An establishment is applying for an ABC mixed beverage license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. [Public Notices]

It’s Wednesday — Mostly sunny with a high near 75. Light south winds will increase to 5–10 mph in the morning, with gusts up to 18 mph. Wednesday night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 62 and a 30% chance of rain after 4 a.m. [NWS]

There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.

Polls Open for Election Day — Polling places across Fairfax County opened at 6 a.m. today (Tuesday) and will continue operating until 7 p.m. “Voters will decide federal races, three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution and two Fairfax County bond referendums. Town of Herndon voters will also elect a mayor and Town Council members.” [Fairfax County Government]

Park Authority Advocates for Bond Funding — The Fairfax County Park Authority Board is urging voters to approve a $180 park bond referendum on the ballot for today’s election. The funds would help “maintain and enhance our parks and position them to provide recreation and services for current residents and future generations,” board chair Timothy Hackman says. [Press release]

Spanberger Supports School Funding Formula Overhaul — “Gov. Abigail Spanberger said on Oct. 29 that she is committed to adjusting Virginia’s K-12 funding formula, after a state research group found it needs substantial changes and advanced a plan to hire an expert tasked with studying a new funding mechanism for up to 24 months.” [Virginia Mercury]

Football Fans Briefly Locked in at Vienna Metro — “Metro is apologizing after fans reported getting stuck in a Virginia Metro station following the Washington Commanders’ Sunday Night Football victory. A spokesperson for the transit system said on X, formerly Twitter, that a miscommunication led to customers being locked inside the Vienna Metro station.” [WUSA9]

Fairfax Man Sentenced for Jail Deputy Attacks — “A Fairfax man was sentenced Oct. 22 to 10 years and six months in prison for attacks on two Loudoun County jail deputies, according to the Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.” The man pleaded guilty to four charges after exposing himself and punching one deputy last year and assaulting another deputy this past May. [Patch]

Herndon Accepted Into Main Street Program — “The Town of Herndon has been accepted as an Exploring Main Street (EMS) community, a part of the Virginia Main Street program. The acceptance marks an important milestone in the Town’s efforts to support local businesses and develop a sustainable, community-driven approach to strengthening and revitalizing downtown Herndon.” [Town of Herndon]

McLean Restaurant Plans Grand Opening — “We’re throwing a Grand Opening Party and you’re invited! Join us Saturday, November 7th, from 11am-3pm at Surfside McLean for an afternoon of tacos, live music, free samples, scratch-offs, face painting, and plenty of fun for the whole family!” [Surfside/Instagram]

Local Immigrants Share Stories — “People from various countries shared stories of hope, hard times, resilience, and success at a celebration for National Immigrants Day on Oct. 31 in Annandale. The event, organized by the Asian American Community Center, was held at American Legion Post 1976 and also featured Asian food, entertainment, and a display of dozens of international flags on the hill at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Tuesday — Mostly sunny with a high near 73. Calm winds will become southerly at 5 to 8 mph in the morning. Tuesday night will be partly cloudy, with a low around 52 and south winds at 3 to 6 mph. [NWS]

Want more local news? Check out our newest sister site, WSHnow, with the latest from across the region.

Va. Sues Over Trump Arch — “The legal challenges to President Donald Trump’s proposed memorial arch are mounting, with the District of Columbia and Virginia suing in federal court today (Saturday) as the administration says construction could begin as early as next week.” [Associated Press/ARLnow]

HOAs Oppose Accessory Housing Changes — “Dozens of residents urged the Fairfax County Planning Commission to avoid making changes to the rules for accessory living units that would harm the character of stable neighborhoods. One of the biggest concerns cited … was a rule change stating that owners of a home with an ALU would not have to live on the property.” [Annandale Today]

Police Seek Help With ‘Bank Jugging’ Case — “On October 23, at 10:20 a.m., the victim withdrew $2,400 from a bank in the 4400 block of Backlick Road in Annandale. The victim then drove to a nearby gas station in the Franconia District. While the victim was inside the gas station, the suspect … entered the victim’s vehicle and stole the cash. The suspect fled the area before police arrived.” [FCPD]

Colleges Urged to Review Sexual Violence Policies — “Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) is asking all of Virginia’s colleges and universities to update their sexual violence policies as gang rape allegations at Cornell University continue to make national headlines. The letter … includes instructions as to how colleges and universities should review and, if appropriate, update their policies related to sexual violence.” [WRIC]

Reston Station Offices Refinanced — “Comstock Holding Companies has completed a $299.1 million refinancing of three fully leased office towers at Reston Station, replacing an existing loan as the developer prepares for the next phase of the mixed-use development near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station.” [Patch]

State Losing Its Forests — “A new nationwide report on permanent deforestation shows that Virginia was one of 11 states responsible for 70% of all forest loss from 1990 to 2017. Christopher Williams, the report’s lead author, said new pressures from agriculture and development appear to be accelerating deforestation.” [VPM News]

Va. Education Secretary Shares Priorities — “Starting in January, the executive branch and lawmakers are expected to discuss a slate of K-12 topics, including school technology, expanding career and technical education and preparing children under five for kindergarten by closing the childcare affordability gap. At Wednesday’s Board of Education work session, Secretary of Education Jeffrey Smith shared the foundation of the administration’s K-12 education plans.” [Virginia Mercury]

Kayakers Paddle Over Great Falls — “I headed to Great Falls early Sunday morning to photograph the waterfalls framed by colorful fall foliage. As I was taking photos, two kayakers arrived and paddled over the falls … After an extended stretch of rain-free weather, the Potomac River’s water level has remained remarkably steady, providing favorable conditions for kayaking over Great Falls.” [Capital Weather]

New Legal Notice — Public hearing scheduled on middle school advanced academic program changes, with testimony signup and livestream options available. [Public Notices]

It’s Monday — Cloudy skies will linger through mid-morning before clearing, with a high near 66. Winds will be calm early, becoming southerly around 5 mph in the afternoon. Night will be mostly clear with a low around 47. [NWS]

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McLean Bicyclist Killed in Crash — “The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) is investigating a fatal crash at the intersection of Welbourne Road and St. Louis Road in Middleburg [on Thursday, Oct. 29]. At approximately 10:41 a.m., deputies responded to a report of a crash involving a bicyclist and a pickup truck. The bicyclist, Karl David Salnoske, 72, of McLean, was pronounced deceased at the scene.” [LCSO]

Cerina Fairfax’s Family on Her Killing — “Six months after Dr. Cerina Fairfax, a Northern Virginia mom and dentist, was killed by her husband, former Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, her sister spoke with the News4 I-Team about who she was and how their family lives with the tragedy.” Speaking for the first time since Cerina Fairfax’s death, Arisce Wanzer described her sister as someone who “was there for everybody.” [NBC4]

Court Considers Youth Social Media Law — “The Fourth Circuit weighed Wednesday whether a Virginia law restricting minors’ access to social media platforms violates the First Amendment. ​The hearing follows a preliminary injunction from U.S. District Judge Patricia Giles, a Joe Biden appointee, blocking enforcement of the law,” which requires social media platforms to limit users under 16 to an hour of screen time per day. [Courthouse News Service]

Lincolnia Pool Site Eyed for Electrical Tower — “The Lincolnia Park community is alarmed by Dominion Energy’s plans to build an electrical transmission tower on a field owned by the Lincolnia Park Recreation Club. The utility is threatening to use eminent domain to obtain rights to the property.” The monopole would support a substation proposed for Starwood Capital’s planned Plaza 500 data centers. [Annandale Today]

Va. Opening Health Insurance Relief Program — “Thousands of Virginians could see their monthly health insurance premiums shrink — or drop to $0 — under a new $150 million state savings program opening for enrollment Sunday … The new program — which lawmakers funded to help offset the loss of enhanced federal Affordable Care Act subsidies — could help up to 200,000 residents afford coverage next year, per state estimates.” [Axios Richmond]

New Fitness Studio Opening in Tysons — “A new fitness studio specializing in low-impact exercise, strength training and functional movement will open in Tysons on Nov. 2.” Located at 2070 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 185, Pvolve Tysons is offering complimentary introductory classes for potential members through Sunday, Nov. 1. [Patch]

Sky-High I-66 Tolls Spotted — “This week along the I-66 express lanes outside the Beltway in Northern Virginia, the tolls have been some of the highest we have ever seen. Rates are as high as $30, $60 and even $80 for the longest trips at peak times … When News4 asked officials what is going on with these higher prices, they said no doubt more people are using the lanes.” [NBC4]

Reston Man Indicted on Drug Charges — “A Reston man previously charged with federal firearms offenses has been indicted by a federal grand jury on five felony counts involving cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine and firearms, according to court records filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Alexandria.” [Patch]

It’s Friday — Sunny with a high near 75, accompanied by northwest winds of 5 to 13 mph and gusts up to 24 mph. Night will be mostly clear, with a low around 47 and north winds of 6 to 9 mph. [NWS]

No time to read? Now you can listen to your local news. Subscribe to the FFXnow Daily Update on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.

MWAA Gauging Interest in AeroTrain Expansion — “The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is seeking firms interested in the budgeted $3.75 billion contract to design and build a two-station extension of the underground AeroTrain, and the new ‘Center Spine’ pedestrian tunnel linking the terminal with future concourses” at Dulles International Airport. [Airport Architecture]

Va. Could Shift Road Funds to Maintenance — “As Virginia stares down a $1.7 billion highway-maintenance gap, the Commonwealth Transportation Board is considering a plan to close it by shifting funds away from construction and transportation projects. The plan introduced at the board’s Oct. 13 meeting proposes adding $239 million annually for pavement repairs starting in fiscal year 2028.” [Virginia Mercury]

Alexandria Cancels Flock Program — “After months of public outcry over privacy concerns, Alexandria will shut down its 61 license plate readers and other cameras along public roadways this week.” City officials said the cameras would be deactivated within 48 hours and fully removed by December. [ALXnow]

CIA Contractor Charged With Leaking Info — “A CIA contractor is accused of sharing classified intelligence with his journalist girlfriend for articles published on Substack, according to federal court filings in a case involving alleged conduct in Fairfax County.” [Patch]

Vietnam War Oral History in the Works — “The Fairfax County History Commission is encouraging county residents to participate in an oral history project about Vietnam War veterans. Interviews will be conducted through early May 2027 and will become part of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.” [Annandale Today]

Student Starts Aviation Podcast — “Sanya Bhalla grew up about 10 minutes from Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, and she was always fascinated by the large planes and space shuttles on display … Now a student at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Bhalla is encouraging women to consider a career in aviation through her ‘She Flies Podcast,’ which launched in January 2026.” [WTOP]

Free Lyft Rides for Halloween — “The nonprofit Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s 2026 Halloween SoberRide returns for both Friday and Saturday this year. For those who imbibe too much, the Halloween Lyfts will be available from 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 to 4 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 and again from 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 to 4 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1.” [Inside NoVA]

South Lakes HS Adds Hall of Fame Members — “South Lakes celebrated the accomplishments of 10 new administrators, coaches, contributors, competitors and a state championship team on Sept. 25. The ceremony provided an opportunity for friends, family members, colleagues and coaches to introduce the inductees and speak about how their accomplishments have contributed to South Lakes’ sports legacy.” [Reston Letter]

It’s Thursday — Fog is expected before 10am, followed by mostly cloudy skies clearing later in the day. The high will be near 72. Night will be mostly clear with a low around 53. [NWS]

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