Countywide

Health Department Urges Flu Shots — “As the weather cools down and more time is spent indoors, the Fairfax County Health Department encourages everyone 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine this Fall, preferably by the end of October…If you are eligible for your COVID-19 booster, it is safe to get your flu shot at the same time as your booster.” [FCHD]

D.C. Man Indicted in Fatal I-495 Crash — A Fairfax County grand jury indicted D.C. Advisory Neighborhood Commission member Devon Lesesne yesterday (Tuesday) for involuntary manslaughter in the death of Katherine Aileen Reyes, 20, of Alabama. Lesesne was allegedly driving drunk when he crashed into Reyes, whose vehicle was disabled on I-495 near Telegraph Road on March 5. [WTOP]


Countywide

Fairfax County’s Guide to Halloween — “It’s time for scary, silly and all kinds of costumes in all corners of our community. Here are a few things to know about Halloween in Fairfax County,” including where to find the most elaborately decorated houses and tips for handling trick-or-treating. [Fairfax County Government]

Free COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic in Reston Today — Reston Community Center is hosting a Covid vaccine clinic from 1-4 p.m. at 2310 Colts Neck Road. Pfizer doses will be available for people 12 and older. Those interested can make an appointment through the county’s Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS), but walk-ins are welcome too. [Melanie Meren/Twitter]


Countywide

Hunter Mill Road Traffic Stoppages Today — “On Mon 10/17 from 9AM-3PM, Hunter Mill Rd will have full traffic stoppages of up to 10 minutes each between Crowell Rd and Cobble Mill Rd to install beams as part of the Colvin Run bridge project. Expect delays and consider using alternate routes.” [VDOT/Twitter]

Racial Disparities Persist in Virginia Marijuana Arrests — “While marijuana arrests overall dropped in the year since Virginia became the first state in the South to legalize, Black adults accounted for nearly 60 percent of marijuana-related cases before the state’s general district and circuit courts…despite Black people accounting for about 20 percent of the state population.” [The Washington Post]


Countywide

Major Earthquake Drill Coming Next Week — “This year’s Great Southeast ShakeOut Day earthquake drill is scheduled for 10:20 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20. Make plans to join millions of people worldwide who will participate in earthquake drills at work, school or home.” [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

Motorcyclist Dies After Crash in Groveton — “Darrell Hayes, 75, of Alexandria, was operating a 2018 Honda Goldwing motorcycle, making a left turn from northbound Lantern Place to westbound South Kings Highway. Hayes lost control of his motorcycle, laying it down on the roadway. Hayes was taken to a hospital and succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 13.” [FCPD]


Countywide

Fire Department Unveils Platform for Sharing Emergency Information — “Community Connect is a free, secure, and easy to use platform that allows residents and/or business owners to share critical information about their home or business that will aid FCFRD firefighters and paramedics during an emergency.” [FCFRD]

Last New Route 7 Lane Opens in Reston — “The third westbound lane along Rt 7 between Riva Ridge Dr and Reston Ave is now open! It arrives ahead of schedule just like the third eastbound Rt 7 lane a couple weeks ago as part of the Route 7 Corridor Improvements Project.” [VDOT/Twitter]


Countywide

Centreville Man Charged in Fairfax Hit-and-Run — “City of Fairfax Police arrested a 34-year-old Centreville man for driving away from a multi-car crash on Saturday afternoon, according to the weekly crime report. Responding around 1:03 p.m for the report of a crash, officers found two vehicles that had sustained significant damage at Main Street and Judicial Drive.” [Patch]

Metro Plans Bus Network Redesign — “Metro is going on the road with Better Bus, a new initiative to rethink, redesign, and revitalize bus service. In a bold inaugural effort to redesign the current bus network, Metro is holding events across the region to hear from customers and the community.” [WMATA]


Countywide

Fairfax County Task Force Returns From Hurricane — “Today we warmly welcomed back VA-TF1 from their remarkable service to the victims of Ian. As always, the brave women, men and K9s of @VATF1 came through when the call to help arrived. They stand ready for the nation and the residents of Fairfax County.” [Jeff McKay/Twitter]

U.S. Opposes FCPS in Sexual Assault Case — “A recent filing in the U.S. Supreme Court supports a former Oakton High School student’s Title IX lawsuit against Fairfax County Public Schools over claims the student was threatened with discipline if she reported she was raped on a school outing.” [Patch]


News

Local Bus Changes for Indigenous Peoples’ Day — In observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, formerly known as Columbus Day, Fairfax Connector will operate on a holiday weekday schedule today (Monday). Metrorail is following a standard weekday schedule, but Metrobus is using a Saturday supplemental schedule. [Fairfax Connector, WMATA]

Local Tourism Spending Starts to Bounce Back — “Though still down from pre-pandemic levels, Fairfax County continued to make inroads in terms of rebounding tourism spending in 2021, according to new state figures. Domestic visitors spent an estimated $2.4 billion in Fairfax County in 2021, up more than 22 percent from 2020, according to figures reported Oct. 4 by the Virginia Tourism Corp.” [Sun Gazette]


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