Author: FFXnow.com

School Board Member Seeks to End Hiring Restrictions — “Fairfax County School Board member Melanie Meren is calling on the superintendent to lift restrictions on hiring outside teachers, saying some students remain without assigned full-time teachers six weeks into the school year … Under the approach she described, only current Fairfax County Public Schools employees are considered for vacant teaching positions.” [WJLA]

Crossing Guard Hiring Underway as 75 Years of Program Marked — “On Wednesday, the Fairfax County Police Department announced that openings for crossing guards are now available. The school crossing guard program began in 1951 with just 10 guards. Now, the program serves 95 locations across the county, totaling 185 guards.” [WUSA9]

Tysons-Based MyEyeDr. to Aquire 300 Locations — “MyEyeDr. has more than 900 locations nationwide, including more than 50 in the Greater Washington market, and the acquisition would add another 300 more. The deal, announced Monday, does not include EyeCare Partners’ ophthalmology practices, which the Ballwin, Missouri, company will continue to operate.” [Washington Business Journal]

New Women’s Clothing Retailer Coming to Reston — “It looks like Virginia is getting its first Brandy Melville store – a young women’s clothing retailer known for its trendy ‘fast fashion’ ensembles and accessories … It will reportedly be going into the former Apple Store space left vacant when Apple moved into a bigger unit next door.” [The Burn]

Rep. Beyer’s Challengers Share Stances on Federal Role in Education, Term Limits — “Rep. Don Beyer’s three challengers in the 8th District want less — or no — federal involvement in public education. ‘The government should stay out of it. I don’t think it’s their business,’ said Shelly Arnoldi, the Libertarian candidate, in a Sept. 28 forum presented by a coalition of local League of Women Voters organizations. Arnoldi was joined by Republican Tony Sabio and independent Tim Sharman.” [ALXnow]

Medicaid Changes Affecting Noncitizens Begin Oct. 1 — “Medicaid changes for noncitizen adults begin tomorrow, Oct. 1. Regardless of immigration status, there are community clinics and other services available to help you stay healthy.” [Fairfax County Government/X]

Ribbon Cut on Stream and Trail Restoration in Tysons — “Fairfax County Supervisor Walter Alcorn joined with residents, Westwood Village President Claudia Diamond and county staff to celebrate the restoration of the Old Courthouse Spring Branch and Ashgrove Trail. Located over a half mile from the Spring Hill Metro Station in Tysons, this project stabilized the stream channel, improved stream ecology, replaced the damaged stream crossing with a new concrete culvert and rebuilt the Ashgrove Trail with new hand railings.” [Hunter Mill District Supervisor’s office]

Crisp Fall Weather Is on the Way — “For fans of sweater weather, DC could see its first morning lows in the 40s of the season next Tuesday and Wednesday. Cooler suburbs will almost certainly dip into the 40s.” [Capital Weather]

New Legal Notice — Establishment seeks mixed-beverage restaurant license; objections due in 30 days. [Public Notices]

New Legal Notice — Applicant seeks mixed-beverage restaurant license; objections due in 30 days. [Public Notices]

It’s Thursday — The weather will start off partly sunny and gradually become fully sunny, with temperatures reaching a high of about 84°F. There will be a southwest wind blowing at 5 to 9 mph. In the evening, expect partly cloudy skies and a low temperature around 65°F, with a southwest wind at about 7 mph. [NWS]

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Shooting Injures 2 People in Hybla Valley — Officers responded to a non-fatal shooting in the 7700 block of Richmond Highway Tuesday. Police found two men with non-life-threatening injuries and believe the incident is isolated.” [Fairfax County Police Department/X]

FCPS Spending More on School Bus Fuel — “Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia’s largest division, has nearly 1,600 diesel buses that drive about 85,000 miles every day, a spokeswoman said in a statement. The district doesn’t pay public pump prices, instead getting fuel as part of the consortium with the county’s Department of Vehicle Services. However, it’s still paying almost $2 more per gallon on average so far this year compared with last year’s average, and $1.23 more per gallon in mid-September than in July.” [WTOP]

Chantilly Emergency Room Plans Scrapped — “HCA’s StoneSprings Hospital Center in Dulles had been under contract to purchase a former deli at 3980 Corsair Court and planned to convert the roughly 11,000-square-foot space into a standalone ER with 11 exam rooms, a spokesperson told the Business Journal earlier this year … But the property is up for sale again, and Sterling-based brokerage Legat Commercial Real Estate is marketing it for $7 million as a standalone restaurant building or a potential redevelopment opportunity.” [Washington Business Journal]

Congressional Reps Seek Answers on Military Mental Health Care — “Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs and Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs, are pressing the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine whether service members have sufficient access to mental health care during deployments. In their letter, the lawmakers point to concerning conditions aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford during its 326-day deployment.” [Office of Rep. James Walkinshaw]

County’s Housing Voucher Wait List to Open — “The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) will be accepting pre-applications for the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) waitlist. Telestar Court and The Exchange at Spring Hill Station are new properties within the FCRHA’s PBV portfolio. The Housing Waitlist will be open from Monday, October 5, 2026, at 8 a.m. through Sunday, October 11, 2026, 11:59 p.m.” [Fairfax County]

Haunt: Dark Encounters Opens This Weekend at Workhouse Arts Center — “This isn’t your typical haunted house. This year, the Workhouse is trading theatrical gimmicks for raw, unrelenting tension. Guests are guided through dense woodland to uncover the mystery of five friends who vanished in 1996. It’s immersive, it’s unsettling, and it’s built to make every shadow feel personal.” [Workhouse Arts Center]

Reston YMCA Recognized for 25-Year Milestone — “The board approved a resolution honoring the YMCA’s anniversary and recognizing its youth programs, wellness initiatives and community partnerships. The recognition was requested by Board Chairman Jeff McKay and Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn.” [Patch]

ICE Enforcement Affects New Construction in Virginia — “Stepped-up immigration enforcement is disrupting construction across Virginia and Maryland, a Richmond homebuilder says, slowing how quickly new homes can get built. Virginia’s construction industry is more reliant on immigrant labor than the nation overall, with nearly 28% of its workers — and almost 38% of its trades workers — being foreign-born, per a National Association of Home Builders analysis of 2024 census data.” [Axios D.C.]

It’s Wednesday — Expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 80°F and a calm wind shifting to the southwest at 6 mph in the afternoon. By Wednesday night, the weather will turn mostly cloudy with a low of around 64°F, accompanied by a south wind around 6 mph. [NWS]

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Crash Seriously Injures Motorcyclist in Springfield — “Police said medics transported the motorcyclist, a man, to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. According to officials, no other vehicles were involved in the collision.” [DC News Now]

Duke of Edinburgh Visiting Mount Vernon — “His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon on the morning of Thursday, Oct. 1, as part of a visit to the United States marking America’s 250th anniversary. He will be accompanied by British Ambassador to the United States Sir Christian Turner. The current duke is Prince Edward, the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Youth Advocates Push Back on Increased Marijuana Penalties — “The maximum civil penalty for consuming or offering marijuana in public is set to rise from $25 to $250 on July 1, 2027, the same day retail sales are scheduled to begin. A second offense also carries a $250 fine and requires substance-use education or treatment, or both, if available, while a third or subsequent offense is a Class 4 misdemeanor.” [Virginia Mercury]

Fairfax City Candidates to Participate in Voter Event — “Fairfax City voters will have an opportunity Wednesday to meet candidates running for mayor, City Council and School Board ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.” [Patch]

Jake’s Ice Cream Spotlighted on National TV — “Jake’s Ice Cream in Falls Church was featured on the September 23 episode of The Drew Barrymore Show in a segment called the ‘Drew-Gooders.’ The segments celebrate ‘inspiring people doing good in the world.’ Robin Rinearson opened Jake’s Ice Cream on Columbia Pike in 2021 after her “differently-abled” nephew Jake was laid off from his job.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Arlington and Alexandria Intervene in Dominion Energy Merger Case — “Intervening in the proceeding means that Arlington and Alexandria can provide expert testimony about impacts on local residents, question witnesses in the hearing and engage in any potential settlement discussions.” [ARLnow]

Juveniles Dead in Crash After I-395 Chase — “‘One passenger died at the scene,’ VSP said in a release. ‘Three other occupants were transported to area hospitals, where the driver and a second passenger succumbed to their injuries. The final occupant remains hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.'” [ALXnow]

Nightly Ramp Closures at I-495, Route 123 Interchange Begin — “Weather permitting, the I-495 (Capital Beltway) and Route 123 (Chain Bridge Road) interchange will have nightly closures for paving Monday night, Sept. 28, through Saturday night, Oct. 3, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.” [VDOT]

Kennedy Center Employees Claim Repairs Were Delayed — “In a letter to Congress, former staff members alleged Executive Director Matt Floca halted a funded plan to address roof issues in April. The Kennedy Center closed earlier this month after officials cited deterioration near the roof and a partial ceiling collapse.” [Fox5DC]

It’s Tuesday — The weather will be mostly sunny with temperatures reaching a high of 76°F, accompanied by northwest winds at 5 to 8 mph. Tuesday night will be partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to around 60°F and a light west wind. [NWS]

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

Guilty Plea in Federal Agent Impersonation at Polling Place — “Officials said 44-year-old Alex Nguyen, faces three years in prison for dressing up as a Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) agent outside Timber Lane Elementary School. Armed with an air pistol that looked like a Glock, and wearing sunglasses, a blue zip-up sweatshirt with the FBI logo, and a fake badge, prosecutors said Nguyen lied to election officials that he was on assignment with the FBI’s ‘Election Security’ team several times.” [WJLA]

Fire Causes Partial House Collapse in Hybla Valley — “Crews tried to enter the house, the fire service reports but were blocked by the intense flames and a partial collapse of the second floor and front porch. Eventually, they were able to control the fire and protect a neighboring house by attacking from the exterior. The fire service also reports that it was able to cool a fuel oil tank at the rear of the home.” [Patch]

Pro-Data Center Party Held in D.C. — “On Saturday, PubKey, the cryptocurrency-themed bar in downtown D.C., hosted hundreds — a thousand RSVP’d to the Partiful invite — for a celebration of data centers. It was a party planned on the defensive, counterprogramming what the invite described as a ‘bipartisan psychosis’ over data centers.” [Washington Sun]

New Signage Unveiled at Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail —”The more than 40-mile Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail stretches across Fairfax County, connecting parks and communities along the way. Connolly died on May 21, 2025, after serving Virginia’s 11th Congressional District since 2009. Before going to Congress, he spent 14 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including five years as chairman. Connolly’s family joined local leaders at Lake Accotink Park for the unveiling on National Public Lands Day.” [WTOP]

Defense Health Agency Headquarters Acquired in West Falls Church — “The sale, recorded Sept. 2, was between longtime owner GBA Associates LP and the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), which bought the 43.6-acre campus at 7700 Arlington Blvd. on behalf of the Department of War and the Defense Health Agency …” [Washington Business Journal]

FCPS Hosts First K-12 Quantum Computer — “The quantum computer planned for Skyview [High School] is about the size of a small refrigerator and is designed for learning. Students will have hands-on experience with a technology that operates very differently from the computers we use every day. They will explore fundamental quantum concepts, test problems such as finding the most efficient way to organize a schedule, and compare how a quantum computer approaches a problem with how a traditional computer would solve it.” [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]

One of I-95 Landfill Entrances to Close — “Due to ongoing safety concerns, the Furnace Road entrance with the U-turn into the I-95 Landfill Complex will be permanently closed [as of Saturday, Oct. 10]. All traffic must use the main Mordor Drive entrance next to I-95.” [Fairfax County Public Works/X]

New Boundaries Considered at Lincolnia School — “FCPS has dropped a previous proposal opposed by many Bren Mar Park parents that called for students to move to Key Middle School and Lewis High School. Under the latest options under consideration, BMP students would continue to attend Holmes Middle School and either continue at Edison High School or move to Annandale High School.” [Annandale Today]

Timeline for Arlington’s Potential Governance Changes Holds Steady — “Pressed forward by the Arlington County Civic Association, potential governance changes could include increasing the size of the Board beyond the current five members; changing the election cycle for Board members; having some or all Board members elected by districts; and/or separately electing a chair … Likely not on the horizon is a switch to city status, since there currently is a statewide moratorium on the creation of new cities until the early 2030s.” [ARLnow]

Enforcement Ramps Up on Maryland Cars with Virginia Registrations — “Maryland law already requires residents to register their vehicles within 60 days of moving to the state. Beginning Oct. 1, the state is adding new fines and enforcement measures for residents who continue using out-of-state plates when their vehicles should be registered in Maryland. The new enforcement applies to all out-of-state tags, not just Virginia plates.” [WMAR2]

Nor’easter Batters Mid-Atlantic Coast — “The storm’s most significant impacts remained along the Delmarva coast, where rough surf, dangerous rip currents, beach erosion and coastal flooding continued. In Ocean City, officials urged residents and visitors to avoid flooded areas after storm conditions forced the cancellation of the three-day Oceans Calling festival … The National Weather Service said tidal flooding remains a concern through early Monday in some Chesapeake Bay and tidal Potomac shoreline communities, with coastal flood advisories in effect for parts of the region.” [WTOP]

It’s Monday — The weather will be mostly cloudy, with temperatures reaching a high of around 70 degrees and a northwest wind at approximately 8 mph. Overnight, the sky remains mostly cloudy with a low temperature near 60 degrees and a northwest wind of 3 to 5 mph. [NWS]

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