Author: FFXnow.com

Former Robinson Student Charged With Assault — “Video of the incident inside James W. Robinson Secondary School was shared on social media,” showing students running away from the former student in the school’s cafeteria at around 8 a.m. on Sept. 10. “Police said the teen entered the school without authorization and assaulted a staff member who tried to stop him.” [FOX5]

Limited Morning Silver Line Service — Today “and Friday from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., trains will single track on the Orange Line between Stadium-Armory and Cheverly, and the Silver Line will run modified service operating between Ashburn and Downtown Largo only.” Metro has been working to “destress” its train rails, a process it says helps prevent issues during extreme heat. [WMATA/Bluesky]

State of Emergency for Hay Shortage — “Virginia farmers struggling with drought-damaged pastures will be able to receive larger hay deliveries under a state of emergency declared by Gov. Abigail Spanberger Wednesday … Persistent drought conditions that began last winter have led to an estimated hay shortfall totaling 500,000 tons.” [Virginia Mercury]

New Guidance on Felon Voting Restrictions — “Among Virginians who are no longer incarcerated, only those convicted of murder and voluntary or involuntary manslaughter remain disqualified from voting under new guidance from the Virginia Department of Elections. The update comes days before early voting begins in the midterm elections.” [Virginia Mercury]

Microsoft Fined for Data Center — “Virginia environmental officials ordered tech giant Microsoft on Monday to pay roughly $2.5 million after its Leesburg data center violated air quality standards during a week-long power grid outage in 2025, according to state documents.” The consent order will be finalized after a public comment period ending Oct. 14. [WJLA]

Gov. Confident in Democratic Midterm Chances — “When Virginia’s state Supreme Court in April struck down a voter-approved redistricting referendum that would have helped Democrats pick up four seats in the House, Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) feared the state would become an afterthought in this year’s midterm elections.” But now, she “feels the court’s action has energized the Democratic base.” [Washington Post]

Va. Preparing for Psychedelic Drugs — “FDA-approved psilocybin — the psychedelic compound in so-called ‘magic mushrooms’ — could be on the horizon, and some Virginia providers are already gearing up to deliver it if approved. Virginia has laid the groundwork for the treatment to become available if it wins federal approval,” and one company is already eyeing an expansion to Richmond. [Axios Richmond]

Smoothie Cafe Opens in Bailey’s Crossroads — “Bora Bora Smoothie Cafe opened last week at 5807 Leesburg Pike … Bora Bora was founded in 2023 in Dearborn, Mich. It has since become a franchise operation with 34 locations in 15 states. Another Bora Bora opened recently at the Tysons Corner Center.” [Annandale Today]

New Legal Notice — ABC wholesaler wine-consumed license application; objections due in 30 days. [Public Notices]

It’s Thursday — Mostly sunny with a high around 89°F and a 20% chance of rain after 2 PM. Thursday night will be mostly cloudy with a low near 71°F, and there is a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 PM, continuing as showers until midnight. [NWS]

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Congress Could Subpoena Descano — “Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano’s lawyers said they have been informed that the House Judiciary Committee plans to subpoena him this week and expand its inquiry beyond immigration-related issues … The attorneys said staff members are seeking information about all cases that were nolle prossed [voluntarily stopped] during Descano’s tenure.” [WTOP]

Kennedy Center Apparently Closed — “President Donald Trump’s 19-month effort to seize full control of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts came to a head Tuesday as its board voted to immediately close the building for a two-year renovation — a roughly $250 million overhaul that Trump publicly threatened to block unless his name is added to the institution.” All doors to the venue were reportedly locked by 6 p.m. yesterday. [Washington Post]

Spanberger Nixes Proposed Trans Sports Ban — “Governor Abigail Spanberger quietly ended a rulemaking process initiated in the waning days of former-governor Glenn Youngkin’s administration. The rule would have limited transgender students’ ability to play sports and use facilities. But Spanberger said over the weekend the rule is now dead.” [WVTF]

Beyer Calls for ICE Shutdown — Rep. Don Beyer expressed support for shutting down ICE during a recent candidate forum that also touched on President Donald Trump’s proposed arch in Arlington and data centers, among other topics. “His challengers offered differing takes on the agency and its management,” with Republican Tony Sabio saying there needs to be “accountability … but we cannot throw a whole system out.” [ARLnow]

Algae Spotted in Lake Anne — “Small clumps of potentially harmful algae have been observed on the surface of Lake Anne following resident reports. While boating activities can continue, residents and visitors should avoid contact with algae and lake water in areas where algae is present.” [Reston Association]

Reston Hospital Adds Cardiac Center — Reston Hospital Center opened a dedicated open-heart surgery center on Monday (Sept. 14) in response to “heightened demand” in western Fairfax and Loudoun counties. The $15 million project added 35 employees, converted four “immediate care unit rooms into specialty cardiac care rooms,” and installed an elevator between operating rooms on the first floor and an ICU on the second floor. [Washington Business Journal]

Industrial Development Planned at Dulles — “Nearly 3 million square feet of new industrial development is slated for Dulles International Airport, a project that will clear space for its decade-long $22.5 billion redevelopment.” The MWAA board is scheduled to approve four ground leases at its meeting today (Wednesday) for cargo and aviation support facilities as well as other projects that are currently confidential “until a lease is signed.” [Washington Business Journal]

New Middle School Option in Reston — “Seven students make up the inaugural class of Reston Montessori School’s Secondary I Program, which extends Montessori education into the middle school years. The idea grew out of a vision Head of School Eliana Jaoude developed while teaching Upper Elementary students.” [Reston Letter]

Silent Reading Event in Fairfax Corner — “Fairfax Corner will hold its third Silent Read & Sip on Friday, September 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Previous events have proven popular and attracted between 150 and 200 participants.” In addition to sitting down with a book and beverage, attendees can check out a free book swap, browse the mobile store Wandering Shelf and craft bookmarks. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

It’s Wednesday — Expect sunny skies with a high near 86°F and a gentle south wind blowing at 3 to 6 mph. Wednesday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 66°F, and the south wind will continue at 3 to 6 mph. [NWS]

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

Metro Service Changes for Track Work — Today (Tuesday), “from 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m., the Yellow Line will run modified service operating between Huntington and Mt. Vernon Sq only, and trains will single track on the Blue Line between Van Dorn St and Braddock Rd.” Metro workers will be conducting “proactive work” to prevent “track abnormalities from occurring due to extreme heat.” [WMATA/X]

Self-Driving Vehicle Regulations in the Works — “Leaders in the commonwealth are drafting proposals to establish a framework for implementing [autonomous vehicle] policy and create an ongoing advisory committee after the group concludes its work … Virginia’s proposed framework would focus on commercial use rather than personal vehicles, including ride-sharing and delivery services, buses and Class 7 and 8 heavy-duty vehicles.” [Virginia Mercury]

Dump Truck Overturned in Newington — “A couple of people were able to just drive away after an overturning truck and its load of dirt and gravel almost fell on top of them. It happened at Fullerton Rd. and Boudinot Dr. in Newington, VA during the noon hour.” Fairfax County Fire and Rescue responded to treat the driver for non-life-threatening injuries and address a fuel leak from the truck. [Dave Statter/X]

Residents Object to Verizon Landline Phase-Out — “Facing a statewide move from Verizon to phase out copper wire landlines, concerned citizens showed up to a Wednesday town hall meeting hosted by U.S. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Va.-10th, to voice their disapproval.” Speakers worried that losing landlines will leave them with no alternatives in areas with weak or nonexistent cell service. [Fauquier Now/Inside NoVA]

County Encourages Transit Use — “Promoted by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), Try Transit Week encourages commuters to explore alternatives to driving alone.” Among other incentives, Fairfax Connector is offering fare-free rides on its Route 798 Express bus between Tysons and Bethesda and piloting a closed-container beverage policy. [FCDOT]

I-66 Slugging Challenge Underway — Slugging has expanded on I-66 with the addition of the Monument Drive and University Blvd Park and Rides as new pick-up locations for commuters heading into D.C. and Rosslyn. “Those who register for the 66-day challenge can also receive incentives and become eligible to win up to $1,000 in prizes by logging their slugging trips.” [I-66 Slugging Network]

Chinese Restaurant Expands — “Chili Wok, a brand-new restaurant in Bailey’s Crossroads, offers traditional Chinese homestyle cooking. The restaurant is located in the former Yeshi Kitfo spot at 3400-D Washington Drive. It’s the third Chili Wok, following outlets in Vienna and Del Ray in Alexandria.” [Annandale Today]

FCPS Recruiting Cafeteria Workers — “Join Team FCPS! Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting an in-person Food and Nutrition Services job fair on Thursday, September 24, 2026 (9 a.m.-12 p.m.). Registration is not required to attend. Meet our team and interview on-site!” [FCPS]

Herndon HS Adds Girls’ Golf — “This summer Herndon High School added its first girls Virginia High School League (VHSL) golf team. A total of nine girls from freshman to seniors represent the Hornets … Reid Kiser, golfer and father of HHS junior Addison Kiser, led the effort to establish the girls team and create more opportunities within an already strong coed golf program.” [Reston Letter]

It’s Tuesday — Sunny with a high of around 79°F, light and variable winds shifting southeast around 6 mph in the morning. Tuesday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to about 59°F. The southeast wind will be around 5 mph before becoming calm in the evening. [NWS]

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Man Shot in Groveton — “A man was taken to a hospital with severe injuries after a shooting in Groveton, Virginia, late Saturday morning. It happened on Sept. 12 in the 3500 block of Robert E. Lee Place.” Police were searching for a suspect but said the shooting appears to have been “an isolated incident.” [WJLA]

Kennedy Center Officials Recommend Closure — “Leaders of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, installed by President Donald Trump, say the center is on the brink of bankruptcy and argue that putting the president’s name on its facade — and thus ensuring his fundraising efforts — may be the only way to avoid imminent and ‘certain fiscal collapse.” The board could approve a recommended closure as soon as tomorrow (Tuesday). [Washington Post]

Plea Deal in Ex-CIA Official Theft Case — “A former CIA official found with $40 million of gold bars in his home has reached a tentative plea agreement after being charged with theft for fraudulently inflating his salary, according to court records.” The man’s attorney said “the charge against him isn’t related to the gold bars, which she described as ‘a sensational tidbit.'” [Associated Press]

Family Mourns Murder Victim — “Family members are mourning the loss of 31-year-old Lavinia Brown, who was shot and killed in her Fairfax home on Sept. 9. Brown’s mother, Denise Batten-Williams, says she knew something was wrong when she tried calling her daughter and then her son-in-law, Brandon, and neither of them picked up.” [DC News Now]

Survey Open on Homelessness Plan — Fairfax County is accepting input through Friday (Sept. 18) on a new five-year plan to address homelessness. The Way Home Fairfax focuses on “helping people who are homeless now find stable housing faster, preventing homelessness before it happens, improving support for people who have experienced homelessness the longest, and building public understanding and support for solutions that work.” [Sull-E Newsletter]

Va. Rolls Out New Food Benefits Cards — “Virginia is replacing traditional food-assistance benefit cards with chip-enabled versions designed to make it harder for thieves to steal SNAP benefits from families. About 749,000 state residents receive assistance through the program.” [Virginia Mercury]

In-Person Hearings Planned on Dominion Merger — The State Corporation Commission will hold three in-person hearings on the proposed $67 billion merger of Dominion Energy and NextEra. Planned in addition to three days of phone testimony, “the first of the three in-person meetings will be held on the evening of Nov. 5 inside the SCC’s courtroom in Richmond.” [Virginia Mercury]

Metro Revises Bus Fare-Quoting Policy — “Metro’s largest union says it has reached an agreement with WMATA so that only drivers protected by glass shields have to quote the fare to riders … The updated guidance comes more than a month after a man repeatedly punched a Metrobus driver who told him the bus fare and that he couldn’t bring an open alcoholic beverage on board.” [NBC4]

Fort Belvoir Commemorates 9/11 — “Soldiers, first responders and community leaders gathered at Fort Belvoir Thursday to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, honoring the nearly 3,000 people killed and reflecting on the generations of service personnel shaped by the events that followed.” [Inside NoVA]

New Legal Notice — Restaurant applies for ABC permit: beer and wine on/off-premises. [Public Notices]

It’s Monday — It will be sunny with a high of around 80°F, and a north wind blowing at 13 mph, occasionally gusting up to 24 mph. Monday night will be clear, with temperatures dropping to about 57°F and a gentle north wind at 5 to 7 mph. [NWS]

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Local Residents Remember 9/11 — “To mark the 25th anniversary of that infamous day — in which D.C.’s tragedy is often eclipsed by New York’s — City Paper sought out the stories of those who were here when American Airlines Flight 77 felled a part of the Pentagon. From librarian Gail Kouril to City Paper’s own Darrow Montgomery, six longtime D.C.-area residents shared their memories and reflections.” [Washington City Paper]

Motorcyclist Injured in Route 7 Crash — “A motorcyclist was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after they were involved in a crash on Leesburg Pike in Fairfax County, police said. Details are limited; however, the collision happened along Leesburg Pike near Rio Drive in the Seven Corners area.” [DC News Now]

Prison Sentence for Home Contractor — “Virginia home contractor Richard Craig Tadlock was sentenced to 12 years in prison Thursday after his construction fraud conviction.” Residents testified during the sentencing hearing in Fairfax County court that “Tadlock agreed to build their homes, and either wouldn’t finish or didn’t even start the projects,” despite taking money through home construction loans. [WUSA9]

Police ID Couple Shot in Centreville — Fairfax County police are investigating the fatal shooting that occurred in a Centreville home Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 9) as a murder-suicide. “Preliminarily, detectives believe Brandon [Brown] shot his wife, Lavinia, before shooting himself.” [FCPD]

Student Killed While Bicycling Mourned — “The boy, a student at Frost Middle School, was riding home when he was struck [by a truck] on the 3900 block of Pickett Road, about a half-mile from the school. Parents said many students bike or scooter to and from Frost Middle School, and they worry about the safety of the roads surrounding the campus.” [WUSA9]

Senators Seek DCA Flight Limits — “Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, both Virginia Democrats, are set to introduce a bill next week that would restrict flights at National, also known as DCA, in an effort to make Washington’s chronically congested airspace safer following the deadly 2025 plane crash near the airport.” [Washington Post]

Herndon Man Indicted for Carjacking — “A Herndon man accused of taking a Jeep at knifepoint with another man inside before leading police on a pursuit through Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland has been indicted on federal carjacking and kidnapping charges.” [Patch]

DACA Renewal Delays Continue — “Virginia DACA recipients are facing months-long renewal delays that are causing their work permits and deportation protections to expire while they await approval, Richmond-area immigration attorneys tell Axios … Renewal processing times nationwide have climbed from roughly a month last year to at least 6.5 months this year, per the USCIS site.” [Axios Richmond]

Herndon Considers E-Bike Rule Changes — “The town of Herndon is considering changes to its e-bike rules to improve safety on local roads and trails.” At a community meeting on Wednesday (Sept. 9), residents shared their concerns, while Mayor Keven LeBlanc said town officials are looking into their options for potentially changing age and helmet requirements for riders of e-bikes, scooters and other vehicles. [WUSA9]

It’s Friday — There is a 20% chance of precipitation, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 81°F. Winds will be from the northeast at 3 to 6 mph. Night will remain mostly cloudy with a low around 67°F and calm winds. [NWS]

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