FFXnow is the definitive local news source for Fairfax County, featuring countywide coverage and hyperlocal reporting on the Reston and Tysons areas. This article was written by an editor or other member of FFXnow's full-time staff.
Looking up at the Skymark apartment building in Reston Town Center from RTC West (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Beltway Lane Closures Planned in Tysons — “Lane and ramp closures will begin Friday at 9 p.m. and continue until 9 a.m. Sunday on the northbound lanes of the Capital Beltway between Leesburg Pike and the George Washington Parkway. Triple lane closures and ramp closures will be in effect Friday and Saturday nights, VDOT said, and a single lane closure is planned all day Saturday” as construction on the new I-495 Express Lanes continues. [WTOP]
Homeless Shelter Operator Scrutinized — “Staff at the homeless shelter in Bailey’s Crossroads and other shelters run by New Hope Housing are not being paid on time, have seen their health benefits canceled, and have been spending their own money for supplies like toilet paper and food.” Fairfax County’s housing office says the nonprofit is currently “out of compliance” with its contract, and New Hope Housing is facing a wrongful death lawsuit after a supportive housing resident died in a fire. [Annandale Today]
Virginia Eases Covid Vaccine Rules — “In recent days, residents of Virginia and other states began to need a prescription from their primary care provider in order to get a COVID vaccine, a change prompted by shifting federal requirements. An order the Virginia Department of Health issued Wednesday now makes it easier for eligible Virginians to get vaccines in the weeks ahead by dropping the prescription requirement.” [Virginia Mercury]
Superintendent Statement on Shootings — In light of “the senseless and devastating attacks at Evergreen High School in Colorado and at Utah Valley University” on Wednesday (Sept. 10), Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid assured families that school officials “continue working hard to ensure everyone is safe as this remains a critical priority at FCPS.” [FCPS]
State and Dems Clash Over University Boards — Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera recently instructed university rectors to ignore directives from Senate Democrats telling them not to recognize contested board appointees. “Senate Democrats have rejected a long list of appointments to boards of Visitors this year, accusing them of being too partisan. The rejections have left multiple vacancies on the boards. 10 GMU board members have been removed, along with seven at VMI and five at UVA.” [Virginia Scope]
Stuff the Bus Food Drive Returns — “Fastran buses, along with Fairfax County Fire Department trucks, will be at several sites from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. [tomorrow] for this Hunger Action Month event to combat hunger. Please consider donating non-perishable food items and gift cards at the below locations.” [Neighborhood and Community Services]
Taste of Annandale Coming Up — “This year’s Taste of Annandale promises to be bigger and better than ever. This family-friendly community festival with more than 100 vendor booths is Sept. 20, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space, 7200 Columbia Pike.” Attractions include live music, a 5K, a petting zoo, a chili cook-off and more. [Press release]
Ken Burns Doc Preview at Mount Vernon — “Registration opens September 24 to see Emmy and Grammy Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns unveil his latest documentary series at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. Burns will offer remarks and share clips from the six-part series ‘The American Revolution’ on Oct. 29.” [ALXnow]
It’s Friday — Expect a sunny day with a high of around 81 degrees and a north wind at about 6 mph, shifting to the east in the afternoon. On Friday night, the skies will be mostly clear with a low temperature near 60 degrees. [NWS]
Expect sunshine and a high of 81 with north winds at 6 mph, shifting to the northeast in the afternoon. Friday night will be mostly clear with a low of 59, as southeast winds at 5 mph become calm in the evening. See more from Weather.gov.
Afternoon rush-hour traffic on I-495 near the Gallows Road exit (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
County Board Schedules Special Meeting — “The Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 9 a.m. to authorize the County Attorney’s Office to petition the Circuit Court, which will then set the date for a special election.” The election would fill the Braddock District supervisor’s seat vacated by James Walkinshaw, who was sworn into Congress yesterday (Wednesday). [Fairfax County Government]
GMU Board Head Rejects Call for Resignation — “George Mason University Rector Charles Stimson informed Democratic leaders in the Virginia Senate that he will not step down from his post on the school’s governing board despite their request for him to do so.” Sens. Scott Surovell, L. Louise Lucas and Mamie Locke argued Stimson’s role as an advisor to the president of the Heritage Foundation is a conflict of interest as Mason faces federal investigations into its diversity policies. [Virginia Mercury]
Two Arrested for Carjacking — A 20-year-old man from Alexandria and a 17-year-old are facing criminal charges in connection with an armed carjacking that occurred in Woodlawn on Monday (Sept. 8). “The victim reported he met with a buyer to sell clothing he advertised online when a second suspect approached him, displayed a firearm, and the two stole his vehicle.” [FCPD]
Swim Club Cell Tower Voted Down — The Mantua Swim and Tennis Club (MSTC) won’t move forward with a proposed project to allow a Verizon cell tower on its property after members declined to approve a necessary amendment to its bylaws, the board of directors said in a statement. “We thank all members who participated in the process and appreciate the engagement from our broader community.” [MSTC]
Mahjong Studio Open in Falls Church — “Local mahjong player Tori Rittinger, who launched Talk Tiles to Me at 113 Rowell Court last week, said she fell in love with the game when a friend got her hooked in 2021.” The new mahjong studio offers lessons for newcomers to the Chinese game, open play hours, event rentals and league nights. [ARLnow]
Tysons Club Plots Return — “Tower Club Tyson’s Corner, the old-school standby in the sky for NoVa’s business types with big wallets, will resurface in late October following a lavish renovation. Around since 1989, the club’s needed makeover to the tune of $1 million includes the addition of two restaurants.” [DC Eater]
Parents Warn About Opioid Overdoses — “Cayden Foster, Sean and Afrodita’s only child, died of a fentanyl overdose in early 2023 at 18 years old. Afrodita found him dead in his bed one morning when he should have been getting ready for school.” The parents have now spoken to thousands of students about the dangers of opioids and stay in contact with the Fairfax County Police Department’s overdose task force. [WTOP]
It’s Thursday — Expect a mostly sunny day with a high around 80 degrees and a gentle north wind at 6 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear with lows near 60 degrees, as the northeast wind around 5 mph becomes calm in the evening. [NWS]
Here is what’s going on Thursday throughout the county, from our event calendar.
No events today. Have one to promote? Submit it to the calendar.
🌤️ Thursday’s forecast
Expect partly sunny skies and a high near 80 degrees, accompanied by a north wind at 6 mph. As nighttime arrives, the sky will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 58 degrees. A northeast wind at 5 mph will also become calm in the evening. See more from Weather.gov.
Voters approach Cedar Park Elementary School for the Sept. 9, 2025 special election (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Driver Charged in Fatal Pedestrian Crash — “Detectives from our Crash Reconstruction Unit have charged the driver from the August 15 fatal pedestrian crash in Springfield with Failure to Stop for Pedestrians in a Crosswalk.” Police say an investigation found that Jay Kim, a 76-year-old Springfield resident, was using a crosswalk on Hunter Village Drive when the driver of a Toyota Camry hit him. [FCPD]
Metro Reports Crime Drop — “As Metro wraps up a yearlong review of its service, the transit agency is reporting two major wins: a sharp drop in crime and a steady rise in ridership. According to Metro’s newly released FY2025 Annual Service Excellence Report, crime across the system fell by 43% between June 2024 and June 2025,” while ridership was up 9% over the previous year. [WTOP]
Fairfax Seeks Balance in Office Space — “In a market that is oversaturated with older office buildings that are unlikely to ever be desirable to tenants again, there has been some progress toward repositioning the stock, panelists said onstage at Comstock’s newly delivered 1800 Reston Row Plaza. But there’s still a long way to go for the Fairfax market to get to a healthy place.” [Bisnow]
Police Dog Dies From Cancer — “The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) announced on Monday that K9 Onyx had died. She served the force for 11 years in the Organized Crime and Narcotics unit and for the U.S. Postal Service.” [DC News Now]
New Steakhouse in Falls Church — “A family-owned steakhouse and raw bar from Maryland hosted a ribbon cutting at its first Virginia restaurant yesterday (Monday) in Falls Church. Olney-based GrillMarX is now open in the Little City, serving hand-cut steaks, hearty entrees and Virginia wines at 510 S. Washington Street.” [ARLnow]
Book Festival Finalizes Lineup — “George Mason University’s annual fall literary festival, Fall for the Book, is back from October 7 to 11. Big names in literature will attend, including headliner Erik Larson, Jeff Goodell, and Maggie Stiefvater … Celeste Ng was previously announced as a headliner, but her event was cancelled.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Volunteers Clean Up Litter in Culmore — “Local youths and organizations came together on Sept. 6 to pick up litter in the Culmore area of Bailey’s Crossroads. A total of 106 people participated in Culmore Cleanup Day, reports organizer Andres Curtin of Second Story, the lead agency for Fairfax County’s Opportunity Neighborhoods initiative in Bailey’s Crossroads.” [Annandale Today]
Alpacas Add Twist to Open House — To sell a five-bedroom, four-bath house at 4635 Wood Glen Road near George Mason University’s Fairfax campus, real estate agent Kat Massetti of Serhant recruited My Pet Alpaca to set up a petting zoo that featured Mochi and Loki the alpacas, Princess Peach the goat and an albino snake. The event on Sunday (Sept. 7) was aimed at families with kids and turned into Massetti’s “most attended open house so far this year.” [Washington Business Journal]
It’s Wednesday — Showers are likely mainly before 9am, followed by mostly cloudy skies and a high near 72. The chance of precipitation is 30%. For Wednesday night, expect partly cloudy conditions, a low around 60, and a north wind between 3 to 5 mph. [NWS]
Showers are likely before 9 am, followed by mostly cloudy skies and a high near 72. A north wind will blow at around 9 mph, and the chance of precipitation sits at 30%. On Wednesday night, expect partly cloudy conditions and a low of around 58, as north winds slow to between 3 and 6 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
Outdoor seating area with oversized chess pieces at Fairfax Corner (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Herndon House Consumed by Fire — Fairfax County firefighters responded yesterday (Monday) afternoon to a two-alarm house fire in the 12200 block of Folkstone Drive in the Difficult Run area. “Units arrived to fire showing from all levels of the home. Crews are working to bring the fire under control. There are no reported civilian or firefighter injuries.” [FCFRD/X]
New Advanced Academic Center Proposed — “The Annandale High School pyramid is only one of two pyramids in Fairfax County that doesn’t have an elementary or middle school with an Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) center.” That could change with Superintendent Michelle Reid recommending “a new full-time AAP Center be established at Poe Middle School.” [Annandale Today]
Wine Bar Opens in Reston — Corsica Wine Bar has officially opened in the former Mon Ami Gabi space at Reston Town Center. Coming from the team behind Barcelona Wine Bar, the restaurant is currently allowing walk-in diners from 4 p.m. to midnight on Sunday through Thursday, and from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. [FFXnow]
Woodlawn Carjacking Suspects Arrested — Fairfax County police say they have arrested two people suspected in an armed carjacking reported in the 5800 block of Saint Gregory Lane around 3 p.m. yesterday. “The suspects presented a firearm, stole the victim’s vehicle and fled the scene.” Officers located the vehicle with help from the department’s Real-Time Crime Center and the Fairfax 1 helicopter. [FCPD]
Reston Parkway Property Acquired — “Renaissance Centro bought the 2.4-acre parcel at 1760 Reston Parkway for $9.1 million from RTC Partnership LLC, a joint venture between Richard Whealen and D.C.-based developer Akridge, on Aug. 29, according to Fairfax County property records.” The site was previously approved for an office building that would’ve become Reston’s tallest tower, but developers more recently proposed apartments. That proposal is still “pending,” per Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn. [Washington Business Journal]
Yemeni Cafe Eyes Falls Church — “A cafe franchise promising authentic Yemeni coffee and treats may soon fill a vacant space left by Chasin’ Tails in East Falls Church. Qahwah House, a Michigan-based Yemeni coffee shop, has applied for work permits at 2200 N. Westmoreland Street, which the seafood restaurant left in 2022.” [ARLnow]
Parents Seek More Action on Mold in School — “In August before school started, students arrived at marching band camp at Hayfield Secondary School to find water stains on the ceiling, soaked carpets and fabric chairs appearing furry with mold.” Though the band room was cleaned and declared safe to occupy, some parents “believe the mold issue is widespread and sickening their children.” [NBC4]
Meeting Set on Gallows Road Project — “The Fairfax County Department of Transportation will hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m., to answer questions and accept feedback on its proposed recommendations for Gallows Road, including Northern, Middle and Southern segments.” FCDOT is accepting comments on its plan to make the roadway more bicycle and pedestrian-friendly through Sept. 30. [FCDOT]
It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny skies and a high of around 76 degrees with a northeast wind blowing at 6 to 9 mph. By Tuesday night, the sky will be mostly cloudy with a low temperature near 59 degrees. [NWS]
Expect sunny skies and a high near 76, accompanied by a northeast wind blowing at 6 to 9 mph. As for Tuesday night, prepare for increasing cloud coverage and a low temperature around 57, with an east wind of about 6 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
A pedestrian and a driver approach the Washington & Old Dominion Trail crossing at Cedar Lane in Dunn Loring (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Pedestrian Injured in Hit-and-Run — Fairfax County police are investigating “a hit-and-run pedestrian crash” that occurred in the 3200 block of Holly Hill Drive” in West Falls Church yesterday (Sunday) morning. “The pedestrian, an adult man, was transported to the hospital in life threatening condition. The driver of the striking vehicle fled the scene.” [FCPD/X]
Inside GMU President’s Stand Against Trump Admin — “An engineer by training, [Gregory] Washington is a planner by nature. When he became George Mason’s first Black president — the latest of many barriers he has broken — he vowed to faculty to overcommunicate. So he couldn’t stay silent when the allegations of civil rights violations came.” [Washington Post]
Va. Lawmakers Consider A.I. Rules — “Virginia was among the first states in the nation to write new, online privacy laws. Now lawmakers are also asking if they should be ahead of the curve on artificial intelligence as well.” General Assembly members discussed potential legislation ahead of the 2026 session at a Joint Commission on Technology and Science meeting on Wednesday (Sept. 3). [WVTF]
Man Arrested for Allegedly Threatening Dog Walker — “On Thursday, City of Fairfax Police arrested a 19-year-old man who they say attacked and threatened someone walking their dog Tuesday evening in Kamp Washington. Officers responded around 7:43 p.m. for the report of a weapons violation in the 4000 block of Gateway Drive.” [Patch]
Plane Passenger Appeals Sentencing for Assault — “A Stafford man filed an appeal Thursday with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit after receiving a prison sentence for attacking a deaf passenger during a flight from San Francisco to Dulles International Airport last year.” [Patch]
Tysons Restaurant Thanks Military Service Members — Fogo de Chao in Tysons hosted the Military Bowl Foundation’s 20th annual “Home of the Free … Because of Brave” dinner, which gave free steak dinners to dozens of military service members and also served as a watch party for the first NFL game of the season. [WTOP]
Discounts Offered for Rec Center Memberships — “Make strides toward your wellness goals this fall with an annual membership to Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers — get a 15% discount throughout September … Annual membership provides access to any of our nine Rec Centers, each with their own amenities.” [FCPA]
It’s Monday — Expect sunny skies and a high near 75 with a gentle northeast breeze at 7 mph. Overnight, the skies will remain mostly clear as the temperature drops to around 54, and the east wind at 5 mph will calm down by evening. [NWS]
