Countywide | FFXnow

Morning Notes

Published October 10, 2023 at 8:15AM

A seating area on Wilkins Plaza at George Mason University's Fairfax campus (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

GMU’s Fall for the Book Kicks Off Today — After a week of preview events, George Mason University’s annual book festival officially returns today for its 25th anniversary. The festivities will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a talk by roller derby skater Gabe Montesanti about her new memoir and continue through Saturday (Oct. 14). [Fall for the Book]

Police Investigate Linked Thefts and Vehicle Break-Ins — “Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau, Criminal Investigations Division, are investigating a series of vehicle break-ins and package thefts that occurred between October 3-4. The suspect is believed to be responsible for breaking into several vehicles and stealing items during the late-night hours in both the Fair Oaks and Reston police districts.” [FCPD]

Fairfax County to mark solar eclipse with event ‘extravagaza’

By Fatimah Waseem

Published October 9, 2023 at 9:30AM

Residents gathered to view a solar eclipse in 2017.

As a “ring of fire” eclipse descends this Saturday (Oct. 14), Fairfax County is prepping with a series of events.

The annular eclipse occurs when the moon is at its furthest point from the Earth, appearing such that it is smaller than the sun. The result is that it leaves a ring of light around the edge of the moon.

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published October 9, 2023 at 8:15AM

A crowd fills the kids' area at Vienna Oktoberfest (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Get to Know the School Board Candidates — “Fairfax County voters will select a new school board this November, with all 12 seats up for election. In addition to the nine district seats on the ballot, voters will pick from nine candidates vying to fill three vacant at-large seats…The Washington Post sent questionnaires to each candidate about the most pressing issues in Fairfax County and their top priorities.” [Washington Post]

Man Found Shot on I-495 in Annandale — “A man was found shot on the side of I-495 in the early morning hours Sunday, Virginia State Police say. Just after 2 a.m., officers responded to Exit 54 for Braddock Road…on I-495 North where it was reported that a man was lying on the shoulder of the road.” [FOX5]

Inova unveils new branding, logo

By Inside NoVA

Published October 6, 2023 at 2:30PM

A sign for Inova Fairfax Hospital sports the health care system's new logo (courtesy Inova)

Inova this week unveiled a rebranding initiative with a new logo, look and tone that will “redefine the health system’s identity.”

“The launch of the new brand aims to capture the health system’s dedication to innovative, compassionate, patient-centered and world-class healthcare while fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration,” Inova said in a news release.

Oakton nonprofit launches crisis services to help LGBTQ youth

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 6, 2023 at 11:45AM

The Oakton-based nonprofit PRS is adding specialized crisis services for LGBTQ youth (courtesy PRS CrisisLink)

The Oakton-based nonprofit that runs Northern Virginia’s suicide and crisis hotline is now offering mental health services specifically geared toward young, LGBTQ people.

PRS announced yesterday (Thursday) that it’s hiring 40 new crisis workers who have specialized training and experience to handle calls and texts from LGBTQ individuals who are 25 or younger.

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published October 6, 2023 at 8:15AM

Vehicles drive by the Lumen apartments and Tysons Central offices on Route 7 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Toll Lanes Proposed on I-495 From Springfield — “A proposal to widen an 11-mile stretch of the Capital Beltway in Virginia has entered a new phase with the release of nine possible construction alternatives. Topping the list is an extension of toll lanes into Maryland.” The concepts also include dedicated bus lanes and “technological enhancements.” [Washington Post]

Teens Arrested in Kingstowne Shooting — “Two teenagers were arrested in connection with a shooting that took place last month in the Kingstowne Shopping Center, according to the Fairfax County Police Department. Shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 22, police officers responded to the 5900 block of Kingstowne Towne Center for the report of the sound of gunshots…No one was injured from the gunfire.” [Patch]

Emerging disease is killing young plants in Virginia, county warns

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 5, 2023 at 3:40PM

A redbud with scorched and yellowing leaves, signs of the disease vascular streak dieback (photo by Nicole Kopas/VDACS, courtesy DPWES)

Any Fairfax County residents who recently bought a budding tree or shrub may want to keep an eye on its leaves.

A relatively new disease called vascular streak dieback is killing plants from nurseries in Virginia and five other states, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services’ (DPWES) Urban Forest Management Division says.

Virginia begins crafting new plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

By Charlie Paullin / Virginia Mercury

Published October 5, 2023 at 11:45AM

Smoke coming out of a power plant (via Ella Ivanescu/Unsplash)

Virginia is beginning to create plans for how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the primary driver of climate change, on a state and regional basis thanks to millions of dollars from the federal government.

This June, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded about $6 million in grants to Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality, regional planning organizations in Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads and the Monacan Indian Nation to create two plans.

Grant program proposed to help residents and Fairfax County fight flooding

By Acacia James

Published October 5, 2023 at 11:00AM

A truck got trapped by flooding on Arlington Blvd in Merrifield in 2019 (via FCFRD/Twitter)

The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) has proposed a new grant program to help curb flooding in the county.

The flood mitigation assistance program (FMAP) would reimburse residents and property owners for purchasing and installing approved products and services that reduce the risk of flood damage to their property.

Fairfax and Loudoun office cleaners vote to strike if needed over wages

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 5, 2023 at 9:30AM

Alejandria Paz, a member of 32BJ SEIU's bargaining team, addresses fellow cleaners ahead of a strike vote in Reston (courtesy 32BJ SEIU)

Another strike may be on the horizon for the D.C. area, this time led by office cleaners who say wages have stagnated even after they were expected to keep working through the pandemic.

About 9,100 janitors, more than 3,000 of them in Northern Virginia, are voting this week on whether to go on strike if they’re unable to agree on a new contract with the Washington Service Contractors Association (WSCA) before the existing one expires on Oct. 15.