The second half of September at last doused Northern Virginia in enough rain to ease the drought that the region has faced for months.
The drought warning advisory in place for Fairfax County and the rest of Northern Virginia since January has de-escalated to a drought watch, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced last Friday (Oct. 2).
Car Crashed by 13-Year-Old — “Police say a 13-year-old boy was detained after losing control, hitting a power pole, then crashing into a railing on the northbound ramp of Fairfax County Parkway to Pohick Road around 7:18 a.m.” The crash sent both the driver and a 13-year-old passenger, whose parents owned the car, to the hospital. The driver has been charged with driving without a license. [FOX5]
Shots Fired in Hybla Valley — “Fairfax County police are searching for two people after gunfire struck several homes near Mount Vernon Plaza on Sunday, officials said.” No injuries were reported as a result of the incident, which occurred yesterday morning in the 7500 block of Snowpea Court in Hybla Valley. [DC News Now]
Affordable Housing Waitlist Opens — “The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) is accepting waitlist applications for Project-Based Voucher (PBV) units located at Telestar Court in Falls Church, and The Exchange at Spring Hill Station in [Tysons]. Waitlist applications will open Monday, October 5, 2026, at 8:00 a.m., and will close Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.” [FCRHA]
Concerns About FCPS Teacher Staffing — “Ashley Martin was surprised to learn that her son’s fourth grade teacher, who was hired over the summer, isn’t considered a full-time” employee for Fairfax County Public Schools. Instead, the teacher is being paid as a long-term substitute. One school board member raised concerns about a “hiring freeze,” but Superintendent Michelle Reid says “it’s a common practice” early in the school year to reserve openings for “more senior teachers already under a contract as enrollment data comes in.” [WTOP]
Gov. Unveils Plan to Reduce Energy Costs — Last Thursday (Oct. 1), Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced a plan to reduce energy costs that “calls on the data center industry to cover the incremental price increases that their demand creates. The plan also leans into solar energy generation and storage, and tries to get Virginia away from its reliance on natural gas as the largest source of fuel to create electricity.” [NBC4]
Herndon Boba Shop Closes — The boba tea shop Mr. Wish has permanently closed its doors after three years at 472 Elden Street in Herndon Centre. In a posted message, the franchise owners said they “made the decision to sell the shop and we would like to wish the new owners nothing but success as they introduce their own boba and frozen yogurt shop to the community.” [The Burn]
Free Pizza for Working Smoke Alarms — Domino’s at 10895 Main Street “and the National Fire Protection Association are teaming up with the City of Fairfax Fire Department to promote fire safety during Fire Prevention Month. On Monday, Oct. 5 starting at noon, customers who order” a pizza may be randomly chosen for a delivery by fire engine. “If the smoke alarms in their home are working, the pizza is free. If the alarms are not working, firefighters will replace them or install new batteries.” [Press release]
Police Compete in Motorcycle Rodeo — “Riding a decked out white Harley-Davidson, outfitted for the Fairfax County Police Motor Squad, Oliver Haugen inched through a cone-lined course set up over a few parking spots. The goal on the slow course — part of the Mid-Atlantic Police Motorcycle Rodeo, which [came] to a head with competitions Saturday — is to go as slow as possible, balancing the heavy bike without the rider’s feet ever touching the ground.” [Washington Post]
New Legal Notice — Seeking ABC restaurant/caterer license: on/off-premise wine, beer, liqueurs, mixed beverages. [Public Notices]
It’s Monday — Expect mostly cloudy skies through mid-morning, clearing gradually with a high near 70°F. Northwest winds will blow at 6 to 13 mph, occasionally gusting up to 21 mph. By night, skies will be clear, with temperatures dropping to around 47°F. [NWS]
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Just in time for fall planting, Fairfax County residents can obtain a free tree to plant on their property — and even have it delivered to their front door.
The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services’ Urban and Community Forestry Division (UCFD), in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, is offering the trees to all residents, while supplies last. The initiative launched in the spring and was revived in August.
Medicaid Restrictions Take Effect — “Effective Oct. 1, many noncitizens without green cards will lose eligibility for Medicaid as a result of HR 1 … Many legally residing immigrants with humanitarian statuses — including refugees, people granted asylum, victims of trafficking, and others — who were previously eligible for Medicaid will now be unable to access publicly-funded coverage.” [VPM News]
Protest of Trump Arch Plans — “Speakers including U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), senators from Oregon and Illinois, a retired U.S. Army colonel and Arlington County Board member J.D. Spain Sr. kicked off a full day of demonstrations planned near the traffic circle between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial.” [ARLnow]
Man Charged With Firing Shots While Fishing — “An Annandale man is facing charges after police say he fired several gunshots while fishing on the Potomac. Arlington County police were dispatched to the area around Chain Bridge just after midnight [Thursday] morning after D.C. police reported the sound of gunfire on the Virginia side of the river.” [ARLnow]
Herndon Town Services Relocated — The Herndon Municipal Center and town council chambers (777 and 765 Lynn Street) are closed today (Friday) through Jan. 2, 2027 for facility upgrades, including new HVAC units and overhauls of the entrances. Walk-up services have moved to 397 Herndon Parkway, Suite 100, while public meetings normally in the council chambers will convene instead in the Herndon Police Department’s community room (397 Herndon Parkway, Suite 300). [Town of Herndon]
Best Buns Opens in Falls Church — “A new Best Buns location opened [yesterday] in Falls Church, serving up all-day breakfast and fried chicken sandwiches with a full-service bar. The standalone spot in the West Falls development (265 W. Falls Station Blvd) is the Shirlington-based chain’s first to offer outdoor rooftop seating” with a bar. [ARLnow]
Construction Affects Fairfax Connector Routes — “Beginning Sunday, Oct. 4, bus bay construction at the East Falls Church Metrorail Station will affect Fairfax Connector Routes 803 and 715.” Buses will pick up passengers in Bay D instead of B and C, and drop-offs will be provided in a layover area along N. Sycamore Street. [Fairfax Connector/X]
Halloween-Themed Buses Hit the Road — “Fairfax Connector’s popular Spooky Buses are back for another Halloween season, featuring three buses decked out in unique Halloween-themed designs. The festive buses will begin making their way throughout Fairfax County during October.” [Fairfax Connector]
World’s Oldest A Capella Group to Perform — “The Yale Whiffenpoofs, widely recognized as the world’s oldest continuously performing a cappella group, will perform in Vienna on Oct. 15, a homecoming for bass singer Cyrus Rivers,” a Reston native who graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. [Patch]
New Legal Notice — Establishment seeks mixed-beverage restaurant license; objections due within 30 days. [Public Notices]
New Legal Notice — ABC permit for restaurant alcohol; objections due within 30 days. [Public Notices]
It’s Friday — The weather will be mostly sunny with a high of 88°F and a southwest wind at 5 to 8 mph. On Friday night, expect a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mostly cloudy skies, and a low of around 60°F, with a north wind at 7 to 10 mph. [NWS]
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Fairfax County’s median apartment rents declined 0.8% year-over-year in September, as the rental market cools down for the second half of the year.
Median countywide rents were $2,052 for one-bedroom units, $2,377 for two bedrooms and $2,395 for all units, according to figures reported Sept. 29 by Apartment List.
Fairfax County leaders are setting the stage to become more aggressive and nimble in competing for economic development deals.
That could include new financial incentives for businesses seeking to relocate to or within the D.C. region.
Gov. Calls for Federal AI Guardrails — “Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday called on Congress to set national rules for artificial intelligence, warning that its rapid development could threaten jobs, privacy and public resources if oversight remains largely in the hands of the companies building it.” [Virginia Mercury]
Fairfax City Townhomes Approved — “The Fairfax City Council voted 4-2 Tuesday night to approve the Highlands at Mantua townhome proposal after neighboring residents urged changes to address building height, tree preservation, buffers and traffic safety. RJL Associates Inc. plans to replace five office buildings … with 14 townhomes on 2.12 acres at 9495 Silver King Court.” [Patch]
District 10 Congressional Candidates Face Off — “With early voting underway in Virginia, incumbent Democratic Rep. Suhas Subramanyam faced off Tuesday morning against Republican challenger Dave Beckwith in a Loudoun Chamber of Commerce-hosted 10th Congressional District debate.” Topics of discussion ranged from data centers and the electrical grid to federal workforce protections and immigration. [Inside NoVA]
Dessert Shop Open in Falls Church — “Lil’ Cakes & Creamery opened at 120 Founders Avenue, on Founders Row, earlier this month. So far, a store employee told ARLnow, the business’s deluxe cupcakes have been particularly popular — with flavors like pumpkin salted caramel cheesecake, caramel apple pie crisp and maple pecan praline.” [ARLnow]
GMU Launches Va. Quantum Hub — “George Mason University on Tuesday announced plans to establish the Virginia Quantum Hub … The hub aims to generate intellectual property across research and technology, attract capital investments, train the current and future workforce and address global needs in health, logistics, national security and energy, according to a George Mason news release.” [Inside NoVA]
Dulles Adding New Flight to Mexico — “Low-cost carrier Volaris plans to launch regular service between IAD and Guadalajara International Airport … starting in October.” Flights will depart Guadalajara for Dulles at 6:40 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays starting Oct. 1, while leaving in the other direction at 1047 p.m. on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, starting Oct. 2. [Washington Business Journal]
RA Holds Community Yard Sale — “Treasure hunters, bargain seekers and community members alike are invited to the Reston Association Community Yard Sale on Saturday, September 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Reston Association Headquarters … This fall’s event is shaping up to be the largest in the sale’s history, with 110 vendor families registered to participate.” [Reston Association]
New Legal Notice — Restaurant applying for beer-wine on/off license; objections due 30 days. [Public Notices]
It’s Thursday — Expect partly sunny skies with a high near 65°F, and a northeast wind blowing at 11 to 13 mph, with gusts reaching up to 22 mph. During the night, it’ll be partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 52°F and a north wind at 6 to 9 mph. [NWS]
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Former state and federal prosecutor Brittany Dunn-Pirio announced today that she will challenge Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano for the Democratic nomination in the June 2027 primary election.
Dunn-Pirio, a resident of the Vienna area, says she’s a “lifelong Democrat” who wants to reform the office. According to her website, her platform “centers on standing up for seniors and survivors, expanding access to treatment, protecting the right to a fair trial, and above all, restoring competence Fairfax can trust.”
Neighboring County Halts By-Right Data Centers — “The Prince William Board of County Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a landmark zoning text amendment effectively ending by-right data center development countywide. The 8-0 vote greenlit the amendment’s approval under the 90-day grace period initially proposed by Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy.” [Inside NoVA]
Light Issues Disrupt Flights at DCA — “A major runway was again open at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after several flights were delayed or canceled Tuesday night when a lighting equipment failure forced the Federal Aviation Administration to issue a ground stop, according to DCA officials.” [Washington Sun]
Lawmakers Question Sales Tax Increase — “A new state law allowing localities to raise revenue for school construction has opened opportunities but also raised questions, with some local leaders and lawmakers asking if it could create funding shortfalls for localities that approve the measure.” House Education Committee Vice Chair Del. Shelly Simonds questioned if a 20-year sunset provision might not allow enough time for securing bond financing. [Virginia Mercury]
Food Banks Report Growing Lines — “According to a new study from the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, food insecurity is at record highs across the Commonwealth. And as public benefits dry up under President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, food lines are returning to food banks.” [WVTF]
Study of AI in Higher Ed Coming — The General Assembly directed its research agency, JLARC, earlier this year to study the use of AI in higher education and developing a model policy. “George Mason University has also been thinking a lot about AI, and has developed guidelines for faculty, students and researchers similar to UVA’s.” [VPM News]
Regional Economic Development Alliance Forms — Yesterday (Tuesday), “four leading organizations announced the formation of the Potomac Regional Alliance, a new framework to strengthen the long-term competitiveness, resilience, and growth of Greater Washington and respond to the unprecedented disruption resulting from cuts to federal jobs and spending.” [COG]
Design Approved for Route 7 Sidewalk — “The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 15 endorsed VDOT’s design for a sidewalk along the north side of Leesburg Pike in Bailey’s Crossroads between Magnolia Avenue and Halal Hunan Village in Glen Forest Shopping Center. The project will improve pedestrian safety along a roadway that has been called one of the most hazardous in the county.” [Annandale Today]
Metro Rolls Out 50th Anniversary Fare Cards — “Metro continues to celebrate our 50th year of service with the release of five commemorative Smart Trip card designs that honor the five decades of Metro … Starting Thursday, Sept. 24, a new card design will be released every two weeks. About 20,000 of each card design will be available at select stations.” [WMATA]
New Yemeni Coffeehouse in Falls Church — “A locally owned Yemeni cafe has opened its doors in Falls Church, serving spiced coffee, pastries and brunch fare from avocado toast to za’atar labneh. Rashfa Cafe soft opened last week at 310 S. Washington Street and is planning a grand opening next month,” according to owner and founder Abdulrahman Al Harethi. [ARLnow]
New Legal Notice — Restaurant seeks ABC beer/wine on/off-premises license; objections within 30 days. [Public Notices]
It’s Wednesday — Expect cloudy skies and a high near 65°F throughout the day, with a 60% chance of rain. Wednesday night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 53°F and northeast winds at 10 mph, gusting up to 22 mph. [NWS]
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For the second year in a row, Fairfax County’s designated nonprofit arts agency is hosting a month-long celebration of the arts — and this time, there will be twice as many opportunities to join in the festivities.
Organized by ArtsFairfax, the “artoberVA” initiative will offer residents a variety of ways to enjoy the visual, performing, literary and culinary arts. More than 60 discounts and events from over 40 artists and organizations in Fairfax city and county are planned throughout October.
