By SEUNG MIN KIM Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is telling agencies to prepare large-scale firings of federal workers if the government shuts down next week.


The Town of Herndon is moving forward with an update of its comprehensive plan.

Herndon Town Council members on Sept. 23 approved a consulting contract worth nearly $1.2 million to help guide upcoming planning and economic development initiatives.


The Trump administration is moving forward with a threat to withhold over $3 million in grant funding for Fairfax County’s public magnet schools.

The U.S. Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights gave Fairfax County Public Schools and districts in Chicago and New York City until Tuesday (Sept. 23) to agree to stop giving students access to locker rooms and restrooms corresponding with their gender identity or risk losing funding for specialty magnet schools.


After two decades at Tysons Corner Center, AMC Theatres has decided it could make movies even better with some upgrades.

The exhibitor submitted plans to Fairfax County on Monday (Sept. 22) for an interior renovation of the 16-screen movie theater, which has been operating on the mall’s third floor since 2005.


A sun dial outside Great Falls Library (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Republican Challenges Senator Warner — “Virginia state Sen. Bryce Reeves, R-Spotsylvania, launched his campaign Wednesday for the U.S. Senate, setting up a high-stakes 2026 challenge to three-term Democratic Sen. Mark Warner. Reeves made his announcement on social media, leaning heavily on his background in the military, law enforcement and the General Assembly.” [Virginia Mercury]

Fired GSA Workers Asked to Return — “Hundreds of federal employees who lost their jobs in Elon Musk’s cost-cutting blitz are being asked to return to work. The General Services Administration has given the employees — who managed government workspaces — until the end of the week to accept or decline reinstatement, according to an internal memo obtained by The Associated Press.” [Associated Press]

Family Sues Over DCA Crash — “The family of one of the 67 people killed when an airliner collided with an Army helicopter over Washington, D.C., on Wednesday sued the government and the airlines involved, accusing them of failing to recognize the warning signs after more than 30 documented near misses in the area.” [AP/NBC4]

ABC Store Extends Stay in Belleview — “I am pleased to report that initial reports of the demise of the Belleview ABC Store have been rectified and that they have just signed a new five-year lease with the Belleview Shopping Center!” A Virginia ABC spokesperson confirmed to FFXnow that the alcohol authority “is pleased to be able to continue store operations” at 1524 Belle View Blvd. [State Senator Scott Surovell/Facebook]

Alexandria Adding More Speed Cameras — “Alexandria will add three new school zone speed camera locations this fall, bringing the total number of monitored zones to six as the city works toward its Vision Zero goal of eliminating fatal and severe crashes by 2028.” [ALXnow]

Upcoming Thai Restaurant to Offer Preview — “Dok Khao Thai Eatery is currently under construction at 180 W. Falls Station Blvd, but it will make an appearance at the West Falls Grand Opening and Fall Fest this Sunday. Owner and chef Porntipa Pattanamekar plans to offer free samples before the restaurant’s projected 2026 opening.” [ARLnow]

Reston Community Center Recognized — “Reston Community Center (RCC) is proud to announce that it earned reaccreditation from NRPA’s Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), solidifying its place among the nation’s top-tier park and recreation organizations.” The designation has only been awarded to 231 agencies nationwide. [RCC]

Providence Day Aims to Build Community — “Families from Fairfax, Merrifield, Oakton, Falls Church and Tysons turned out on Saturday to enjoy the Second Annual Providence Day and Back to School Celebration at George C. Marshall High School.” Organized by Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik’s office, the event offered a variety of activities and entertainment for kids, while highlighting county and community resources. [Patch]

New Legal Notice — A plaintiff is pursuing a monetary judgment, with notice served by publication due to the defendant’s nonresponse. [Public Notices]

It’s Thursday — Expect showers and possible thunderstorms after 11am, with a high near 80, south winds of 6-10 mph, and gusts up to 20 mph. There’s an 80% chance of precipitation. Thursday night, showers and thunderstorms are likely before 2am with a low around 67. [NWS]


A woman was killed in Hybla Valley last night (Tuesday) after being struck by both a hit-and-run driver and a responding police officer, the Fairfax County Police Department says.

Trina Jones, a 62-year-old Alexandria resident, was crossing Richmond Highway at Belford Drive, just outside the Mount Vernon Crossroads shopping center, when a southbound sedan driver hit her, police say.


Fairfax County took a step closer last week to opening up another commercial area in Merrifield to housing.

The Fairfax County Planning Commission voted 11-0 on Sept. 17 to recommend approval of a comprehensive plan amendment that would allow future redevelopment of the 41-acre Prosperity Business Campus.


The Town of Herndon has identified a new town manager, more than a year after the office’s last permanent occupant stepped down.

The Herndon Town Council voted unanimously last night (Tuesday) to appoint Daniel Hoffman as town manager, starting Nov. 10. The vote came as part of a larger consent package, so there was no discussion during the meeting.


An updated vision for the next phase of Reston Town Center’s expansion is starting to solidify.

The Fairfax County Planning Commission voted 11-0 on Sept. 17 to support developer BXP’s requested revisions to its previously approved plan for the second phase of the project known informally as RTC Next.


Drizzly overnight weather contributed to a fatal motorcycle crash on the Capital Beltway near West Falls Church, police say.

Troopers responded to the ramp from I-495 North to eastbound Route 50 (Arlington Blvd) around 5:38 a.m. for the crash, according to the Virginia State Police.


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