A house fire on Mainsail Court in Burke (via FCFRD)
Six people lost their home this morning (Friday) to a fire that investigators say was caused by issues with an electric vehicle charger.
A resident of the house in the 6600 block of Mainsail Court in Burke discovered the fire in their garage after smelling smoke, prompting all occupants to evacuate, according to the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD).
Entry to Randall Estates (photo by Marita Ellis, courtesy Virginia Department of Historic Resources)
A Fairfax County residential community built primarily for middle-class African American families in the 1960s and 1970s has been officially recognized by Virginia as a historic property.
William H. Randall Estates is one of 10 new inclusions on the Virginia Landmarks Register approved by members of the Virginia Board of Historic Resources at their Sept. 18 meeting.
Former FBI director James Comey is sworn via videoconference before testifying during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020, to examine the FBI "Crossfire Hurricane" investigation (Ken Cedeno/Pool via AP, File)
By ERIC TUCKER, ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and MICHAEL KUNZELMAN Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — James Comey was charged Thursday with lying to Congress in a criminal case filed days after President Donald Trump appeared to urge his attorney general to prosecute the former FBI director and other perceived political enemies.
A train waits at the Vienna Metro station as drivers pass on I-66 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Severe Hunger Increases in D.C. Region — “For the third year in a row, the number of people living in the Washington region facing the most severe form of hunger has increased, with more than 820,000 adults regularly skipping meals and struggling to find food in the last year. The rise in critical need is one of a handful of concerns highlighted in a report released Thursday by the Capital Area Food Bank.” [Washington Post]
Va. License Plate Readers Used by ICE — “As federal immigration officials stepped up deportations, law enforcement conducted nearly 3,000 searches related to immigration enforcement on Virginia’s Flock Safety network over a recent 12-month period, according to an analysis by the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO.” [VJIC at WHRO]
Walkinshaw on Potential Government Shutdown — “Newly elected Virginia Rep. James Walkinshaw says that President Donald Trump’s administration’s threat of mass firing was an ‘amateurish attempt to negotiate’ amid a looming government shutdown.” In an interview with WTOP, he calls for “a real bipartisan negotiation to resolve the differences that exist.” [WTOP]
Superintendent Laments Gun Violence — “I am writing to you again as our nation grieves yet another bout of intense gun violence in schools and communities across the country. Now more than ever, we look to parents as critical partners in preventing gun violence and keeping our schools safe.” [FCPS]
Tysons Casino Opponents Assemble — “Now that another bill promoting a casino in Tysons will be introduced in the next General Assembly, opponents are gearing up again to fight it. Leaders of the opposition presented their arguments at an online presentation on Sept. 24.” [Annandale Today]
Reston VC Firm Plans Investments — “Reston growth equity firm Razor’s Edge has closed an oversubscribed $560 million fund to invest in businesses serving the national security sector. Managing Partner Mark Spoto said he expects to deploy the fund — the 15-year-old investment firm’s fourth and largest ever — in full by the end of 2026.” [Washington Business Journal]
Skate Park Construction Underway — “The Fairfax County Park Authority began construction on a new skate park this month, with completion slated for this winter. Phase 1 of the Mount Vernon Woods Park renovation was completed earlier this year.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
FFXnow Says Goodbye to Reporter — “After seven years at ARLnow — and its Local News Now LLC sister sites ALXnow, FFXnow and the bygone Tysons Reporter and Reston Now — today (Thursday) is Vernon Miles’ last day. He’s departing Northern Virginia’s hyperlocal news scene to work as a writer and producer at FOX 5.” [ARLnow]
It’s Friday — Patchy fog will clear up before 8am, followed by mostly sunny skies and a high of around 81 degrees. A northwest wind will blow at about 6 mph. On Friday night, expect mostly cloudy conditions and a low temperature near 65 degrees with calm wind. [NWS]
Capitol Police officers adjust security barriers around the East Plaza at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025 (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
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.
Town of Herndon government offices (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
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.
A Fairfax County Public Schools bus (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
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.
AMC Theatres in Tysons at night (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
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]
The intersection of Richmond Highway and Belford Drive in Hybla Valley (via Google Maps)
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.