FFXnow - Fairfax County, Va. local news

Morning Notes for October 19, 2026

Published October 19, 2026 at 7:30AM

Visitors relax in the main plaza during Fairfax Corner's Oktoberfest Market on Saturday, Oct. 17 2026 (staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

Rescues From Springfield House Fire — Two people were hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after Fairfax County firefighters rescued them from a kitchen fire in their two-story townhouse at Leestone Court and Leebrad Street yesterday afternoon (Sunday). “Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.” [FCFRD/Facebook]

Beyer Blasts Trump Golf Course Makeover — “President Donald Trump says he will close the East Potomac golf course, just across the river from Arlington, for 15 months of renovations starting Sunday, Nov. 15.” Rep. Don Beyer, whose district includes Arlington and eastern Fairfax County, warned that the golf course redesign appears to “block off or eliminate roads and paths used by large numbers of local residents for cycling and walking,” calling the project “a disgrace.” [ARLnow]

Around Town

New Chantilly dog day care to throw Halloween-themed grand opening party tomorrow

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published October 16, 2026 at 3:45PM

Camp Bow Wow (13893 Willard Road) is hosting a grand opening celebration this weekend. (Staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

A new dog day care and boarding spot opened in Chantilly this summer, and to celebrate, its owners are inviting locals and their four-legged friends to have a paw-some time at a Halloween-themed grand opening party this weekend.

After opening its doors July 31, Camp Bow Wow Dulles South (13893 Willard Road) will throw a grand opening “Howl-O-Ween” party on Saturday (Oct. 17) from noon to 4 p.m.

Around Town

Half of N. Va.’s 10 best restaurants are in Fairfax, Northern Virginia Magazine says

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 16, 2026 at 2:45PM

A platter of steak ready for grilling from Ingle Korean Steakhouse (photo by Rey Lopez/Northern Virginia Magazine)

There has been some upheaval at the top of Northern Virginia Magazine’s annual ranking of the region’s best restaurants, but Fairfax County and Fairfax City remained dominant with five spots among the top 10.

After placing first or second for each of the past five years, including a no. 1 finish in 2025, Executive Chef Bertrand Chemel’s 2941 in the Fairview Park area of West Falls Church slipped to no. 7 in the 2026 Top 10 Best Restaurants list released today (Friday) by the magazine.

Announcement

Settle Down Easy Brewing – Mixed Beverage License

By Frank R. Kuhns

Published October 27, 2026

After 8 years in operation, Settle Down Easy Brewing would like to expand their offerings to include mix beverage and cocktails.

News

JUST IN: Off-duty FCPD officer charged with domestic assault in Tysons

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published October 16, 2026 at 2:00PM | Updated October 16, 2026 at 4:21PM

A Fairfax County police cruiser (staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

An officer assigned to the Fairfax County Police Department’s McLean District Station has been arrested and charged with three counts of domestic assault.

Brandon Moore, 35, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of criminal and administrative investigations, the FCPD said today (Friday).

Event

How Retirement Communities Work – A Free Workshop

November 4, 2026 5:00 pm -7:00 pm

Event location

Long & Foster Arlington

4600 Cherry Hill Rd.

Arlington, Virginia 22207

Add to Calendar

If you are interested in learning more about Continuing Care Retirement Communities (also known as "Life Plan Communities"), whether for yourself or for a loved one, please join our free workshop on Wednesday, November 4 from 5:00-7:00 at the Arlington office of Long & Foster. We are hosting this workshop in conjunction with Lisa Bates of the Williamsburg Landing community, which is a particularly excellent model of the way these communities work, and one you may wish to consider!

– How do Continuing Care Retirement Communities work?
– What do they offer?
– How much do they cost, and what are the financial models offered?
– How do you how to evaluate them, and choose the one that's right for you?
– How do you make a plan for a move like this?
– How do you handle a lifetime's worth of possessions?

Countywide

FCPS lawsuit over federal funding freeze revived by appeals court

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 16, 2026 at 1:15PM | Updated October 16, 2026 at 1:34PM

The entrance to Fairfax County Public Schools' Gatehouse Administration Center in Merrifield (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County Public Schools’ legal bid to restore funding withheld by the U.S. Department of Education due to its policies supporting transgender and other gender-expansive students has found new life.

A three-judge panel from the U.S. Appeals Court for the Fourth Circuit ruled 2-1 yesterday (Thursday) to send the lawsuit filed by FCPS and Arlington Public Schools (APS) in August 2025 back to a federal district court that had previously dismissed the complaint.

Opinion

Poll: The best burger restaurants in Fairfax County

By FFXnow.com

Published October 16, 2026 at 11:45AM

Local burger spots serve as gathering places for families and friends, while contributing to Fairfax County’s vibrant dining scene. This week’s Readers’ Choice poll highlights the local establishments crafting the county’s favorite burgers.

Here are the nominees for Best burger restaurants in Fairfax County as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice awards. Did we miss your favorite burger restaurant? Write it in!

Voting will close at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Voting for Best coffee shops in Fairfax County is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Wednesday at 11:59 p.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best gutter cleaners in Fairfax County. The full results are now official:

🥇 Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning — 46 votes
🥈 Peg Leg Gutters — 11 votes
🥉 Northern Virginia Gutter Cleaning — 6 votes

From local franchises of national chains to small, family-run businesses, Fairfax’s top gutter cleaners have won over loyal customers by providing timely, thorough services at reasonable prices.

A total of 88 votes were cast.

See every FFXnow Readers’ Choice winner, past and present, here.

News

Family-owned Wolf Trap Nursery prepares to close after 54 years

By Acacia James

Published October 16, 2026 at 10:00AM

Entrance to Wolf Trap Nursery (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Wolf Trap Nursery has been part of the landscape along Leesburg Pike for more than five decades, selling a variety of home and garden plants to gardeners and residents in the surrounding communities.

Now, owner Bill Kupp is preparing to wind down operations by the end of June 2027, closing a business that has become a familiar part of the community.

News

Revisions approved for MetroWest apartment building expected to bring more retail

By Nolan Stout

Published October 16, 2026 at 9:15AM

Peterson Companies' planned MetroWest apartment building (via Urban Ltd./Fairfax County)

Fairfax County has signed off on modifications to a portion of the MetroWest neighborhood in Oakton near the Vienna Metro station.

At its meeting on Tuesday (Oct. 13), the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a request to change the development plan and conditions for a planned apartment building at the corner of Sprague Avenue and Royal Victoria Drive.

News

Fairfax County revs up pilot testing 20-mph speed limits on 10 roads

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 16, 2026 at 8:30AM

Ingleside Avenue in McLean with a 25 mph speed limit sign (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County will soon start testing speed limits of 20 mph on select streets, more than two years after local governments in Virginia gained that authority.

Starting this fall, speed limits will be lowered from 25 to 20 mph on 10 roads in the Dranesville, Mason and Providence districts, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) announced yesterday.