Countywide

AI Tool’s Use at D.C. Region Airports Opposed — “More than two dozen Democratic lawmakers are calling on the Federal Aviation Administration to pause the use of an artificial intelligence-powered air traffic control tool that launched last month at the three main D.C.-area airports, citing safety concerns.” [Washington Post]

MWAA Leader to Retire — “Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority President and Chief Executive Officer John E. ‘Jack’ Potter, who has led the organization through 15 years of record-setting growth, unprecedented challenges and profound change, has announced he will retire in early 2027 … Potter’s decision comes as the Airports Authority embarks upon a wide-ranging capital construction program.” [MWAA]


News

The Fairfax County Park Authority is looking for feedback on proposed improvements to Oakton Community Park.

The authority is holding a public meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 19 to discuss the project.


News

Fairfax County’s volunteer fire departments are persevering in an era of change, local leaders were told earlier this week.

The current situation can be summed up as “good,” but “nothing is ever just a one-word answer,” Shawn Stokes, chair of the seven-member Volunteer Fire Commission, said when delivering the organization’s annual report to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Oct. 13.


Announcement

Join artist Nora Naranjo Morse (Kha’p’o Owenge ([Santa Clara Pueblo]), creator of Always Becoming, and the community that cares for the museum’s ephemeral outdoor sculpture family, to learn about the project’s evolution over the past two decades, and what the future holds.

Learn about the art of clay, traditions of sustainability in Pueblo building techniques, and more. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly art activities, dance performances by the Zuni Olla Maidens, watch a short film, and multiple opportunities to hear from the artist, her family, and museum experts that have contributed to the care and revitalization of the sculptures.


Countywide

Fairfax County Public Schools this week celebrated the launch of a new program to help young learners make safe choices in the water with an immersive “water safety festival” featuring visits from Olympic swimmers.

Students from grades 3-5 gathered at the Skyview High School swimming pool on Tuesday (Oct. 13) to try out the basics of swimming, paddle from inside an inflatable boat, and hear from two-time Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones. Maritza Correia McClendon, an Olympic silver medalist, also visited earlier in the day.


Event

Celebrate the spirit of Diwali with us at the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center for a joyful and uplifting afternoon for the whole family.

Enjoy delicious food, meditation, dance, spiritual stories, creative activities for children, candle lighting, blessings, abundance mantras, and more as we come together with family, friends, and community to celebrate peace, love, kindness, and abundance for all.


News

A Herndon man was recently arrested on drug and weapons charges after allegedly attempting to sell fentanyl to an undercover police detective, the Fairfax County Police Department announced this morning (Thursday).

The 19-year-old has been charged with possession with intent to distribute schedule I/II narcotics, possession of a firearm while distributing schedule I/II narcotics, possession of an auto sear, and carrying a loaded firearm in certain localities.


Around Town

Northern Virginia remains a hot spot for Asian cuisine, judging by the five local establishments that found spots on the Washington Post’s annual ranking of the top 40 restaurants in the D.C. region.

Released yesterday (Wednesday), the 2026 list is the first compiled by new food critic Elazar Sontag, who took over the position in November 2025 following the retirement of longtime reviewer Tom Sietsema.


News

The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) is continuing an aggressive push to expand its affordable housing supply with the recent acquisition of land near the Innovation Center Metro station.

The agency announced Tuesday (Oct. 13) that it has purchased two parcels at 3625 and 3627 King Johns Way in the McNair area south of Herndon for nearly $23 million.


News

The impending closure of the Washington Post’s longtime printing plant in Springfield will cost more than 100 employees their jobs.

The Jeff Bezos-owned media company notified state and local officials on Oct. 7 that the facility’s relocation from 7171 Wimsatt Road to a smaller site in Loudoun County will result in layoffs affecting 118 workers. The layoffs are scheduled to take effect on Dec. 31.


Countywide

Va. Lagging on AI Expertise, Report Says — “Virginia’s information technology office is not up to speed on artificial intelligence, and the agency that helps draft laws does not have the AI expertise needed to address the quickly evolving technology, according to a state-directed report.” [Cardinal News]

Arlington Removes Flock Cameras — “All county-leased Flock Safety technology had been removed as of last week, in compliance with a County Board vote last month, county spokesperson Ryan Hudson told ARLnow … The decision, which came amid nationwide backlash against the technology and concerns about potential misuse by federal agents, does not affect cameras installed on private property.” [ARLnow]