Fairfax County’s very own film festival is returning this month with a lineup that ranges from “Shrek” to ruminations on women’s rights in Iran and European attitudes toward refugees.
Now in its 14th year, the Washington West Film Festival will kick off this Friday (Oct. 3) at Reston Town Center with a 25th-anniversary screening of “Shrek,” organized in conjunction with the town center’s inaugural Rocktoberfest. More than a dozen other movies will follow from Oct. 9-13.
County supervisors voted yesterday (Tuesday) to withhold some funding for a planned Fairfax County Park Authority initiative, saying it should be considered as part of the fiscal year 2027 budget process next spring.
County Executive Bryan Hill had recommended giving $1.8 million to the project as part of the county government’s fiscal year 2025 budget carryover process, where excess funds are redistributed in the next year’s budget.
Summer starts here, and it’s packed with something for everyone. Join us at Reston Station for a season of free, family-friendly events designed to keep your calendar full and your nights unforgettable. From fitness and live music to movies under the stars, this is where summer comes to life.
BELOVED YOGA
Monday & Wednesday Nights
May 27 – September 2
TRAMPOLINE FITNESS
HOSTED BY VIDA FITNESS
Every Tuesday Night
June 2 – September 1
LIVE MUSIC
Friday Nights
May 29 – September 25
ALL-AMERICAN MOVIE MAGIC & MORE
Saturday Nights
June 6 – August 29
Visit our website for the full schedule and details.
Fairfax County officials will open new, expanded public health facilities next week in an underserved area.
“There is just so much for us to be thankful for. It’s a beautiful space for our clients and staff,” county health director Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu said during a Sept. 26 sneak preview of the Franconia-Springfield Public Health Center.
A long-anticipated donut shop is still planning to open in Merrifield’s Mosaic District after an eviction scare threatened its future.
The Salty, which announced last year that it will take over the space at 2905 District Avenue vacated by Loyal Companion, is still expected to open in the future, co-owner Andy Rodriguez told FFXnow.
🔥 The Summer Cookout Cook Off is ON! 🔥
Get ready to fire up your taste buds, Fairfax! On Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 1-5 PM, Unity of Fairfax is hosting its very first Summer Cookout Cook Off, and YOU are the judge.
A staffer at Thomas Edison High School is accused of sexually assaulting two students on separate occasions, police said.
Derrick Burroughs, 40, was arrested and charged yesterday (Tuesday) with two counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of indecent liberties with a child by a custodian, the Fairfax County Police Department announced this morning.
A growing D.C.-area sushi chain is settling in at Reston Town Center.
Since opening next to PR Run and Walk at 11909 Democracy Drive on Sept. 19, Kusshi Sushi has been offering 20% discounts on all food items — a promotion that will continue throughout its soft launch.
Fairfax County school leaders are paying careful attention to start-of-school enrollment figures, attempting to determine if the Trump administration’s immigration policies are leading some families to keep their children at home.
“Some students are a bit reluctant to be in school at this time,” Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid told school board members during a Sept. 25 report on the first month of classes.
Federal Government Shuts Down — “Plunged into a government shutdown, the U.S. is confronting a fresh cycle of uncertainty after President Donald Trump and Congress failed to strike an agreement to keep government programs and services running by Wednesday’s deadline. Roughly 750,000 federal workers are expected to be furloughed, some potentially fired by the Trump administration.” [Associated Press]
Fairfax Football Team Banned From Playoffs — “Fairfax High School football team will not be in the playoffs this season, no matter how they play. The Virginia High School League placed the team on probation and banned it from postseason play after the school self-reported a recruiting violation … The league has tightened enforcement of rules after last year’s major controversy over transfers at the highly-ranked Hayfield Secondary School.” [WUSA9]
More Details on Burke Police Shooting — Fairfax County police released more details yesterday (Tuesday) on the circumstances leading up to an officer shooting a man in crisis who was allegedly wielding an ax, chainsaw, blowtorch and, at one point during negotiations, a gun. “The officer involved in the shooting has been identified as a 6-year veteran assigned to the Crisis Intervention Team.” [FCPD]
Rep. Beyer to Forgo Pay During Shutdown — “During my telephone town hall last night [Monday, Sept. 29], a constituent asked if Members of Congress get paid during a shutdown. I told her yes they do because of the 27th Amendment, but I will have mine withheld for the duration of a shutdown in solidarity with federal workers.” [Don Beyer/Bluesky]
Driver Charged in Fiery I-495 Crash — A Burke resident has been charged with reckless driving, with additional charges pending, after allegedly racing other drivers and crashing on I-495 on Sunday (Sept. 28). Three people, including the charged driver, were seriously injured when a 2020 McLaren 720S sideswiped a Honda Pilot before crashing over a guardrail and catching fire, Virginia State Police say. [FFXnow]
Maryland Increases Speeding Fines — “Maryland is adopting a tiered system for fines issued by speed cameras, effective Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. The higher a driver’s speed, the steeper the fine. Fines could cost hundreds of dollars, depending on how fast a driver is going.” [NBC4]
Sleepy Driver Leads to Vienna Crash — One driver was transported to a hospital with injuries from a three-vehicle crash that occurred on Lawyers Road NW at Blair Court NW around 4:36 p.m. on Monday (Sept. 29). Police say the driver was heading north on Lawyers when they “fell asleep at the wheel” and rear ended another vehicle, which in turn rear ended a third vehicle “due to the force of being struck” by the original vehicle. [Vienna Police]
County Conducts Business Survey — “The Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives (DEI) is asking business owners to participate in its latest Business Pulse Survey. This is an opportunity for all businesses, large and small, across the county to provide direct feedback on the current economic climate, operational challenges, and their outlook for the future.” [Fairfax County DEI]
It’s Wednesday — Expect partly sunny skies to transition to sunnier conditions, with temperatures reaching around 72°F and a 10 mph north wind. Wednesday night will be clear and cool with a low near 51°F, accompanied by a 6 mph northeast breeze. [NWS]
Good Tuesday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Sep 30, 2025.
Here is what’s going on Wednesday throughout the county, from our event calendar.
The weather will transition from partly sunny to completely sunny, reaching a high of about 72°F, accompanied by north winds at 9-11 mph and gusts up to 20 mph. In the evening, expect clear skies and a low of 49°F, with a gentle northeast wind at around 6 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.
