The airplanes at the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center need a bigger hangar.
The extension of the National Air and Space Museum is embarking on the first major expansion of its public space since opening in Chantilly more than two decades ago, the Smithsonian Institution announced today (Tuesday).
Northern Virginia leaders are hoping changes to statewide transit funding policy don’t hurt the bottom line for local bus systems.
“We’re beginning to understand some of the proposed changes that are being examined,” Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) Executive Director Kate Mattice said at the body’s Sept. 4 board meeting.
Game on! The Tysons Trek & Treat Fall Challenge returns this week, running October 2 through November 1. Participants can walk, bike, or roll through Tysons while checking in at stops, earning points, and redeeming them for prizes.
Hosted by Tysons Community Alliance (TCA), the free mobility challenge features five walkable and bike-friendly routes—including a brand-new route this season!—for a range of ages and abilities. Explore The Boro on the Yellow Route, wander past Arbor Row and Tysons Galleria on the Green Route, stroll Scott’s Run Trail and Capital One Center on the Red Route, or take on the Orange and Purple routes by bike or wheels.
There’s no app to download, so just choose a route, grab your phone, and start exploring.
And there’s a good reason to sign up now: pre-register by October 1, and you’ll automatically be entered to win a $150 Experience Tysons e-gift card, redeemable at participating businesses throughout Tysons.
As you make your way through Tysons, be on the lookout for Trek & Treat check-in stickers posted at stops along each route. Scan the QR code on each sticker to check in, earn points, and keep moving toward your next prize.
While racking up points, you can earn prizes including wireless earbuds, a Bluetooth speaker, an OGIO backpack, Metro SmarTrip cards, portable chargers, and more. Participants can also earn Experience Tysons e-gift cards, including $300 for the Tysons Trailblazer grand-prize winner, $250 for second place, and $200 for third place.
Register and complete at least one check-in by October 10, and you’ll also receive an exclusive “I Trekked Tysons” t-shirt.
So whether you’re looking for a fun way to get outside, discover new corners of Tysons, or earn prizes along the way, Trek & Treat offers plenty of reasons to explore this fall. Registration is easy at tysonsva.org/exploretysons/gameon.
Tysons Trek & Treat Fall Challenge runs October 2–November 1
Reston Association is weighing another increase in its annual membership fee, as staff hammer out a new budget for the coming year.
In an initial draft presented to the Board of Directors on Aug. 28, RA Chief Financial Officer Ed Vroom proposed raising the assessment to $923 in 2026 — an increase of $75 or 8.8% from the current rate of $848 — to keep up with rising capital project costs and inflation, among other challenges.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a time for commemorating our ancestors. Rather than a period of mourning, it is an occasion for celebrating with family—both living and dead—and honoring the cycle of life. Learn about La Catrina and her joyful view of life and mortality. Enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the day, including dance performances, coloring activities, and paper marigold and mask making. Visitors are invited to leave photos and mementos of their loved ones on the ofrenda (altar) or commemorate them by writing their names on a butterfly to attach to the memorial arch.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
A Fairfax man pleaded guilty yesterday (Monday) after he was accused of threatening to kill employees from both the U.S. Postal Service and Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Kenneth R. Woodard, 57, faces 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count each of making threatening communications over interstate commerce and threatening to kill a federal official, the Justice Department announced.
Fall is in its full glory every first Saturday in October with our Manassas Fall Jubilee and 2026 marks the 43rd one! This community-spirited festival spans all of Center Street and side streets, and includes an assortment of fun for kids and adults with over 100 craft and community booths, live music and entertainment, food, and more. Live music ranges from pop to rock to heavy metal, and dance performances include ballet, clogging, and belly dancing. And, the kids will enjoy a meet & greet with Cinderella, pumpkin painting, games, and more!
Herndon House Consumed by Fire — Fairfax County firefighters responded yesterday (Monday) afternoon to a two-alarm house fire in the 12200 block of Folkstone Drive in the Difficult Run area. “Units arrived to fire showing from all levels of the home. Crews are working to bring the fire under control. There are no reported civilian or firefighter injuries.” [FCFRD/X]
New Advanced Academic Center Proposed — “The Annandale High School pyramid is only one of two pyramids in Fairfax County that doesn’t have an elementary or middle school with an Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) center.” That could change with Superintendent Michelle Reid recommending “a new full-time AAP Center be established at Poe Middle School.” [Annandale Today]
Wine Bar Opens in Reston — Corsica Wine Bar has officially opened in the former Mon Ami Gabi space at Reston Town Center. Coming from the team behind Barcelona Wine Bar, the restaurant is currently allowing walk-in diners from 4 p.m. to midnight on Sunday through Thursday, and from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. [FFXnow]
Woodlawn Carjacking Suspects Arrested — Fairfax County police say they have arrested two people suspected in an armed carjacking reported in the 5800 block of Saint Gregory Lane around 3 p.m. yesterday. “The suspects presented a firearm, stole the victim’s vehicle and fled the scene.” Officers located the vehicle with help from the department’s Real-Time Crime Center and the Fairfax 1 helicopter. [FCPD]
Reston Parkway Property Acquired — “Renaissance Centro bought the 2.4-acre parcel at 1760 Reston Parkway for $9.1 million from RTC Partnership LLC, a joint venture between Richard Whealen and D.C.-based developer Akridge, on Aug. 29, according to Fairfax County property records.” The site was previously approved for an office building that would’ve become Reston’s tallest tower, but developers more recently proposed apartments. That proposal is still “pending,” per Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn. [Washington Business Journal]
Yemeni Cafe Eyes Falls Church — “A cafe franchise promising authentic Yemeni coffee and treats may soon fill a vacant space left by Chasin’ Tails in East Falls Church. Qahwah House, a Michigan-based Yemeni coffee shop, has applied for work permits at 2200 N. Westmoreland Street, which the seafood restaurant left in 2022.” [ARLnow]
Parents Seek More Action on Mold in School — “In August before school started, students arrived at marching band camp at Hayfield Secondary School to find water stains on the ceiling, soaked carpets and fabric chairs appearing furry with mold.” Though the band room was cleaned and declared safe to occupy, some parents “believe the mold issue is widespread and sickening their children.” [NBC4]
Meeting Set on Gallows Road Project — “The Fairfax County Department of Transportation will hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m., to answer questions and accept feedback on its proposed recommendations for Gallows Road, including Northern, Middle and Southern segments.” FCDOT is accepting comments on its plan to make the roadway more bicycle and pedestrian-friendly through Sept. 30. [FCDOT]
It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny skies and a high of around 76 degrees with a northeast wind blowing at 6 to 9 mph. By Tuesday night, the sky will be mostly cloudy with a low temperature near 59 degrees. [NWS]
Good Monday 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 8, 2025.
Here is what’s going on Tuesday throughout the county, from our event calendar.
Expect sunny skies and a high near 76, accompanied by a northeast wind blowing at 6 to 9 mph. As for Tuesday night, prepare for increasing cloud coverage and a low temperature around 57, with an east wind of about 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.
Nearly four months after the death of U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, voters will head to the polls to determine his successor.
Tomorrow (Tuesday) is Election Day for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, which covers most of Fairfax County and Fairfax City.
A trio of fast-casual eateries is coming to Idylwood Plaza, further filling out space left empty by Whole Foods Market’s departure in February.
Potbelly and Qdoba Mexican Eats are both anticipating opening at the shopping center in the fall of 2026, property owner Federal Realty Investment Trust announced today (Monday).
Some local hunters are getting their Legolas on: it’s bow hunting season.
Fairfax County kicked off its annual archery program for qualified bowhunters this past weekend to help control the local deer population.
The museum’s annual Native Art Market features award-winning and innovative Indigenous artists from across the Western Hemisphere. This event invites lovers of art and craftsmanship to meet Indigenous artists and learn about the traditional arts and contemporary Indigenous creativity. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase traditional and contemporary handcrafted artworks, including beadwork, jewelry, paintings, photography, pottery, and sculpture.
