Countywide

Inova survey finds half of Northern Virginians impacted by substance use

By Cameron Delean / Inside NoVA
A sign for the Inova Center for Personalized Health (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Inova Health on Wednesday released new data finding nearly half of adults in Northern Virginia are either personally impacted by substance use or know someone who is, with even higher numbers among millennials.

The survey data is part of Inova’s Act on Addiction Campaign, which aims to spark dialogue around the realities of substance use, promote harm reduction and prevention strategies, reduce stigma and highlight the impact addiction has on families and communities, according to a news release.

Go to Inova survey finds half of Northern Virginians impacted by substance use Read more
News

Community mixed on new cell tower proposed for Mantua

By Scott McCaffrey
Some Mantua residents are voicing concern about a proposed cell tower (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

A proposal to install a cell tower on the Mantua Swim & Tennis Club has split the surrounding community.

Despite concerns about the existing, spotty cell service, some residents have criticized the swim club’s plan to allow the potentially 150-foot-tall structure on its property at 9330 Pentland Place — evidenced by protest signs that have sprouted throughout surrounding neighborhoods.

Go to Community mixed on new cell tower proposed for Mantua Read more
Sponsored

Trek & Treat returns this fall: Explore Tysons and earn big prizes

By Sponsor
Yellow Route Check-In Point sticker on a concrete sidewalk; person in black flats and jeans stands nearby, with shadow visible. Text on sticker says to scan to join the game.
Image from Trek & Treat returns this fall: Explore Tysons and earn big prizes
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Trek & Treat is back with a brand-new route, fun prizes, and a $150 Early Bird incentive if you register by October 1

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.

Explore More, Earn More

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

Register Today
News

Parking restrictions considered to stop overflow of boats on Hunter Mill District streets

By Angela Woolsey
Boats parked on a street in McNair Farms (via Hunter Mill District Supervisor's Office)

Despite being landlocked, some neighborhoods in Fairfax County’s Hunter Mill District have apparently become awash in boats.

Supervisor Walter Alcorn plans to propose expanding Reston’s Community Parking District in order to also ban boats and other large vehicles from parking on public streets in the McNair Farms area south of Herndon.

Go to Parking restrictions considered to stop overflow of boats on Hunter Mill District streets Read more
Announcement

A Bison Celebration

By National Museum of the American Indian

A Bison Celebration is part of the Smithsonian Institution’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The Bison Celebration will be a full day event that brings together organizations, scholars, scientists and filmmakers to celebrate the past, present, and future of North America’s largest land mammal. Through captivating films and thought-provoking panel discussions, the museum will explore the bison’s vital role in restoring grassland ecosystems and its deep spiritual connection to Tribal nations.

Go to A Bison Celebration Read more
Countywide

UPDATED: FCPS ‘disappointed’ by dismissal of lawsuit to halt funding freeze

By Angela Woolsey
Justice statue over the entrance to the Albert V. Bryan U.S. Courthouse in Alexandria (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County Public Schools has encountered at least a temporary setback in its bid to prevent the federal government from cutting off funding over its support for transgender students.

On Friday (Sept. 5), a federal judge in Alexandria dismissed the lawsuit that the Fairfax and Arlington county school boards had filed against the U.S. Education Department, denying their requests for an injunction to halt the funding freeze as the case proceeds.

Go to UPDATED: FCPS ‘disappointed’ by dismissal of lawsuit to halt funding freeze Read more
Event

Do It for Dan Fall Fundraiser

Save the Date flyer for Do It for Dan Foundation fall fundraiser; Dr. Subramanian guest speaker; Sunday, November 8, 2026, 1–4 PM, Caboose Commons, Fairfax, VA; benefiting Inova Schar Cancer Institute.

Event location

Caboose Commons

2918 Eskridge Rd

Fairfax, Virginia 22031

Add to Calendar

Join the Do It for Dan Foundation for our annual fall fundraiser supporting lung cancer research at Inova Schar Cancer Institute. Enjoy live music, trivia, raffles, foundation updates, and a special presentation from thoracic oncologist Dr. Janakiraman Subramanian. Help us raise $10,000 to advance research and better treatment options for people facing lung cancer.

Go to Do It for Dan Fall Fundraiser Read more
Countywide

Morning Notes for September 8, 2025

By FFXnow.com
A pedestrian and a driver approach the Washington & Old Dominion Trail crossing at Cedar Lane in Dunn Loring (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Pedestrian Injured in Hit-and-Run — Fairfax County police are investigating “a hit-and-run pedestrian crash” that occurred in the 3200 block of Holly Hill Drive” in West Falls Church yesterday (Sunday) morning. “The pedestrian, an adult man, was transported to the hospital in life threatening condition. The driver of the striking vehicle fled the scene.” [FCPD/X]

Inside GMU President’s Stand Against Trump Admin — “An engineer by training, [Gregory] Washington is a planner by nature. When he became George Mason’s first Black president — the latest of many barriers he has broken — he vowed to faculty to overcommunicate. So he couldn’t stay silent when the allegations of civil rights violations came.” [Washington Post]

Va. Lawmakers Consider A.I. Rules — “Virginia was among the first states in the nation to write new, online privacy laws. Now lawmakers are also asking if they should be ahead of the curve on artificial intelligence as well.” General Assembly members discussed potential legislation ahead of the 2026 session at a Joint Commission on Technology and Science meeting on Wednesday (Sept. 3). [WVTF]

Man Arrested for Allegedly Threatening Dog Walker — “On Thursday, City of Fairfax Police arrested a 19-year-old man who they say attacked and threatened someone walking their dog Tuesday evening in Kamp Washington. Officers responded around 7:43 p.m. for the report of a weapons violation in the 4000 block of Gateway Drive.” [Patch]

Plane Passenger Appeals Sentencing for Assault — “A Stafford man filed an appeal Thursday with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit after receiving a prison sentence for attacking a deaf passenger during a flight from San Francisco to Dulles International Airport last year.” [Patch]

Tysons Restaurant Thanks Military Service Members — Fogo de Chao in Tysons hosted the Military Bowl Foundation’s 20th annual “Home of the Free … Because of Brave” dinner, which gave free steak dinners to dozens of military service members and also served as a watch party for the first NFL game of the season. [WTOP]

Discounts Offered for Rec Center Memberships — “Make strides toward your wellness goals this fall with an annual membership to Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers — get a 15% discount throughout September … Annual membership provides access to any of our nine Rec Centers, each with their own amenities.” [FCPA]

It’s Monday — Expect sunny skies and a high near 75 with a gentle northeast breeze at 7 mph. Overnight, the skies will remain mostly clear as the temperature drops to around 54, and the east wind at 5 mph will calm down by evening. [NWS]

Around Town

FFXnow Daily Debrief for Sep 5, 2025

By FFXnow.com

Good Friday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Sep 5, 2025.

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  • Fairfax County to test ‘Slow Streets’ project in downtown Springfield (9439 views)
  • Shift to townhouses proposed for The Mile development in Tysons (9180 views)
  • Former FCPS after-school staffer sentenced for child sex crimes (5322 views)
  • Corsica Wine Bar swirls around September opening in Reston (4156 views)
  • Protestors rally near ICE field office in Chantilly after reports of ‘degrading’ conditions (3405 views)
  • Man who assaulted deaf passenger on Dulles-bound flight sentenced (2989 views)
  • Fairfax County sheriff’s deputy charged with domestic assault (2748 views)
  • Vienna cancels Church Street roundabout plans after stop signs seemingly get the job done (2715 views)
  • Bunnyman Brewing owners seek second restaurant at Lorton’s Workhouse Arts Center (2641 views)
  • FCPD investigating fatal student overdose in West Springfield (3304 views)

    • 📅 Upcoming events

    Here is what’s going on Saturday throughout the county, from our event calendar.

    Here are the events planned for Sunday:

    ⛈️ Saturday’s forecast

    Expect showers and potential thunderstorms throughout the day, with heavier rainfall after 3pm and a high temperature near 88°F. West winds will be around 5 to 8 mph, with an 80% chance of precipitation. Rainfall may range from a tenth to a quarter of an inch, with higher amounts in thunderstorms. Saturday night will likely bring continued showers and thunderstorms, a cloudy sky, and a low near 60°F, with a 60% chance of precipitation. North winds will be around 7 mph, and similar rainfall amounts as the day can be expected. See more from Weather.gov.

    🌅 Tonight’s sunset

    The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

    We hope you have a great weekend! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋

    News

    Rally opposing tree clearings on W&OD Trail planned in Vienna

    By Angela Woolsey
    Trees line one side of the W&OD Trail along Dominion Road in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

    The chainsaws have gone quiet, but the fight to preserve trees along the Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail isn’t over yet.

    A number of elected officials, nonprofits and community organizations plan to renew pressure on Dominion Energy over its approach to tree clearings with a rally tomorrow (Saturday) in Vienna.

    Go to Rally opposing tree clearings on W&OD Trail planned in Vienna Read more
    News

    James Walkinshaw centers commitment to stand up to Trump in run for Congress

    By Jared Serre
    James Walkinshaw (staff photo by Jared Serre)

    Editor’s Note: This article is part of a two-part series of exclusive interviews with James Walkinshaw and Stewart Whitson, who are competing to represent Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. The story on Whitson was published yesterday (Thursday).

    If he’s elected to Congress, James Walkinshaw won’t have any trouble finding his way around Capitol Hill.

    Go to James Walkinshaw centers commitment to stand up to Trump in run for Congress Read more
    News

    FCPD investigating fatal student overdose in West Springfield

    By Vernon Miles
    Fairfax County police car close-up (file photo)

    A West Springfield High School student died earlier this week from a drug overdose, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) officials have confirmed.

    FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid announced the death in a letter on Wednesday (Sept. 3), sharing guidance for parents, students and community members.

    Go to FCPD investigating fatal student overdose in West Springfield Read more
    Announcement

    Native Art Market

    By National Museum of the American Indian

    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.

    Go to Native Art Market Read more
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