A banner for the Washington West Film Festival hangs over Market Street at Reston Town Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
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.
A Fairfax County Park Authority car at Lake Fairfax Park (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
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.
Imagine stepping out of your door and being a brief, 0.3-mile walk from the McLean Metro Station. Indigo at McLean Station is redefining affordable Northern Virginia living, combining an unbeatable Tysons location with brand-new, high-end amenities.
Mark your calendar for our upcoming Open House on Saturday, November 14th, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, where you can explore everything our growing community has to offer.
Both Phases Now Open for Tours
This exclusive event gives you full access to tour both Phase I and Phase II of our stunning community. Whether you are looking to relocate immediately or planning your next move, we have layouts tailored to your timeline:
Phase I (Immediate Move-In Available): Move right into our modern homes designed for households qualifying under the 60% Area Median Income (AMI) guidelines.
Phase II (Now Leasable): Ready for immediate move-ins, select apartment homes in Phase II are now available to lease. This phase introduces studio, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom configurations across 50% to 70% AMI tiers.
Double the Amenities, Double the Community
With the introduction of Phase II, Indigo at McLean Station has dramatically expanded its resident perks. When you tour the community, you will experience a wealth of brand-new spaces designed to elevate your daily routine:
Upgraded Fitness & Relaxation: Enjoy full access to an additional, state-of-the-art fitness center and a second designer club room perfect for hosting friends.
Premium Work & Welcome Spaces: Experience our elegant, expansive new lobby and a fully equipped business center tailored for remote professionals.
Outdoor & Pet Luxuries: Pamper your four-legged family members at our brand-new, on-site pet spa (with no breed restrictions) and explore additional outdoor amenity spaces and walking trails.
Stack Your Savings
Attendees who submit an application during the event can unlock our exclusive, event-only leasing incentive. Receive an additional 1/2 month of rent free—applicable strictly to Phase I apartments. Best of all, this time-sensitive special stacks directly on top of our premier active promotion of Up to Two Months Free on Select Apartments!
Plan your visit to 1750 Old Meadow Rd, McLean, VA 22102 this November 14th. Browse Our Available Floor Plans, check real-time pricing, and review income qualification criteria on our website, or call our leasing team directly at (571) 786-5546. Can’t make the Open House? Schedule a Tour Today.
Shown from left at the new Franconia-Springfield Public Health Center are Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, Dr. Kelly McDonough, Dr. Natalia Giscombe-Simons and Dr. Parham Jaberi of the Fairfax County Health Department (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)
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.
The future home of The Salty in Merrifield's Mosaic District (staff photo by Jared Serre)
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.
Thomas Edison High School in Rose Hill (staff photo by James Jarvis)
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.
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 Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid (staff photo by Jared Serre)
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.
A boat rack by Lake Audubon in Reston (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
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]
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.