News

An Oakton man has died after he was hit by a driver while riding an electric bicycle in the Fair Oaks area yesterday (Wednesday), the Fairfax County Police Department said in a news release today.

Officers responded to the intersection of West Ox Road and Tilton Valley Drive at 12:14 p.m. for a crash involving a bicyclist who was struck by a gray Kia sedan, according to police scanner traffic.


News

If everything goes according to plan, the Potomac School will start building a new middle school next summer, its chief financial officer says.

After wrapping up advance utility work this summer, the private school took another step toward implementing the long-planned renovation on its McLean campus (1301 Potomac School Road) last month, filing an application with Fairfax County to allow temporary classrooms while the building undergoes construction.


Countywide

A Fairfax County supervisor’s request for information about creating a financial oversight body to control Metro drew rebukes from his colleagues during a meeting on Tuesday (Oct. 8).

It also led to some testy exchanges between Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity, the lone Republican on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and some of the board’s Democrats.


Event

Local author and Fairfax County Public Library librarian Luis D. Aponte invites parents and community leaders to an empowering discussion inspired by his book “A Safe Place: How to Prevent the Next School Shooting.” Drawing on seven years of research into more than 1,200 U.S. school shooting incidents, he shares practical, nonpartisan, research‑based steps families and schools can use to strengthen safety and emotional well‑being. Discover hopeful, community‑building solutions that help every child feel supported and able to thrive. Attendees receive two free ebooks, with a paperback signing to follow.

Adults. No registration required. Free event. For more information, visit ASafePlaceBook.com.


News

Before breaking ground on an extensive renovation last weekend, Fairfax County officials and community members took a moment to reflect on the history contained within the walls of Mount Vernon’s original high school.

Located on a 22-acre property that was once part of George Washington’s estate, the main school building was constructed in 1939 under a Public Works Administration program intended to update public school facilities and boost the economy, according to its Virginia Historic Landmarks Register listing.


News

Three Reston residents have been appointed to Reston Community Center’s nine-member Board of Governors.

Following the results of a preference poll conducted last month, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appointed two incumbents and one newcomer to the RCC board on Tuesday (Oct. 8).


Countywide

Fairfax County’s commemoration of the nation’s 250th birthday isn’t on the move just yet, but it soon will be.

A “mobile museum” housed in a recreational vehicle is expected to be the county government’s signature educational offering during the 2025-26 celebration of America’s declaration of independence from England, members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors heard Tuesday (Oct. 8).


Around Town

The Washington Post has a new round-up of dining recommendations for the D.C. region, and two Fairfax County establishments made the cut.

Newington’s Afghan Bistro and Neutral Ground Bar and Kitchen in McLean are among the “40 Best Restaurants In and Around D.C.,” says the newspaper’s longtime food critic Tom Sietsema, whose annual fall dining guide published yesterday (Wednesday).


Countywide
The entrance to the picnic area at Gateway Regional Park in Fairfax City (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

MS-13 Member on Trial for Murders — Elmer Alas Candray, allegedly a key leader for the gang’s Reston crew, “faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison if convicted. Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia say it is the biggest murder case they have taken to trial in recent years, with five victims in Fairfax County and one in Massachusetts killed between 2018 and 2022.” [Washington Post]

Two Injured in Vehicle Crash — “First responders took two people to the hospital after a serious multi-vehicle crash Wednesday at the intersection of Roberts Road and Collingham Drive in the Kings Park West area.” In one case, the injuries are considered life-threatening, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department said. [FOX5]

Dulles Airport Access Highway Entrance Closes — “Starting Thursday, October 10, the first entrance to the @Dulles_Airport Access Highway west of I-495 will close 24/7 for paving. Westbound airport traffic should keep left and follow signs. All local traffic should keep right.” The closure will be in place through Sunday (Oct. 13). [Dulles Toll Road/Twitter]

Stir-Fry Chain to Expand Fairfax Presence — “Philadelphia-based fast-casual restaurant honeygrow recently announced that it had signed leases with two locations in Northern Virginia, one on Old Keene Mill Road in Springfield and the other at 9650 Main St. in Fairfax City. The Fair City Mall location is scheduled to open in spring 2025.” [Patch]

Look Out for Spotted Lanternflies — “It’s spotted lanternfly season … If you see adult spotted lanternflies, stomp/kill them immediately. If they evade you, then scrape them into the bottom of a cut plastic water bottle, shake it to disorient them, then dump them on the ground and stomp on them.” [Fairfax County government]

Local Schools Awarded by State — “Five Fairfax County public schools have been awarded a 2024 Virginia Board of Education Exemplar Award,” which are based on academic, attendance and graduation criteria. Sangster Elementary and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology won achievement awards, while Lewis, South Lakes and West Potomac high schools were recognized for improvement. [FCPS]

Virginia Wineries Showcase Native Grape — “Nearly two dozen vineyards and wineries are embracing the only grape native to Virginia, sharing best practices about growing Norton and turning it into wine — and getting wine enthusiasts to try it.” A wine tour organized by the new Norton Network will include events at Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton and The Winery at Bull Run in Centreville on Nov. 8-10. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

It’s Thursday — Expect sunny conditions and a high temperature near 63 degrees, accompanied by a north wind blowing at 6 to 10 mph. The evening will remain clear with temperatures dropping to around 42 degrees, and the north wind will decrease to 3 to 5 mph. [NWS]