Around Town

FFXnow Daily Debrief for Sep 19, 2024

By FFXnow.com

Good Thursday 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 19, 2024.

📅 Upcoming events

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

  • No events today. Have one to promote? Submit it to the calendar.

☀️ Friday’s forecast

Expect sunny skies and a high near 83 degrees, as the north wind at 5 mph shifts to the east in the morning. Friday night will be mostly clear with a low around 62 degrees, accompanied by a southeast wind between 3 and 6 mph. 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.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.

Sponsored

McLean Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival – DEC 4th-6th

By Sponsor
Image from McLean Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival - DEC 4th-6th

SAVE THE DATE!
December 4-6, 2026
Experience the magic of the holiday season at this beloved event that has offered truly unique, handcrafted treasures for more than four decades. Find pottery, glass, jewelry, fashion accessories, woodwork, artisanal foods, and more from eighty exceptional regional artisans. Come discover the perfect gifts, treat yourself to lunch at the onsite café, and celebrate the spirit of the season with us! A juried show since 1982.

• FREE parking | 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean, VA 22101
• Proceeds support the NVHG Scholarship Program for college art students
• Tote bags will be given to the first 200 attendees each day
• MCC has accessible entrances and restrooms

For additional information please visit:
www.nvhg.org
www.mcleancenter.org 

Around Town

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest in Fairfax County in 2024

By Angela Woolsey
A beer gauntlet at The Boro's Oktoberfest (courtesy The Boro)

October is still a couple of weeks away, but this coming weekend is a popular one for Oktoberfest celebrations in Fairfax County.

Several local breweries will host events, while other festivities will encompass an entire neighborhood. Whether you’re looking for the carnival atmosphere of the original Oktoberfest in Munich, a multi-week affair that kicks off this Saturday (Sept. 21), or a more low-key environment for feasting and socializing, options abound.

Go to Where to celebrate Oktoberfest in Fairfax County in 2024 Read more
Countywide

FCPS superintendent named one of N. Va.’s most influential people

By Angela Woolsey
Superintendent Michelle Reid (staff file photo by James Jarvis)

The superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools is the second-most influential person in Northern Virginia — just behind occasional-FCPS-critic Gov. Glenn Youngkin, according to a new ranking.

Northern Virginia Magazine awarded Dr. Michelle Reid the no. 2 spot in its newly released list of the 50 Most Influential People in Northern Virginia, highlighting her efforts to guide the state’s largest public school system through the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Go to FCPS superintendent named one of N. Va.’s most influential people Read more
News

Trial for Herndon man accused in slaying of wife, another man set for February

By Jared Serre
Brendan Robert Banfield, 39, of Reston (courtesy FCPD)

The trial for a Herndon man facing charges in the slaying of his wife and another man will begin nearly two years after the killings occurred.

Brendan Banfield, 39, was indicted Monday (Sept. 16) on four counts of aggravated murder in connection to the stabbing of his wife, Christine Banfield, and the shooting of a man at their home in the Frying Pan area in February 2023.

Go to Trial for Herndon man accused in slaying of wife, another man set for February Read more
Countywide

Fairfax County considers new tax options to ease burden on property owners

By James Jarvis
Sign points to the Department of Tax Administration in the Fairfax County Government Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The Fairfax County County Board of Supervisors is exploring its taxing options, including possible taxes on meals and event admissions, in the hopes of reducing its reliance on property taxes.

Supervisors discussed new revenue diversification proposals at Tuesday’s (Sept. 17) budget policy committee meeting after calling on County Executive Bryan Hill to identify ways to ease the tax burden on homeowners and fill reported shortfalls in state funding for public schools.

Go to Fairfax County considers new tax options to ease burden on property owners Read more
News

Franconia Governmental Center redevelopment divides residents, affordable housing advocates

By Angela Woolsey
County staff await a presentation at the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority's public hearing on an interim agreement to redevelop the Franconia Governmental Center site (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A push to redevelop the former Franconia Governmental Center site with affordable housing is still in its early stages, but passions are already running high among local residents and housing advocates.

Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) commissioners got to hear both supportive and oppositional arguments at a public hearing last Thursday (Sept. 12), as they weigh whether to accept an interim agreement with the project’s developers.

Go to Franconia Governmental Center redevelopment divides residents, affordable housing advocates Read more
News

Investigation underway in police shooting of Reston woman

By Fatimah Waseem
Fairfax County police vehicle outside VY Reston Heights apartments (staff photo by James Cullum)

An internal investigation is underway after a police officer shot and killed a Reston woman during a welfare check on Monday (Sept. 16).

In an update on the incident released yesterday (Wednesday), the Fairfax County Police Department identified the officer as a 14-year veteran assigned to the Reston Patrol District with crisis intervention training (CIT).

Go to Investigation underway in police shooting of Reston woman Read more
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