News

The Taco Bell in Fair Lakes will be getting a new makeover.

During a public hearing on Wednesday (Oct. 11), the Fairfax County Planning Commission approved an application request to replace the 2,300-square-foot fast food restaurant with a larger, more modern building.


Around Town

Dogs, cats and other household critters in McLean will get an early taste of Halloween when the McLean Community Center’s annual pet festival returns this weekend.

The McLean Pet Fest will unfold at McLean Central Park (1468 Dolley Madison Blvd) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 15). MCC says costumes will be “welcome” at a pet parade scheduled for 3 p.m.


News

The Town of Herndon is offering financial support for Pakistan Heritage Day, a celebratory event organized by town council member Naila Alam and the nonprofit Global Beat Foundation.

At a Tuesday (Oct. 10) meeting, the Herndon Town Council voted to approve $2,015 for the event that will take place at the Herndon Community Center on Oct. 21 — a contribution that includes waiving $1,005 in facility rental fees.


News

(Updated at 1:05 p.m.) Fairfax County is ready to unveil its new, combined police station and animal shelter in Lorton.

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter’s Lorton campus and the Lorton District Police Station will get a grand opening celebration on Saturday, Oct. 28. The event will start with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by an open house with games, refreshments, tours and more from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.


Event

Dreaming about your next vacation? Join Cruise Planners Beth Borrego and Rod Rodriguez for an inspiring day devoted to ocean and river cruises, guided tours, luxury travel and unforgettable destinations!

Meet representatives from AmaWaterways, Collette, Oceania Cruises and Premier World Discovery. Hear informative presentations, ask questions, explore exciting vacation possibilities and discover which travel experience may be the perfect fit for you.


Countywide

Reston Man Worried About Sister in Gaza — “When Emilie Rauchenberger…traveled to the Gaza Strip with her five children to visit her husband’s olive tree farm, she never imagined she’d feel so trapped. Now, she’s holed up in an apartment with 30 relatives and clinging to hope that her family can go home. In Reston, across the Atlantic Ocean, her brother Joe Rauchenberger waits for intermittent updates.” [DC News Now]

Police Investigate Carjacking in Tysons Mall — “Officers on scene of a carjacking in the 7900 block of Tysons Corner Center in McLean. 2 suspects took victim’s keys, threw an [unknown] liquid on him, and fled the scene in victim’s 2022 Blue BMW X5. Liquid does not appear to be caustic. No injuries sustained.” [FCPD/Twitter]


Around Town

(Updated at 6:35 p.m.) Movie watchers in Reston will officially have a new place to experience the cinema next month.

LOOK Dine-in Cinemas will launch in Reston Town Center (11940 Market Street) on Nov. 2 with a grand opening and “ticket tearing” ceremony, the company confirmed to FFXnow.


News

(Updated at 5 p.m.) A former Fairfax County police officer will face a court trial for shooting and killing Timothy Johnson outside Tysons Corner Center in February.

A grand jury indicted Wesley Shifflett today (Thursday) on felony charges of involuntary manslaughter and reckless discharge of a firearm, Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano’s office announced.


Countywide

Fairfax County wants to know what trash collectors are telling residents about recycling.

In anticipation of Fairfax Recycles Day, which will fall on Nov. 15, the county’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is surveying residents throughout October about whether their hauler is sharing educational materials on recycling.