Dulles International Airport is counting down to the planned opening of the new 14-gate Concourse E serving United Airlines, but the count will run a little longer than initially hoped for.
The opening has been pushed back from late September into October but prep work is continuing as planned, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) board of directors was told on Wednesday (Sept. 16).
Case for Fatal Pedestrian Crash Dismissed — “On June 18, the driver of a Prius jumped the curb of a Leesburg Pike service road near Seven Corners and fatally hit 38-year-old Sean King.” The 43-year-old driver was charged with reckless driving, but then pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor. His 60-day jail sentence was suspended on the condition that he complete 20 hours of community service. [NBC4]
DHS Accused of Violating Election Laws — Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones “said Thursday that the Department of Homeland Security may have violated several state laws after a whistleblower accused its employees of misrepresenting themselves on voter lookup tools to hunt for noncitizen voters. Virginia “explicitly limits its voter lookup tools to individuals who attest under penalty of law that they are looking up their own records.” [Associated Press/ARLnow]
Yellow Line Service Pause — “Metro announced Yellow Line service will be shut down Saturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20. That’s due to planned bridge and track rehabilitation, according to the transit agency … Blue Line service will alternate between Downtown Largo and the Virginia end destinations of Franconia-Springfield and Huntington.” [ALXnow]
Tysons Contractor Sold Due to ICE Work — “Fairfax government contractor ITC Federal announced Monday it plans to buy Capgemini Government Solutions for an undisclosed price and rename it to ITC Digital Solutions … Capgemini Government Solutions is said to have provided ICE with technology to locate targets for the crackdown on illegal immigrants, according to multiple reports.” [Washington Business Journal]
Lorton HVAC Company Plans Layoffs — United Air Temp, Air Conditioning and Heating LLC, which was acquired by a private equity firm in 2024, filed a notice that it will lay off “93 employees — nearly one-third of its workforce — within the next 60 days” at its Lorton headquarters. The layoffs “will be permanent and will impact employees based on-site and those who work in the field and report to that office.” [WBJ]
Marijuana Sales Regulations Unveiled — “The Cannabis Control Authority last week published the first draft of regulations for the recreational market, including the fees for licenses needed to do business in the market. Under the legislation that set the framework of the legal market, the CCA will be able to award up to 350 licenses for retail marijuana stores statewide.” [Richmond BizSense]
Stuff the Bus Food Drive Is Back — “The Stuff the Bus Food Drive returns for a one-day event on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. The buses will be located at various Supervisor District offices countywide 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Please consider supporting local non-profit food pantries by donating non-perishable food items or gift cards.” [Neighborhood and Community Services]
Algae Spotted in Lake Newport — “Small clumps of potentially harmful algae have been observed on the surface of Lake Newport following resident reports. While boating activities can continue, residents and visitors should avoid contact with algae and lake water in areas where algae is present.” [Reston Association]
Exhibit Documents Change in Lorton Inmates — “Twenty five years ago, what was once the Lorton Reformatory, then the Lorton Correctional Complex, closed its doors. Now the same complex in Fairfax County, Virginia, that once housed D.C. inmates is home to the Workhouse Arts Center where a new exhibit documents the power of change that comes with second chances.” [WTOP]
It’s Friday — Expect partly sunny skies with temperatures reaching a high of 85°F and a gentle north wind of 7 to 9 mph. In the evening, skies will be partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 65°F. [NWS]
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As Democrats attempt to flip control of Congress from the current Republican majority, all eyes will be on national races, but the Nov. 3 election will also give Fairfax County voters a number of questions with local and state implications to consider.
Early in-person voting will kick off countywide tomorrow (Sept. 18) for seats in the House and Senate as well as local issues regarding funding for parks and health and human services projects. In addition, voters will be asked to vote on three constitutional amendments addressing abortion, gay marriage, and voting rights.
Herndon Town Council member Cesar del Aguila has become a campaigning veteran with four terms under his belt, but his bid for a fifth might be the most competitive race yet.
Twelve people are vying for the council’s six seats in the upcoming Nov. 3 election, including five incumbents and a slate of young, progressive-minded newcomers seeking to shake up the town’s status quo.
Former Robinson Student Charged With Assault — “Video of the incident inside James W. Robinson Secondary School was shared on social media,” showing students running away from the former student in the school’s cafeteria at around 8 a.m. on Sept. 10. “Police said the teen entered the school without authorization and assaulted a staff member who tried to stop him.” [FOX5]
Limited Morning Silver Line Service — Today “and Friday from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., trains will single track on the Orange Line between Stadium-Armory and Cheverly, and the Silver Line will run modified service operating between Ashburn and Downtown Largo only.” Metro has been working to “destress” its train rails, a process it says helps prevent issues during extreme heat. [WMATA/Bluesky]
State of Emergency for Hay Shortage — “Virginia farmers struggling with drought-damaged pastures will be able to receive larger hay deliveries under a state of emergency declared by Gov. Abigail Spanberger Wednesday … Persistent drought conditions that began last winter have led to an estimated hay shortfall totaling 500,000 tons.” [Virginia Mercury]
New Guidance on Felon Voting Restrictions — “Among Virginians who are no longer incarcerated, only those convicted of murder and voluntary or involuntary manslaughter remain disqualified from voting under new guidance from the Virginia Department of Elections. The update comes days before early voting begins in the midterm elections.” [Virginia Mercury]
Microsoft Fined for Data Center — “Virginia environmental officials ordered tech giant Microsoft on Monday to pay roughly $2.5 million after its Leesburg data center violated air quality standards during a week-long power grid outage in 2025, according to state documents.” The consent order will be finalized after a public comment period ending Oct. 14. [WJLA]
Gov. Confident in Democratic Midterm Chances — “When Virginia’s state Supreme Court in April struck down a voter-approved redistricting referendum that would have helped Democrats pick up four seats in the House, Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) feared the state would become an afterthought in this year’s midterm elections.” But now, she “feels the court’s action has energized the Democratic base.” [Washington Post]
Va. Preparing for Psychedelic Drugs — “FDA-approved psilocybin — the psychedelic compound in so-called ‘magic mushrooms’ — could be on the horizon, and some Virginia providers are already gearing up to deliver it if approved. Virginia has laid the groundwork for the treatment to become available if it wins federal approval,” and one company is already eyeing an expansion to Richmond. [Axios Richmond]
Smoothie Cafe Opens in Bailey’s Crossroads — “Bora Bora Smoothie Cafe opened last week at 5807 Leesburg Pike … Bora Bora was founded in 2023 in Dearborn, Mich. It has since become a franchise operation with 34 locations in 15 states. Another Bora Bora opened recently at the Tysons Corner Center.” [Annandale Today]
New Legal Notice — ABC wholesaler wine-consumed license application; objections due in 30 days. [Public Notices]
It’s Thursday — Mostly sunny with a high around 89°F and a 20% chance of rain after 2 PM. Thursday night will be mostly cloudy with a low near 71°F, and there is a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 PM, continuing as showers until midnight. [NWS]
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The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday (Sept. 15) approved the framework for a major future redevelopment of the 46.6-acre Reston Town Center (RTC) North, allowing the county and Inova Health to move forward with long-sought plans for mixed-use and public facilities.
The action paves the way for the eventual construction of about 1,000 units of new housing, retail and office space. The redevelopment will also deliver a central park, a new recreation center, and replacements for Reston’s regional library and Embry Rucker Community Shelter, which would be accompanied by supportive housing.
Amid a growing national backlash to automated license plate readers (ALPRs), Fairfax County leaders want to take a closer look at their partnership with Flock Safety, the country’s leading provider of the controversial cameras.
In response to “hundreds of emails” sent by residents to their offices in recent weeks, county supervisors, led by Board Chair Jeff McKay, voted unanimously yesterday (Tuesday) to pause the installation of new Flock cameras by the Fairfax County Police Department.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted yesterday (Tuesday) to adopt a code amendment that would address the issue of criminal blight, which Virginia law defines as criminal activity on property that endangers the public health or safety of residents.
The new ordinance will be enforced through a multi-step process that starts with law enforcement identifying and investigating a property where there are recurring issues with drugs, prostitution or guns being discharged.
Jeff McKay has some neighborly advice for a next-door locality considering changing its governance structure.
“There is no perfect model. There are nuances to every one of these structures,” the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors chair said at a Sept. 9 forum.
Congress Could Subpoena Descano — “Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano’s lawyers said they have been informed that the House Judiciary Committee plans to subpoena him this week and expand its inquiry beyond immigration-related issues … The attorneys said staff members are seeking information about all cases that were nolle prossed [voluntarily stopped] during Descano’s tenure.” [WTOP]
Kennedy Center Apparently Closed — “President Donald Trump’s 19-month effort to seize full control of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts came to a head Tuesday as its board voted to immediately close the building for a two-year renovation — a roughly $250 million overhaul that Trump publicly threatened to block unless his name is added to the institution.” All doors to the venue were reportedly locked by 6 p.m. yesterday. [Washington Post]
Spanberger Nixes Proposed Trans Sports Ban — “Governor Abigail Spanberger quietly ended a rulemaking process initiated in the waning days of former-governor Glenn Youngkin’s administration. The rule would have limited transgender students’ ability to play sports and use facilities. But Spanberger said over the weekend the rule is now dead.” [WVTF]
Beyer Calls for ICE Shutdown — Rep. Don Beyer expressed support for shutting down ICE during a recent candidate forum that also touched on President Donald Trump’s proposed arch in Arlington and data centers, among other topics. “His challengers offered differing takes on the agency and its management,” with Republican Tony Sabio saying there needs to be “accountability … but we cannot throw a whole system out.” [ARLnow]
Algae Spotted in Lake Anne — “Small clumps of potentially harmful algae have been observed on the surface of Lake Anne following resident reports. While boating activities can continue, residents and visitors should avoid contact with algae and lake water in areas where algae is present.” [Reston Association]
Reston Hospital Adds Cardiac Center — Reston Hospital Center opened a dedicated open-heart surgery center on Monday (Sept. 14) in response to “heightened demand” in western Fairfax and Loudoun counties. The $15 million project added 35 employees, converted four “immediate care unit rooms into specialty cardiac care rooms,” and installed an elevator between operating rooms on the first floor and an ICU on the second floor. [Washington Business Journal]
Industrial Development Planned at Dulles — “Nearly 3 million square feet of new industrial development is slated for Dulles International Airport, a project that will clear space for its decade-long $22.5 billion redevelopment.” The MWAA board is scheduled to approve four ground leases at its meeting today (Wednesday) for cargo and aviation support facilities as well as other projects that are currently confidential “until a lease is signed.” [Washington Business Journal]
New Middle School Option in Reston — “Seven students make up the inaugural class of Reston Montessori School’s Secondary I Program, which extends Montessori education into the middle school years. The idea grew out of a vision Head of School Eliana Jaoude developed while teaching Upper Elementary students.” [Reston Letter]
Silent Reading Event in Fairfax Corner — “Fairfax Corner will hold its third Silent Read & Sip on Friday, September 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Previous events have proven popular and attracted between 150 and 200 participants.” In addition to sitting down with a book and beverage, attendees can check out a free book swap, browse the mobile store Wandering Shelf and craft bookmarks. [Northern Virginia Magazine]
It’s Wednesday — Expect sunny skies with a high near 86°F and a gentle south wind blowing at 3 to 6 mph. Wednesday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 66°F, and the south wind will continue at 3 to 6 mph. [NWS]
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