Despite a declining unemployment rate, Fairfax County in August recorded its smallest civilian workforce count in four-and-a-half years, according to new state data.
With 607,418 residents employed and 20,842 seeking jobs, August’s unemployment rate was 3.3%, according to figures reported Sept. 30 by the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement.
The inclusive playground at McLean’s Clemyjontri Park remains a gem of Fairfax County, but after two decades of operations, the local park authority is contemplating a refresh.
With much of the original equipment nearing or exceeding its expected life cycle, the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) plans to fully renovate the playground with the goal of creating a place “where every child can play,” according to a press release.
Metro to Propose Fare Increases — “Metrorail fares could jump by 11.1% under a new proposal the transit agency shared Monday — going from today’s range of $2.25-$6.75 up to $2.50-$7.50. Late-night fares could also be impacted, and bus fares would likely increase from $2.25 to $2.50. July would be the earliest the changes could take effect.” [NBC4]
Herndon Restaurateur Accused of Unpaid Taxes — The Justice Department has sued Amphora Bakery and Amphora Diner Deluxe co-owner Steven Bilidas for allegedly failing to pay over $20 million in employment taxes. “Bilidas and George Cholakis are personally responsible for millions of dollars in unpaid employee withholding taxes and penalties,” the lawsuit alleges. Fairfax County and the Town of Vienna, where Amphora Restaurant closed in 2021, also claim they’re owed taxes after Bilidas filed for bankruptcy on June 24. [Washington Business Journal]
Federal Funding for Chesapeake Bay — “U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi announced Friday in Smithfield that the agency will disburse $37 million to localities to aid Chesapeake Bay pollution reduction and clean up efforts. An additional $53 million in matching grant funds will be awarded to 83 projects across the watershed.” [Virginia Mercury]
Falls Church Biscuit Shop Closes — “Preservation Biscuit Company ended its five-and-a-half-year run at 102 E. Fairfax Street last week, while Harvey’s owner Thomas Harvey sold his business and departed at the end of September. Customers showed up in droves to send off Preservation Biscuit, whose owners wrote on Facebook that their last week was one of their busiest since 2021.” [ARLnow]
Fairfax City Council Candidates Raise Funds — “Steve Chang has raised more money in 2026 than any of the 11 candidates seeking six seats on the Fairfax City Council, followed by incumbent Anthony Amos and María José Padmore, according to a Patch analysis of campaign finance reports filed through Aug. 31.” [Patch]
County Launches Development Tracker — “Land Development Services just launched a brand-new tool called the Development Tracker. It is an interactive digital map designed to help you see exactly what is being built nearby.” An address search will pull up active construction sites, recent building permits, zoning applications, comprehensive plan amendments and occupancy certificates. [Fairfax County Government]
Ambulance Used on 9/11 Now a Museum — “When Dylan Hackworth and his wife, Tamaria Cooper, launched a mobile museum in West Virginia last January dedicated to the state’s firefighting history, they had no idea the truck they were using was historically significant. They later learned it had been an ambulance from the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department that had been deployed at the Pentagon on 9-11.” [Annandale Today]
New Restaurant at DCA — “A new option for Mexican food has arrived at Reagan National in the latest addition to the airport’s dining options. Mi Vida Cantina & Taqueria hosted a grand opening near Gate B16 last week … This is Mi Vida’s fifth location, joining two others in D.C., plus spots in Virginia Beach and Philadelphia.” [ARLnow]
It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny weather with a high near 65 degrees and a gentle north wind at 6 mph, which will die down to calm in the afternoon. Tuesday night will be clear, with temperatures dropping to around 43 degrees and calm winds. [NWS]
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Fairfax County leaders and their regional counterparts are champing at the bit to get moving on a coordinated Route 7 bus rapid transit (BRT) network.
“If there’s only one thing I hope to see in my lifetime, it’s this project,” Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik said half-jokingly at an Oct. 1 meeting of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) board of directors.
Members of Northern Virginia’s Democratic congressional delegation convened at the Fairfax County Government Center last Thursday (Oct. 1) for a forum to address concerns about the upcoming November elections.
The “shadow hearing” called by House Democrats, who lack the legal power to subpoena or control formal hearings due to the party’s minority status in the chamber, was led by Rep. Joe Morelle (D-New York), a ranking member of the Committee on House Administration, and Fairfax County’s own Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-Va.).
The second half of September at last doused Northern Virginia in enough rain to ease the drought that the region has faced for months.
The drought warning advisory in place for Fairfax County and the rest of Northern Virginia since January has de-escalated to a drought watch, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced last Friday (Oct. 2).
Car Crashed by 13-Year-Old — “Police say a 13-year-old boy was detained after losing control, hitting a power pole, then crashing into a railing on the northbound ramp of Fairfax County Parkway to Pohick Road around 7:18 a.m.” The crash sent both the driver and a 13-year-old passenger, whose parents owned the car, to the hospital. The driver has been charged with driving without a license. [FOX5]
Shots Fired in Hybla Valley — “Fairfax County police are searching for two people after gunfire struck several homes near Mount Vernon Plaza on Sunday, officials said.” No injuries were reported as a result of the incident, which occurred yesterday morning in the 7500 block of Snowpea Court in Hybla Valley. [DC News Now]
Affordable Housing Waitlist Opens — “The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) is accepting waitlist applications for Project-Based Voucher (PBV) units located at Telestar Court in Falls Church, and The Exchange at Spring Hill Station in [Tysons]. Waitlist applications will open Monday, October 5, 2026, at 8:00 a.m., and will close Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.” [FCRHA]
Concerns About FCPS Teacher Staffing — “Ashley Martin was surprised to learn that her son’s fourth grade teacher, who was hired over the summer, isn’t considered a full-time” employee for Fairfax County Public Schools. Instead, the teacher is being paid as a long-term substitute. One school board member raised concerns about a “hiring freeze,” but Superintendent Michelle Reid says “it’s a common practice” early in the school year to reserve openings for “more senior teachers already under a contract as enrollment data comes in.” [WTOP]
Gov. Unveils Plan to Reduce Energy Costs — Last Thursday (Oct. 1), Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced a plan to reduce energy costs that “calls on the data center industry to cover the incremental price increases that their demand creates. The plan also leans into solar energy generation and storage, and tries to get Virginia away from its reliance on natural gas as the largest source of fuel to create electricity.” [NBC4]
Herndon Boba Shop Closes — The boba tea shop Mr. Wish has permanently closed its doors after three years at 472 Elden Street in Herndon Centre. In a posted message, the franchise owners said they “made the decision to sell the shop and we would like to wish the new owners nothing but success as they introduce their own boba and frozen yogurt shop to the community.” [The Burn]
Free Pizza for Working Smoke Alarms — Domino’s at 10895 Main Street “and the National Fire Protection Association are teaming up with the City of Fairfax Fire Department to promote fire safety during Fire Prevention Month. On Monday, Oct. 5 starting at noon, customers who order” a pizza may be randomly chosen for a delivery by fire engine. “If the smoke alarms in their home are working, the pizza is free. If the alarms are not working, firefighters will replace them or install new batteries.” [Press release]
Police Compete in Motorcycle Rodeo — “Riding a decked out white Harley-Davidson, outfitted for the Fairfax County Police Motor Squad, Oliver Haugen inched through a cone-lined course set up over a few parking spots. The goal on the slow course — part of the Mid-Atlantic Police Motorcycle Rodeo, which [came] to a head with competitions Saturday — is to go as slow as possible, balancing the heavy bike without the rider’s feet ever touching the ground.” [Washington Post]
New Legal Notice — Seeking ABC restaurant/caterer license: on/off-premise wine, beer, liqueurs, mixed beverages. [Public Notices]
It’s Monday — Expect mostly cloudy skies through mid-morning, clearing gradually with a high near 70°F. Northwest winds will blow at 6 to 13 mph, occasionally gusting up to 21 mph. By night, skies will be clear, with temperatures dropping to around 47°F. [NWS]
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Just in time for fall planting, Fairfax County residents can obtain a free tree to plant on their property — and even have it delivered to their front door.
The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services’ Urban and Community Forestry Division (UCFD), in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, is offering the trees to all residents, while supplies last. The initiative launched in the spring and was revived in August.
With leaves starting to fall, Fairfax County has many professional contractors ready to help property owners keep their gutters clog- and damage-free.
Here are the nominees for “Best Gutter Cleaners in Fairfax County” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. Did we miss your favorite business below? Write them in!
Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16.
Voting for Best Lunch Spot in Fairfax County is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, Oct. 9 at 8:30 a.m.
Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Park in Fairfax County. The results are now official:
A new juice and coffee bar is opening today (Friday) at Tysons Corner Center.
Following today’s launch, Joe & the Juice, a Danish brand known for its juices, coffee, shakes, and sandwiches, will hold a grand opening for its first Virginia location tomorrow (Saturday), starting at 9 a.m.
