The Fairfax County Courthouse (staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)
A Maryland man has been indicted for second-degree murder in the stabbing death of a woman in Annandale earlier this year.
Musa Kargbo, 43, is now scheduled to stand trial on Jan. 11 in Fairfax County Circuit Court. The Prince George’s County resident is accused of killing Isha Koroma, 26, of Alexandria, outside of the Annandale home where she worked taking care of a child, on Nov. 7, 2025.
Lakeside Asia Cafe at the South Lakes Village Shopping Center (staff photo by Emily Leayman)
A longstanding staple at the South Lakes Village Shopping Center in Reston is saying farewell at the end of September.
Lakeside Asia Cafe (11130 South Lakes Dr J) will close after its last day of business on Wednesday, Sept. 30, according to notices posted outside the restaurant and on its website.
Hartwell Park is coming early fall 2026 to Birchwood at Brambleton, introducing the Fairmont and Worthington Collections of single-level elevator condominiums thoughtfully designed for vibrant, connected 55+ living.
The Fairmont Collection, from the $500s, offers 1- to 3-bedroom residences with private balconies, penthouse residences available, and a den in select residences. With up to 1,661 sq. ft., these right-sized homes offer easy, adaptable spaces for hosting, relaxing or simply enjoying more time to yourself.
The Worthington Collection, from the $700s, is designed for those who aren’t ready to compromise on space. These expansive 2- and 3-bedroom residences offer a den in select residences, private balconies, generous primary suites and up to 2,442 sq. ft. of sophisticated living—with fewer residences on every floor for a quieter, more private home.
At Hartwell Park, thoughtfully planned amenities, scenic surroundings and meaningful social connections create a lifestyle centered on what matters most. Beyond Birchwood, Bram Quarter eateries and Brambleton’s thriving town center continue to evolve with restaurants, retail destinations and services that bring even more convenience to everyday.
Explore the Fairmont and Worthington floorplans, discover the home that feels right for you and join the VIP list to stay connected as Hartwell Park gets closer to opening.
The Hilltop Village Center (staff photo by Nolan Stout)
Fairfax County officials are considering the first step to supporting a new housing complex at the Hilltop Village Center near Fort Belvoir.
The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing at its Tuesday (Sept. 29) meeting on a comprehensive plan amendment to support a 280-unit multifamily residential building for the multiuse complex.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a time for commemorating our ancestors. Rather than a period of mourning, it is an occasion for celebrating with family—both living and dead—and honoring the cycle of life. Learn about La Catrina and her joyful view of life and mortality. Enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the day, including dance performances, coloring activities, and paper marigold and mask making. Visitors are invited to leave photos and mementos of their loved ones on the ofrenda (altar) or commemorate them by writing their names on a butterfly to attach to the memorial arch.
German Doner Kebab is opening soon at 7121 Leesburg Pike, Unit B, in Idylwood (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
A doner kebab chain with more than 170 locations across the globe is opening its first Virginia restaurant in Fairfax County this weekend.
German Doner Kebab (GDK) will host its grand opening celebration at 11 a.m. Oct. 3 in Idylwood just outside Falls Church City (7121b Leesburg Pike Ste R2), the restaurant recently announced via a social media post.
One of Northern Virginia's favorite Halloween traditions is back for the 13th year. Think you’re ready for one of the area’s scariest haunted experiences?
Haunt: Dark Encounters at the Workhouse Arts Center is happening in Lorton, Virginia from October 3 – 30, 2026—and this year, you never know what’s waiting around the next corner. Step inside and there’s no telling what you’ll find. Strange sounds. Unexpected scares. And just when you think you’re in the clear…think again. Bring your bravest friends, because this is one fall night you won’t soon forget.— Haunt: Dark Encounters at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Va.
Plans for upgrades at two NOVA Parks-owned Fairfax County properties are getting a boost under the regional park system’s latest capital budget.
The fiscal years 2027-2031 budget adopted by the NOVA Parks Board of Directors on Sept. 17 allocates $1.5 million for campground renovations at Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton and $880,000 for light show improvements at Bull Run Regional Park’s Festival of Lights in Centreville.
Travelers at Dulles International Airport walk to security on their way to their gates (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Economic headwinds and the Middle East military conflict are impacting the bottom line at Dulles International Airport.
Through July, the airport’s year-to-date passenger count of 16.3 million was down 2.6% from 2025 figures, according to new data reported by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
The sign in front of Fairfax County Public Schools’ Gatehouse Administration Center (file photo)
The Fairfax County School Board voted unanimously Thursday (Sept. 24) to ban the use of Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers (ALPRs) on school property.
The motion, introduced by at-large member Kyle McDaniel and seconded by Springfield District representative Sandy Anderson, prohibits the “installation, procurement, or leasing” of ALPRs on property owned by the school board. It has no impact on the school system’s internal video cameras, speed cameras or school bus stop-arm cameras.
Lake Thoreau as seen from the South Lakes Village Shopping Center on a cloudy day (staff photo by Emily Leayman)
Guilty Plea in Federal Agent Impersonation at Polling Place — “Officials said 44-year-old Alex Nguyen, faces three years in prison for dressing up as a Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) agent outside Timber Lane Elementary School. Armed with an air pistol that looked like a Glock, and wearing sunglasses, a blue zip-up sweatshirt with the FBI logo, and a fake badge, prosecutors said Nguyen lied to election officials that he was on assignment with the FBI’s ‘Election Security’ team several times.” [WJLA]
Fire Causes Partial House Collapse in Hybla Valley — “Crews tried to enter the house, the fire service reports but were blocked by the intense flames and a partial collapse of the second floor and front porch. Eventually, they were able to control the fire and protect a neighboring house by attacking from the exterior. The fire service also reports that it was able to cool a fuel oil tank at the rear of the home.” [Patch]
Pro-Data Center Party Held in D.C. — “On Saturday, PubKey, the cryptocurrency-themed bar in downtown D.C., hosted hundreds — a thousand RSVP’d to the Partiful invite — for a celebration of data centers. It was a party planned on the defensive, counterprogramming what the invite described as a ‘bipartisan psychosis’ over data centers.” [Washington Sun]
New Signage Unveiled at Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail —”The more than 40-mile Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail stretches across Fairfax County, connecting parks and communities along the way. Connolly died on May 21, 2025, after serving Virginia’s 11th Congressional District since 2009. Before going to Congress, he spent 14 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including five years as chairman. Connolly’s family joined local leaders at Lake Accotink Park for the unveiling on National Public Lands Day.” [WTOP]
Defense Health Agency Headquarters Acquired in West Falls Church — “The sale, recorded Sept. 2, was between longtime owner GBA Associates LP and the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), which bought the 43.6-acre campus at 7700 Arlington Blvd. on behalf of the Department of War and the Defense Health Agency …” [Washington Business Journal]
FCPS Hosts First K-12 Quantum Computer — “The quantum computer planned for Skyview [High School] is about the size of a small refrigerator and is designed for learning. Students will have hands-on experience with a technology that operates very differently from the computers we use every day. They will explore fundamental quantum concepts, test problems such as finding the most efficient way to organize a schedule, and compare how a quantum computer approaches a problem with how a traditional computer would solve it.” [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]
One of I-95 Landfill Entrances to Close — “Due to ongoing safety concerns, the Furnace Road entrance with the U-turn into the I-95 Landfill Complex will be permanently closed [as of Saturday, Oct. 10]. All traffic must use the main Mordor Drive entrance next to I-95.” [Fairfax County Public Works/X]
New Boundaries Considered at Lincolnia School — “FCPS has dropped a previous proposal opposed by many Bren Mar Park parents that called for students to move to Key Middle School and Lewis High School. Under the latest options under consideration, BMP students would continue to attend Holmes Middle School and either continue at Edison High School or move to Annandale High School.” [Annandale Today]
Timeline for Arlington’s Potential Governance Changes Holds Steady — “Pressed forward by the Arlington County Civic Association, potential governance changes could include increasing the size of the Board beyond the current five members; changing the election cycle for Board members; having some or all Board members elected by districts; and/or separately electing a chair … Likely not on the horizon is a switch to city status, since there currently is a statewide moratorium on the creation of new cities until the early 2030s.” [ARLnow]
Enforcement Ramps Up on Maryland Cars with Virginia Registrations — “Maryland law already requires residents to register their vehicles within 60 days of moving to the state. Beginning Oct. 1, the state is adding new fines and enforcement measures for residents who continue using out-of-state plates when their vehicles should be registered in Maryland. The new enforcement applies to all out-of-state tags, not just Virginia plates.” [WMAR2]
Nor’easter Batters Mid-Atlantic Coast — “The storm’s most significant impacts remained along the Delmarva coast, where rough surf, dangerous rip currents, beach erosion and coastal flooding continued. In Ocean City, officials urged residents and visitors to avoid flooded areas after storm conditions forced the cancellation of the three-day Oceans Calling festival … The National Weather Service said tidal flooding remains a concern through early Monday in some Chesapeake Bay and tidal Potomac shoreline communities, with coastal flood advisories in effect for parts of the region.” [WTOP]
It’s Monday — The weather will be mostly cloudy, with temperatures reaching a high of around 70 degrees and a northwest wind at approximately 8 mph. Overnight, the sky remains mostly cloudy with a low temperature near 60 degrees and a northwest wind of 3 to 5 mph. [NWS]
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Expect increasing clouds with a high of 68°F and a 60% chance of showers mainly after 2 p.m. with north winds at 15-18 mph, gusting up to 28 mph. Rain could total between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. Overnight, showers are again likely after 2 a.m. with a low of around 57°F and north winds at 13 mph, gusting up to 26 mph. Precipitation might total between a quarter and half of an inch. See more from Weather.gov.
We hope you have a great weekend! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋
The National Museum of the American Indian’s Native Cinema Showcase is an annual celebration of the best in Native film. The festival celebrates the best of Indigenous film, spanning documentaries, features, animations, and short-format films by Indigenous filmmakers from across the Western Hemisphere and Arctic.