News

FFXnow Daily Debrief for Oct 28, 2026

By FFXnow.com

Good Wednesday evening, Fairfax County. Here’s a look back at today’s most-read stories and a look ahead to tomorrow.

📈 Today’s most-read stories

  1. Four accused of burglaries targeting victims of home fires in Fairfax County (1,016 views)
  2. Residents start moving into new affordable housing near Fairfax Government Center
  3. Man charged with killing ex-girlfriend in Woodburn dragging out court process, prosecutors say

🕗 More from today

Everything else we published today, Oct 28, 2026.

📣 Announcements

Settle Down Easy Brewing – Mixed Beverage License
After 8 years in operation, Settle Down Easy Brewing would like to expand their offerings to… [Announcement]

Always Becoming: Next Chapter
Join artist Nora Naranjo Morse (Kha’p’o Owenge ([Santa Clara Pueblo]), creator of Always Becoming… [Announcement]

Artful Evenings: Water’s Edge with Artist Sky Hopinka
Reserve your spot for an after-hour event with multi-disciplinary artist Sky Hopinka, Thursday… [Announcement]

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Thursday in Fairfax County, from our event calendar.

⭐ Featured events

Building Your New Mom Village Mixer
Oct 29: First-time pregnant moms, new moms and perinatal providers – let’s connect! Note: this location is near MOSAIC DISTRICT. [Event]

Alloy! Celebration & Cocktail Party
Oct 29: Tephra ICA Celebration and Cocktail Party [Event]

Diwali: A Celebration of Inner Light – Hosted by the Brahma Kumaris
Nov 1: Celebrate the spirit of Diwali with us at the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center for a joyful and uplifting afternoon for the whole family. [Event]

Dialogue for Democracy
Nov 3: Dialogue for Democracy invites high school students from across the DMV to George Mason University. [Event]

How Retirement Communities Work – A Free Workshop
Nov 4: Interested in learning about how Continuing Care Retirement Communities work, but don’t know where to start? Join us on 11/4 to learn more! [Event]

🎗️ Do It for Dan Fall Fundraiser
Nov 8: Join the Do It For Dan Foundation on Nov. 8 at Caboose Commons for live music, trivia, raffles & more, benefiting lung cancer research at Inova Schar Cancer Institute. [Event]

Submit events, announcements, or home listings to FFXnow.

🌫️ Weather update

Today: Fairfax County saw a high of 66° at 2:20 p.m. (1° above normal), a low of 46° at 3:55 a.m. and no rain.

Tonight: Patchy fog after 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Southeast wind around 3 mph.

Thursday: Patchy fog before 9am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. South wind 1 to 6 mph.

About 197 Dominion customers are without power.

Thanks for reading!

News

JUST IN: Two injured in Richmond Highway school bus crash

By Angela Woolsey
Richmond Highway is partially closed at Mohawk Lane in Woodlawn following a crash involving a school bus and a truck on Oct. 28, 2026 (via 511Virginia)

Two people have been hospitalized following a collision between a truck and a Fairfax County Public Schools bus on Richmond Highway during the afternoon rush-hour, police say.

Officers and Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units were dispatched at around 4:56 p.m. for the crash at the intersection of Richmond Highway (Route 1) and Mohawk Lane in Woodlawn, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.

Go to JUST IN: Two injured in Richmond Highway school bus crash Read more
Sponsored

Reston Station Presents: Fall-A-Palooza Featuring Gonzo’s Nose

By Sponsor
Image from Reston Station Presents: Fall-A-Palooza Featuring Gonzo's Nose

Fall-A-Palooza Brings Free Seasonal Fun to Reston Station

Fall into the fun at Reston Station’s Fall-A-Palooza on Sunday, October 25, from 4–7 p.m. Celebrate the season with an afternoon of live music, family-friendly activities, delicious food, and harvest-inspired drinks at 1900 Reston Metro Plaza in Reston.

A live DJ kicks off the festivities from 4–5 p.m., followed by the cover band headliner Gonzo’s Nose from 5–7 p.m., bringing an energetic soundtrack to your fall afternoon.

Between songs, explore a petting zoo, let the kids bounce into the fun at the bounce house, or add a little sparkle with glitter tattoos. Outdoor games and a photo booth offer plenty of ways to play and capture the day, while Sip-n-Stroll lets guests enjoy a festive drink as they explore.

Come hungry for giant Bavarian pretzels, pies, apple cider donuts, cotton candy, gelato, and more. Toast the season with seasonal cocktails and spiked apple cider, or cozy up with hot apple cider and hot chocolate.

Gather your friends and family and make an afternoon of fall’s favorite flavors, lively entertainment, and seasonal fun at Reston Station.

Learn More
News

Residents start moving into new affordable housing near Fairfax Government Center

By Mary Stachyra Lopez
A group of 10 men and women stand behind a ribbon, with housing units visible behind them.
Members of the Board of Supervisors and others gather for a ribbon cutting during the grand opening of an affordable housing development on the grounds of the Fairfax County Government Center. (Courtesy FCRHA)

Less than two years after breaking ground, an ambitious affordable housing development on the Fairfax County Government Center campus is starting to welcome residents.

To mark the occasion, members of the Board of Supervisors and others involved in the development gathered on Monday (Oct. 26) to celebrate the grand opening of the nearly 300 newly constructed homes at 12020 and 12040 Government Center Parkway, now called Fairfax Crest.

Go to Residents start moving into new affordable housing near Fairfax Government Center Read more
News

Four-time Herndon Town Council candidate aims to cut through partisan conflict

By Angela Woolsey
Stevan Porter (courtesy Stevan Porter for Herndon Council)

Though he hasn’t won elected office before, Stevan Porter is likely a familiar face to many Herndon voters.

In addition to serving as vice chair of the town’s Board of Zoning Appeals, Porter has three campaigns for Herndon Town Council under his belt. After falling just 34 votes shy of winning election in 2024, he’s hopeful that his fourth bid for a seat could put him over the top.

Go to Four-time Herndon Town Council candidate aims to cut through partisan conflict Read more
Event

Alloy! Celebration & Cocktail Party

Collage of diverse attendees posing for photos at a formal event, likely a gala or conference, with groups in different outfits.

Event location

Signature Reston Town Center

11850 Freedom Drive

Reston, Virginia 20190

Add to Calendar

Join Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art (Tephra ICA) for the 2026 Alloy! Celebration and Cocktail Party, Tephra ICA’s annual benefit, honoring former board chair Robert Goudie and his twelve years of leadership. Proceeds support Tephra ICA’s year-round exhibitions program—and help keep the gallery free and accessible to all.

Expect an evening of:

Go to Alloy! Celebration & Cocktail Party Read more
Around Town

South Block to open latest juice shop at Idylwood Plaza on Halloween

By Angela Woolsey
South Block will have its grand opening at Idylwood Plaza on Oct. 31, 2026 (photo by Rosan Choi)

Treats will start coming early this Halloween for South Block fans in the Idylwood area.

The rapidly expanding juice and smoothie chain will unveil its newest location at 7511 Leesburg Pike in Idylwood Plaza this Saturday, Oct. 31 with a grand opening block party at 11 a.m.

Go to South Block to open latest juice shop at Idylwood Plaza on Halloween Read more
News

Four accused of burglaries targeting victims of home fires in Fairfax County

By Mary Stachyra Lopez
The Fairfax County Police Department released this photo of guns confiscated in connection to burglaries in Fairfax County. (Courtesy FCPD)

Four men are facing charges in connection to a series of burglaries targeting victims of house fires in Fairfax County over the past year, including two incidents at the same residence, the Fairfax County Police Department said today (Oct. 28).

The FCPD says its Criminal Investigations Division (CID) detectives worked with the FBI and law enforcement partners in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Loudoun County to pinpoint suspects in five burglaries at four different residences across the county.

Go to Four accused of burglaries targeting victims of home fires in Fairfax County Read more
Around Town

Fair Oaks Mall to host grand opening celebration for new play space

By Mary Stachyra Lopez
Children play in the new Fair Oaks Mall play space (courtesy Meghann Butler/Olshan Properties)

On Halloween, Fair Oaks Mall is offering a treat for families: a grand opening celebration for its brand-new play space for young children, followed by the shopping center’s annual “Mall-O-Ween” festivities.

The grand opening celebration, which will include a costume contest, prizes, and a DJ playing family-friendly tunes, will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 31) at the nature-themed play space, near JCPenney. Shortly after the celebration, “Mall-O-Ween” will kick off, bringing a full evening of trick-or-treating from 5 to 8 p.m. at participating stores.

Go to Fair Oaks Mall to host grand opening celebration for new play space Read more
Countywide

Fairfax leaders seek collaboration with governor as Va.’s data center rules evolve

By Scott McCaffrey
A woman with blonde hair, wearing a suit, stands at a podium surrounded by people. The Virginia state flag is visible on a screen in the left corner behind her.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger announces a new executive order on data centers (courtesy Office of the Governor)

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors directed staff yesterday (Tuesday) to stay in close touch with the Spanberger administration as the state government refines rules for dealing with data center development.

The county government needs to be “fully engaged” and ensure its “needs, challenges and experiences are represented” in a statewide discussion, Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith said when introducing the directive to staff.

Go to Fairfax leaders seek collaboration with governor as Va.’s data center rules evolve Read more
News

Man charged with killing ex-girlfriend in Woodburn dragging out court process, prosecutors say

By Nolan Stout
The front of the Fairfax County Courthouse (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A Maryland man has been appointed his third defense attorney in what prosecutors say is a ploy to delay his trial on murder charges.

Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge Stephen Shannon on Monday (Oct. 26) appointed Thomas F. Koerner Jr. to represent 32-year-old Tylen Jennings.

Go to Man charged with killing ex-girlfriend in Woodburn dragging out court process, prosecutors say Read more
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