Va. Creates Medicaid Assistance Coalition — “Virginia is bringing healthcare and workforce organizations together to help residents keep their health coverage and navigate new federal requirements for Medicaid and other assistance programs.” The new Virginia United Coalition will focus initially on raising public awareness and “adding staff or training to help organizations and agencies make referrals.” [Virginia Mercury]

Police Seek Vehicle Possibly in Hit-and-Run — “Detectives from our Crash Reconstruction Unit (CRU) are seeking the community’s assistance in locating a vehicle believed to be involved in the October 4 fatal pedestrian hit-and-run crash in Springfield. Detectives are searching for a 2017–2022 white Nissan Rogue missing its driver’s side mirror and black fender guards from the front driver’s side wheel well.” [FCPD]

N. Va. Congressmen’s Offices Evacuated — “U.S. Reps. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Va.-10th, and Eugene Vindman, D-Va.-7th, both received letters with an unknown substance on them. The letter sent to Subramanyam was delivered to his district office in Leesburg Monday, while the correspondence to Vindman arrived at his office in the Woodbridge area Friday. Both buildings were deemed safe after brief evacuations.” [Inside NoVA]

County Executive Stopped by Police — “On Oct. 16, a Fairfax County police officer pulled over Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill on Sully Road” for not having a front license plate on his vehicle, prompting a testy exchange. Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis defended the officer, while Hill later apologized for creating any difficulties, stating that he has since fixed his license plate’s placement. [WJLA]

Big Cost for Filling Child Care Gap — “Closing Virginia’s child care affordability gap would require up to $4.5 billion annually over the next decade, according to the Virginia Department of Education — an investment that, under one scenario, would also raise annual pay for 43,000 educators by an average of $17,000.” [Virginia Mercury]

Economic Concerns Driving Voters — “With 14 days until Election Day, voters are already casting ballots and weighing the issues they want elected officials to address, from the cost of living to health care and the reliability of political information … Nicholas Goedert, an associate professor of political science at Virginia Tech who studies American politics and legislative elections, said economic concerns remain a major factor for voters.” [WUSA9]

Merrifield Bank of America Plan Advances — “A former Uno Pizzeria & Grill restaurant in Fairfax County could be replaced with a new Bank of America branch with a drive-through ATM, according to a proposal that recently cleared a county planning hurdle. The Fairfax County Planning Commission voted 10-0 on Oct. 14 to recommend approval of the project at 3058 Gate House Plaza.” [Patch]

Tips for Halloween Celebrations — “It’s time for scary, silly and all kinds of costumes in all corners of our community. Here are a few things to know about Halloween in Fairfax County,” including when to expect trick-or-treaters, tips for safely navigating dark streets, and advice for homeowners and pet owners. [Fairfax County Government]

It’s Wednesday — Sunny with a high near 65 and a north wind of 8 to 10 mph. Night will be mostly clear, with a low around 46 and a northwest wind around 6 mph. [NWS]

There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.