News

A woman was killed earlier this evening (Friday) after she was struck by a driver while traveling on Route 50 in a wheelchair.

The crash appears to have occurred around 8 p.m. on Route 50 at Plaza Lane just in front of Greenbriar Town Center near Chantilly, based on a traffic advisory sent through Fairfax Alerts.


Around Town

Good Friday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Sep 18, 2026.

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  • Development plan for Reston Town Center North wins final approval (12706 views)
  • Community mourns after owner of Vienna’s Caffe Amouri dies from cancer (8538 views)
  • Fairfax County authorizes police to cite properties with recurring criminal activity (6997 views)
  • Fairfax chairman advises neighbor locality to think carefully about governance changes (6567 views)
  • FCPS officials warn funding cuts likely needed with difficult budgetary year ahead (5479 views)
  • Burke motorcyclist killed in crash, third Braddock Road fatality of 2026 (5390 views)
  • JUST IN: Health care coalition leader charged with illegally filming teens in Tysons stores (5225 views)
  • Fairfax County board suspends Flock camera installations, as criticism grows in N. Va. (4557 views)
  • Playfully named Vietnamese eatery coming to Fairfax City (3397 views)
  • Centreville’s 41-acre Trinity Centre office park could be replaced with housing (3229 views)
  • Transformation of Merrifield office park to mixed-use housing approved (2768 views)
  • Reston wine and houseware shop plans grand opening with tastings, music (2720 views)
  • 📅 Upcoming events

    Here is what’s going on Saturday throughout the county, from our event calendar.

    Here are the events planned for Sunday:

    🌤️ Saturday’s forecast

    Expect partly sunny skies today with temperatures rising to around 78°F and a northeast wind blowing at 6 to 8 mph. Tonight, the weather will be mostly cloudy with temperatures dropping to about 67°F, accompanied by a southeast wind of around 8 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

    🌅 Tonight’s sunset

    The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

    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. 👋


    Sponsored

    Get your lederhosen and dirndls ready! Fort Belvoir Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) is thrilled to host the 28th Annual Oktoberfest, a four-day festival celebrating German culture, food, and family fun from September 24–27 at its new location, Pullen Field.

    This highly anticipated community event brings the spirit of Bavaria to Fort Belvoir with authentic German cuisine, beer, and lively music. The festival features a thrilling carnival, a scenic Volksmarch 5K/10K Walk, and activities for the entire family. It’s an unforgettable experience for everyone!

    Event Schedule:

    • Thursday, Sept. 24: 6–10 p.m.

    • Friday, Sept. 25: 4–11 p.m.

    • Saturday, Sept. 26: noon–11 p.m.

    • Sunday, Sept. 27 (Military Appreciation Day): noon–8 p.m.

    What to Expect:
    From the sounds of traditional German music to the tastes of bratwurst and pretzels, Oktoberfest offers a multi-sensory experience. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of food and beverages, shop for unique Oktoberfest merchandise like Bavarian mugs and hats, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The carnival will be running throughout the festival, offering fun rides and attractions for all ages. Ride tickets will be sold onsite, with discounted wristbands for Active Duty and their family members on Military Appreciation Sunday.

    Plan Your Visit:
    Oktoberfest is located at Pullen Field (9625 Middleton Road) on Fort Belvoir. All visitors aged 18 and older without a valid DoD or military ID must obtain a visitor pass in advance. To ensure smooth access, please arrange for your sponsored pass at least 72 hours prior to your visit. Free parking will be adjacent to the event area. For the most up-to-date information on installation access, vendor lists, and entertainment schedules, please visit the official website at belvoir.armymwr.com.

    A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:
    Fort Belvoir Family and MWR extends a heartfelt thank you to our presenting sponsor, USAA, and all our valued sponsors for their incredible support in making this community event possible.


    Countywide

    Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has issued an executive order creating a new “accountability framework” that aims to increase transparency around proposed data center projects, establishes checkpoints around energy and environmental impacts, and convenes a new “rapid response” AI task force.

    Touted as the “most comprehensive and aggressive data center accountability framework in the country,” Executive Order 22 bans nondisclosure agreements by state agencies or employees, eliminates “by-right” approvals in favor of requiring public hearing and approval processes for projects that generate over 25 megawatts of power, and requires centers to contribute a “more equitable share” of electric costs.


    Around Town

    Thousands are expected to gather at Reston Town Center this weekend for the Reston Multicultural Festival, which will celebrate its 25th year of making connections across cultures.

    The event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow (Sept. 19), will include dancing and music at three stages, artisan vendors, and community organizations. Pop-up performances are also planned throughout the day.


    Event

    Join the Do It for Dan Foundation for our annual fall fundraiser supporting lung cancer research at Inova Schar Cancer Institute. Enjoy live music, trivia, raffles, foundation updates, and a special presentation from thoracic oncologist Dr. Janakiraman Subramanian. Help us raise $10,000 to advance research and better treatment options for people facing lung cancer.


    News

    More than two years of construction at Mars Inc.’s longtime headquarters in McLean could wrap up in the coming months.

    The candy and pet care company anticipates completing an extensive renovation of its central office at 6885 Elm Street by the end of this year, allowing employees to return to the building in the first quarter of 2027.


    Opinion

    Even as some areas become increasingly urban, Fairfax County offers plenty of opportunities for residents looking to enjoy nature or some outdoor recreation, from national parks to neighborhood hangouts.

    Here are the nominees for “Best Parks in Fairfax County” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. Did we miss your favorite park below? Write them in!

    Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2.

    Voting for Best Fall Activity in Fairfax County is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, Sept. 25 at 8:30 a.m.

    Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Dentist in Fairfax County. The results are now official:

    1. Oakton Family Dentistry
    2. Novel Smile
    3. Fairfax Dentistry

    News

    Fairfax County’s sluggish job market is expected to get a small boost in the coming months, thanks to a Reston-based contractor.

    The technology company Data Machines has committed to investing $849,000 in an expansion of its headquarters in RTC West (12100 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 605), a move that will create 75 new jobs, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger and the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority announced yesterday (Thursday).


    News

    Nearly 250 acres of land in Lorton that once served as a dumping ground for construction debris could soon become a haven for families and birding enthusiasts.

    Waste Management, the owner of the former Lorton Landfill site at 10001 Furnace Road, broke ground on Sept. 2 on a new public park that will feature trails, a playground, an amphitheater, restrooms, and scenic views for taking in birds or the Potomac River to the east.


    News

    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).