The Fairfax Girl Team 
Crisp temperatures, pumpkin-flavored everything – we’re in the thick of the fall season. It’s been another busy week in Northern Virginia + we’ve got all the headlines to get you up to speed. Among the highlights: a Fairfax County Public Schools teacher is a finalist for the 2027 GRAMMY Educator Award; a new sourdough bagel shop is opening in Ashburn; and Dulles’ new concourse E is officially open.
You can read more at the links below, and always feel free to submit any news tips to [email protected]. Our twice-weekly newsletter shares more as well, which you can sign up for here (it’s so great, promise)!
–Torus Bagels, a new sourdough bagel + English muffin shop, is opening later this month at 44110 Ashburn Village Boulevard in Ashburn (The Fairfax Girl).
–The Creative Collective Holiday Pop-Up returns to Fairfax Corner from November 13th through December 24th, featuring local makers, handmade gifts, jewelry, + special holiday shopping experiences (The Fairfax Girl). –Washington Commanders QB Sam Hartman has been selected as the next star of ABC’s reality dating series The Bachelor (The Fairfax Girl). 
–The 34th annual Reston Holiday Parade returns to Reston Town Center on Friday, November 27th, featuring giant balloons, marching bands, community groups, + an appearance by Santa Claus (The Fairfax Girl).
–Dulles International Airport opened its new Concourse E on November 10th, adding 14 United Airlines gates, upgraded passenger amenities, + new dining and retail options (The Fairfax Girl).
–George Mason University received a $30 million gift from philanthropist Dwight Schar to establish two new institutes focused on national security, intelligence, defense, + economic statecraft (George Mason University).
–Mount Vernon High School orchestra director Al Rodriguez has been named one of 10 national finalists for the 2027 GRAMMY Music Educator Award (Fairfax County Public Schools).
–Virginia now has the second-highest number of designated Bee Cities in the country, reflecting a growing statewide effort to protect native pollinators and promote bee-friendly habitats (WSET).
–The Fairfax County Police Department has introduced three public-facing dashboards providing information on active police calls, drone deployments, + helicopter missions throughout the county (Fairfax County Police Department).
–Hospital-based gun violence intervention programs across Virginia have served nearly 10,000 patients since 2019 and helped prevent an estimated $101.8 million in healthcare costs (Virginia Mercury).
–An Arlington man faces multiple criminal charges after police say he injured two men and attempted to stab a third during separate incidents on November 9th (7News).
–Alexandria officials are considering borrowing $107 million to build a 210,000-square-foot indoor sports + events complex at Cameron Run Regional Park, replacing Great Waves Water Park after the 2027 summer season (The Alexandria Brief).
–Fairfax County Public Schools is considering pushing back middle school start times as part of a potential adjustment to the district’s school-day schedules (WUSA9).
–Fairfax County Police charged five people and recovered seven firearms following a November 4th shooting in Hybla Valley, using automated license plate reader technology to identify vehicles connected to the incident (Fairfax County Police Department).
–Shawn Dunstan has been selected as Fairfax City’s new fire chief after serving as acting chief since July, following the retirement of former Chief John O’Neal (City of Fairfax).
–A previously unidentified Union soldier who died during the Civil War in 1862 was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery after his remains were discovered at Manassas National Battlefield Park in 2024 (InsideNoVa).
–A Prince William County jury found Manassas Park resident Naresh Bhatt guilty of first-degree murder in the 2024 death of his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, whose remains have never been found (WTOP).
–Fairfax County Public Schools is facing a projected $197.8 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2028 as rising fuel, energy, + staffing costs put pressure on the district’s finances (FFXnow).
–Fairfax City officials have unveiled a proposed $567.8 million five-year capital improvement plan that includes a new fire station, school facility upgrades, renovations to Van Dyck Park, + improvements to the city’s property yard (Patch).
–Two McLean parents are facing criminal charges after police responded to a massive party they allegedly hosted for their teenager, with reports of 100 to 300 attendees and fireworks at the property (FOX 5 DC).
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