How is the government shutdown impacting air travel? | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Traveling by plane is fun — jet-setting over beautiful blue waters or rolling hills, taking in cloud formations, and landing in London, England, in a matter of hours is unlike anything else.
The whole navigating the airport part? Not always as fun.
To help make your time at the Dulles International Airport (IAD) as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from gates and parking to details on the airport’s 159 nonstop flights.
Current updates
With the holiday season right around the corner amid the current government shutdown, it’s even more important to be prepared.
Operation during the shutdown
Although the airport remains open, many employees are currently working without pay. While cancellations have stayed relatively low, as of early November, there have been reports of flight delays and longer security lines. Travelers are advised to arrive early and check their flight status regularly.
We’ve found a golfer’s paradise tucked away in Fauquier County. Perfect your swing on a PGA-quality putting green or tee off anytime with a state-of-the-art golf simulator. Not into golf? No problem, there are plenty of other amenities to take advantage of.
Opening
Coming soon to Crystal City: two new spots you’ll want on your radar. Altitude Wine Bar — complete with its own listening room — and Constellation, a gourmet cafe and market serving coffee and dishes like pasta primavera, are expected to open in January 2026 at 2011 Crystal Dr. (ARLnow)
Traffic
The west side of the Arlington Ridge Road bridge, which crosses Four Mile Run, is closing this week for construction. The southbound lanes will be reconstructed and are expected to remain closed for approximately 11 months. (ARLnow)
Try This
The Christmas-themed Del Ray pop-up bar Joy on the Avenue is set to open on Friday, Nov. 21, for its fifth consecutive year. Guests can look forward to a new menu, festive decor, handcrafted cocktails, and plenty of holiday cheer. (ALXnow)
Biz
A new Aldi grocery store is set to open in Springfield on Thursday, Nov. 20. There will be various promotions opening week, including tote bags and a “golden ticket” that could potentially be worth up to $100 for the first 100 customers. (FFXnow)
Coming Soon
Good news for Manassas — you’re finally getting your first Chipotle location. The plan is for this chain to open in the Canterbury Village shopping center. An opening date has not yet been announced. (InsideNOVA)
Health
VHC Health is expanding its Tysons location to include a dedicated women’s health facility, scheduled to open in late 2026 or early 2027. The new center will offer specialized services in breast health, urogynecology, gynecologic oncology, menopause care, and expanded OB/GYN care. (FFXnow)
Community
Residents of Fairfax County are coming together to remove invasive species from trees in the area. Fairfax Tree Rescuers is collaborating with the Fairfax Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management to host events this week. See when and how you can help. (FFXnow)
On This Day
On Nov. 10, 1969, the first-ever episode of “Sesame Street” aired. Over the years, many of us have learned and laughed with Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert + Ernie, and all the other familiar faces. Continue their legacy through acts of kindness, like volunteering in NOVA.
Environment
Scientists have uncovered dozens of new aquatic species in the Southern Ocean, including a carnivorous “death ball” sponge that uses tiny hooks to capture its prey. You don’t need to travel that far to see local wildlife for yourself — the National Aquarium in Baltimore is full of wonder. (ABC News)
Drink
A taste of the Big Easy is gaining popularity across the country, according to the New York Times. The Obituary is a martini made with gin, vermouth, absinthe, and lemon zest, and is experiencing a renaissance. See if you can find one at a local happy hour.
Watch
Reel talk — have you seen “Drag Me to Hell” recently? The 2009 film is the most popular horror movie in Virginia, according to a new study. Now that spooky season has come and gone, we recommend turning on a flick with ties to NOVA. (CW33)
Fun Fact
Posting on our local job board is like using a GPS for hiring. It gets you to the right talent without the scenic detours. Ready to find your dream candidate? Post your job today. It’s 100% free.
I’m dreaming of a white... Thanksgiving? According to FOX 5’s winter outlook for 2025-2026, it looks like we’ll be getting snow sooner than normal. If there’s a measurable amount prior to Christmas, this would be the first time since 2017. Stay warm with some savory, local Vietnamese food.
Gutter guards that make clogs physically impossible. Yes, really. Meet LeafGuard, a system with seamless construction that eliminates joints where leaks typically develop. The result? A maintenance-free solution that’s built to last. Bonus: Our readers save 75% off installation + an additional $200 off.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Got a go-to recipe everyone loves? Share it with us (photos encouraged), and you might see your creation in our next newsletter spotlight. Help fellow community members, myself included, spice up their meal rotation. Personally, I’ve been perfecting this banana bread recipe.
}})
}})
