Author: FFXnow.com

CIA and Other Intelligence Agencies Ramp Up Layoffs — “The CIA also has started to dismiss some probationary workers, a spokeswoman said. About 80 people have been let go, said one former officer, who like other current and former officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they feared reprisals for speaking out or because they work in sensitive jobs.” [Washington Post]

Childcare Center Planned for Hybla Valley — “A new early learning center for 86 children up to age 5 has been funded by Fairfax County with $10 million in 2024 carryover funds and is tentatively slated to open in winter 2028 at the Hybla Valley Community Center … Additional carryover funding of $500,000 was designated for a feasibility study of other possible childcare sites in the county.” [On the MoVe]

GMU Baseball Team Breaks Scoring Record — “The George Mason University baseball team scored 23 runs in an inning against Holy Cross on Tuesday to break an NCAA Division I record that has stood for 42 years. The Patriots (8-4) sent 28 batters to the plate in the second inning of a 26-6 victory against the visiting Crusaders (5-5) in Fairfax, Virginia.” [ESPN]

County Offers Funding to Local Startups — “Fairfax County announced the next application round for the Fairfax Founders Fund (FFF), a program designed to fuel innovation and business growth, will be open from March 17 through April 21, 2025. FFF provides selected early-stage startups with up to $50,000 in funding capital.” [Department of Economic Initiatives]

School Prom Dress Shop Opens Today — “Prom season has officially begun. Students from Centreville High School and the Fair Oaks Classroom on the Mall program will open their annual Prom Dress Shop, which aims to help economically challenged students celebrate in style, on Friday, March 7.” [Fairfax County Public Schools]

Bill Would Allow Localities to Require Solar Over Parking Lots — “There is, though, another way, one that could indeed turn parts of Northern Virginia (and other developed areas) into utility-scale solar projects without giving up farmland or rural viewsheds. That way was what was over Bulova’s head that summer day in Las Vegas: solar panels over top of parking lots.” [Cardinal News]

Man Gives 700th Blood Donation to Inova — “Richard Martin started donating whole blood with the Red Cross and then switched to Inova when he was asked to consider a different type of donation in 1982 … On Wednesday afternoon, squeezing a red, heart-shaped stress ball, Martin watched bags fill up and reflected on what would become his 700th donation.” [WTOP]

Feedback Wanted on Park Near Kingstowne — “The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to a public meeting to discuss the Olander and Margaret Banks Neighborhood Park. The meeting will take place on Thursday, March 20, from 1-2 p.m. at Richard Byrd Library (7250 Commerce St., Springfield).” [FCPA]

It’s Friday — Expect mostly sunny skies today and a high temperature of around 57 degrees. The west wind will reach speeds of 11 to 18 mph, gusting up to 31 mph. Tonight, there is a 20% chance of showers before 1am, with mostly cloudy conditions and a low temperature near 40 degrees. [NWS]

Local Shoppers Worry About Tariffs — “With tariffs of 25% now in place on goods from both Canada and Mexico, shoppers at a D.C.-area grocery store are voicing concern that it will affect them at the checkout.” One shopper at Trader Joe’s in Idylwood says she’s worried about the impact of more expensive groceries on “people that are lower class and even the middle class.” [WTOP]

Virginia License Plates Proliferate in Maryland — “All those Virginia license plates on Baltimore’s streets cost Maryland millions of dollars, but the state has little authority to do anything about it, according to a recent Motor Vehicle Administration report sent to Gov. Wes Moore’s office.” [Baltimore Banner]

Ethiopian Market Opens in Annandale — “Annandale has a new shop specializing in products imported from Ethiopia. Lidya Market & Café opened in late February at 4544-A John Marr Drive. The store offers pantry items, such as berbere, a mixture of ground chili peppers and spices; shiro, made from ground chickpeas; lentils; rice flour; coffee; dates; snacks; and incense.” [Annandale Today]

Springfield Sports Complex Acquires Hockey Program — “Washington Little Capitals Inc., a four-decade-old youth hockey development organization, will be acquired by Springfield sports complex The St. James.” The Little Caps needed a new home rink with its current base, the Ion International Training Center in Leesburg, closing its ice rinks in May before converting “to an events and conference center.” [Washington Business Journal]

Competitive Runner in Reston Inspires Community — “Ecris Williams has covered a lot of miles in her 86 years. Whether by racing cars or running races, the spirited senior is no worse for the wear … The longtime Reston resident turns heads and blows minds with her remarkable exercise ethic.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Art Class at Reston School Celebrates Neurodiversity — “On a Wednesday morning at South Lakes High School in Reston, Matt Ravenstahl bounces around from table to table. He offers suggestions to students working on projects that range from making masks to sketching flags from different countries.” In the “Inclusive Fine Arts” class, “students who are neurotypical work alongside those who are neurodivergent.” [WUSA9]

County Summer Camps Start Registration Soon — “Registration for NCS summer camps kicks off Tuesday, March 11, 2025. The Department of Neighborhood and Community Services offers a variety of summer camp options for youth and teens throughout Fairfax County. Register early and secure your spot for a summer of fun activities, new friendships and lasting memories!” [NCS]

McLean Framing Shop to Support Nonprofit — “Please join the McLean Chamber of Commerce, McLean Project for the Arts and Framebridge for a private shopping event to celebrate the recent grand opening of Framebridge. Bring digital photos, art, memorabilia to frame and 10 percent and all sales will benefit McLean Project for the Arts.” The promotion will be in effect from 5-8 p.m. next Thursday, March 13. [Federal Realty]

It’s Thursday — Expect partly sunny skies and a high around 49 degrees. The day will be breezy, as a west wind increases to 18 to 23 mph in the afternoon with gusts up to 46 mph. Night will be mostly clear with a low near 33 degrees. The northwest wind will blow at 11 to 18 mph, gusting as high as 34 mph. [NWS]

Hazardous Weather Possible Today — “A powerful storm system is moving into our area, bringing serious weather risks on Wednesday, March 5, and Thursday, March 6. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook about these dangerous conditions.” Thunderstorms, damaging wind gusts, hail and even “a tornado or two” are possible. [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

ICE Raids Reported in N. Va. — “Local communities were already on the alert when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement carried out multiple raids in Northern Virginia yesterday and today (Tuesday) … This morning, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem brought an ABC News crew along for an ICE operation.” [ARLnow]

More Criticism of Commuted Sentence for Former FCPD Officer — Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s decision to commute the prison sentence given to former Sgt. Wesley Shifflett, who was convicted of recklessly handling a gun in the fatal shooting of Timothy McCree Johnson, “denies the Johnson family the justice they were promised,” the Fairfax County NAACP says. The move was also condemned by the Virginia Black Legislative Caucus. [Fairfax County NAACP]

Arrest Made in County Facility Burglary — A 44-year-old Roanoke man has been arrested and charged in connection with a burglary of a Fairfax County facility in the 14000 block of Flint Lee Road in Chantilly that was reported at 4:39 a.m. on Feb. 26. “He is being held at the Western Virginia Regional Jail and is awaiting extradition to Fairfax County.” [FCPD]

Bill Would Address Payments for Wrongful Convictions — “While Virginia law allows people like Merritt — who were wrongfully convicted based on fabricated testimony or intentionally suppressed evidence — to get additional compensation, that compensation isn’t always approved. Del. Rip Sullivan (D–Fairfax) said that’s because the law states that payments from the commonwealth can’t happen until the locality agrees to pay its share.” [Virginia Public Media]

Catholic Schools to Host Teacher Job Fair — “On March 8, school principals from 40 Catholic schools will be scouting for new teachers for pre-school, elementary school, middle school and high school-level positions. Prospective teachers are encouraged to attend the fair,” which will be held from 9-11 a.m. at St. Bernadette School (7602 Old Keene Mill Road) in Springfield. [Catholic Diocese of Arlington]

Students at Vienna School Start Mentoring Program — “Cunningham Park Elementary School sixth grader Ruth Gaffiney told WTOP the plan came to her at the beginning of the year, when she and her classmates were helping first graders log on to computers for the first time.” The experience inspired a “Cardinals Care for Cardinals” program where the students help their younger peers with reading. [WTOP]

It’s Wednesday — Expect showers and potential thunderstorms after 4pm, with a high near 64 and winds at 15-21 mph, gusting up to 37 mph. Precipitation chance is 100%. Showers are likely at night with a possible thunderstorm, a low around 43, and winds at 9-15 mph shifting west after midnight, gusting up to 22 mph. [NWS]

Ice Skaters Emotional at DCA Crash Benefit — “A low murmur of crying pierced a lengthy moment of silence as fans lit the arena with their cellphones, riding waves of emotion through a poignant figure skating show Sunday in the nation’s capital to remember and raise money for the victims of the midair collision outside Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.” [Associated Press/WTOP]

Annandale Private School Teacher Arrested — “Eric Sean Williams of Annandale, a longtime substitute teacher at St. Michael’s Catholic School in Annandale, was arrested on Feb. 27 for multiple counts of sexual assault involving a minor, the Catholic Diocese of Arlington announced. No known criminal incidents took place on parish or school property, the diocese states.” [Annandale Today]

Beware Unpaid Toll Bill Texting Scam — “From Northern Virginia Department of Transportation — Have you received a text message like this? IT IS A SCAM. Toll bills are NOT sent via text message and Virginia DMV doesn’t do this. Do not click on any links or give financial info through text messages.” [Fairfax County/Facebook]

N. Va. Business Leaders Brace for Layoff Impacts — “As thousands of federal workers are abruptly fired under the Trump administration’s plans to slash government spending, business leaders in the D.C. region consider the impact that could have on individuals and businesses alike.” Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce President Julie Coons says “the next 18 to 24 months could be very challenging for our region.” [WTOP]

Italian Restaurant Opening Near Fort Belvoir — “A new ‘farm-to-fork’ restaurant specializing in rustic Italian cuisine will open March 5 at Hillside Village Center … The Farmhouse Tuscan is the fifth restaurant concept from Titan Hospitality Group,” which also runs Blackwall Hitch in Old Town Alexandria. [On the MoVe]

Feedback Wanted for Franconia Street Study — “The Virginia Department of Transportation could be bringing changes to S. Van Dorn Street in Franconia … including possible bicycle/pedestrian improvements. A Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions (STARS) study is set to complete next year and, as part of that study, VDOT is collecting feedback on what roadway improvements should prioritize.” [ALXnow]

Contractor Might Have Relocated to Tysons — “Cybersecurity company and federal contractor BigBear.ai appears to have quietly shifted its headquarters from Columbia, Maryland, to Northern Virginia.” In a regulatory filing yesterday, the company listed 7950 Jones Branch Road as the address of its executive offices, a move that “appears to have coincided with the company’s naming of former acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan as its new CEO in late January.” [Washington Business Journal]

It’s Tuesday — Expect partly sunny skies and a high near 60 degrees, accompanied by a south wind between 6-11 mph and gusts up to 21 mph. Tonight, there is a 30% chance of showers after 1 am as clouds increase. The temperature will dip to around 50 degrees, with a south wind at 8-14 mph and gusts reaching 23 mph. [NWS]

Man Charged With Murder for Chantilly Shooting — Douglas Sommer, an 88-year-old man from Chantilly, has been charged with second-degree murder and using a firearm to commit a felony for allegedly fatally shooting his wife at their home last Friday (Feb. 28). Police believe the shooting occurred during an argument between the couple. [FCPD]

ICYMI: Youngkin Commutes Former FCPD Officer’s Sentence — “A former Fairfax County police officer who shot and killed a man in Tysons had his prison sentence commuted [yesterday] by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Former Sgt. Wesley Shifflett was sentenced to serve three years in state prison on Friday (Feb. 28) after being convicted of recklessly handling a firearm.” [FFXnow]

Man Who Shot at Police Sentenced to Prison — “A man who opened fire on Fairfax County police after a high-speed chase will spend the next six years in prison for his crime. The hours-long pursuit that started in Arlington when Ricardo Singleton displayed a gun at the courthouse. He raced away in a car, police said.” [NBC4]

Dulles Greenway Sues Over Nixed Toll Increase — “The owners of the Dulles Greenway last week filed a federal lawsuit seeking to strike down a Virginia law regulating toll rates on the 14-mile highway as well as the State Corporation Commission’s denial of its latest rate increase request.” [Loudoun Now]

Arlington Also Interested in Vehicle Noise Pilot — “An Arlington leader is showing interest in a pilot program to monitor noise levels from vehicles’ exhaust systems. Legislation now on Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s desk would allow localities in Northern Virginia and the Fredericksburg area to begin using automated monitoring equipment to gauge the noise levels of passing vehicles.” [ARLnow]

Construction Begins on Hybla Valley Park Changes — “The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin revitalization work at Hybla Valley Park. Contractors will mobilize on site and active construction is scheduled to begin the first week of March. Weather depending, active construction is expected to conclude by the end of summer 2025.” [FCPA]

Fairfax City Police Seek to ID Alleged Home Burglar — “On February 26th, 2025, the above pictured male was observed on a doorbell camera knocking at a home in the 3800 block of Tedrich Blvd. Later in the day, that same home was burglarized of cash and jewelry. Police are seeking assistance from the public in identifying the individual pictured above.” [City of Fairfax Police]

Fairfax County Libraries Celebrate Women’s History Month — “Throughout the month of March, Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) will honor the many women who have played an important role over the course of American history. This Women’s History Month, celebrate the lives and stories of women who have made an impact on Fairfax County and beyond with presentations, workshops, storytimes, crafts and more.” [FCPL]

It’s Monday — Expect sunny skies and a high of around 45 today, with light and variable wind becoming northwest around 6 mph in the morning. Tonight, the skies will be mostly clear and the temperature will drop to a low of around 31, accompanied by a south wind of 3 to 6 mph. [NWS]