Concerning signs of an economic downturn have made some consumers more careful about their spending.
The Associated Press reported that retail sales rose just 0.2% in February, a very slight rebound after a 1.2% drop in January.
Countywide
Youngkin Lauds Education Department Dismantling — “President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday that officially calls on Education Secretary Linda McMahon to dismantle the US Department of Education … In a statement released after the executive order was signed Thursday, Gov. Glenn Youngkin said that ‘Virginia is ready to take full responsibility for K-12 education.'” [Virginia Public Media]
Another Measles Case Reported at N. Va. Airport — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is warning of a second potential measles exposures in northern Virginia. Following a confirmed case involving a passenger at Dulles Airport, the VDH says an infected Maryland resident passed through Reagan National Airport and Metro’s Yellow and Silver line trains. [ALXnow]
Input Wanted on 911 Services — “Fairfax County’s Department of Public Safety Communications (the 9-1-1 Center), in partnership with George Mason University, is seeking your help to improve emergency services.” As part of a research study that also includes integrating automated technology into the county’s 911 system, GMU will host a series of community focus groups, starting tomorrow (Saturday) at Culmore Library. [Fairfax County Emergency Information]
Arrest Made in Bailey’s Crossroads Peeping Incidents — “Detectives from the Fairfax County Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division arrested a man linked to two peeping cases in Bailey’s Crossroads.” Police say the 44-year-old man from Falls Church was caught looking into an apartment window on March 17 and has been linked to earlier cases in the 6000 block of Bellview Drive. [Annandale Today]
Music Therapy Center Coming to Seven Corners — “Recovery Unplugged, an addiction recovery and behavioral health facility that uses music as part of its therapy program, is coming to Seven Corners. Executive Director David Engwall hopes to open in mid-summer. The facility will take over the entire building at 6299 Leesburg Pike.” [Annandale Today]
Herndon Building Supply Company Acquired — “Beacon Roofing Supply, the largest publicly-traded building materials company in the country, has agreed to be acquired by Greenwich, Connecticut-based QXO Inc. in an all-cash deal that values Beacon Roofing at $11 billion. The agreement is a reversal from Beacon Roofing’s initial rejection of a similar offer … made public in January, which it said undervalued the company.” [WTOP]
Celebration of Renovated McLean Park Planned — The Fairfax County Park Authority will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, March 29 at 10 a.m. to celebrate the completion of upgrades at McLean Central Park. “This event will celebrate an extraordinary collaboration to enhance one of McLean’s beloved community spaces and create a more vibrant and accessible park experience.” [FCPA]
It’s Friday — Expect sunny and breezy conditions with a high of 57 degrees and northwest winds blowing between 17 to 21 mph, gusting up to 36 mph. Friday night will have increasing clouds and a low of around 37 degrees. The west wind will calm to 5 to 7 mph before becoming light and variable. [NWS]
Economic and geopolitical headwinds are not derailing ongoing development efforts at Dulles International Airport.
Acknowledging 2025 has opened as “a turbulent year,” the president and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) told that body’s board of directors that the long-term forecast remains positive.
What to Know About Measles Cases — “In the past few months, over 280 people in the United States have become ill with measles and two people have died. This includes a large and growing outbreak in Texas and New Mexico.” A traveler at Dulles International Airport was also confirmed to be infected earlier this month. [Fairfax County Health Department]
Utah Man Charged With Soliciting Minor — “Detectives from our Child Exploitation Unit arrested a Utah man following their ongoing operation targeting online predators.” Police say the 39-year-old man arrived in Fairfax County on Sunday (March 16) “with plans to commit sexual acts with a minor, only to be met by detectives.” [FCPD]
Virginia EV Charging Plans in Limbo — “Virginia’s push to expand electric vehicle charging stations has hit a major roadblock — 51 of 53 planned projects are now on hold after a federal freeze, jeopardizing efforts to build out the state’s public EV infrastructure.” Local Del. Karrie Delaney says the halt “defies logic.” [Virginia Mercury]
Loudoun Moves to Limit Data Center Development — “The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan amendments that will eliminate data centers as a by-right use within the county.” Going forward, all applications will be subject to public hearings and approval by the board and planning commission. [Loudoun Now]
More Falls Church Residents Miffed by Road Conditions — “Falls Church residents are less satisfied with their roads than they used to be, a new survey suggests. Still, they continue to have a generally positive view of city services and their community’s overall quality of life.” [ARLnow]
Construction Starts on Reston First Watch — “The Reston community is one step closer to getting its brunch on now that construction work has started on the town’s new First Watch restaurant … A big dumpster is sitting in front of the 6,500 s.f. building and workers are removing the former Carrabba’s fixtures in order to rebuild it as a First Watch.” [The Burn]
Springfield Student Pursues World Record — “Sai Charan Kintali carries so many puzzle cubes with him during the day at Irving Middle School in Springfield, Virginia, he keeps them in a special black case in his backpack.” After setting American records, the eighth grader “now has his sights on another achievement: Kintali wants his name in the Guinness Book of World Records.” [WTOP]
Kitten Yoga for Federal Workers Fills Up — The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is offering a free “gentle flow kitten yoga session” at its Lorton campus this Saturday (March 22). Led by Sara Jeffries of Fort Hunt Yoga, the event is aimed at current and former federal employees, who are evidently in need of an occasion “to relax, stretch, and spend time with adorable kittens,” as the limited space is fully booked. [Fairfax County Animal Shelter]
It’s Thursday — Expect showers to begin after 2pm with a high of 71°F, and a 90% chance of precipitation. A quarter to half an inch of rain is possible. On Thursday night, showers will mainly occur before 2am, with lows around 37. There’s an 80% chance of precipitation with similar rainfall amounts. [NWS]
Democrats on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted yesterday (Tuesday) to send a letter to state leaders, asking for expanded unemployment coverage for federal workers having lost their jobs due to downsizing.
The maximum weekly Virginia unemployment-compensation rate of $378 is “one of the lowest in the country,” according to Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw.
Having successfully integrated boys volleyball and girls wrestling into its offerings, Fairfax County Public Schools appears to be eyeing girls’ flag football next.
There has been conversation among the division’s directors of student activities about potentially moving forward with the sport for the 2025-2026 school year, Superintendent Michelle Reid told the Fairfax County School Board at its March 13 meeting.
Protest Organized Outside Tysons Tesla Dealership — “About 80 people demonstrated outside the Tysons Corner Tesla dealership on Saturday morning to condemn billionaire Elon Musk’s attempts to advance President Donald Trump’s agenda by closing federal agencies and firing thousands of government workers.” [Patch]
Bank Robbed in Lorton — Fairfax County detectives are investigating a robbery that appears to have targeted the Truist bank in Gunston Plaza at 3:15 p.m. on Monday (March 17). “A man entered the bank and displayed a note to the teller demanding money. No weapon was displayed, but one was implied during the robbery. The suspect took cash and fled before officers’ arrival.” [FCPD]
Two Silver Line Stations Hit Ridership Records — “Last Wednesday, two of our Silver Line stations hit new single-day ridership records. Thank you to our customers traveling through Loudoun Gateway in @loudoun.gov and Herndon in Fairfax County!” [WMATA/Bluesky]
How Federal Education Cuts Might Affect Va. Schools — “Public school districts still face potential federal funding cuts following President Donald Trump’s move to slash U.S. Department of Education staffing in half … If entirely eliminated, Virginia schools would need to fill a $2.4 billion funding gap with new sources.” [Virginia Public Media]
Attorney General Candidate Visits Bailey’s Crossroads — “Jay Jones, a Democratic candidate for Virginia attorney general, promises to fight back against policies from President Trump and ‘co-President Elon Musk’ that hurt Virginians. ‘The chaos in Washington has to be stopped,’ Jones told residents at a meet-and-greet in Bailey’s Crossroads on March 16.” [Annandale Today]
Falls Church Council Still Debating Accessory Unit Rules — “Significant divisions remain as Falls Church City Council members approach final-decision time to enact rules regulating accessory-dwelling units.” Questions that need to be resolved include the “maximum size of accessory units and whether the property owner should be required to live on the site.” [ARLnow]
Origin Story of Reston Restaurant Group — “Not only did the entrepreneur make good on that promise, but today his Reston-based Thompson Hospitality employs more than 6,000 people and owns and operates more than 70 restaurants across Virginia, Maryland, Florida, Ohio, and Washington, DC, with familiar names like Matchbox and Big Buns.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Students Restore Old Car for School Musical — Students in Edison Academy’s Auto Collision Services class were recently tasked with spiffing up the front of a 1949 Ford automobile for the upcoming production of “Grease” at Edison High School in Franconia. The vehicle was purchased by the Edison Theater Company’s boosters and delivered from the Midwest. [On the MoVe]
It’s Wednesday — Expect a mostly sunny day, reaching a high of around 74, as light southeast winds shift to the south at 8 to 13 mph in the morning, with potential gusts up to 18 mph. The night will turn mostly cloudy, with lows around 48, and southeast winds at about 10 mph, gusting up to 22 mph. [NWS]
Fairfax County is officially seeking public input on a potential meals tax.
The Board of Supervisors voted today (March 18) to advertise a public hearing on amending the county code to impose a meals tax of up to 4%, starting as soon as next January. The board will also advertise a base real estate tax rate of $1.14 per $100, up from the current $1.125, as recommended by County Executive Bryan Hill.
Police Revive Traffic Safety Initiative — “The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) and Virginia State Police (VSP) are proud to announce the launch of the 2025 ‘Road Shark’ campaign — a continued effort to deter aggressive driving, reduce crashes, and promote safer roads across Fairfax County.” The 2024 enforcement campaign led to 34,687 citations and warnings. [FCPD]
Senators Urge Youngkin to Sign Paid Leave Bill — “Senator Jennifer Boysko (D-Fairfax) and Delegate Briana Sewell (D-Prince William) joined advocates and impacted Virginians Monday to call on Gov. Glenn Youngkin to sign legislation establishing a statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave program … The governor has one week from Monday to either sign or veto the bill.” [WUSA9]
FCPD Credits Tech Innovation With Boosting Recruitment — “Applicants to the Fairfax County Police Department increased 10% in 2024, according to police data, and the agency suspects its emphasis on emerging technology could be behind the boost.” Deputy Chief Wilson Lee says the county’s Criminal Justice Academy is the first in the state to embrace artificial intelligence in training. [WTOP]
TD Bank to Close Two Local Branches — TD Bank’s branches in Reston (1750 North Hampton Avenue) and Centreville (6200 Multiplex Drive) are set to close effective June 5, along with 36 other locations on the East Coast. A spokesperson said the company regularly evaluates its branches “to better align our network of stores with customer needs and preferences.” [Patch]
More Details on Proposed Office Depot Redevelopment — “A 9-story apartment building with first floor retail, including an anchor grocery store, has been proposed under Fairfax County’s 2025 Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) process for the nearly two-acre triangular site between Richmond Highway and North Kings Highway.” [On the MoVe]
“Lights Out for Birds” Campaign Underway — “As birds begin their migration this spring, the county is supporting the ‘Lights Out for Birds’ campaign led by the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance. The alliance … encourages residents and businesses to reduce excessive outdoor nighttime lighting from 11 p.m. through 6 a.m., March 15 to May 31 — the peak of spring bird migration.” [Fairfax County Government]
Fairfax County Spelling Bee Coming Up — “Nearly 90 young spellers from across Fairfax County and the city of Alexandria will compete Sunday in the 2025 Fairfax County Spelling Bee. Both the winner and the runner-up of the bee will go on to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in late May at the Gaylord Hotel in National Harbor.” [Inside NoVA]
‘The Office’ Star Boosts Local Nonprofit — “Mount Vernon-based charity Alice’s Kids recently got a little star-power boost. And it was all thanks to a viral video from a longtime supporter — actor and comedian Steve Carell … Carell created a video telling 800 Los Angeles–area high school students that their prom tickets would be paid for in partnership with Alice’s Kids.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny skies and a high near 65, accompanied by a northwest wind of around 7 mph. The clear night will see temperatures dipping to a low of approximately 45, with calm winds. [NWS]
By OLIVIA DIAZ Associated Press/Report for America
FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — A northern Virginia judge determined embryos are not property that can be divided up, rejecting a previous analysis by the court saying such fertilized eggs could be considered divisible “goods or chattel” based on 19th-century slave law.