News

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]