Dulles International Airport departure level and parking lot (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
It took nearly two decades, but last year delivered a new record passenger count to Dulles International Airport.
Just over 27.25 million passengers traveled through the airport in 2024, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) announced in late February.
People walking down Whitehead Street in Fairfax City (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
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]
Fairfax County Courthouse (staff photo by James Jarvis)
A former Fairfax County police officer who shot and killed a man in Tysons had his prison sentence commuted tonight (Sunday) 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.
The former Fairfax County police officer who fatally shot Timothy McCree Johnson outside Tysons Corner Center in February 2023 has been sentenced to three years in prison.
Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge Randy Bellows sentenced former sergeant Wesley Shifflett to five years of incarceration today (Friday) with two years suspended, the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office announced.
Officers responded to the school at 4015 Fielding Street at 2:53 p.m. after “several” students reported seeing two men on the property, one of whom displayed a gun, the Fairfax County Police Department says.
The Peake Family Cemetery in Gum Springs (courtesy Fairfax County Park Authority)
Fairfax County is seeking community input to help preserve the Peake Family Cemetery, a historically significant burial site in Hybla Valley’s Gum Springs neighborhood.
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) will begin restoration efforts this spring as part of its initiative to protect historic cemeteries across the county.
Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott host the announcement of the 97th Oscars® nominations, on Thursday, January 23, 2025. (photo by Richard Harbaugh / The Academy)
And the Oscar could go to…a Fairfax County Public Schools graduate!
RaMell Ross, an alum of Lake Braddock Secondary School, will get his second chance to win an Academy Award this Sunday (March 2), when he and co-writer Joslyn Barnes are competing in Best Adapted Screenplay for “Nickel Boys.”
Rendering of a retail-lined main street in the proposed AT&T campus redevelopment in Oakton (courtesy EYA)
Unresolved issues ranging from traffic and pedestrian safety to parks, schools and overall density led the Fairfax County Planning Commission to defer action on Wednesday (Feb. 26) on a key step toward the redevelopment of the former AT&T site in Oakton.
The 33-acre parcel at the intersection of Chain Bridge Road (Route 123) and Jermantown Road is one of several contiguous plots of land expected to be redeveloped in coming years as part of the 110-acre Flint Hill Suburban Center planning district.
Fairfax County Police Capt. Kent Bailey briefs on a fatal domestic shooting in the 13000 block of Pennypacker Lane in Chantilly (via FCPD/Twitter)
Fairfax County police are investigating a fatal shooting in Chantilly that’s being described as domestic in nature.
Officers responded to a home in the 13000 block of Pennypacker Lane around 6:09 a.m. today (Friday) after getting a 911 call reporting that multiple gunshots had been fired inside the house.