Around Town

To students, the one to two months left until prom may seem like a lifetime away, but for anyone looking to get a head start on picking out their outfit, Reston Community Center (RCC) is once again here to help.

RCC’s annual Diva Central shopping event will return to its Lake Anne facility (1609-A Washington Plaza North) for a 24th year on March 14.


News

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday (March 3) endorsed plans by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for pedestrian and bicyclist improvements along two segments of Route 29 in Centreville.

The project aims to upgrade multimodal facilities:


Sponsored

No matter your age, having a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family. A properly prepared will ensures your wishes are carried out, helps reduce family disputes, and can make the estate administration process much smoother.

Unfortunately, many Virginians make avoidable mistakes that can create unnecessary stress and expense for their loved ones. Here are five of the most common.

1. Trying to Write a Will Without Legal Guidance

Online templates and DIY wills may seem like an easy way to save money, but they often create bigger problems later. Virginia law has specific requirements for a valid will, including proper signatures and witness requirements. Even small mistakes can leave a will open to challenges or delay the administration of an estate.

2. Forgetting to Update Your Will

A will shouldn’t be something you create once and forget. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, buying a home, or losing a loved one can all affect your estate plan.

Reviewing your will every few years—or after a major life event—helps ensure it still reflects your wishes and keeps your loved ones protected.

3. Overlooking Federal Estate Tax Planning

Virginia no longer has a state estate tax, but federal estate taxes may still affect larger estates. As home values and investments continue to grow, more families may find themselves closer to the federal exemption than they expected.

Planning ahead can help minimize tax consequences and preserve more of your estate for your beneficiaries.

4. Not Planning for Minor Children

For parents, a will does more than distribute assets—it allows you to name a guardian for your minor children. Without that designation, a court may ultimately decide who will care for them.

Many families also choose to establish a trust so inherited assets can be managed responsibly until children reach an age or milestone they determine is appropriate.

5. Choosing the Wrong Executor—or Not Naming One at All

Your executor is responsible for carrying out your wishes, paying debts, and distributing your assets. Selecting someone who is organized, trustworthy, and capable of handling those responsibilities is just as important as deciding who inherits your property.

It’s also essential to clearly identify your beneficiaries. Vague language or outdated information can create confusion and, in some cases, disputes among family members.

Don’t Forget the Rest of Your Estate Plan

A will is only one part of a comprehensive estate plan. Depending on your circumstances, you may also benefit from:

  • A revocable living trust
  • A durable power of attorney
  • An advance medical directive
  • A transfer-on-death deed for your home

Together, these documents can help protect your finances, outline your healthcare wishes, and simplify matters for your family if you’re ever unable to make decisions yourself.

The Bottom Line

A well-prepared estate plan provides peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. By avoiding these common mistakes and keeping your documents up to date, you can help ensure your wishes are honored while reducing stress for your family in the future.

If it’s been several years since you’ve reviewed your will—or you’ve never created one—it may be time to speak with an experienced Virginia estate planning attorney about your options.

PJI Law, PLC: Estate Planning Attorneys in Fairfax, VA

At PJI Law, PLC, we work with clients across Fairfax and Northern Virginia to build estate plans that reflect their intentions and align with Virginia law. Our estate planning attorneys take the time to review your assets, beneficiary designations, business interests, and family structure so your plan works as intended.

Whether you’re creating your first will or revisiting an existing one, our team will help you avoid the mistakes that can undermine your entire estate plan.

Call (703) 865-6100 or contact us online to schedule your complimentary consultation today.

PJI Law, PLC
3900 Jermantown Rd, 2nd Floor
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
(703) 865-6100
https://pjilaw.com


News

Though DC Water has lifted its advisory warning against recreational activities on the Potomac River, Virginia health officials are remaining cautious after millions of gallons of raw sewage spilled into the water earlier this year.

The Virginia Department of Health announced yesterday (Thursday) that it has lifted a recreational water advisory for the river from Chain Bridge (Glebe Road) in Arlington to the Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge in King George County, but it remains in place for a 4.7-mile stretch upstream from Chain Bridge to the American Legion Bridge (I-495) in Fairfax County.


Countywide
Capital One Center in Tysons at night (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Cherry Blossoms Peak Bloom Predicted — “The cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin are predicted to reach peak bloom from March 29 to April 1, 2026, the National Park Service announced at a National Cherry Blossom Festival press conference on Thursday.” The festival is scheduled to begin on March 20 and continue through April 12 with events across the D.C. region. [Washingtonian]

FCPS Considers Policy to Punish Deepfakes — “A disturbing trend in which some students are using AI to make fake nude images of their classmates is leading Fairfax County School Board members to consider changing the school system’s discipline policy.” Under the proposed policy, students who create the fake images could face a suspension of up to five days with referrals to the superintendent and law enforcement. [NBC4]

Fairfax Station Road Changes Still Pending — More than three years after two teens were killed in a crash on Lee Chapel Road, their families are still waiting to see improvements. Construction on a project to eliminate two hills between Fairfax County Parkway and Ox Road is expected to begin in 2027, and “officials are also working with the Virginia Department of Transportation to install a roadside memorial along the stretch of road.” [WUSA9]

Bill Would Protect Public Education for Immigrants — “Virginia lawmakers are on track to codify a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court decision that protects a child’s right to an education regardless of their immigration or citizenship status. The move comes amid ramped up immigration enforcement, federal policy changes and related legal challenges.” [Virginia Mercury]

Senate Rejects By-Right Housing Bill — “A bill seeking to permit by-right multifamily development in commercial zones was defeated in the Virginia Senate [on Wednesday, March 4] despite limitations proposed by Arlington’s state Sen. Barbara Favola (D-40). The Senate voted 17-22 on HB 816 by Del. Dan Helmer (D-10),” while the House of Delegates sent a companion bill to a committee. [ARLnow]

Va. Could Ease Restaurant Liquor Sales Rule — “Gov. Abigail Spanberger may soon put her pen to one of the most notable changes to Virginia’s liquor license laws in more than three decades. The House of Delegates and Senate both passed legislation last month that would reduce the ratio of food-to-alcohol sales for restaurants in the commonwealth from no less than 45% to at least 30%.” [Washington Business Journal]

Mural Takes Shape on Vacant Annandale Building — “The long-vacant building at 7219 Columbia Pike is in the process of being covered with designs in preparation for painting. Fairfax County land records show Annandale Social LLC is renovating the building to establish a restaurant/carryout. An ABC license for beer, wine, and mixed beverages is pending.” [Annandale Today]

Participants Wanted for Reston Cultural Festival — “The Reston Community Center is preparing for the 25th anniversary of its Multicultural Festival, a signature event that draws thousands to Reston each fall. Applications are currently open for performers, artisans, culturally inspired businesses, and community organizations interested in participating in this milestone celebration.” [Patch]

New Legal Notice — Applicant seeks mixed-beverage restaurant license; objections due within 30 days. [Public Notices]

New Legal Notice — Public hearing on advanced academics center, March 19, 6:45 p.m. [Public Notices]

It’s Friday — Showers may occur after 4pm, with foggy conditions clearing up before 11am. Expect a mostly cloudy sky with a high near 54 degrees and an east wind blowing at 5 to 8 mph. The chance of precipitation stands at 20%. For Friday night, showers could occur after 7pm, and a low temperature around 45 degrees under a mostly cloudy sky with east winds at 5 to 8 mph and a 30% chance of precipitation. [NWS]


Event

Flowers, Fine Art & Fashion is an immersive cultural experience presented by People of The Garden LLC, where nature, creativity, and modest couture converge in a breathtaking indoor garden setting.

Guests will journey through a living landscape featuring dramatic floral installations, botanical art, and a one-of-a-kind rectangular runway designed around lush greenery and sculptural plantings. Throughout the evening, attendees will experience a curated runway presentation showcasing modest fashion designers, alongside original fine art, artisan vendors, and interactive floral experiences.


Around Town

Good Thursday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Mar 5, 2026.

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Friday throughout the county, from our event calendar.

🌥️ Friday’s forecast

Expect isolated showers to begin after 4pm, with patchy fog clearing up before noon. The day will be mostly cloudy, featuring a high temperature near 54 and an east wind blowing 5 to 8 mph. For Friday night, scattered showers will commence after 7pm alongside patchy fog. The sky will remain mostly cloudy as temperatures drop to around 45, and the east wind will continue at 5 to 8 mph. During the day, there’s a 20% chance of precipitation, which increases to 30% at night. See more from Weather.gov.

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.


News

The City of Fairfax will have to look for other funding means to add a new sidewalk after it missed out on potential financing from the regional Transportation Planning Board.

The city had applied for $3.25 million in funding to construct a sidewalk on Norman Avenue between the Chain Bridge Road Service Road and Hill Street. The funding would have covered a significant part of the project’s $10.8 million estimated cost.


News

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved nearly $11 million in loan funding on Tuesday (March 2) to support two affordable housing projects — one that will preserve units and another that could add dozens of new homes for seniors.

One of the proposals won unanimous support, while the other drew flak from the board’s lone Republican.


News

Oracle wants to provide more parking for employees on its Reston campus.

An attorney representing the Texas-based technology corporation sent a letter to Fairfax County’s zoning administrator in January asking if a surface parking lot could be constructed on the office property at 1900 Oracle Way instead of a previously approved parking garage.


News

The man accused of fatally stabbing a woman at a Hybla Valley bus stop last month had been flagged by local law enforcement as a repeat offender with a record of knife-related incidents, emails show.

Three months before Abdul Jalloh was charged with the Feb. 23 murder of Stephanie Minter, a Fairfax County Police Department commander expressed concern to prosecutors that Jalloh would strike again, according to documents provided to FFXnow by the conservative nonprofit Virginians for Safe Communities.