Millions of dollars in federal funds are coming to Fairfax County after a minibus funding package was signed into law earlier this month.
Approximately $7.7 million has been allocated for six different projects, including $3.1 million for a traffic safety initiative focused on Springfield.
If Fairfax County approves the Prosperity Business Campus’ transformation into a residential neighborhood, townhomes will likely be the first element of the project to materialize.
PM Home Associates, an affiliate of the developer EYA, hopes to build 156 townhouses, including 20 affordable dwelling units, as the first phase of its overhaul of the 41-acre industrial office park in Merrifield, according to a final development plan submitted to Fairfax County on Feb. 20.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A will is only one part of a comprehensive estate plan. Depending on your circumstances, you may also benefit from:
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.
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.
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
Shut out in the last round of jockeying for state transportation funding, Fairfax County officials are taking steps to be more successful next time.
For the next round of applications for “Smart Scale” grants, due over the summer, county staff intends to “focus on smaller projects” that require no more than $30 million through the program, said Noelle Dominguez, coordination and funding division chief for the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT).
EatLoco Farmers Market is preparing to open a location at the Halley Rise mixed-use development, bringing a new weekly farmers’ market to Reston.
The new market will be held Sundays, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the parking lot of Halley Rise near the intersection of Reston Parkway and Sunrise Valley Drive. March 29 will be the opening day.
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.
Fairfax County’s first comprehensive school boundary rewrite in decades will affect only a handful of its approximately 177,000 current students, but Superintendent Michelle Reid believes the resulting transportation costs could still be too high to absorb.
The superintendent is expected to recommend tonight (Thursday) that Fairfax County Public Schools provide transportation only to high school seniors who were affected by the boundary changes and opt to remain at their currently assigned school, as permitted by the district’s phasing policy.
Residents on and around Fort Belvoir may want to keep some earplugs close at hand today (Thursday).
The U.S. Army installation will host an active shooter preparedness exercise starting at 10 a.m. that could last “several hours” and involve loud noises, including simulated gunshots.
Murder Charge in Hybla Valley Stabbing — The man identified by Fairfax County police as a person of interest in a woman’s death at a Hybla Valley bus stop on Monday (Feb. 23) has now been arrested and charged with second-degree murder. The woman, Stephanie Minter, 41, of Fredericksburg, was found “with multiple stab wounds to the upper body,” police say. [FCPD]
Trump Hosts Meetings on Dulles Redesign — President Donald “Trump earlier this month hosted about a half-dozen infrastructure and construction companies in the Oval Office, with executives taking turns pitching the president and Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy on their proposals to overhaul the Washington-area airport.” The president reportedly convened companies for another meeting yesterday (Wednesday) “to hear updated proposals.” [Washington Post]
Man Sentenced for Attempting to Coerce Minor — “A Canadian man who admitted to traveling from Toronto to Virginia last June to engage in sex with a minor girl was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday to 10 years in prison, according to authorities.” The 54-year-old man contacted a person online whom he believed was a 15-year-old girl but was actually an undercover detective with the Fairfax County Police Department. [Patch]
Spanberger Highlights Affordability Challenges — Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivered Democrats’ 12-minute rebuttal to Trump’s 107-minute State of the Union address on Tuesday (Feb. 24), “accusing him of driving up the costs of housing, health care, energy and groceries, unleashing chaos in American communities and deepening instability abroad — all while enriching himself and his allies.” [Virginia Mercury]
National Airport Reports Dip in Passengers — “Reagan National Airport recorded its lowest annual passenger count in three years in 2025, even as Dulles International Airport set an all-time record. Just under 24.9 million passengers traveled through DCA last year, down 5.3% from 26.3 million in 2024, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA)” reported on Tuesday. [ARLnow]
Student Nonprofit Supports Kids in Need — “As sophomores at Langley High School, Sophie Li and Lily Zhang began to notice significant inequities within their Fairfax County neighborhoods — disparities that inspired them to launch a nonprofit supporting students at the county’s Title I schools.” Launched two years ago, the Rising Star Fund helps “fund summer camps, after-school programs and new school equipment.” [WTOP]
Oakton Students Visit Capitol Hill — “Oakton Government students went on their annual field trip to Capitol Hill today! Over 700 students were able to see firsthand where members of Congress work together. One group even got to hear directly from @timkaine! What a wonderful experience for all!” [Oakton High School/X]
It’s Thursday — There’s a 50% chance of rain, with snow possible before 10am. Expect mostly cloudy skies and a high temperature of about 45°F. At night, anticipate partly cloudy conditions and a low temperature near 32°F. [NWS]
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Good Wednesday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Feb 25, 2026.
Here is what’s going on Thursday throughout the county, from our event calendar.
Expect a mix of rain and snow in the morning, transitioning to possible rain from 10am to 4pm. The day will be mostly cloudy with temperatures peaking near 45°F and a light northeast wind of 3-6 mph. Precipitation chances stand at 50%. For Thursday night, skies will be partly cloudy and temperatures will drop to around 32°F with calm winds. See more from Weather.gov.
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.
A major sporting goods store is making a play for Tysons Corner Center.
Dick’s House of Sport is on track to open at the mall in fall 2027, Doug Healey, property owner and developer Macerich’s senior executive vice president for leasing, told investors during an earnings call on Feb. 18.
