News

Fairfax County planners are fine with a Maryland developer jettisoning retail options for two all-residential buildings at Kingstowne Towne Center near Alexandria.

At its March 18 meeting, the Fairfax County Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of Halle Companies’ proposal to convert a parking lot into 646 units at the shopping center.


Around Town

The Labubu craze is coming to Tysons Corner Center, where it will no doubt be greeted by avid collectors and befuddled observers alike.

Pop Mart, the Chinese toy company best known for its popular line of grinning, bunny-eared monster dolls, is planning to open a retail store at the mall, its second in the D.C. region following a launch in Pentagon City last November.


Countywide
Blossom Bash attendees can pose with and plant seeds in a community garden during the festival at Tysons Corner Center on March 29, 2026 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

One Injured in Centreville House Fire — Fairfax County firefighters responded to the 13300 block of Regal Crest Drive at 1:23 p.m. yesterday (Sunday) after receiving “multiple reports of a single-family home on fire … One civilian was transported with non-life- threatening injuries. There were no firefighter injuries.” [FCFRD/Facebook]

Hundreds Participate in ‘No Kings’ Protests — “The ‘No Kings’ movement made its way to Northern Virginia Saturday, where dozens of protests were held. Hundreds of people took to the streets in Alexandria, Fairfax, Springfield, and other communities across the Commonwealth to rally against the Trump administration’s policies.” Rallies were also held in D.C., where protestors mingled with National Cherry Blossom Festival attendees. [NBC4]

Limited Action by Va. on Tax Bills — “Dozens of bills that could have increased taxes for Virginians were introduced at the start of the 2026 General Assembly session. A handful of statewide measures survived the session cull and are headed to Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s desk,” including taxes related to the legalization of retail marijuana sales and fantasy and skill gaming. [Cardinal News]

Carvana Exploring Springfield Dealership — “Tempe, Arizona-based Carvana is exploring the takeover of a 20,000-square-foot shuttered car dealership [at 6570 Amherst Avenue] in Springfield for a new sales operation, according to paperwork filed with county planning staff.” The company primarily sells vehicles online, but it also has “vending machine towers” in Gaithersburg and Richmond, and operates a storage yard and warehouse on Alban Road in Newington. [Washington Business Journal]

Va. Rejoins Multistate Voter Roll System — “Prominent voting rights advocates are applauding a new executive order returning Virginia to a multistate voter roll program and limiting when voters can be removed from the rolls before elections.” Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s executive order, signed last week, reversed a 2023 decision by her predecessor, Glenn Youngkin, to leave the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC). [ARLnow]

Woman Honored for Mount Vernon Slavery Memorial — The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association recently honored Leesburg native Sheila Coates for advocating for George Washington’s Mount Vernon to recognize the lives of the people enslaved on the plantation. “A memorial was designed and installed. And the annual October wreath-laying ceremony started in 1983 was made permanent thanks to Coates’ persistence.” [NBC4]

N. Va. Restauranteurs Share Fave Spots — “We asked NoVA’s top culinary talent where they eat when they’re off the clock. From fine dining to ice cream that’s worthy of a special occasions, this is where chefs eat.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Award for Rec Center Energy Upgrades — “The Fairfax County Park Authority was honored with a Governor’s Environmental Award in recognition of its energy upgrades at the Spring Hill Rec Center on March 24 at the Environment Virginia Symposium in Richmond. The awards program recognizes successful and innovative efforts that improve Virginia’s environment.” [FCPA]

It’s Monday — Expect a 40% chance of showers, with partly sunny skies and a high near 69°F. Winds will come from the southwest at around 14 mph, with gusts reaching up to 24 mph. Monday night will be mostly cloudy, with a 30% chance of showers after 2 a.m. and a low around 59°F. Southwest winds will blow at about 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. [NWS]


Announcement

There’s something a little bit magical about picking up a foil for the first time — or drawing back a bow and watching your arrow fly true. It’s why fencing and archery have such a hold on kids and adults alike: real focus, real skill, and a thrill you don’t get from the usual sports lineup.

This fall, Nova Fencing & Archery Club in Bailey’s Crossroads is opening registration for both, with beginner classes for every age starting the week of September 12th. Fencing welcomes ages 7 to 12 and teens and adults 13 and up. Explore Archery, coached by USA Archery certified instructors, welcomes ages 8 to 12 and meets Tuesdays or Saturdays. And for our youngest fencers, ages 4 to 6, ABC’s of Fencing meets on Saturdays. All classes run eight sessions for $195, equipment provided, no experience needed — yes, even for grown-ups who’ve never held a sword or a bow before.


Around Town

Good Friday 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 27, 2026.

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  • DEVELOPING: One hospitalized after teen brawl at South Lakes Village Center (9631 views)
  • FCPD busts vape shop drug ring, seizes $2 million in narcotics (5063 views)
  • TikTok pastor claimed ‘evil spirit’ was in woman before Merrifield sexual assault, police say (4976 views)
  • Multiple people attacked by rabid cat in Huntington area (4242 views)
  • NOW: Fallen tree takes out power line in Reston, closing Hunter Mill Road (4187 views)
  • UPDATED: FCPS to investigate Fairfax HS groping allegations, as more victims emerge (3555 views)
  • Dulles Airport’s incoming Concourse E set for another major step forward (3466 views)
  • Parents worry FCPS too ‘cavalier’ about screen time for students (3115 views)
  • County buys Chantilly property for mental health treatment expansion (2852 views)
  • Four arrested in connection with Bailey’s Crossroads shooting (2847 views)
  • More housing approved for McLean from office redevelopment, new subdivision (2793 views)
  • At Tysons rally, labor groups press Spanberger to sign Fairfax casino bill (2618 views)
  • First-ever McLean Restaurant Week to offer promotions next month (2587 views)
  • 📅 Upcoming events

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

    Here are the events planned for Sunday:

    ☀️ Saturday’s forecast

    Expect sunny conditions today with a high near 49 degrees and a northwest wind blowing at 11 to 14 mph, with gusts up to 26 mph. Saturday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 31 degrees and the northwest wind decreasing to 5 mph before becoming calm later in the evening. 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.

    We hope you have a great weekend! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋


    Event

    Clear Out. Shred Securely. Give Back.
    Sept. 19th | from 9-12 | Bring your unwanted documents to be securely shredded on-site by Priority 1 Shredding while helping support our local community!

    Join Us To:
    ~Securely shred your unwanted documents
    ~Protect your personal information
    ~Help care for our environment
    ~Make a donation to help those in need
    Non – Perishable Food or Personal Care Donations are welcome and appreciated!


    News

    Fairfax County police are investigating a fight at the South Lakes Village Center in Reston that ended with one teen in the hospital.

    Officers were dispatched shortly after 2 p.m. on Friday (March 27) to the Sunoco gas station at 11190 South Lakes Drive for an incident initially reported as a stabbing, according to the police scanner.


    Countywide

    The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors could soon receive a staff proposal on potentially consolidating “placemaking groups” that promote either the county as a whole or specific communities in it.

    County Executive Bryan Hill said he expects to detail his proposals to elected officials later this spring.


    News

    Fairfax County officials are seeking public feedback on a proposed walkway along Idylwood Road to improve pedestrian and bicycle access.

    The project will replace existing sidewalk and asphalt trail segments to form a continuous walkway along the northwest side of the road, extending about 100 feet of sidewalk east of Idylwood Court and 170 feet of trail west of Hillside Drive.


    Opinion

    Whether they’re crawling, flying or scurrying, pests can cause serious damage to a home or business. Luckily, Fairfax County has professionals who can step in to clear them out.

    Here are the nominees for “Best Pest Control Company in Fairfax County” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. See your favorite business below? If not, write them in!

    Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, April 10.

    Voting for the Best Lawn Care Service in Fairfax County is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, April 3 at 8:30 a.m.

    Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Landscapers in Fairfax County. The results are now official:

    1. Wheat’s Landscape
    2. Craig’s Lawn Care
    3. Independence Landscape

    Around Town

    South Block’s expansion to seemingly every corner of Fairfax County will continue tomorrow (Saturday) with its debut in Burke.

    The homegrown juice and smoothie chain will open at the Burke Centre Shopping Center (5765D Burke Centre Parkway) with an all-day block party, highlighted by free mini warrior acai bowls for the first 100 customers in line.