News

The Braddock District’s newest representative on the Fairfax County School Board has officially taken office.

Tom Dannan, who defeated GOP-endorsed Saundra Davis earlier this month, was formally sworn in prior to last night’s board meeting. He replaces Rachna Sizemore Heizer, and will serve the remainder of a term that ends in 2027.


Countywide

Fairfax County staff have revised language in the proposed Active Transportation and Trails Plan in an effort to smooth out friction between advocates for pedestrians/bicyclists and environmental issues.

The Fairfax County Planning Commission on Wednesday night (March 18) reviewed the proposed changes and recommended approval of the new plan by the Board of Supervisors when the issue is addressed in May.


Opinion

Fairfax County has an abundance of lawn care companies ready to pull weeds, spread mulch and mow grass, among other maintenance services.

Here are the nominees for “Best Lawn Care Service around 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 3.

Voting for the Best Landscapers in Fairfax County is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, March 27 at 8:30 a.m.

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

  1. Superb Maids DC
  2. The Maids in Fairfax
  3. Maid Bright

Countywide

A new center for teens struggling with addiction and their mental health has opened in Chantilly.

Government officials and community members gathered yesterday at the Northern Virginia Adolescent Treatment Center for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The 16-bedroom facility — located 4211 Walney Road, near a county-run detox center that serves adults — will offer residential, medically managed detox services to youth patients from throughout the region beginning next Tuesday (March 24).


Event

Red Wine, Explained: Tannin, Body & Alcohol

Looking for a fun night out with friends, a unique date night, or a chance to meet new people? Join us at Wine Junction in McLean for a relaxed, approachable wine class featuring a guided tasting of red wines and light bites.


Around Town

Herndon will welcome a new watering hole today, complete with its own selection of craft brews.

Hawkley Brewing will open at noon at 257 Sunset Park Drive in the Sunset Business Park — the former space of Juicy Brewing Company, which closed last year.


News

The Federal Communications Commission announced yesterday (Thursday) that it has approved local television giant Nexstar Media Group’s $6.2 billion takeover of Tysons-based rival Tegna.

Earlier that same day, Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones and his counterparts in seven other states filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Sacramento, California, arguing that the merger will illegally reduce competition in journalism and the broadcasting industry while resulting in increased prices and worker layoffs.


Countywide
A robin stands on a mound of dirt and leaves in the middle of Wolftrap Creek in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

One Injured in Bailey’s Crossroads Shooting — “Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) officers responded [on Thursday, March 19] to a shooting in the 5500 block of Seminary Road and found one man who had been shot in the lower body area. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. FCPD said another victim was found, but they were not harmed.” [DC News Now]

Video Shows Mantua Police Shooting — “The Fairfax County Police Department has released the body-worn camera footage from the police-involved shooting at an apartment in Fairfax on Feb. 23.” By the time police arrived, “Chhatra Thapa, 54, had already stabbed his wife, Binda, and daughter, Mamta, and was in the process of stabbing Mamta’s husband, Santosh Basnet.” [Annandale Today]

Partisan Split on Redistricting Referendum — “Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, a Democrat representing part of Fairfax County, said he thinks the referendum will pass, but told WTOP’s Nick Iannelli, ‘It’s going to be close.’ … Former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, a Republican, however, has been a staunch opponent of the referendum and overall push for redistricting.” [WTOP]

Higher Gas Prices Could Drive More to Metro — “Rising gas prices – as well as a drop in crime – have Metro preparing for more people to potentially choose to ride Metro or take the bus instead of driving … Metro General Manager Randy Clarke said the system welcomes additional riders.” [NBC Washington]

McLean Startup Seeks Site for Innovation Center — Claros Inc. is developing a power management system and supply chips for data centers that could help cut down on their energy costs. Aiming to test the products with the company’s first customer by early 2027, CEO Daniel Kultran is “in talks with George Mason University, Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia” for a new space since its current office in McLean “can’t support the required power draw.” [Washington Business Journal]

Local Author’s Books Set for TV Adaptation — “Fans of Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan books can soon see the story brought to life on TV. Tina Fey and Lang Fisher will adapt the books for a Peacock series. The popular adult mystery series is set in Northern Virginia.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Trout Derby Returns to Herndon — “The Town of Herndon will host its annual Kids Trout Fishing Derby on March 21 from 8 a.m. to noon. This family-friendly tradition allows kids ages 2 to 15 to try their hand at trout fishing. The event is held along the Sugarland Run stream, behind the Herndon Police Station.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Metro to Celebrate 50 Years — “We’re celebrating 50 YEARS serving the DMV with a special ride you don’t want to miss! Tell us what Metro means to you (via comment or DM) for a chance to join us on an exclusive trip Fri, March 27. We’ll have special giveaways, music, & more! Enter by March 24 at 12 pm.” [WMATA/Bluesky]

It’s Friday — Expect scattered showers after 2 pm with increasing clouds and a high near 68°F. Showers are likely Friday night, mainly between 8 pm and 2 am, with mostly cloudy skies and a low around 49°F. Chance of precipitation goes up from 30% during the day to 60% at night. [NWS]


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 19, 2026.

📅 Upcoming events

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

🌦️ Friday’s forecast

Expect scattered showers after 5 pm, with increasing clouds and a high of about 67°F. South winds will pick up to 8-13 mph, with gusts up to 26 mph. There is a 30% chance of precipitation. Friday night will bring scattered showers and thunderstorms before 8 pm, becoming more likely until 2 am, while the sky turns partly cloudy and the temperature drops to around 48°F. Southwest winds will be 7-10 mph, with gusts up to 18 mph, and a 60% chance of rain, with rainfall between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, higher in thunderstorms. 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

An assistant track coach at Hayfield Secondary School will be dismissed after he was arrested today (Thursday) on child pornography charges, police say.

Richard Huerta, 28, of Kingstowne came to the attention of the Fairfax County Police Department when its Child Exploitation Unit detectives received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children indicating he “may be in possession” of child sexual abuse material, according to a press release.