A former White House attorney during President Donald Trump’s first term has been charged after police say he attacked an opponent during a pick-up hockey game in Springfield.
Christopher Koehler Grieco first struck the victim in the head with his hockey stick, knocking him to the ground, before he “continued the assault,” according to a criminal complaint filed in Fairfax County General District Court.
Residents have started to return to the Centreville neighborhood that was evacuated last week after a gas leak fueled an explosion and fire that consumed one home.
As of noon yesterday (Sunday), Washington Gas has restored service to 44 homes determined to be clear for re-entry, 42 of which have seen occupants return, the utility said in an afternoon update.
For nearly three decades, one event has united Fort Belvoir’s sprawling community of soldiers, families, retirees and civilian employees like no other: Oktoberfest. This September, the tradition continues — and grows — with the 28th Annual Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest, running September 24–27 at a brand-new location, Pullen Field, 9625 Middleton Road, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Hosted by Fort Belvoir Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), the four-day festival is the installation’s largest annual event and one of the most beloved in the Northern Virginia military community. Best of all? General admission is free — no tickets required to walk through the gates and enjoy four days of German tradition.
Whether you’re a polka devotee, a carnival enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates a good bratwurst, the schedule has you covered. The fest kicks off Thursday, September 24 (6–10 p.m.) with live performances from the Fritz Polka Band and the Sepp Walzer Fest Band. Friday (4–11 p.m.) brings an expanded lineup, including a captivating performance by the Alt-Washingtonia Schuhplattler Verein, a traditional German folk dance group, alongside more live music and DJ sets.
Saturday (noon–11 p.m.) is the festival’s longest day, featuring a full rotation of performers including Johnny Koenig and Leroy Burks, plus special contests (more on those below). The celebration wraps up on Sunday, September 27 — Military Appreciation Day (noon–8 p.m.) — with a fitting send-off honoring the men and women who make this community what it is. All Active Duty Military and their dependents can purchase a carnival wristband for $27. Must present valid Active Duty Military ID Card for discounted wristband.
Longtime attendees will notice a few exciting additions in 2026. The festival is making its debut at Pullen Field, adjacent to the Bowling Center — a new venue that opens up even more options for a full day out, including bowling and American cuisine for anyone looking for a break from the German revelry.
The crowd-favorite Stein Holding Contest (ages 18+) and Costume Contest (all ages, with Dirndl & Lederhosen and Kinder categories) return on both Saturday and Sunday inside the fest tent. And in a thoughtful new addition, the event will feature a dedicated sensory area for families who need a quieter moment away from the excitement — a small but meaningful touch that reflects MWR’s commitment to serving the whole community.
Authentic German cuisine, specialty food trucks, beer on tap, and Oktoberfest merchandise — including Bavarian mugs, glass boots and traditional hats — round out the experience. Carnival rides are available for a separate ticket fee, purchased on-site.
The event is open to active duty personnel, retirees, civilian federal employees and their guests. Parking is free and in lots surrounding the event. Members of the general public may attend as sponsored guests. Because the festival is held on the installation, all visitors must plan for gate access in advance. Non-DoD ID holders aged 18 and older need a sponsored visitor pass and should submit their applications at least 72 hours before arriving. The Visitor Control Center at Tulley Gate can assist with questions. For access details, visit https://home.army.mil/belvoir/about/installation-access
For the latest updates on food vendors, entertainment and access details, visit belvoir.armymwr.com.
Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest is presented by USAA, with support from Wegmans, Potomac Music, First Command, Brain Treatment Center and Embassy Suites by Hilton, Springfield. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Army or Fort Belvoir.
County Government Closed by Weather — “Fairfax County Government offices are closed Monday, Feb. 23. Emergency administrative leave is granted for county employees not designated as emergency personnel. Emergency personnel should report as scheduled.” Courts and libraries are closed, and Fairfax Connector will provide holiday weekday service levels. [Fairfax County Emergency Information]
Street Race Closes McLean Intersection — An apparent street race led police to shut down the intersection of Georgetown Pike and Dolley Madison Blvd in McLean early yesterday (Sunday) morning. While a pedestrian was initially believed to have been struck by one of the drivers, no injuries were ultimately reported. [DMV Live/X]
U.S. Attorney Hired, Then Fired — “The federal judges in the Eastern District of Virginia unanimously appointed longtime litigator James W. Hundley to serve as interim U.S. attorney on Friday, and the Justice Department almost immediately fired him, continuing a clash over control of one of the country’s highest-profile prosecutor’s offices.” A former Fairfax County prosecutor, Hundley co-founded the firm Briglia Hundley in Tysons. [Washington Post]
Contractor Signs Reston Station Lease — Amentum, an engineering and technology firm currently based in Chantilly, has signed a lease for 45,000 square feet of office space at Reston Station. The company plans to relocate its headquarters “early next year into 1900 Reston Metro Plaza, a 365K SF glass office tower that also houses Google. The new headquarters will also include a technology showcase for Amentum’s clients.” [Bisnow]
Potomac Spill Raises Environmental Concerns — “The Potomac accident is among the largest sewage spills in U.S. history, and it highlights a chronic problem facing communities around the United States, says Gussie Maguire, Maryland staff scientist at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.” Sewage overflows could increasingly become a challenge, as climate change leads to more intense storms that then strain aging infrastructure. [NPR]
Fairfax Connector Changes Proposed — “Fairfax Connector seeks public comment on proposed service changes for several routes, including routes 401 and 402, which go through Annandale. The changes will be discussed at two virtual meetings on Feb. 24 at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.” If approved, the changes would take effect on June 27. [Annandale Today]
Legislators Weigh A.I. Regulations — “Legislators in Richmond are looking to put some limits on the growth of artificial intelligence, but an executive order from President Donald Trump” threatening to withhold funds for broadband internet expansion from states that impose regulations could stymie changes. Among the bills still under consideration is one from state Sen. Saddam Salim (D-37) that would require disclaimers for political ads that use A.I. [WVTF]
FCPS Hosts Adaptive Baseball Clinic — “The gym at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in the Alexandria section of Fairfax County, Virginia, was packed Saturday as 25 young athletes with disabilities took part in the school’s first adaptive baseball clinic. The event was hosted by the school’s varsity baseball team and led by Andrew Haydon, a 17-year-old junior who created it.” [WTOP]
New Legal Notice — Clarity is applying for a restaurant alcohol license for its new location at Reston Town Center: wine, beer, mixed; 30-day objections. [Public Notices]
It’s Monday — Snow is likely mainly before 1pm and it will be cloudy with a high temperature around 39°F. Expect a breezy northwest wind of 17 to 20 mph, gusting up to 33 mph, and a 40% chance of precipitation. For Monday night, the sky will transition from mostly cloudy to mostly clear, as the temperature drops to around 23°F. The northwest wind will continue at 14 to 17 mph, gusting as high as 26 mph. [NWS]
After initially planning a two-hour delay, Fairfax County Public Schools has now canceled classes tomorrow (Monday) as snow has begun to accumulate across the D.C. region.
“Due to the worsening weather conditions, and after careful consideration, all FCPS schools and central offices will now be closed Monday, February 23, 2026,” FCPS said in an update issued shortly after 6:20 p.m.
Event location
Bluemont Park
601 N Manchester St
Arlington, Virginia 22205
Join Comunidad for its Annual 5Dollar5K—a fun, family-friendly race that brings neighbors together in support of local children, teens, and families in Falls Church and Arlington. Run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, and bring the little ones for a special Kids’ Dash! Registration is just $5, and children ages 12 and under participate for free. Comunidad is a community development organization based in the Seven Corners area of Falls Church. We hope you'll join us and together help us build comunidad!
Just when the snow and ice from the last winter storm has mostly cleared, another is making its way toward the D.C. region.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the area, including Fairfax County, starting at 3 p.m. tomorrow (Sunday). The alert is currently scheduled to remain in effect until 10 a.m. Monday (Feb. 23).
Good Friday 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 20, 2026.
Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.
Here is what’s going on Saturday throughout the county, from our event calendar.
Here are the events planned for Sunday:
The weather will transition from mostly cloudy to sunny with a high around 53°F and a light northwest wind at 6 mph. Overnight, there’s a 50% chance of rain, possibly mixing with snow after 4am, as clouds increase and the temperature drops to around 34°F. Expect a light northeast wind. See more from Weather.gov.
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. 👋
The Town of Herndon has closed Harding Park and is in the process of replacing the playground, among other improvements.
A groundbreaking was held Tuesday (Feb. 17) at Harding Park (749 Van Buren Street), Town of Herndon spokesperson Reid Okoniewski told FFXnow.
Fairfax County would overhaul its plan for funding facility renovations and other capital projects with bonds under the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget plan presented by County Executive Bryan Hill earlier this week.
Some projects have been deferred, others shifted to Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (EDA) bonds, and still others eliminated from the bond schedule entirely.
Fairfax County could benefit economically from a casino-anchored development, but the numbers might be more modest than previously shared projections, an internal review by the county suggests.
A Fairfax County casino would produce an estimated $313.6 million in gaming revenue, delivering $62.1 million in local and state taxes, the county’s Department of Management and Budget said in a summary of a feasibility study it commissioned from the consultant MuniCap.
