Countywide
People cross Market Street in Reston Town Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Racist Graffiti Reported in Burke — “Fairfax County police are investigating racist and antisemitic graffiti spray painted near a school bus stop in Burke, Virginia. The graffiti was discovered Wednesday morning on utility boxes and neighborhood signs at the corner of Burke Centre Parkway and Wheaton Drive.” [NBC4]

Regional Leaders Seek to Step Up Response to Trump Admin — “After weeks of playing defense, some D.C.-area leaders are now considering a more aggressive approach to the Trump administration.” Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw stressed at a COG meeting that the region needs to “continue to fight.” [ARLnow]

Police Seek Tips in Missing Woman Case — “City of Fairfax Police are asking the public’s help in locating Amanda L. Childess. She has not been heard from since she disappeared on March 6, 2022 under suspicious circumstances. Investigators have gathered evidence that indicates Childess may have been the victim of foul play, according to police.” [Patch]

Relief Available for Businesses Affected by Drought — “Fairfax County small businesses hit by last July’s drought still have time to get help. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest loans to businesses suffering financial losses, but you must apply before April 7, 2025.” [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

Court Renovations Coming to Wakefield Park — “The Fairfax County Park Authority plans to renovate the tennis and pickleball courts at Wakefield Park in Annandale and expand the number of dedicated pickleball courts. Construction is expected to begin in early April.” [Annandale Today]

Free Lyft Rides Offered for St. Patrick’s Day — “The Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) is offering free Lyfts this Saturday, March 15, through Monday, March 17. WRAP’s 2025 St. Patrick’s Day SoberRide program hopes to prevent drunk driving throughout the area.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Agreement to Preserve Historic Oakton Schoolhouse — “On March 7, 2025, the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Greater Oakton Community Association officially finalized a Memorandum of Agreement to support the historic Oakton Schoolhouse … Under the MOA, GOCA will use the Oakton Schoolhouse for events, meetings, rentals, historical presentations, classes, theater productions and educational programs.” [FCPA]

It’s Friday — Patchy fog will dissipate by 9am, leading to initially cloudy conditions that will gradually become mostly sunny with the temperature reaching around 59. For Friday night, patchy fog will return after 3am. The sky will see increasing clouds, and temperatures will drop to around 44. [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 13, 2025.

📅 Upcoming events

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

  • No events today. Have one to promote? Submit it to the calendar.

☀️ Friday’s forecast

Patchy fog is expected to clear by 9am, making way for gradually clearing skies and a mostly sunny day with a high near 59. Morning winds will be light and variable, shifting southeast at 5 to 7 mph. For Friday night, patchy fog returns after 4am and clouds will increase, with a low around 44 and a steady southeast wind at 7 mph. 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.


Countywide

The General Assembly has given the green light for state researchers to launch studies on removing books in public school libraries, the funding methodology used to determine judicial allocations and the total cost of coastal storm risk management.

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, which conducts analysis and provides oversight of state agencies on behalf of the legislature, is responsible for the studies. Research completed by JLARC often prompts new legislative proposals and changes to governance.


Countywide

Land currently zoned for industrial use across Fairfax County could be converted to residential zoning in an effort to bring more housing stock to the county.

As part of a larger “Plan Forward” initiative started in 2022, Department of Planning and Development (DPD) staff have proposed amending the county’s comprehensive plan to allow more flexibility for industrial land to turn into residential development, while also retaining some designated industrial areas.


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.


Countywide

George Mason University (GMU) Board of Visitors approved a resolution late last month aimed at combatting antisemitism, despite concerns about language that opponents fear could restrict free speech on the public school’s campuses.

Debate at the board’s meeting on Feb. 27 highlighted grey areas where the policy could be used as a cudgel against pro-Palestinian protestors and crack down on discussions about the ongoing conflict in Gaza.


News

An Alexandria man was arrested last weekend after he allegedly attempted to sexually assault a woman in Hybla Valley.

According to the Fairfax County Police Department, the woman was walking in the area in the early morning of Sunday, March 9 “when an unknown man approached her in a vehicle.”


News

For students looking to freshen up their look for an upcoming school dance, Reston Community Center (RCC) has you covered.

The community center will bring back its annual Diva Central Formal and Prom Dress Giveaway for a 23rd year on Saturday, March 22. The one-day-only event at RCC Lake Anne (1609-A Washington Plaza North) offers students an opportunity to pick out formal clothes and accessories for free.


Countywide

By the end of this month, local residents should have a better idea of options on the table, as regional leaders attempt to find dedicated funding streams for transit service in the D.C. area.

“We do expect information to be shared” at the next meeting of the DMV Moves task force, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) Executive Director Kate Mattice told the commission’s board at a meeting last Thursday (March 6).


Around Town

McLean’s newest restaurant leaves little doubt about its inspiration, with a sign above its front entrance that identifies her in bold black letters.

Owner Supisa “Boom” Teawbut developed Sorn Thai to honor her grandmother, who passed away two years ago but left behind a trove of recipes that will serve as the centerpiece of the restaurant’s menu.