Countywide

After seeking to pressure localities to work with federal immigration authorities by proposing to withhold funding, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin is now directly ordering state police and local jails to cooperate.

Youngkin signed an executive order last Thursday (Feb. 27) directing the Virginia State Police to sign an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that would create a task force with deputized troopers who can help identify and arrest undocumented individuals “who pose a risk to public safety.”


Countywide

It took nearly two decades, but last year delivered a new record passenger count to Dulles International Airport.

Just over 27.25 million passengers traveled through the airport in 2024, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) announced in late February.


News

A crash in Centreville that killed a teenager last Thursday (Feb. 27) was the result of a drunk driver, Fairfax County police say.

Officers responded at 10:28 p.m. that night to the 5600 block of Pleasant Valley Road for the two-vehicle crash.


Countywide
People walking down Whitehead Street in Fairfax City (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Man Charged With Murder for Chantilly Shooting — Douglas Sommer, an 88-year-old man from Chantilly, has been charged with second-degree murder and using a firearm to commit a felony for allegedly fatally shooting his wife at their home last Friday (Feb. 28). Police believe the shooting occurred during an argument between the couple. [FCPD]

ICYMI: Youngkin Commutes Former FCPD Officer’s Sentence — “A former Fairfax County police officer who shot and killed a man in Tysons had his prison sentence commuted [yesterday] by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Former Sgt. Wesley Shifflett was sentenced to serve three years in state prison on Friday (Feb. 28) after being convicted of recklessly handling a firearm.” [FFXnow]

Man Who Shot at Police Sentenced to Prison — “A man who opened fire on Fairfax County police after a high-speed chase will spend the next six years in prison for his crime. The hours-long pursuit that started in Arlington when Ricardo Singleton displayed a gun at the courthouse. He raced away in a car, police said.” [NBC4]

Dulles Greenway Sues Over Nixed Toll Increase — “The owners of the Dulles Greenway last week filed a federal lawsuit seeking to strike down a Virginia law regulating toll rates on the 14-mile highway as well as the State Corporation Commission’s denial of its latest rate increase request.” [Loudoun Now]

Arlington Also Interested in Vehicle Noise Pilot — “An Arlington leader is showing interest in a pilot program to monitor noise levels from vehicles’ exhaust systems. Legislation now on Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s desk would allow localities in Northern Virginia and the Fredericksburg area to begin using automated monitoring equipment to gauge the noise levels of passing vehicles.” [ARLnow]

Construction Begins on Hybla Valley Park Changes — “The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin revitalization work at Hybla Valley Park. Contractors will mobilize on site and active construction is scheduled to begin the first week of March. Weather depending, active construction is expected to conclude by the end of summer 2025.” [FCPA]

Fairfax City Police Seek to ID Alleged Home Burglar — “On February 26th, 2025, the above pictured male was observed on a doorbell camera knocking at a home in the 3800 block of Tedrich Blvd. Later in the day, that same home was burglarized of cash and jewelry. Police are seeking assistance from the public in identifying the individual pictured above.” [City of Fairfax Police]

Fairfax County Libraries Celebrate Women’s History Month — “Throughout the month of March, Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) will honor the many women who have played an important role over the course of American history. This Women’s History Month, celebrate the lives and stories of women who have made an impact on Fairfax County and beyond with presentations, workshops, storytimes, crafts and more.” [FCPL]

It’s Monday — Expect sunny skies and a high of around 45 today, with light and variable wind becoming northwest around 6 mph in the morning. Tonight, the skies will be mostly clear and the temperature will drop to a low of around 31, accompanied by a south wind of 3 to 6 mph. [NWS]


Event

Join Breast Cancer Collective for the 2026 Walk to Bust Cancer on Sunday, October 18, at Fort Hunt Park in Alexandria.
Walk alongside survivors, caregivers, friends, families, and neighbors for an uplifting community event supporting access to breast cancer screening and care across the DMV.
Walk to Bust Cancer brings our community together to turn hope into action and help expand access to timely breast health care. Register to walk, gather your team, and join us at Fort Hunt Park.


News

A former Fairfax County police officer who shot and killed a man in Tysons had his prison sentence commuted tonight (Sunday) by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Former Sgt. Wesley Shifflett was sentenced to serve three years in state prison on Friday (Feb. 28) after being convicted of recklessly handling a firearm.


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 — Feb 28, 2025.

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

  • Fairfax officials reject blame for collapse of Prince William’s Route 28 bypass project (27375 views)
  • New eateries and more changes expected at Merrifield’s Mosaic District (17887 views)
  • Fairfax County leaders see no easy solution for school funding needs (9142 views)
  • Motorcyclist killed in Route 28 crash near I-66 in Centreville (7472 views)
  • Owner seeks to replace ‘obsolete’ Fairfax Ridge office building with housing (7025 views)
  • Gov. Youngkin unveils new job portal as federal workforce layoffs hit Virginia (4818 views)
  • Public safety agencies face significant cuts in proposed Fairfax County budget (4697 views)
  • Rooftop bar to open at Reston Town Center’s Marriott hotel this weekend (4319 views)
  • Person taken to hospital after large house fire in Vienna (4156 views)
  • CVS Pharmacy to close over 30-year-old Vienna store this spring (3658 views)
  • NEW: Tree clear-cutting along W&OD Trail alarms local officials and residents (3435 views)
  • Smallest and largest homes sold in Fairfax County (January 2025) (3344 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 partly sunny skies to transition to full sun with a high around 59 and breezy conditions. Southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph will shift to northwest at 19 to 24 mph in the morning, potentially gusting up to 39 mph. Saturday night will be clear and blustery, with lows near 24 and northwest winds at 17 to 23 mph, gusting up to 37 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.

    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. 👋


    News

    The former Fairfax County police officer who fatally shot Timothy McCree Johnson outside Tysons Corner Center in February 2023 has been sentenced to three years in prison.

    Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge Randy Bellows sentenced former sergeant Wesley Shifflett to five years of incarceration today (Friday) with two years suspended, the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office announced.


    News

    Two teenagers are facing criminal charges after reportedly brandishing a gun at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School in Woodlawn yesterday (Thursday).

    Officers responded to the school at 4015 Fielding Street at 2:53 p.m. after “several” students reported seeing two men on the property, one of whom displayed a gun, the Fairfax County Police Department says.


    News

    Fairfax County is seeking community input to help preserve the Peake Family Cemetery, a historically significant burial site in Hybla Valley’s Gum Springs neighborhood.

    The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) will begin restoration efforts this spring as part of its initiative to protect historic cemeteries across the county.