morning notes

Murder Charge in Hybla Valley Stabbing — The man identified by Fairfax County police as a person of interest in a woman’s death at a Hybla Valley bus stop on Monday (Feb. 23) has now been arrested and charged with second-degree murder. The woman, Stephanie Minter, 41, of Fredericksburg, was found “with multiple stab wounds to the upper body,” police say. [FCPD]

Trump Hosts Meetings on Dulles Redesign — President Donald “Trump earlier this month hosted about a half-dozen infrastructure and construction companies in the Oval Office, with executives taking turns pitching the president and Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy on their proposals to overhaul the Washington-area airport.” The president reportedly convened companies for another meeting yesterday (Wednesday) “to hear updated proposals.” [Washington Post]

Man Sentenced for Attempting to Coerce Minor — “A Canadian man who admitted to traveling from Toronto to Virginia last June to engage in sex with a minor girl was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday to 10 years in prison, according to authorities.” The 54-year-old man contacted a person online whom he believed was a 15-year-old girl but was actually an undercover detective with the Fairfax County Police Department. [Patch]

Spanberger Highlights Affordability Challenges — Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivered Democrats’ 12-minute rebuttal to Trump’s 107-minute State of the Union address on Tuesday (Feb. 24), “accusing him of driving up the costs of housing, health care, energy and groceries, unleashing chaos in American communities and deepening instability abroad — all while enriching himself and his allies.” [Virginia Mercury]

National Airport Reports Dip in Passengers — “Reagan National Airport recorded its lowest annual passenger count in three years in 2025, even as Dulles International Airport set an all-time record. Just under 24.9 million passengers traveled through DCA last year, down 5.3% from 26.3 million in 2024, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA)” reported on Tuesday. [ARLnow]

Student Nonprofit Supports Kids in Need — “As sophomores at Langley High School, Sophie Li and Lily Zhang began to notice significant inequities within their Fairfax County neighborhoods — disparities that inspired them to launch a nonprofit supporting students at the county’s Title I schools.” Launched two years ago, the Rising Star Fund helps “fund summer camps, after-school programs and new school equipment.” [WTOP]

Oakton Students Visit Capitol Hill — “Oakton Government students went on their annual field trip to Capitol Hill today! Over 700 students were able to see firsthand where members of Congress work together. One group even got to hear directly from @timkaine! What a wonderful experience for all!” [Oakton High School/X]

It’s Thursday — There’s a 50% chance of rain, with snow possible before 10am. Expect mostly cloudy skies and a high temperature of about 45°F. At night, anticipate partly cloudy conditions and a low temperature near 32°F. [NWS]

Support local journalism. Join the FFXnow Press Club to boost our reporting and to get upgraded newsletters.

Call for More Sewer Funding After Potomac Spill — “Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) was among 14 members of Congress from the region who requested federal funding today (Tuesday) to rehabilitate and modernize the burst Potomac Interceptor. The delegation is also seeking additional funds for wastewater infrastructure nationwide following a recent briefing on efforts to repair the sewer line and mitigate health risks.” [ARLnow]

Man Charged With Threatening Metro Riders — A 37-year-old man was arrested on Saturday (Feb. 21) after allegedly brandishing a knife at other passengers on a Silver Line train heading from Herndon to Ashburn. “Deputies met the train at Ashburn Station and evacuated the affected train car. While on the train, deputies encountered the suspect and learned that he had also allegedly touched a 6-year-old child inappropriately.” [Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office]

Cat Cafe Open in McLean — “A nonprofit cat café, MeowTown Lounge, is holding its grand opening in McLean on Saturday, February 28, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.” Located in the Salona Village Shopping Center at 1345 Chain Bridge Road, the lounge is currently home to 14 different cats. Since its soft opening back in January, MeowTown has helped place 10 cats in their forever homes.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Town Hall Planned on Centreville Gas Leak — “The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will host a virtual Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, to provide the community with updated information regarding the recent incident in Centreville. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and will offer residents an opportunity to … learn about ongoing response and recovery efforts, and ask questions.” [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

Bill to Reduce Development Lawsuits Postponed — Del. Marcus Simon agreed to hold House Bill 447 for further deliberation over the next year after the Hanover County NAACP worried it would make it harder to challenge encroachments on historic Black neighborhoods. The bill aimed “to curb people filing lawsuits to stall housing developments by fine-tuning requirements for legal challenges against local government land use decisions.” [Virginia Mercury]

Maryland Rolls Out Beltway Sensors — “After years of testing, the Maryland State Highway Administration announced that ramp metering signals along northbound I-270 are fully operational. The new signals aim to streamline merging and cut morning commutes by up to 30 minutes.” [WUSA9]

How ICE Activities Shaped Virginia Bills — “As the 2026 General Assembly session began, state Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim (D–Fairfax) introduced bills to put restrictions on federal immigration enforcement in Virginia, framing them as a response to the growing fear in immigrant communities.” While Democratic leaders were initially hesitant to center the bills, they gained urgency as ICE activities increased across the country. [VPM Media]

Springfield Gas Station to Add Convenience Store — “Demolition is expected to start in about two weeks on a project at the Ravensworth Shell service station to convert the auto repair shop to a convenience store. The auto repair business closed on Feb. 22.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Wednesday — There’s a slight chance of rain between 8 and 10am. The sky will transition from mostly cloudy to sunny, and the temperature will reach a high near 55. Night will be partly cloudy with a low around 37, as the west wind shifts to 5 to 7 mph and becomes calm after midnight. [NWS]

There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.

Woman Found Dead in Hybla Valley — Fairfax County police are investigating the death of a woman who was found with wounds to her upper body near a bus stop at Richmond Highway and Arlington Drive around 7:20 p.m. yesterday (Monday). “Call 911 with info,” police said. [FCPD/X]

Va. Could End Data Center Tax Breaks — Senate Democrats proposed ending a sales tax exemption for data centers to fund the state budget for the next two fiscal years, while their counterparts in the House of Delegates Senate “put forth more modest spending for key items.” Both plans would fill gaps left by the federal government for food assistance benefits and Affordable Care Act subsidies, among other priorities. [VPM Media]

Progress on Potomac Pipeline Repairs — “Work to repair the collapsed section of the Potomac Interceptor is moving ahead, and with help from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, D.C. Water crews are working to stay on track toward restoring full flow by mid-March.” [WTOP]

Economic Development Leader Plans Exit — “The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) Commission announced [yesterday] that President and CEO Victor Hoskins will be returning to the private sector this fall” after leading the organization for six years. FCEDA board chair James Quigley told the Washington Business Journal that the authority is planning a “pretty aggressive local search” for a successor, who is expected to be announced later this year. [FCEDA]

Senators Hint at Bill to Reduce DCA Flights — “Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine are throwing their support behind the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) final report into the January 2025 midair collision near” Reagan National Airport, saying in a statement that they “will be working on legislation to reduce slots at DCA and meet the NTSB’s other safety recommendations.” [ARLnow]

Poll on Gun Laws and Redistricting — “A new statewide poll shows most Virginians support stricter gun laws and favor keeping the commonwealth’s current redistricting system, even as many question whether tougher firearms restrictions would make them safer and express deep dissatisfaction with the direction of the country.” [Virginia Mercury]

Pizzeria Opens in Lincolnia — “Pizzato Pizza, a brand-new casual eatery at Landmark Plaza, offers some innovative pizza varieties, such as butter chicken pizza, vodka crispy chicken pizza, and chicken tikka pizza. It’s located in a former Pizza Hut at 6226 Little River Turnpike, Lincolnia.” [Annandale Today]

Fairfax Senator Dropped From Key Committee — “The Virginia Senate shuffled key committee assignments Friday following Sen. Adam Ebbin’s departure to join the Spanberger administration, triggering a shake-up that included Sen. Dave Marsden’s, D-Fairfax, removal from the powerful Finance and Appropriations Committee and Sen. Bryce Reeves’, R-Orange, ouster from Commerce and Labor.” [Virginia Scope]

GMU Launches Teaching Scholarships — “George Mason University’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) has announced a new Future Ready Teachers initiative” that will provide full scholarships to cover tuition and the cost-of-living for aspiring educators. “It will also provide mentorship, a three-year induction program, and preparation for technology-enabled environments.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

It’s Tuesday — Expect sunshine and a high near 39 today, accompanied by a northwest wind of 7-11 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. Moving into night, there’s a 30% chance of snow after 1 am, turning into a rain mix after 4 am. Clouds will increase, and the temperature will drop to around 32. [NWS]

Want more local news? Check out our newest sister site, WSHnow, with the latest from across the region.

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]

Post-Explosion Re-Entry Plan Released — “A re-entry plan has been established for residents on Buggy Whip Drive to re-occupy their homes” after dozens were evacuated following a natural gas-fueled explosion in Centreville on Sunday (Feb. 15). “Please complete this form with your contact information to receive re-entry updates. The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will contact you directly with next steps.” [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

Teen Charged in I-66 Hit-and-Run — “An 18-year-old is in custody after he was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run on Interstate 66 in Fairfax County.” The Manassas man has been charged with felony hit and run, unauthorized use of a vehicle and following too closely after allegedly rear-ending a Mazda near the Route 28 exit in Centreville and leaving the scene. [DC News Now]

Data Center Tax Exemptions Advance — “The Virginia House of Delegates on Tuesday passed legislation continuing billions of dollars in state tax exemptions for all qualifying new and existing data centers as long as they take a series of steps to move away from fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy.” The bill sponsored by Del. Rip Sullivan passed “roughly along party lines.” [Inside Climate News]

Spanberger Tapped for State of the Union Response — “Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address next week, just months after resoundingly winning an office previously held by a Republican. The Democratic rebuttal will immediately follow Trump’s address to Congress next Tuesday, offering the party’s most high-profile opportunity to deliver a countermessage.” [Associated Press/NBC4]

Bills Would Bump Back Absentee Ballot Deadline — “HB 82 and SB 58, introduced by Del. Adele McClure (D-2) and State Sen. Barbara Favola (D-40), respectively, call for moving the deadline from noon to 5 p.m. on the third day after an election.” Absentee ballots would still need to be postmarked by Election Day. [ARLnow]

Health Care Clinic Temporarily Moves — “The Culmore Clinic, a nonprofit that provides free and low-cost healthcare to lower-income residents of Seven Corners and Culmore, is temporarily relocating” as its home undergoes renovations ahead of a housing development project. “The clinic plans to reopen next Wednesday, Feb. 25, at Columbia Crossroads Baptist Church at 3245 Glen Carlyn Road in Bailey’s Crossroads.” [Annandale Today]

Cherry Blossoms Could Peak Later — “Peak cherry blossom bloom could arrive later than recent years thanks to D.C.’s record-breaking cold … There’s no official peak projection yet, but [National Park Service spokesperson Mike] Litterst says bloom will likely come ‘later in the season than we’ve seen for the last few years.'” [Axios DC]

Mixed Grades for Tobacco Control Policies — The D.C. region received a mixed report card, including a slate of ‘F’s’ in the American Lung Association’s 2026 State of Tobacco Control report … D.C. fared the best with a majority of A’s; Maryland had a more mixed report with an A, as well as B’s and F’s; and Virginia scored a C and four F’s.” [WAMU]

It’s Friday — Expect rain mainly before 10am, accompanied by areas of fog lasting until noon, with the high temperature reaching around 57°F. There is a 90% chance of precipitation, potentially amounting to less than a tenth of an inch. Night skies will be mostly clear, and the low temperature will be around 40°F. [NWS]

What Bills Are Still Alive in General Assembly — “The 2026 General Assembly reached its midpoint Tuesday night as lawmakers hit crossover, the session’s deadline for legislation to pass its chamber of origin and move to the other side of the state Capitol … At crossover, Democrats have moved several of their highest-profile priorities, and they approved three constitutional amendments that will appear on November’s ballot.” [Virginia Mercury]

Emergency Declared for Potomac Sewage Spill — “D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has declared local public emergency regarding the sewage spill in the Potomac River, according to the Mayor’s Office. The declaration allowed her to also make a Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration request, which could bring in federal support to help respond to the disaster.” [NBC4]

Fatal Crashes Increasing in Region — “Vehicle crashes in the D.C. region remain below pre-pandemic levels but have been rising since 2020, and crash-related fatalities have increased almost continuously since 2015, according to the findings of the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board’s 2025 Roadway Safety Study.” [WTOP]

Residents Share Thoughts on Possible Casino — “A proposal to allow Northern Virginia voters to weigh in on whether to build a casino in Fairfax County has advanced to the state’s House of Delegates. And even though the latest plan doesn’t specify Tysons as the location for the project, some community members there are still skeptical.” [WTOP]

Report on Deadly Mid-Air Crash Finalized — “A dizzying range of factors led to last year’s deadly collision between an Army helicopter and a regional jet over the Potomac River, per the final National Transportation Safety Board report out Tuesday.” Identified issues included the proximity of a helicopter route to the path airplanes use to approach Reagan National Airport, “unsustainable” traffic levels at DCA, high workloads for control tower operators and more. [Axios]

New Metro Railcars Running Late — “The next series of Metro railcars will modernize the transit agency’s fleet, but delivery of those trains could be delayed. The 8000 series is supposed to be in service in 2028, but Metro signaled it is not happy with the way the timeline stands right now.” [NBC4]

Community Center to Celebrate 20 Years — The recently reopened “Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate in Reston will celebrate its 20th anniversary this July. The center, which first opened on July 10, 2006, serves as an intergenerational hub for the community.” A community celebration will be held on Aug. 15. [Patch]

Eden Center Celebrates Lunar New Year — “The Vietnamese community celebrated the Lunar New Year at the Eden Center on Feb. 17 with a lion dance, speeches, the raising of Vietnamese and American flags, recognition of Vietnamese military veterans, and fireworks.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Thursday — Expect rain to begin mainly after 3pm with a high near 48°F. An east wind of 5 to 10mph accompanies an 80% chance of precipitation. There’s a 100% chance of rain and patchy fog at night, with a low around 42°F. New rainfall may reach a quarter to half an inch. [NWS]

Support local journalism. Join the FFXnow Press Club to boost our reporting and to get upgraded newsletters.

GW Parkway Rehab Nears Finish — “After more than two and a half years of major traffic disruptions for commuters and other drivers, the National Park Service (NPS) said it has reached ‘substantial completion’ of rehabilitation work on a northern section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.” However, additional repairs will be needed on the Route 123 bridge over the GW Parkway at the McLean exit, starting by the end of February. [WJLA]

Minimum Wage Increases Pass — “Virginia’s minimum wage is on track to continue increasing over the next two years. Two companion bills — SB1 and HB1 — have passed both chambers and are expected to go to Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D), who has indicated that she will sign them into law.” [ARLnow]

Senate Advances ICE Cooperation Limits — “The Virginia Senate on Tuesday passed a bill that would place hefty guardrails on any proposed 287(g) agreements allowing local law enforcement to carry out federal immigration functions. The bill still must go to the House … The Virginia bill is part of a growing wave of pushback against President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown by Democratic-led states.” [Associated Press/ARLnow]

Video of Springfield Mall Shooting Released — “Video shows a fight between young people that escalated into a shooting inside the Springfield Town Center mall on Friday evening. A 19-year-old was wounded, and a 17-year-old was arrested, Fairfax County’s police chief said on News4.” [NBC4]

Residents Propose Data Center Land Swap — Homeowners’ associations in Bren Mar Park opposed to a planned data center near their neighborhood have suggested that Fairfax County buy that land from the developer in exchange for a portion of the police training campus in Chantilly currently under consideration for a sale to allow a data center. The group says the Plaza 500 site would be better suited for affordable housing. [Annandale Today]

Tips for Avoiding Tax Scams — “As tax filing season ramps up, so do attempts by scammers looking to steal personal information and hard-earned money. The Fairfax County Police Department is reminding residents to stay alert and recognize the warning signs of common tax-related fraud schemes.” [FCPD]

Cannabis Retail Sales Bill Heads to Governor — “After years of clearing the General Assembly only to meet a veto, legislation to create a legal, adult-use cannabis market in Virginia passed both chambers Tuesday — this time with a governor ready to sign it and retail sales poised to begin as early as November.” [Virginia Mercury]

Fairfax City IDs Capital Project Priorities — At a work session on Tuesday, Feb. 10, Fairfax City Council and Planning Commission members discussed the combined Willard Sherwood Community Center, the Fire Station 3 replacement and a study of the city’s property yard as three projects that should be prioritized for funding in the fiscal year 2027-2031 capital improvement program. [Patch]

It’s Wednesday — There is a 20% chance of rain after 2pm, with fog expected before 9am, followed by mostly cloudy conditions and a high temperature near 58°F. Southwest winds will be 5 to 10 mph, with gusts of up to 20 mph. At night, clouds will gradually clear, leading to a low temperature around 43°F. [NWS]

There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.

Town Halls Planned on Explosion — “Fairfax County will host two town hall meetings on Tuesday, Feb. 17, for residents affected by the ongoing fire-related incident in the Centreville area. These meetings are an opportunity for community members to receive the latest updates, ask questions and hear directly from county officials.” [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

Senate Passes Fairfax County Casino Bill — “A proposal to bring a casino and entertainment district to Northern Virginia passed the state’s senate Friday, even as some Fairfax County leaders and residents criticized the idea. After a 23-14 vote, the measure will now head to the Virginia House of Delegates.” [WTOP]

Faith-Based Affordable Housing Legislation Passed — “The Senate voted 21-18 on Wednesday [Feb. 11] to pass state Sen. Jeremy McPike (D-29)’s SB 388, which would eliminate the rezoning step for faith-based organizations and other tax-exempt nonprofits to develop affordable housing on their properties. The legislation might still need final approval in the House next year, however.” [ARLnow]

Reproductive Freedom Amendment Set for Ballot — “Gov. Abigail Spanberger has signed a proposed constitutional amendment that would guarantee reproductive freedom in Virginia’s Constitution, clearing the final step before the measure heads to voters in November.” The amendment wouldn’t expand access to abortion beyond what’s currently legal, but enshrining reproductive freedom in the state’s bill of rights would make it harder to change the law in the future. [WHRO]

State Police Helped With ICE Detentions — “Virginia State Police (VSP) aided federal immigration agents in apprehending nearly 200 people between February 2025 and February of this year, when Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) ended the 287(g) agreements established under her Republican predecessor … Per a VSP spokesperson, a total of 60 of the agency’s employees were given credentials under its” agreement. [WRIC]

Police Traffic Stops Rise in Virginia — “Law enforcement officers conducted more than 1.24 million stops last year, a 7% increase from 2024, according to new data from the Virginia State Police … In raw numbers, Fairfax County recorded the highest number of stops last year, with more than 117,000 encounters, a reflection of its large population and proximity to Washington, D.C.” [Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism]

HIV Program Funding Uncertain — “The Virginia Department of Health has not yet developed a clear plan for how to manage lost services that provide wraparound care for the state’s most vulnerable residents with HIV, the state epidemiologist said Friday. Late last year, the department significantly reduced funding for” a federal program that provides medical services “for low-income residents living with HIV.” [Cardinal News]

Local Firefighter Dies After Illness — “With deep sadness, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department announces the death of Firefighter Brandon Winfield on Thursday, February 12, 2026, following a brief illness.” The fire department’s honor guard transported Winfield’s body to a funeral home during a ceremony yesterday (Monday). [FCFRD]

Franconia District Office Moving — “The process of moving the Franconia District Supervisor’s office from 6121 Franconia Road to its new location at 7130 Silver Lake Blvd has begun. Staff from my office and I will continuously serve you remotely … Unfortunately, walk-in services and community room use will not be available beginning Tuesday, February 17, 2026, through Sunday, March 15.” [The Lusk Report]

It’s Tuesday — Expect patchy fog to clear by 8am, giving way to partly sunny skies and a high near 55 with light southwest winds. As for Tuesday night, it’ll turn cloudy with a low around 43. The calm wind will gradually pick up from the south at around 5 mph after midnight. [NWS]

Want more local news? Check out our newest sister site, WSHnow, with the latest from across the region.

Scammers Impersonate Sheriff’s Office — “The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) is warning residents about a scam in which criminals are impersonating the Sheriff’s Office and attempting to gain victims’ trust through deceptive voicemail messages.” Residents have reported receiving voicemails from a “Lt. Michael McCrae from the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office. These messages often sound urgent and may reference missed jury duty, legal matters, or requests to return the call. This is a scam message. Residents should not return the call.” [FCSO]

Crash Victims’ Families Call for Aviation Reforms — “Key senators and the families of the 67 dead in an airliner collision with an Army helicopter near the nation’s capital are convinced that advanced aircraft locator systems recommended by experts for nearly two decades would have prevented last year’s tragedy.” [Associated Press/ARLnow]

Rolling Road Down to One Lane Today — “Rolling Road (Route 638) between Viola Street (Route 6010) and Birmingham Lane (Route 4153) will have one lane of alternating traffic via flagging Friday, Feb. 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for pavement work as part of the Rolling Road widening project … Drivers should expect delays and are advised to use alternate routes.” [VDOT]

Saks Fifth Avenue in Tysons Safe for Now — “Saks Global announced Tuesday that it plans to close eight Saks Fifth Avenue stores, including one in Virginia, as the retail empire moves through Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings … The Virginia Saks Fifth Avenue store slated for closure this spring is located at Stony Point Fashion Park in Richmond. As of Wednesday, the store at Tysons Galleria in McLean was not expected to close.” [Patch]

Human Services Building Still Closed — “Progress continues on repairs to the Pennino building, which was damaged last week by flooding, but the building will continue to be closed until further notice. There are several alternate ways to get assistance with services that are offered in Pennino.” [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

ER Could Replace Chantilly Deli — “CA Healthcare’s StoneSprings Hospital Center wants to establish a new freestanding emergency room in Chantilly. And they are targeting the current site of Santini’s New York Style Deli in Chantilly, The Washington Business Journal reported.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Lincolnia Bank Branch Gone — “The TD Bank on Little River Turnpike and Braddock Road next to Pinecrest Plaza has closed. The bank opened in 2017 in a space previously occupied by an Exxon gas station … TD Bank closed 38 branches in 2025 and planned to close 51 more in early 2026.” [Annandale Today]

Burger Chain Seeking N. Va. Locations — “According to a post on social media from Renaud Consulting, a commercial real estate company – Halal Burger Paradise is looking for new retail opportunities. Its ideal space is between 1,000 s.f.–2,000 s.f. and it’s targeting not just Sterling, Chantilly, and Fairfax, but also Springfield, and Manassas.” [The Burn]

It’s Friday — Expect sunshine and a high of 39°F accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 7 to 10 mph, gusting up to 20 mph. For Friday night, the skies will be mostly clear, and temperatures will drop to a low of around 28°F, with a gentle southwest breeze. [NWS]

Support local journalism. Join the FFXnow Press Club to boost our reporting and to get upgraded newsletters.

Person Killed in I-95 Crash — “One person is dead after being struck by an SUV while involved in an argument on Interstate 95 in Fairfax County overnight.” Occupants of two vehicles in an initial crash before 2 a.m. yesterday (Wednesday) had gotten out of their vehicles and were having an “altercation” when one person “stepped into another travel lane, where a Mercedes-Benz SUV that was traveling south struck them, state police said.” [DC News Now]

Man Arrested for Stealing From Reston Beauty Store — “Investigators with Fairfax County Police Department arrested a 22-year-old Herndon man they say was responsible for a series of thefts” that targeted Sephora at Reston Town Center in December and January. The man has been “charged with eight counts of petit larceny and possession of Schedule I/II narcotics and held on a $5,000 bond.” [Patch]

More Sewage Plaguing Potomac River — “After the sewage spill in the Potomac River a few weeks ago, DC Water began pumping the contaminated water and diverting it to the C&O Canal, but on Sunday, another spill released 600,000 more gallons of sewage into the river.” The spill on Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 8) “was caused by a massive clog of non‑disposable wipes flushed down the toilet.” [NBC4]

Demand Soars at Reston Skating Rink — Local figure skater Ilia Malinin’s success leading up to and during the Milan Cortina Olympics has fueled a surge in interest at SkateQuest, the Reston facility where he trains. Executive Director Nate Smith and Skating Director Katie Lange say enrollment in their learn-to-skate program has jumped this year, with the next class expected to reach 800 students — up from 550 students for the same period in 2025. [Washington Business Journal]

Ban on Robert E. Lee License Plates Advances — “Virginia Democrats celebrated the advancement of a bill Tuesday that stops the issuance of license plates honoring Robert E. Lee as part of a broader effort to cut ties with the state’s Confederate past. The bill, introduced by Delegate Dan Helmer, is one of a slew of measures targeting the removal of tax dollars from policies that support a Lost Cause narrative.” [Courthouse News Service]

Metro Construction to Affect DCA Trips — “Travelers heading south to Reagan National Airport should budget extra time this weekend because the Crystal City Metro station will be closed. The station will be closed from Saturday, Feb. 14, through Monday, Feb. 16, in the first of 10 weekend closures between now and June.” [ARLnow]

New Arts Education Leader at RCC — “Coming from a huge family of teachers, Rebecca Campana grew up loving the arts and loves working with people in the arts … On Jan. 14, Campana stepped into her new role as the Reston Community Center’s arts education director, following the retirement of Cheri Danaher, who dedicated 35 years of service to RCC.” [Patch]

Actor Reflects on Growing Up in D.C. Area — “DC native Teddy Sears appears in the NBC medical drama Brilliant Minds and Netflix’s The Night Agent.” He says he didn’t try acting until he moved to New York City in his 20s, instead spending his childhood “swimming in McLean” and visiting the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

It’s Thursday — Expect mostly sunny skies and a high near 38 degrees. The northwest wind will be blowing at a speed of 11 to 15 mph, alongside gusts reaching up to 26 mph. Night will be mostly clear, with the temperature dropping to around 24 degrees. [NWS]