morning notes

Potomac Interceptor Upgrades Backlogged — “The D.C.-area utility responsible for a massive sewer line that failed catastrophically in January had planned to reinforce the aging section years ago but repeatedly delayed construction as federal officials studied potential environmental impacts.” [Washington Post]

School Safety Legislation Signed — “Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Thursday signed a new batch of legislation centered on school safety, student well-being and expanded support systems in Virginia’s public schools, alongside measures addressing public health protections and food insecurity among children.” [Virginia Mercury]

Data Vague on Police Use of License Plate Readers — More than six months after Virginia adopted a law requiring law enforcement agencies to report “specific purposes” for their use of automated license plate readers, a “VCIJ at WHRO analysis of 200,000 search logs from Flock Safety data … shows that officers across the Commonwealth frequently relied on broad or vague justifications when searching the systems.” [VCIJ at WHRO]

McKay Outlines County’s Top Priorities — In a March 31 episode of the Connect With County Leaders podcast, “Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said affordable housing, economic development, public safety and school funding remain among the county’s top priorities, while county leaders continue to focus on transportation investment and a broader tax base.” [Patch]

Free Film Festival in Tysons — “The 12th annual Northern Virginia International Film & Music Festival will take place April 9 and 10 in Tysons. Screenings are free to the public, but registration is required. LOOK Dine-in Cinemas at the Boro in Tysons will host the event.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Szechuan Restaurant Coming to Bailey’s Crossroads — “Yeshi Kitfo, the Ethiopian restaurant at 3400 Washington Drive in Bailey’s Crossroads, has permanently closed. The restaurant is undergoing a complete renovation.” Comments from a construction worker and a building permit indicate that the space will be filled by Chili Wok, which has a location in Vienna. [Annandale Today]

Park Authority Intern Program Lauded — “The Fairfax County Park Authority is proud to announce that we have been recognized for the second year in a row as a 2026 Top Employer for Interns by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. This recognition highlights FCPA’s dedication to providing meaningful work-based learning experiences that empower the next generation of leaders.” [FCPA]

Nominations Open for Park Volunteers Award — “The Park Authority is now accepting nominations for the annual Elly Doyle Park Service Awards Program, recognizing the outstanding contributions of volunteers … Nominations are due by Friday, May 22, 2026.” [FCPA]

It’s Friday — Expect fog in the morning before 10 a.m., then mostly sunny skies with a high near 82°F. Winds from the south will range from 7 to 14 mph, with gusts up to 23 mph. Overnight, there is a 20% chance of showers before 2 a.m., with partly cloudy skies and a low around 65°F. [NWS]

Gov. Signs Affordability Legislation — “After more than 1,200 bills passed in the Virginia General Assembly, Gov. Abigail Spanberger has signed the first set of bills tackling several areas of affordability … The signed bills address housing, health care and energy.” [ALXnow]

Vienna Power Outage Caused by Fire — More than 1,000 homes and business in the Town of Vienna lost power yesterday (Wednesday) morning due to a fire at an electrical substation near Town Hall. Dominion Energy restored power to most customers before 11 a.m., addressing the remaining locations by mid-afternoon. [Town of Vienna/Facebook]

Virginia Delays SNAP Restriction — “Initially, recipients were expected to lose the ability to purchase ‘sweetened beverages’ with SNAP funds starting in April 2026, per a Dec. 10, 2025 announcement. The change had been scheduled to take effect on Wednesday, April 1.” The Virginia Department of Social Services, however, says the ban has now been delayed until October. [WAVY]

Video of Alleged Nude Burglar Released — “Detectives from our Criminal Investigations Division have released new surveillance video of the suspect connected to the London Towne burglary investigation following an attempted burglary early [yesterday] morning.” Filmed by security cameras, the man appears to have tried to break into a home in the 14800 block of Palmerston Square in Centreville shortly after 5 a.m. [FCPD]

Police Officer Charged With Public Drinking — “An off-duty Fairfax County Police Department officer was arrested on a charge of Drunk in Public in Fair Oaks. On March 31 at approximately 6:23 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 11000 block of Route 50 in Fair Oaks for the report of an intoxicated man refusing to leave the area and acting disorderly.” The 31-year-old officer is now on administrative leave. [FCPD]

Gas Prices Strain Food Nonprofits — “Gas prices have jumped about a dollar per gallon in the past month across the D.C. region, and it’s unclear how much more prices could still climb. That makes it harder to plan, harder to attract volunteers and get donations and, ultimately, harder to get food to the people who need it most.” [NBC4]

Data Centers Risk Potomac Water Supply — “The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, abbreviated ICPRB, describes some of the ways in which data center growth, which is primarily located in Virginia’s Loudoun and Prince William counties, can affect whether there is enough drinking water to serve Fairfax Water, WSSC Water and the Washington Aqueduct.” [WTOP]

Historic Villa Added to Underground Railroad Network — Historic Huntley in Groveton is now part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, which was created by Congress in 1998 to recognize the network of sites, individuals and organizations that helped enslaved people escape. “Sully Historic Site and Riverbend Park preceded Historic Huntley as Fairfax County Park Authority sites to attain the designation.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

It’s Thursday — There’s a 30% a chance of showers and thunderstorms primarily after 3 PM, with patchy fog clearing before 11 AM. The day will be partly sunny, reaching a high of about 76°F. Night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 54°F. [NWS]

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Frying Pan Carousel Damaged — “A 108-year-old carousel enjoyed by generations of families in Northern Virginia has gone forever silent and still. The Fairfax County Park Authority said January’s winter storm left the antique carousel at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon severely damaged … Efforts are getting underway to bring a new carousel to the park, hopefully in the spring of next year.” [WTOP]

FCPS Calendar Changes Considered — “To address the logistical challenges frustrating some parents, several school board members, including Dunne, Melanie Meren, Ricardy Anderson and Ryan McElveen, are proposing changes. One would allow schools to remain open on Veterans Day and Indigenous Peoples Day. Another would limit early-release days at elementary, middle and high schools to no more than four per year.” [WTOP]

Pennino Building Won’t Reopen Before Summer — “The Pennino Building, which houses many of the county’s human services agencies and was damaged in February by flooding, will continue to be closed for the next couple of months, at least. The earliest the building will reopen will be in the summer,” though the county says “significant progress has been made” on repairs. [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

White House Ballroom Construction Halted — “U.S. District Court Judge Richard Leon ruled Tuesday that construction on President Trump’s White House ballroom ‘must stop until Congress authorizes its completion.’ Using a notable number of exclamation points, Leon said … the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States is likely to succeed in their lawsuit and therefore he is granting a preliminary injunction to halt construction.” [NPR]

Clinics Advocate for State Contraception Funding — “Planned Parenthood clinics are urging lawmakers to move a key contraception access program back to state funding as uncertainty grows around federal health care support. Despite currently being state funded, the budget introduced by former Gov. Glenn Youngkin … shifted the Virginia Contraceptive Access Initiative to a federal funding stream.” [Virginia Mercury]

Springfield Plaza Adding EV Chargers — Electrify America has leased a portion of Springfield Plaza’s parking lot for a “large-format” electric vehicle charging station that will have about 20 chargers. The site had been used by commuters for slugging until Fairfax County opened its new parking garage in 2024, and efforts to market the space for a new retail building found no takers. [Washington Business Journal]

New Thai Restaurant in Falls Church — “After nearly a year of preparations, My Home Thai Bistro plans to host a grand opening this Saturday for its new restaurant at 1009 W. Broad Street. The new eatery aims to bring ‘a modern take on Thai cuisine with a refined yet welcoming atmosphere,’ co-owner Anuchit ‘Andrew’ Suthus-na-Ayuttaya told ARLnow.” [ARLnow]

Walk and Win Challenge Begins — “The 2026 Fairfax County Walk & Win Challenge returns April 1, inviting residents, employees, and visitors to get moving, explore their community, and win prizes — just by walking … Submit your walk by uploading a photo or screenshot along with your name, email and chosen route to be entered into weekly prize drawings.” [Supervisor Rodney Lusk/Facebook]

It’s Wednesday — Expect mostly sunny conditions with a high near 86, and a 30% chance of precipitation after 3 pm. Southwest winds will be 8 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 18 mph. Chances of showers and possibly a thunderstorm are 70% at night until 2 am. It will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. [NWS]

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

Teen Charged in Reston Stabbing — A teen has been arrested and charged with malicious wounding after allegedly stabbing another teen during a fight at South Lakes Village Center in Reston last Friday (March 27). “The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries,” police said. [FCPD]

Resident Trapped in Home by Fallen Tree — Firefighters from the Fairfax County and Fairfax City departments helped rescue a resident in the 10300 block of Darby Street last night (Monday) after they were trapped by a “large tree” that fell onto their two-story house. “Firefighters made entry and assisted the occupant out. No injuries. Units remain on scene.” [FCFRD/X]

Fire Consumes Lorton Boathouse — Fairfax County firefighters responded early yesterday morning to “a boathouse fire in the 10700 blk of Old Colchester Rd in Lorton. Units arrived to a fully involved boathouse with extension into nearby brush.” No injuries were reported. [FCFRD/X]

Hospitals Concerned by Health Care Changes — Hospital chains in Virginia have largely avoided publicly commenting on any concerns they’re feeling about the changes to health care imposed by last year’s so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act. “But that’s changing, as the reality of reduced federal funding and spiking insurance costs has set in for facilities statewide.” [Virginia Mercury]

Arabian Leopard Coming to National Zoo — “Make way, pandas, there’s a new emissary coming to town: The Saudi royals are bankrolling a $51.6 million habitat for the Arabian Leopard in the largest donation ever to the National Zoo … Construction aims to begin in late summer — with a target opening for 2029.” [Axios DC]

Commercial Landlord Files for Bankruptcy — “Broad Street Realty Inc., a publicly traded Reston real estate company that owns grocery-anchored retail centers, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation on March 20 after a turbulent year in which it lost control of its portfolio.” Its 15 properties were taken over last year by an investor affiliated with Fortress Investment Group, which planned to market them for sale, according to regulatory filings. [Washington Business Journal]

Reston Contractor Closes $2.4B Acquisition — “Fortune 500 government contractor Leidos announced Monday that it has completed its $2.4 billion acquisition of Illinois-based utilities infrastructure design firm Entrust Solutions Group … With the purchase, Leidos will effectively double its presence in the energy infrastructure market and gain more than 3,100 Entrust employees.” [Virginia Business]

Herndon Brewery Owner on Career Pivot — “After more than 20 years working at the White House, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security, he’s just opened a brewery … [Monte] is the owner of Hawkley Brewing, a newly opened craft beer hub in Herndon that represents a major career shift — and a personal reset.” [WJLA]

It’s Tuesday — Expect mostly sunny skies with temperatures reaching a high of 82°F and a southwest wind blowing at 11 to 14 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. At night, the weather will be partly cloudy with a low of around 64°F. [NWS]

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

One Injured in Centreville House Fire — Fairfax County firefighters responded to the 13300 block of Regal Crest Drive at 1:23 p.m. yesterday (Sunday) after receiving “multiple reports of a single-family home on fire … One civilian was transported with non-life- threatening injuries. There were no firefighter injuries.” [FCFRD/Facebook]

Hundreds Participate in ‘No Kings’ Protests — “The ‘No Kings’ movement made its way to Northern Virginia Saturday, where dozens of protests were held. Hundreds of people took to the streets in Alexandria, Fairfax, Springfield, and other communities across the Commonwealth to rally against the Trump administration’s policies.” Rallies were also held in D.C., where protestors mingled with National Cherry Blossom Festival attendees. [NBC4]

Limited Action by Va. on Tax Bills — “Dozens of bills that could have increased taxes for Virginians were introduced at the start of the 2026 General Assembly session. A handful of statewide measures survived the session cull and are headed to Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s desk,” including taxes related to the legalization of retail marijuana sales and fantasy and skill gaming. [Cardinal News]

Carvana Exploring Springfield Dealership — “Tempe, Arizona-based Carvana is exploring the takeover of a 20,000-square-foot shuttered car dealership [at 6570 Amherst Avenue] in Springfield for a new sales operation, according to paperwork filed with county planning staff.” The company primarily sells vehicles online, but it also has “vending machine towers” in Gaithersburg and Richmond, and operates a storage yard and warehouse on Alban Road in Newington. [Washington Business Journal]

Va. Rejoins Multistate Voter Roll System — “Prominent voting rights advocates are applauding a new executive order returning Virginia to a multistate voter roll program and limiting when voters can be removed from the rolls before elections.” Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s executive order, signed last week, reversed a 2023 decision by her predecessor, Glenn Youngkin, to leave the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC). [ARLnow]

Woman Honored for Mount Vernon Slavery Memorial — The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association recently honored Leesburg native Sheila Coates for advocating for George Washington’s Mount Vernon to recognize the lives of the people enslaved on the plantation. “A memorial was designed and installed. And the annual October wreath-laying ceremony started in 1983 was made permanent thanks to Coates’ persistence.” [NBC4]

N. Va. Restauranteurs Share Fave Spots — “We asked NoVA’s top culinary talent where they eat when they’re off the clock. From fine dining to ice cream that’s worthy of a special occasions, this is where chefs eat.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Award for Rec Center Energy Upgrades — “The Fairfax County Park Authority was honored with a Governor’s Environmental Award in recognition of its energy upgrades at the Spring Hill Rec Center on March 24 at the Environment Virginia Symposium in Richmond. The awards program recognizes successful and innovative efforts that improve Virginia’s environment.” [FCPA]

It’s Monday — Expect a 40% chance of showers, with partly sunny skies and a high near 69°F. Winds will come from the southwest at around 14 mph, with gusts reaching up to 24 mph. Monday night will be mostly cloudy, with a 30% chance of showers after 2 a.m. and a low around 59°F. Southwest winds will blow at about 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. [NWS]

Driver Charged in Beltway Hit-and-Run — “A hit-and-run pursuit led to a crash and driver’s subsequent arrest in the Alexandria section of the Capital Beltway this morning (Thursday), Virginia State Police say. The crash shut down all southbound I-495 lanes near Van Dorn Street,” leading to rush-hour backups that reportedly extended as far as 12 miles. [ALXnow]

‘No Kings’ Protests Return Tomorrow — “The third national ‘No Kings’ protest is being held this Saturday starting at 10 AM. Among the more than 3,000 rallies and protests planned in all 50 states, a number will be held locally, including” one to the Washington Monument. Fairfax locations include Reston, Vienna, Fair Lakes, Fairfax City, Annandale, Burke, Franconia, Springfield and Fort Hunt. [Washingtonian]

Equal Pay Bill on Governor’s Desk — “For years, Sen. Jennifer Boysko has returned to the same piece of legislation, Virginia’s proposed Equal Pay Act, pushing it session after session through a divided state government, only to see it stall or fall to a veto.” Passed by the General Assembly last month along party lines, Senate Bill 215 would ban employers from asking for job applicants’ pay history and require them to advertise salary ranges in job postings, among other steps. [Virginia Mercury]

D.C. Region’s Population Growing — Despite slowing international migration, the D.C. region’s population grew by more than 50,000 people last year to an estimated 6.46 million, as of July 1, 2025, new U.S. Census Bureau data shows. The population has increased four years in a row now, with Fairfax County seeing a 0.7% uptick to 1,167,873 and Fairfax City growing by 2.82% to 26,772 people, the biggest gain in the region. [Washington Business Journal]

Nat Geo Museum Coming to D.C. — “D.C.’s most-anticipated new museum finally has an opening date: the National Geographic Museum of Exploration debuts June 26. The $300 million transformation of Nat Geo’s 140-year-old campus near downtown has been years in the making — and it’s not your typical museum.” [Axios DC]

Westfield Leads All-State Basketball Honors — “Westfield senior guard Jemon Price is the Virginia High School League’s Class 6 Boys Player of the Year, and Westfield head coach Kevin Harris is the Class 6 Coach of the Year.” With the Bulldogs since 2023, Harris led the team “to a 30-1 record and the school’s second state championship with a 48-44 win over Landstown in the finals” this winter. [Inside NoVA]

Cherry Blossoms Added to Springfield Lego Display — “From the Tidal Basin to Northern Virginia, cherry trees are showing off their pretty pink blossoms all around the region. And through April 30, you can see them in miniature at the Lego Discovery Center in Springfield.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

New Options Coming to Reston Food Hall — “Pop Salad and El Diez Mexican Bowls [are] coming to Reston’s Wonder location at 11690 Plaza America Drive on April 15.” As suggested by their names, the former serves full-sized salads, while the latter takes a similar fast-casual approach to Mexican rice bowls. [Patch]

It’s Friday — Expect rain throughout the day with temperatures dropping to 49°F by 5 pm and north winds up to 23 mph. An 80% chance of rain will dip to 60% in the evening, mainly before 7 pm, with skies turning partly cloudy overnight and a low of 33°F. [NWS]

ICE Officers Spotted at Dulles Airport — “About a dozen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were gathered late Tuesday morning in the main terminal at Dulles. Nearby were about two dozen Department of Homeland Security police officers, several armed with long guns.” While some airports are seeing hours-long security lines as TSA staffers work without pay, operations have been mostly normal at Dulles and Reagan National. [WTOP]

More Charges in Fairfax HS Assault Case — Fairfax City police obtained four additional charges of assault yesterday (Wednesday) against an 18-year-old Fairfax High School student after more victims came forward with allegations following his arrest on March 7. The student is now facing 13 charges total related to accusations that he “assaulted numerous female juvenile victims” at the school. [City of Fairfax Police]

FCPS Nixes Upcoming Early Releases — With Fairfax County Public Schools canceling classes on April 21 to accommodate the redistricting referendum special election, that day will now serve as a teacher and staff development day, while April 22 and April 29 — previously designated as early-release days for elementary students — will be full days, Superintendent Michelle Reid says. [FCPS]

Bill Would Require Statewide AI Rules for Schools — As FCPS works on its own policy, “the Virginia General Assembly overwhelmingly approved legislation to require the state Department of Education to provide local school districts with guidelines for ‘the safe, ethical, and equitable use’ of AI systems.” The bills now await Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s signature or veto. [VPM News]

McKay on Proposed Casino Revenue Split — “Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay says one big change might make him reconsider the Tysons casino measure: a different revenue-sharing agreement with the state.” At least 70% of the gaming tax revenue would need to go to the local government to make the community impacts worthwhile, McKay said, but he suspects “there’s not really any appetite” in the General Assembly for changing a split that currently favors the state. [Washington Business Journal]

Aging Facilities Among County Budget Challenges — “Fairfax County officials met with residents Monday evening to outline a proposed fiscal year 2027 budget marked by significant capital needs, multi-million dollar shortfalls for public schools, and a concerted effort to maintain aging infrastructure.” [Patch]

Fairfax County Surveys Business Owners — “The Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives has just launched our Spring 2026 Business Survey to get a real-time look at the trends, challenges, and opportunities affecting your company right now.” The confidential survey will remain open until April 17. [Fairfax County DEI]

It’s Thursday — Expect mostly sunny weather with temperatures reaching a high of around 75°F. Winds will be from the southwest at 10 to 13 mph, with gusts up to 23 mph. Night will bring increasing clouds and a low of about 57°F, with a 50% chance of precipitation. [NWS]

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Offshore Wind Turbine Now Operating — “Dominion Energy’s major Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project is now sending surges of power to the grid, after its first commercial turbine was switched on Monday. It is the largest offshore wind project in America. The single turbine, separate from the structure’s two pilot turbines that have been operational since 2020, is producing 14.7 megawatts” off the coast of Virginia Beach. [Virginia Mercury]

Pedestrian Killed on I-395 — “A pedestrian was found dead in a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 395 in Alexandria today (Tuesday), according to Virginia State Police. The crash happened around 6:12 a.m. on northbound Interstate 395 near the Duke Street exit.” [ALXnow]

Man Sentenced for Metro Station Assaults — “A Fairfax County man has been sentenced to one year in connection with assaults and attempted abductions near Metro stations in Alexandria last year, according to court records.” The man was sentenced last Friday (March 20) to 10 years in prison, with nine of them suspended, on charges of assault, sexual battery and attempted abduction. [WJLA]

Beware of Unpaid Toll Text Scam — “Residents have reported receiving fraudulent text messages stating they owe unpaid toll charges and must make an immediate payment to avoid penalties or legal action. The messages claim to be from the General District Court for  Fairfax County in an effort to appear legitimate and pressure recipients into responding.” [FCPD]

Lawmakers Advocate for Underground Power Lines — A state senator and a delegate both representing Loudoun County “asked the State Corporation Commission last week to consider burying high-voltage transmission lines, after bills that would initiate a pilot program for the proposed lines passed the General Assembly.” [Virginia Mercury]

Va. Could Ease Ban on Voting Under Guardianship — “Disabled Virginians under guardianship may be able to vote under a new law waiting for Governor Abigail Spanberger’s signature.” The bill, led by Fairfax Del. Kathy Tran, “would ask courts to make an additional finding, one of their competencies to vote, when someone is put under guardianship.” [WVTF]

Centreville Man Charged With Armed Robberies — “A 19-year-old has been arrested in connection with a series of armed robberies in Arlington last month.” Arrested at his home last Friday with the FBI and Fairfax County and Herndon police assisting, the man “faces a total of 20 charges stemming from four incidents on Feb. 24 and 25.” [ARLnow]

New Leasing Team for Towers Club Building — “Stream Realty Partners has been awarded the leasing assignment for 8000 Towers Crescent Drive, a 481,007-square-foot office tower in Tysons, according to a March 24 announcement.” Current occupants of the building include the recently renovated Tower Club and Chima Steakhouse. [Patch]

It’s Wednesday — Expect partly sunny skies with temperatures reaching a high of about 59°F and a south wind blowing at 6 to 9 mph. Wednesday night will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 49°F and a continued south wind at 7 to 9 mph. [NWS]

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

Dems Uncertain About Redistricting Vote Outcome — “After putting an aggressive redraw of the state’s congressional map before voters, some Virginia Democrats are growing uneasy about its prospects for passage one month out from the special election.” Rep. Don Beyer acknowledged that the referendum’s approval is “not a done deal by any means.” [NBC News]

FCDOT Moving Forward With Debated Sidewalk — “The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is going ahead with constructing a $900,000 sidewalk at Justice Park, despite objections from the community. Residents of Ravenwood Park, Ravenwood, and Lake Barcroft argue that the sidewalk is not needed,” will damage the park by removing trees and use money that could be spent on other, more urgent projects. [Annandale Today]

Lawsuit Over Kennedy Center Renovations — “A group of eight architecture and cultural organizations is suing President Trump and the board of the Kennedy Center over the planned renovations of the arts complex, which are set to begin in just over three months.” [NPR]

Spring Sewer Cleaning Begins — “D.C., Fairfax County and Arlington County are taking part in the annual process of flushing and disinfecting the region’s water mains. Beginning Monday, residents may notice a slight change in the odor or taste of their tap water as chlorine is added to disinfect and clear away bacteria and natural biofilm buildup.” [WTOP]

Bill Cracks Down on Vape Sales to Minors — “A new bill aimed at keeping vapes out of schools and out of students’ hands is set to reach Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger’s desk for signing. The Vape Enforcement Act … would require all vape stores in the state to be licensed and subject to random inspections to ensure they are not selling to minors, Attorney General Jay Jones told reporters Monday.” [FOX5]

Wolf Trap Adds More Summer Shows — Singers Bob Dylan and Diana Ross are among the artists joining Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts’ summer 2026 lineup. Tickets for the newly announced shows go on sale this Friday (March 27). Earlier this month, Wolf Trap unveiled its Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods schedule as well as additional performances at the Filene Center. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Cherry Blossoms Nearing Peak Bloom — “D.C.’s magnificent cherry blossoms draw more than 1.6 million visitors to the Tidal Basin each spring … On Monday, the National Park Service said the blossom buds reached their fifth stage, puffy white, which is one away from peak bloom.” [Washington Post]

Madison Hockey Title Celebrated — “It was a packed house at [last night’s] Town Council meeting. That’s because the James Madison High School Varsity Ice Hockey team was recognized by Mayor Colbert and the Town Council for their first-time win in the Virginia High School Varsity State Championship! Go Warhawks!” [Town of Vienna/X]

It’s Tuesday — It will be sunny with temperatures reaching a high of 51°F. Winds from the north will blow at 5 to 7 mph but calm by the afternoon. Night will be partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to about 38°F. Winds will shift to 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.

Traffic Shifts on Fairfax County Parkway — “Beginning the week of March 23, short-term traffic shifts will occur along northbound Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) between Route 123 (Ox Road) and Clara Barton Drive (Route 6500), and along northbound and southbound Route 123 between Chapel Road (Route 641) and Clara Barton Drive as part of the Fairfax County Parkway south widening project.” [VDOT]

Fairfax Officials Called to Testify in Congress — The fatal stabbing of Stephanie Minter at a Hybla Valley bus stop on Feb. 23 “will be the focus of an upcoming congressional subcommittee hearing examining why Jalloh was free. Fairfax County’s prosecutor and sheriff were called to testify in Congress next month, News4 learned on Thursday.” [NBC4]

How Va. Could Address Federal Health Care Gap — “Both a reconciliation bill Congress passed last summer and its failure to renew Affordable Care Act subsidies earlier this year mean Virginia lawmakers have scrambled for solutions to make up for federal funding shortfalls. State agencies are also overhauling workflows to comply with new federal mandates for health care and social services.” [Virginia Mercury]

Assault by Eggs Reported to Vienna Police — Officers with the Town of Vienna Police Department responded around 8:35 p.m. on March 14 to “a report of an assault involving individuals throwing objects from a vehicle. The victims reported being struck by eggs thrown from a passing vehicle that returned to the area and made a second pass.” [Vienna Police]

Text Updates on Centreville Gas Incident Ending — Starting this Wednesday (March 25), the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will discontinue the text messaging updates it’s been sending to over 725 community members about the natural gas explosion that took out a house in Centreville on Feb. 15. “While the text updates are ending, the Fairfax County incident webpage will remain active.” [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

Mason District Glass Recycling Bin Moved — The purple bin for glass recycling at the Mason Government Center “is being removed because a large section of the parking lot has been taken over by temporary buildings and construction vehicles due to the renovation and expansion of the Mason Police Station.” Fairfax County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is still searching for an alternate location. [Annandale Today]

Donated Pajamas Distributed to Families — “Fairfax County Police officers from the Mason District station handed out dozens of pajamas, slippers, and socks to families at the Strawbridge Square Apartments in Lincolnia on March 21. The clothing items were donated by community members over the past few months.” [Annandale Today]

Lake Fairfax Park Hiring for Summer — “Lake Fairfax Park is now hiring lakefront staff for the summer season, operating from mid-June through mid-August. Drop-in interviews at the Lake Fairfax Park Main Office will be held March 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.” [Fairfax County Park Authority]

It’s Monday — Expect rain and possibly a thunderstorm, with a slight chance of rain until 10 am. Highs will reach near 60°F, with northwest winds at 10 to 17 mph and gusts up to 29 mph. There’s an 80% chance of precipitation. Night will be mostly clear, with a low around 33°F. [NWS]