morning notes

One Injured in Bailey’s Crossroads Shooting — “Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) officers responded [on Thursday, March 19] to a shooting in the 5500 block of Seminary Road and found one man who had been shot in the lower body area. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. FCPD said another victim was found, but they were not harmed.” [DC News Now]

Video Shows Mantua Police Shooting — “The Fairfax County Police Department has released the body-worn camera footage from the police-involved shooting at an apartment in Fairfax on Feb. 23.” By the time police arrived, “Chhatra Thapa, 54, had already stabbed his wife, Binda, and daughter, Mamta, and was in the process of stabbing Mamta’s husband, Santosh Basnet.” [Annandale Today]

Partisan Split on Redistricting Referendum — “Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, a Democrat representing part of Fairfax County, said he thinks the referendum will pass, but told WTOP’s Nick Iannelli, ‘It’s going to be close.’ … Former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, a Republican, however, has been a staunch opponent of the referendum and overall push for redistricting.” [WTOP]

Higher Gas Prices Could Drive More to Metro — “Rising gas prices – as well as a drop in crime – have Metro preparing for more people to potentially choose to ride Metro or take the bus instead of driving … Metro General Manager Randy Clarke said the system welcomes additional riders.” [NBC Washington]

McLean Startup Seeks Site for Innovation Center — Claros Inc. is developing a power management system and supply chips for data centers that could help cut down on their energy costs. Aiming to test the products with the company’s first customer by early 2027, CEO Daniel Kultran is “in talks with George Mason University, Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia” for a new space since its current office in McLean “can’t support the required power draw.” [Washington Business Journal]

Local Author’s Books Set for TV Adaptation — “Fans of Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan books can soon see the story brought to life on TV. Tina Fey and Lang Fisher will adapt the books for a Peacock series. The popular adult mystery series is set in Northern Virginia.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Trout Derby Returns to Herndon — “The Town of Herndon will host its annual Kids Trout Fishing Derby on March 21 from 8 a.m. to noon. This family-friendly tradition allows kids ages 2 to 15 to try their hand at trout fishing. The event is held along the Sugarland Run stream, behind the Herndon Police Station.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Metro to Celebrate 50 Years — “We’re celebrating 50 YEARS serving the DMV with a special ride you don’t want to miss! Tell us what Metro means to you (via comment or DM) for a chance to join us on an exclusive trip Fri, March 27. We’ll have special giveaways, music, & more! Enter by March 24 at 12 pm.” [WMATA/Bluesky]

It’s Friday — Expect scattered showers after 2 pm with increasing clouds and a high near 68°F. Showers are likely Friday night, mainly between 8 pm and 2 am, with mostly cloudy skies and a low around 49°F. Chance of precipitation goes up from 30% during the day to 60% at night. [NWS]

Roof Collapses During House Fire — Yesterday morning (Wednesday), firefighters “responded to reports of a house fire in the 3100 block of Holmes Run Road in West Falls Church. Units arrived with fire engulfing the roof of a two-story single-family home … During operations, there was a partial roof collapse.” One person “was evaluated for non-life-threatening injuries.” [FCFRD/Facebook]

Virginia Joins Tariffs Refund Push — “Attorney General Jay Jones is pressing Congress to force refunds on billions of dollars in tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump, arguing the federal government must quickly repay businesses and consumers after the nation’s highest court struck down the policy.” [Virginia Mercury]

Grad Students Left Out of College Labor Bill — “Service workers like janitors and security guards who work for colleges and universities will be allowed to engage in collective bargaining under a bill lawmakers are sending to the governor. But college professors and graduate students are excluded from the bill.” [WVTF]

Quirky Bills Considered by General Assembly — “Hidden among the more than 3,000 bills filed are a few gems, like ones aimed at taxing porn, studying fungi and more.” Legislation sent by lawmakers to Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger include a ban on livestreaming while driving and a bill that would require movie theaters to show a certain number of films with subtitles or open captioning. [Axios Richmond]

N. Va. Getting First Women’s Sports Bar — “Women’s sports fans could soon have a bar of their own in Arlington. Sarah White, a longtime local restaurateur and partner at Westover Taco, is in the process of buying out of the taqueria at 5849 Washington Blvd.” She plans to turn the establishment into what she says will be Northern Virginia’s first sports bar to center on women’s teams. [ARLnow]

Watch for Roadwork in Fort Belvoir — “The Fort Belvoir community should plan to avoid the intersection of Stonewall Jackson and Gorgas Road from March 23-24 due to construction. Crews will be using heavy equipment to repave the lane divider. The area will be an active construction site with road closures and is off-limits for safety reasons.” [Fort Belvoir/X]

Walkway Proposed on Idylwood Road — “The Fairfax County Department of Public Transportation (FCDOT) will hold a virtual public meeting on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 7 p.m., to gather public input” on a project to add an asphalt walkway along Idylwood Road from Idylwood Court to Hillside Drive. “Additional feedback will be accepted via an online survey available after the meeting through April 2.” [FCDOT]

When GMU Men’s Basketball Made Final Four — “Twenty years ago, George Mason University’s men’s basketball team defied odds, toppled giants, and created a legacy that continues to reverberate in the college sports world.” After entering the NCAA tournament in 2006 in the at-large No. 11 seed, the Patriots “emerged as the longest-shot ever to reach the vaunted Final Four.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

It’s Thursday — Expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 55 degrees and a gentle south wind at 5 to 7 mph. Thursday night will be partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 40 degrees and a light south wind. [NWS]

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Potomac Recreational Advisory Lifted — “The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is lifting the remaining recreational water advisory for the Potomac River from the American Legion Memorial Bridge (I-495) to the Route 120 Chain Bridge.” The department will “continue to monitor sampling data as available,” with efforts to clean up the Jan. 19 sewage spill in Maryland continuing. [VDH]

Women Killed in Domestic Stabbings Mourned — “The Nepalese community gathered Tuesday to honor two women killed in a gruesome domestic attack, while also offering prayers for the man accused of the slayings. The memorial service, held weeks after a violent stabbing rocked a Mantua apartment complex, focused on the lives of Mamta Thapa and her mother, Binda Thapa.” [WUSA9]

Input Wanted on GW Parkway Trees — “The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public input on big-picture plans for GW Parkway’s vistas and foliage — a topic that has previously sparked significant controversy. A virtual public meeting on ‘long-term care of historic scenic views’ will be held at 6 p.m. today (Wednesday), and comments are being accepted online. [ARLnow]

Study Considers Congestion Pricing in D.C. — “A D.C.-backed study of how congestion pricing might work in the city is now public, following years of wrangling. With that drama in the rearview mirror, policymakers can start to confront thornier questions about whether the policy is the right fit for D.C.,” though even the most supportive current elected officials don’t expect to start charging commuters any time soon. [WAMU]

Housing Bills Sent to Governor — Though the General Assembly nixed a few more radical bills, “many housing proposals are on their way to Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s desk — some of which she has already stated she will sign into law. The bills represented a flurry of efforts to address housing issues including affordability, supply, renter protections, and state input on local zoning decisions.” [Virginia Mercury]

Belle Haven Office Building for Sale — “The 97,581-square-foot, eight-story office at 5845 Richmond Highway, currently branded as the Belle Haven Professional Center, is 56% leased to a mix of medical and professional tenants, according to marketing materials.” A floodplain and resource protection area limit potential redevelopment options, so the site is instead being pitched to businesses that would be interested in occupying it. [Washington Business Journal]

New Florida Flight Planned at Dulles — “Frontier Airlines Inc. is adding another route out of Dulles International Airport with plans to launch nonstop flights to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this spring. The daily flights to Fort Lauderdale, its ninth nonstop destination linking to Dulles, will begin on May 21 via an Airbus A320 aircraft.” [WBJ]

Vienna Photo Show Winners Named — “Amateur photographers from across the region showcased their talent in the 2026 Vienna Photo Show, displaying a collection of unique, award-winning photos at the Vienna Community Center March 14-15, 2026 … This year’s event featured 156 entries from 60 photographers and 171 attendees.” [Town of Vienna]

New Legal Notice — Restaurant seeks ABC wine, beer, mixed-beverage on/off-premises license. [Public Notices]

It’s Wednesday — Expect mostly sunny weather with a high near 42 degrees and light, variable winds shifting to the south at 6 mph in the afternoon. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy with a low of around 31 degrees and a southeast wind at about 5 mph. [NWS]

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

Fairfax HS Student Accused of Groping — “An adult Fairfax High School student has been charged with nine counts of assault and battery amid accusations that he was groping girls in the halls during school … About a dozen girls have come forward to report that Ortiz put his hands in between their legs, grabbed their private parts in the front, and moved his hands to their butts while in the school’s hallways.” [WJLA]

Man Charged With Peeping in Reston — A 35-year-old Reston man was arrested last Friday (March 13) after a resident of the Waterside at Reston Apartments “reported seeing an unknown man peering through her bedroom window from outside.” Fairfax County police say their drone program helped quickly locate the suspect, who was seen “peeping through other windows.” The man was charged with three counts of peeping before being released from custody on a personal recognizance bond. [FCPD]

Kennedy Center Board Approves Shutdown — “The Kennedy Center’s board of directors voted on Monday to shut down operations for two years following this summer’s July 4 celebrations. The widely expected decision comes in the wake of numerous resignations and cancellations during President Donald Trump’s second term, although Trump himself has cited the need for repairs as a reason for the closure.” [Associated Press/WTOP]

Bills Restricting ICE Head to Governor — “Bills that advocates said would bring accountability, oversight and transparency to how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operates in Virginia cleared the General Assembly as the 2026 session wrapped on Saturday, March 14.” Gov. Abigail Spanberger has until 11:59 p.m. on April 13 to sign, veto or amend the legislation. [WRIC]

State Lawmakers Face Study Overload — “The Virginia government is sponsoring around 200 interim studies and commissions created through various actions by the state legislature and governor’s office, and that number is expected to grow with pending legislation. But several lawmakers are now saying there are too many of these initiatives.” [Virginia Mercury]

Tree Fell on Car Along Mount Vernon Highway — “A Fairfax woman is raising safety concerns after she says a tree fell on her car while she was driving along Mount Vernon Memorial Highway … The incident happened just one day after a falling tree killed a driver on the nearby George Washington Memorial Parkway Thursday morning.” [WUSA9]

Volunteers Help Furnish Family’s New Home — Bailey’s Crossroads “Rotary Club members worked on March 10 to furnish and decorate an apartment off Route 29 in Falls Church for a family of four – with two parents, a 5-year-old boy, and a baby – who had been living in a homeless shelter. The family will pay a portion of the rent, while Homestretch will cover the balance.” [Annandale Today]

Great Falls Pub Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day — “This Tuesday, March 17, The Old Brogue Irish Pub hosts its 45th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival, one of Northern Virginia’s longest-running Irish celebrations. Families, friends, and visitors from across the Washington, D.C. region will enjoy live Irish music, traditional dance, food, and drinks, including Guinness.” [Press release]

It’s Tuesday — Clouds will increase throughout the day, reaching a high temperature near 40°F with a west wind blowing at 11-13 mph and gusts up to 23 mph. At night, expect mostly clear skies with a low temperature around 27°F. [NWS]

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

Reminder: Schools to Close Early — Fairfax County Public Schools will close three hours early today (Monday) due to potentially severe storms, including the possibility of tornadoes, in the afternoon forecast. All afterschool and evening activities on school grounds have been canceled, and morning preschool and special education classes will be dismissed around 10 a.m. [FFXnow]

Lawsuit Coming Over Chantilly Gas Explosion — “The attorney for an 83-year-old man whose home exploded in Centreville, Va., plans to file a lawsuit against Washington Gas. The explosion forced about 50 residents to evacuate from the neighborhood on Quail Pond Court. The man was injured and displaced after the blast destroyed his home.” [DC News Now]

Emergency Repairs for Potomac Sewer Complete — “D.C. Water has completed the final steps necessary to return flow to the Potomac Interceptor. D.C. Water spokesperson Sherri Lewis said the water flow was restored after a series of tests were carried out by officials early Saturday … The environmental rehabilitation work is still needed, which has begun on the C&O Canal.” [WTOP]

General Assembly Session Highlights — “Virginia lawmakers wrapped up the 2026 General Assembly session in dramatic fashion Saturday evening, adjourning their regular session without a budget deal after an unexpected dispute over data center tax breaks … overshadowed what had otherwise been a consequential session for Democrats,” who control both chambers of the legislature and all three statewide offices. [Virginia Mercury]

Retail Cannabis Bill Heads to Governor — “Virginia lawmakers passed legislation to let people 21 and over buy cannabis recreationally starting Jan. 1, 2027, moving the state closer to ending its yearslong stay in marijuana purgatory.” Gov. Abigail Spanberger is expected to sign the bill, which comes five years after Virginia decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana. [VPM News]

Southwest Airlines Leaving Dulles — “Southwest Airlines Co. said Friday it will soon stop operating service to, from or through Dulles International Airport.” The company, which currently provides flights from Dulles to Phoenix and Denver, said it will end service at Dulles and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport starting June 4 as “part of the airline’s ongoing effort ‘refine services.'” [Washington Business Journal]

Falls Church Approves E-Scooter Program — “Falls Church has formally opened its doors to e-scooters. Now it just needs to find some takers. City Council members voted 7-0 on Monday night for a one-year pilot program, hoping to entice companies to deploy up to 100 e-scooters and e-bicycles within the community’s 2.2 square miles.” [ARLnow]

Private-Sector Job Losses a Concern — “Private sector job losses linked to federal reductions and economic uncertainty are a top concern for City of Alexandria and its regional counterparts, according to a presentation” given to the City Council on March 10. “While [Brookings Institute fellow Tracy] Hadden Loh said the region is still adding private jobs in certain subsectors, others have taken a hit.” [ALXnow]

New Legal Notice — Administrative plan available; hearing May 1, 2026; comments invited. [Public Notices]

It’s Monday — Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Some of the storms could be severe. Temperatures could reach a high near 72 before dropping to a low around 30 at night. Chance of precipitation is 80%. [NWS]

Falling Tree Behind Fatal GW Parkway Crash — “The GW Parkway was closed in Arlington for hours [yesterday] after a fatal crash caused by a falling tree. The incident happened in rainy weather just after 7:30 a.m., in the southbound lanes of the parkway near Chain Bridge.” [ARLnow]

Former N. Va. Resident Identified as ODU Shooter — “The gunman believed to be behind Thursday’s shooting that left one dead and two wounded at Old Dominion University was Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Sterling resident convicted nine years ago of attempting to provide material support to ISIS.” [Inside NoVA]

Bill Tightens Speed Camera Rules — “Under the pending legislation [patroned by Del. Karrie Delaney], cities and counties would still be allowed to keep the cash they generate from the cameras. But they must use it only on roadway safety initiatives — not to prop up other parts of their budgets.” Cameras would need signs telling drivers how fast they’re going, and they can only operate in construction zones when workers are present. Versions of the bill have passed both chambers and are now being reconciled. [Virginian-Pilot]

Potomac Sewer Line Repair Costs Estimated — “The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments briefed local leaders on the latest repair efforts and costs for the Potomac Interceptor project on Wednesday.” COG Water Program Resources Director Steve Bieber estimates emergency repairs will cost around $30 million, but the cost of more extensive capital projects could total “roughly $600 million over the next ten years.” [DC News Now]

Medical Cannabis Bill Under Negotiation — “A bill moving through the Virginia General Assembly would allow hospital staff to store and administer medical cannabis oil to patients who have a valid medical certification. Virginia already allows certified patients to use medical cannabis, and state law permits its use in nursing homes, hospice facilities and assisted living centers,” but not in hospitals. [WHRO]

Gen Z Reviving Mall Culture — “For some teenagers, the pandemic was the very thing that spurred their interest in the mall. It was a place to go to get out of the house and break the cycle of endlessly scrolling on TikTok or Instagram in favor of having real life experiences. ‘Even if I don’t buy anything, just going out is really fun,’ Pranvi Yarvaneni, 14, told The Journal while out at Tysons Corner Center.” [Wall Street Journal/Daily Mail]

Vienna Names New Deputy Police Chief — After promoting Dan Janickey to chief, the Vienna Police Department has hired David Huchler to serve as its new deputy police chief, a role he previously filled for the Alexandria City Police Department. He also served as chief of police for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority until this past January. “His service with the Town of Vienna will begin on April 6.” [Town of Vienna]

Earth Day Celebration Volunteers Wanted — “Earth Day Fairfax will be an unforgettable day of fun, education and community. The 2026 event will take place on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston. Earth Day Fairfax is the county’s largest Earth Day celebration, and we are asking for your help. Join us as an Earth Day Fairfax volunteer.” [Fairfax County Park Authority]

It’s Friday — Clouds will thicken throughout the day as temperatures reach a high near 54°F. Expect winds to pick up from the south, ranging from 7 to 22 mph and gusting up to 38 mph. At night, skies will clear, leaving a low temperature around 42°F. [NWS]

Police Increase Impaired Driving Patrols — “Several events throughout March bring increased travel and social gatherings, including college basketball’s March Madness tournament and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. These events can lead to more impaired driving incidents, particularly during evenings and late-night hours when people gather to watch games or attend celebrations.” [FCPD]

Court Rules Felon Disenfranchisement Is Illegal — “On Monday, a federal court reaffirmed a January ruling that found that Virginia’s current practice of disenfranchising all people with felony convictions violates post-Civil War laws that required former Confederate states to guarantee voting rights for newly emancipated Black residents.” [Virginia Mercury]

Fairfax City Sets Tax Rate Ceiling — “Fairfax City homeowners could see their annual real estate bill increase by an average of $633 if the City Council adopts the maximum real estate tax rate it set at its meeting on Tuesday night. The council voted 4-3 to advertise a maximum real estate tax rate of $1.095 per $100 of assessed value for Fiscal Year 2027” — higher than the rate proposed by City Manager Daniel Alexander. [Patch]

N. Va. Impact of DC Minimum Wage Increase Limited — “A ballot measure to substantially increase D.C.’s minimum wage would undoubtedly have major effects on Arlington’s neighbor, but the region-wide impacts are murkier.” George Mason University professor Terry Clower says a proposal to raise D.C.’s minimum wage for tipped workers to $25 per hour “probably won’t mean much for localities like Arlington in the short term.” [ARLnow]

VRE Shares Expansion Plans — “Virginia Railway Express is on track for a big expansion in service by 2030, with its new CEO hoping for a total transformation of the system by 2050.” The train system’s plan for 2050 sets “for adapting to changing travel patterns, maximizing ridership and adding off-peak and weekend service.” [Inside NoVA]

Kings Dominion Nears Start of Season — “With Kings Dominion set to reopen on March 21 and Busch Gardens Williamsburg switching over to its spring celebrations this weekend, it’s time to start planning your next trip. But, before you take a drive down I-95, make sure you know what’s new at both amusement parks.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Afghan Women Celebrated in Reston — “On Sunday, March 8, which was International Women’s Day, the Afghanistan Refugee Rescue Organization (ARRO-USA) celebrated Afghan women, acknowledging that their voices need to be heard in all walks of life.” Held at the United Christian Parish in Reston, the event featured speakers, government and nonprofit resources, and an Iftar dinner accompanied by singer Latifa Azizi. [Press release]

Metro Hiring Bus Mechanics — “Metro will host an invitation-only hiring event on Saturday, March 28, for experienced Automotive Service Technicians (Bus Mechanics) … All interested candidates should complete applications online at wmata.com/careers no later than March 26, at 11:59 p.m.” [WMATA]

It’s Thursday — Rain showers will transition to a mix of rain and snow by 2pm, with temperatures dropping to around 40°F. Expect breezy conditions with winds at 14-21 mph and gusts up to 38 mph. Precipitation chances are 90%, but snow accumulation should be minimal. Night will be mostly clear with a low of 33°F. [NWS]

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Assault Weapons Ban Heads to Governor — “Virginia is one step closer to enacting an assault weapons ban. The Senate is sending a bill to Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s (D) desk on Monday that would make it illegal to sell, purchase, import, manufacture or transfer assault weapons in Virginia starting on July 1, 2026, with some exceptions.” [WRIC]

Gambling Commission Push Stalls — “A Virginia Senate committee killed a House bill that would create an independent body to regulate various gambling industries Monday, as state lawmakers seek to corral the sprawling industry.” A separate Senate bill currently being negotiated by members of both General Assembly chambers would instead hand most regulatory authority over gaming to the Virginia Lottery. [VPM Media]

Rarely Seen Bird Spotted in Great Falls Park — “Since a birder named Phil Kenny first discovered a female red-flanked bluetail in a tree just off the Capital Beltway on New Year’s Day, crowds of visitors have flocked to Great Falls Park — where the bird has been living for the past three months — to try to catch a glimpse. Locals young and old, plus bird nerds from as far away as Minnesota, Nevada, Texas, Michigan and Florida have all showed up with binoculars in tow.” [Washington Post]

Va. Could Clear Way for Plug-In Solar Panels — “Bills allowing for portable solar generation devices are nearing the finish line to be sent to the governor’s desk.” Led by Fairfax State Sen. Scott Surovell and Del. Paul Krizek, the bills prevent landlords with “more than four rental dwellings from prohibiting the use of balcony solar panels.” [Virginia Mercury]

Annandale Masonic Lodge for Sale — “The Elmer Timberman Masonic Lodge is selling its building at 6911 Columbia Pike in Annandale. The Masons only use it for monthly meetings. They own the building but they’re finding it hard to keep up with maintenance expenses” after a slowdown in event rentals post-Covid. [Annandale Today]

Vietnamese Eatery Launches at Tysons Galleria — “At his upscale restaurant Moon Rabbit, chef Kevin Tien and his team reimagine Vietnamese food with modern dishes like mochi beignets with fresh eel or green-curry sponge cake. But at his new fast-casual spot, Chao Ban, in Tysons Galleria, Tien is focusing on more familiar staples like pho and banh mi — albeit with some of his usual cheffy twists.” [Washingtonian]

Vienna Steakhouse Aims for Spring Opening — “Electric Bull is slated to open this spring at 176 Maple Ave. West. It began as a basic idea: a neighborhood grill and butcher shop centered on great meat and live fire. Somewhere along the way, that vision attracted an elite group of chefs and partners whose combined experience is helping shape it into something much bigger.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Fairfax City Schools Take Cautious Approach to Budget — “City of Fairfax school leaders say they are building a cautious Fiscal Year 2027 budget that preserves student programs and staff support while budgeting for a lower tuition bill than the roughly $77 million figure initially projected by Fairfax County Public Schools.” [Patch]

It’s Wednesday — There’s a 50% chance of rain with partly sunny skies, and a high near 82 degrees. South winds will range from 6 to 11 mph, gusting up to 22 mph. Evening brings a 70% chance of rain, along with cloud cover and a low around 51 degrees. [NWS]

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

Statewide Tornado Drill Today — “The 2026 State-Wide Tornado Drill is Tomorrow, March 10th. At 9:45, practice your Tornado Preparedness by getting under a table or desk, going to an interior low-level floor, or bracing and covering your head and neck in an interior hallway.” [Ready Fairfax/X]

Potomac Sewage Spill Could Raise Water Bills — “The battle over who pays for January’s pipe collapse is quickly becoming a regional flashpoint — and DMV residents may not realize they could see the costs show up on their water bills.” Though DC Water is responsible for the repairs, a regional cost-sharing agreement for the 54-mile sewer line would require utilities in Maryland and Fairfax and Loudoun counties to cover part of the estimated $20 million bill. [Axios DC]

Bill Would Allow Lawsuits Over AI Political Ads — “Fairfax Democratic Senator Saddam Salim had hoped to require disclosure on political ads that use artificial intelligence. But a House committee Monday turned his bill into an anti-defamation law that asks courts to quickly review complaints related to allegedly false political ads instead.” [WVTF]

More Leeway Proposed for Rent Payments — “Del. Cia Price (D–Newport News) says legislation that she and other Democrats are behind aims to give renters like Tinsley a little more time to avoid an eviction hearing. HB15 would give tenants 14 days to pay off late rent, not five as in current law, before a landlord can try to evict them.” [VPM Media]

Police Investigating Reston Robbery — The Fairfax County Police Department released a composite sketch yesterday (Monday) of a potential suspect in a robbery that occurred in the Edgewater Townhomes at Reston Town Center on Feb. 16. “The victim reported seeing a man lying on the ground, possibly hurt. When he approached, the suspect jumped up, assaulted him, and stole his credit cards.” [FCPD]

Golf Simulator Maker Boosts Chantilly Presence — “Seoul-based Golfzon is relocating its global business team from South Korea to the U.S. to capitalize on the growing demand for indoor golf experiences stateside in North America and other regions, the company said Monday … Golfzon America CEO Sean Pyun will lead the global business division from 3863 Centerview Drive at Dulles Business Park in Chantilly,” where the company’s U.S. division has been based since 2016. [Washington Business Journal]

N. Va. T-Shirt Company Featured in Oscars Gift Bags — “The 98th Academy Awards are less than one week away, and while not all the nominees will walk away with an Oscar, some of them are guaranteed apparel from a Northern Virginia-based company. Included in this year’s swag-bags given to the nominees will be various clothing items from the Northern Virginia apparel brand Bored Rebel.” [WTOP]

Park Authority Hiring for Summer — “The Fairfax County Park Authority is now hiring hundreds of seasonal team members to support parks, recreation centers, nature centers, historic sites, golf courses and pools across the county … Full job descriptions, qualifications, and details on upcoming open hire sessions can be found online.” [FCPA]

It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny skies and a high near 77, accompanied by calm winds that will shift to the south at 5 to 7 mph later in the afternoon. The night will remain mostly clear, with a low around 61 and a gentle south wind of 3 to 5 mph. [NWS]

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

Vigil Held for Stabbing Victims — “About a hundred people paid their respects at a vigil for the two women who were stabbed to death at their Fairfax home on Feb. 23.” The vigil for Binda and Mamta Thapa was held Friday (March 6) at the Margate Manor Apartments and “organized by Prabha Bhattarai, founder and president of the PKP Tender Hearts Foundation, an organization that supports the Nepalese community.” [Annandale Today]

McKay Doesn’t Plan to Order Casino Referendum — “If Virginia passes a bill to pave the way for a casino in Fairfax County, the chairman of the county board says he won’t put the issue before voters … The bill has not yet made it to Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s desk as lawmakers in both chambers still need to address the differences in the versions of the bill that was passed.” McKay says he won’t support a referendum on a casino based on the bill “in its current form.” [WTOP]

Bill on Sexual Abuse Cases Heads to Governor — “In Virginia, the civil statute of limitations on child sexual abuse cases runs out 20 years after a survivor is no longer a minor. But what if crucial evidence doesn’t come out until after that? House Bill 1020 gives survivors another chance to have their day in court” by restarting the 20-year statute of limitations if new evidence is uncovered. [WRIC]

Murder Charge Dropped in Stabbing Case — “The family of a man stabbed to death near a bus stop in Groveton last year said they’re disappointed and angry that prosecutors decided not to pursue the second-degree murder case against the suspect … The Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office chose to drop the murder charge against Reed, citing a lack of evidence to support a prosecution.” [WUSA9]

Lawsuit Challenges Reproductive Rights Amendment — “At the core of a new Bedford County-based lawsuit challenging Virginia’s pending reproductive rights amendment is an allegation that House of Delegates Clerk Paul Nardo failed to send copies of the amendment to circuit court clerks around the state, as required by law. However, a bill Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed last month retroactively removed that part of state code.” [Virginia Mercury]

Belle Haven Fire Started in Bedroom — “On Wednesday, March 4, at 4:13 a.m., the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded to reports of a house fire in the 2600 block of East Side Drive … Fire investigators determined the fire originated within the wall of a second-floor bedroom as the result of an electrical event.” No injuries were reported, but the fire caused an estimated $20,129 in property damages. [FCFRD]

Temporary Music Venue Planned in Annandale — “Johnny P, a local entrepreneur, has big plans for the two vacant buildings on Columbia Pike that were damaged in a fire in 2023. He hopes to use the building that formerly housed the Thai Sushi Eats restaurant as a temporary live music venue called ‘Music Flavor’ – until the building is torn down and the property is redeveloped.” [Annandale Today]

Blood Drive Today in Chantilly — “Inova is experiencing a critical blood shortage. Join us for the Sully District Blood Drive on Monday, March 9. Help make sure that life-saving blood products are available.” As of last night (Sunday), four time slots remained available for the blood drive, which will take place at the Sully Government Center from 2-6 p.m. [Fairfax County Government/X]

New Legal Notice — Applicant seeks license to manufacture and sell alcohol on/off-premises. [Public Notices]

It’s Monday — Expect sunny skies and a high temperature near 72 degrees, accompanied by a calm wind shifting to the south at around 5 mph in the afternoon. As night falls on Monday, the sky will remain mostly clear, with the temperature dropping to a low around 48 degrees and the wind remaining calm. [NWS]