The General Assembly has given the green light for state researchers to launch studies on removing books in public school libraries, the funding methodology used to determine judicial allocations and the total cost of coastal storm risk management.
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, which conducts analysis and provides oversight of state agencies on behalf of the legislature, is responsible for the studies. Research completed by JLARC often prompts new legislative proposals and changes to governance.
A warehouse with trucks in the Westfields area of Chantilly (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Land currently zoned for industrial use across Fairfax County could be converted to residential zoning in an effort to bring more housing stock to the county.
As part of a larger “Plan Forward” initiative started in 2022, Department of Planning and Development (DPD) staff have proposed amending the county’s comprehensive plan to allow more flexibility for industrial land to turn into residential development, while also retaining some designated industrial areas.
George Mason University Board of Visitors discusses a resolution on antisemitism at its Feb. 27, 2025 meeting (image via GMU TV)
George Mason University (GMU) Board of Visitors approved a resolution late last month aimed at combatting antisemitism, despite concerns about language that opponents fear could restrict free speech on the public school’s campuses.
Debate at the board’s meeting on Feb. 27 highlighted grey areas where the policy could be used as a cudgel against pro-Palestinian protestors and crack down on discussions about the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
For more than 60 years, Reston has stood as a model of a truly planned community. Founded by Robert E. Simon with the vision of creating a space where residents can live, work, and play, Reston has always prioritized quality of life and a sense of shared beauty. These guiding principles remain strong today, even as Reston has grown and evolved.
However, to preserve the unique qualities that make Reston such a special place to call home – from its scenic beauty to its vibrant, inclusive community – it’s crucial that we, as members of Reston Association, actively participate in shaping its future. That’s why voting in this year’s Board of Directors election is so important.
This year, two seats are open on the Board of Directors, and the individuals elected will play a key role in guiding the policies, priorities, and decisions that shape the future of our community. From approving the annual budget and assessments to ensuring the sustainability and resilience of our community, the decisions made by the Board have a direct impact on the quality of life in Reston. It is the Board’s leadership that helps maintain our property values, protects our community amenities, and ensures Reston remains a welcoming, vibrant place for all residents.
As a member of Reston Association, your vote is your opportunity to directly influence the direction of our community. By casting your ballot, you’re helping to elect the leaders who will work to keep Reston a place we can all be proud of, now and in the years to come. This election is about shaping the future of Reston – and your voice matters.
Ballots have already been mailed or emailed to all households within the Association. Please take time to review the candidates, understand their goals, and cast your vote. Whether you submit your ballot by mail or vote online, make sure to return it by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 31. Your participation is vital in ensuring a fair and representative election. Remember – 10% of eligible voters must submit ballots in order for the election to be valid.
The results will be announced at the 2025 Annual Members’ Meeting on Tuesday, April 8. All RA members are invited to attend the reception and meeting, though registration is required. The reception begins at 6:30 p.m.; the meeting will start at 7:00 p.m.
Don’t let this opportunity to have a say in Reston’s future pass by – vote today and help ensure our community continues to thrive for generations to come.
Promotional display for Reston Community Center's 23rd annual Diva Central Formal and Prom Dress Giveaway (courtesy RCC)
For students looking to freshen up their look for an upcoming school dance, Reston Community Center (RCC) has you covered.
The community center will bring back its annual Diva Central Formal and Prom Dress Giveaway for a 23rd year on Saturday, March 22. The one-day-only event at RCC Lake Anne (1609-A Washington Plaza North) offers students an opportunity to pick out formal clothes and accessories for free.
By the end of this month, local residents should have a better idea of options on the table, as regional leaders attempt to find dedicated funding streams for transit service in the D.C. area.
“We do expect information to be shared” at the next meeting of the DMV Moves task force, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) Executive Director Kate Mattice told the commission’s board at a meeting last Thursday (March 6).
Parking spaces designated for 5-minute pickups at the Mosaic District (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Fairfax Man Charged with Arson — “On March 11, 2025, at approximately 9:46 p.m., the City of Fairfax Police responded to the 3900 block of Fairview Drive to assist the City of Fairfax Fire Department with a house fire.” A 32-year-old man has been arrested and charged with burning a dwelling after investigators determined the fire was set intentionally. [City of Fairfax Police and Fire]
DCA Crash Responders Recognized — “At Wednesday’s Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments meeting, dozens of first responders from D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia were recognized for their efforts in the aftermath of the crash. The regional assistance, leaders said, made a major difference in the response.” [WTOP]
Falls Church to Prohibit More Right Turns on Red — “Additional no-turn-on-red traffic restrictions are coming to Falls Church … Police Chief Shahram Fard told City Council members that the Department of Public Works has approved several of his requests for additional no-turn-on-red restrictions along Broad Street.” [ARLnow]
Lacrosse League Contests Field Cancellations — “Annandale Youth Lacrosse, a program under the umbrella of the Annandale Boys & Girls Club, had already had a game schedule approved for this spring, then learned three of their dates were canceled without warning. The league is fighting back” after they say Fairfax County bumped them in favor of the women’s football program DC Divas. [Annandale Today]
Closing Fairfax Eatery Finds Temporary Location — “While Havabite Eatery still plans to close the doors of its Main Street location on March 31, the family restaurant will not be disappearing completely from the Fairfax area. On Monday, the owners announced that Havabite will be operating at Mazadar Restaurant temporarily until a new permanent location can be found.” [Patch]
Jeopardy! Coming to D.C. — “The popular trivia game show Jeopardy! is headed our way. From April 10 to 12, the show will be hosting multiple events throughout Washington, DC. Details about the three-day showcase are still developing, but it will include visits to local universities and a taping of the podcast Inside Jeopardy! Live at the Lincoln Theatre.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Local Businesses to Celebrate Pi Day — “Pi Day is celebrated every year on March 14 because the date aligns with the first three digits of pi — 3.14. In 2025, Pi Day falls on a Friday … Here are some fun activities to celebrate the day in the D.C. area.” [NBC4]
It’s Thursday — Patchy fog will clear by 10am, giving way to mostly cloudy conditions and a high around 59. A gentle northeast wind of 6 mph will be present during the day. The night will also remain mostly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to a low of 43, accompanied by a similar east wind at 6 mph. [NWS]
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority president and CEO Victor Hoskins (screenshot via Fairfax County)
Recent actions by the Trump administration are heightening the urgency of the Fairfax County and the D.C. area’s longtime goal of reducing their reliance on federal government employment and spending.
With mass worker layoffs, contract cancellations and potential real estate sales promising significant economic upheaval, local and regional leaders may have no choice but to “think and act differently,” according to Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Julie Coons.
Modernist architecture at a Popeyes in Reston (image via Modern Architecture Selective Survey)
What do a Fairfax County public library, bowling alley and the Dulles family home have in common?
They’re all examples of modernism, an architectural style that exploded onto the scene in Fairfax County after World War II, according to a new survey that could help preserve some key remnants of the movement.
A crowd on the Filene Center lawn at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts (courtesy Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts)
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts has added a brand-new event to its summer calendar.
After unveiling an initial summer lineup last month, the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts announced yesterday (Tuesday) that the park will also host the inaugural Todo Sonido, a festival celebrating Latin American music, this July 12-13.
