Cars pass District Taco on Prosperity Avenue near the Dunn Loring Metro station (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Supervisor Herrity Recovering From Surgery — Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity underwent surgery on Thursday (March 13) for a hereditary heart condition discovered after he experienced medical issues earlier last week. Herrity, who hopes to become Virginia’s next lieutenant governor, says he’s expected to fully recover but will be “sidelined from the campaign trail” for a few weeks. [Pat Herrity/Facebook]

Trump to Halt FBI HQ Move Again — “In a speech Friday at the Department of Justice, President Donald Trump (R) said he would stop plans to build the new FBI headquarters in Maryland because it’s ‘three hours away’ from the agency’s current site.” Maryland leaders said they will continue fighting for a relocation to Greenbelt, which was chosen over potential sites in Springfield and Landover. [Maryland Matters]

Man Banned from Flying United After Punching Dulles Worker — “A Frederick man punched a United Airlines gate agent at Dulles International Airport Thursday night, hospitalizing him. The shocking swing was caught on camera in a video shared with WUSA9.” The 54-year-old man has been charged with assault and disorderly conduct. [WUSA9]

WaPo Sportswriter Dies in McLean — “John Feinstein, a Washington Post sportswriter who became the best-selling author of more than 40 books, including “A Season on the Brink,” an inside look at volatile Indiana University men’s basketball coach Bob Knight, died March 13 at his brother’s home in McLean, Virginia. He was 69.” [Washington Post]

Local Contractor Charged with Fraud — “A Fairfax County, Virginia, contractor faces criminal charges for allegedly taking money from clients but never doing any work.” The owner of Capital Pro Services is facing six criminal charges related to three cases, including two involving homeowners they paid for construction that was never started. [NBC4]

D.C. Area Population Is Growing — “The Washington metro region is growing faster than the country overall, per the U.S. Census Bureau. The number of DMV residents dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic, per Census data, hurting everything from the office market to the restaurant scene. But the region has since bounced back — and then some.” [Axios DC]

Vienna Man Bites Officer, Police Say — “Officers responding to the report of an intoxicated man located the man lying on the ground. The man aggressively ran toward one of the officers attempting to assault him. As the officer was taking him into custody, the man bit the officer.” The 33-year-old man was arrested and charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer and obstructing justice. [Vienna Police]

Speed Humps Planned for Mount Vernon Road — “Slowly but surely, Radford Avenue — a residential road connecting Richmond Highway with the neighborhood of Mount Zephyr — is getting safer. The section of Radford between Route 1 and Jackson Place, an approximately one-third-mile segment of road, is getting two speed humps, according to the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT).” [On the MoVe]

It’s Monday — Expect partly sunny skies with temperatures reaching a high around 56°F, accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 15 to 17 mph, and gusts peaking at 28 mph. As night falls, the sky will be mostly clear, with the temperature dropping to about 36°F. [NWS]


News

Starting next week, a portion of the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail near Newington will be closed as part of a major wastewater rehabilitation project from Fairfax County.

The Fairfax County Park Authority said a portion of the trail in Pohick Stream Valley Park will be closed starting Monday, March 17, between Cliff Forest Drive and Wadebrook Terrace.


Countywide

A staff proposal to restrict future sales of cigarettes and vapes near Fairfax County schools and child-care facilities has drawn a mixed reaction from county supervisors.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors directed staff in December to study options for regulating tobacco, nicotine and hemp products after the Virginia General Assembly adopted a law last year allowing localities to restrict sales from new businesses within 1,000 feet of a school or child care facility.


Sports

The head coach was new, but the end result was the same — a league championship for the Langley Saxons ice hockey team.

Langley won its fourth straight Northern Virginia Scholastic Hockey League postseason high-school tournament by defeating Battlefield, 6-4, in the title match at the Ashburn Ice House on Wednesday, March 5.


Countywide

Local colleges have joined the rush to support workers affected by the Trump administration’s broad purge of the federal government’s ranks.

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), the biggest public higher education institution in Virginia, launched a NOVA New Employment, Exploration and Transition program (NOVAnext) on Wednesday (March 12) that will give laid-off federal workers and contractors free access to select classes and employment workshops.


People cross Market Street in Reston Town Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Racist Graffiti Reported in Burke — “Fairfax County police are investigating racist and antisemitic graffiti spray painted near a school bus stop in Burke, Virginia. The graffiti was discovered Wednesday morning on utility boxes and neighborhood signs at the corner of Burke Centre Parkway and Wheaton Drive.” [NBC4]

Regional Leaders Seek to Step Up Response to Trump Admin — “After weeks of playing defense, some D.C.-area leaders are now considering a more aggressive approach to the Trump administration.” Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw stressed at a COG meeting that the region needs to “continue to fight.” [ARLnow]

Police Seek Tips in Missing Woman Case — “City of Fairfax Police are asking the public’s help in locating Amanda L. Childess. She has not been heard from since she disappeared on March 6, 2022 under suspicious circumstances. Investigators have gathered evidence that indicates Childess may have been the victim of foul play, according to police.” [Patch]

Relief Available for Businesses Affected by Drought — “Fairfax County small businesses hit by last July’s drought still have time to get help. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest loans to businesses suffering financial losses, but you must apply before April 7, 2025.” [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

Court Renovations Coming to Wakefield Park — “The Fairfax County Park Authority plans to renovate the tennis and pickleball courts at Wakefield Park in Annandale and expand the number of dedicated pickleball courts. Construction is expected to begin in early April.” [Annandale Today]

Free Lyft Rides Offered for St. Patrick’s Day — “The Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) is offering free Lyfts this Saturday, March 15, through Monday, March 17. WRAP’s 2025 St. Patrick’s Day SoberRide program hopes to prevent drunk driving throughout the area.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Agreement to Preserve Historic Oakton Schoolhouse — “On March 7, 2025, the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Greater Oakton Community Association officially finalized a Memorandum of Agreement to support the historic Oakton Schoolhouse … Under the MOA, GOCA will use the Oakton Schoolhouse for events, meetings, rentals, historical presentations, classes, theater productions and educational programs.” [FCPA]

It’s Friday — Patchy fog will dissipate by 9am, leading to initially cloudy conditions that will gradually become mostly sunny with the temperature reaching around 59. For Friday night, patchy fog will return after 3am. The sky will see increasing clouds, and temperatures will drop to around 44. [NWS]


Countywide

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.


Countywide

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.


Countywide

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.

By Richard Chew, Chair, RA Elections Committee


View More Stories