Tysons

Cherry Blossoms Peak Bloom Predicted — “The cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin are predicted to reach peak bloom from March 29 to April 1, 2026, the National Park Service announced at a National Cherry Blossom Festival press conference on Thursday.” The festival is scheduled to begin on March 20 and continue through April 12 with events across the D.C. region. [Washingtonian]

FCPS Considers Policy to Punish Deepfakes — “A disturbing trend in which some students are using AI to make fake nude images of their classmates is leading Fairfax County School Board members to consider changing the school system’s discipline policy.” Under the proposed policy, students who create the fake images could face a suspension of up to five days with referrals to the superintendent and law enforcement. [NBC4]

Fairfax Station Road Changes Still Pending — More than three years after two teens were killed in a crash on Lee Chapel Road, their families are still waiting to see improvements. Construction on a project to eliminate two hills between Fairfax County Parkway and Ox Road is expected to begin in 2027, and “officials are also working with the Virginia Department of Transportation to install a roadside memorial along the stretch of road.” [WUSA9]

Bill Would Protect Public Education for Immigrants — “Virginia lawmakers are on track to codify a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court decision that protects a child’s right to an education regardless of their immigration or citizenship status. The move comes amid ramped up immigration enforcement, federal policy changes and related legal challenges.” [Virginia Mercury]

Senate Rejects By-Right Housing Bill — “A bill seeking to permit by-right multifamily development in commercial zones was defeated in the Virginia Senate [on Wednesday, March 4] despite limitations proposed by Arlington’s state Sen. Barbara Favola (D-40). The Senate voted 17-22 on HB 816 by Del. Dan Helmer (D-10),” while the House of Delegates sent a companion bill to a committee. [ARLnow]

Va. Could Ease Restaurant Liquor Sales Rule — “Gov. Abigail Spanberger may soon put her pen to one of the most notable changes to Virginia’s liquor license laws in more than three decades. The House of Delegates and Senate both passed legislation last month that would reduce the ratio of food-to-alcohol sales for restaurants in the commonwealth from no less than 45% to at least 30%.” [Washington Business Journal]

Mural Takes Shape on Vacant Annandale Building — “The long-vacant building at 7219 Columbia Pike is in the process of being covered with designs in preparation for painting. Fairfax County land records show Annandale Social LLC is renovating the building to establish a restaurant/carryout. An ABC license for beer, wine, and mixed beverages is pending.” [Annandale Today]

Participants Wanted for Reston Cultural Festival — “The Reston Community Center is preparing for the 25th anniversary of its Multicultural Festival, a signature event that draws thousands to Reston each fall. Applications are currently open for performers, artisans, culturally inspired businesses, and community organizations interested in participating in this milestone celebration.” [Patch]

New Legal Notice — Applicant seeks mixed-beverage restaurant license; objections due within 30 days. [Public Notices]

New Legal Notice — Public hearing on advanced academics center, March 19, 6:45 p.m. [Public Notices]

It’s Friday — Showers may occur after 4pm, with foggy conditions clearing up before 11am. Expect a mostly cloudy sky with a high near 54 degrees and an east wind blowing at 5 to 8 mph. The chance of precipitation stands at 20%. For Friday night, showers could occur after 7pm, and a low temperature around 45 degrees under a mostly cloudy sky with east winds at 5 to 8 mph and a 30% chance of precipitation. [NWS]

Court Warns About Scam Mass Text — “On or about the morning of March 3, 2026, a message was sent out via mass text to a significant amount of people. It claims to be a Notice of Hearing – Toll Violation from this Court … This message was NOT sent by Fairfax County General District Court. It is an attempted scam.” [Fairfax General District Court]

House Fire Extinguished in Herndon — Fairfax County firefighters responded to the 900 block of Leona Lane in Herndon at 3:41 p.m. after receiving “reports of smoke in the residence. Crews arrived to smoke showing from the two-story home. Firefighters quickly located and extinguished a fire in a bedroom on the second floor. There are no civilian or firefighter injuries.” [FCFRD/Facebook]

Survivor of Mantua Stabbings Recovering — “From his hospital bed, Santosh Basnet says he still hears the echoes of his wife’s final cries for help. Covered in stitches and recovering from four surgeries, the sole survivor of a domestic stabbing … is struggling to understand how a family effort to provide a fresh start for his father-in-law ended in a bloody nightmare.” [WUSA9]

Senate Proposes Subsidizing Child Care Costs — “The state Senate’s budget proposal includes $3 million to gradually phase out [Child Care Subsidy Program] eligibility for Virginians like Gresham so they don’t suddenly lose access to subsidized child care as a result of a pay increase.” The proposed Senate and House of Delegates budgets both include funding for “a pilot program that would incentivize employers to contribute to employees’ child care costs.” [VPM Media]

Fairfax Senator Proposes Path for Self-Driving Vehicles — “Sen. Saddam Salim (D-37), the chief patron of legislation in Richmond supporting autonomous trucking and ride-hailing services in Virginia, told ARLnow that his bill would establish a path forward for businesses like Waymo, but it would by no means be the final word.” [ARLnow]

General Assembly Passes Jan. 6 Education Bill — “Virginia lawmakers on Monday passed a proposal that would require schools, if they teach students about the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, to relay the facts of what actually happened, without including misinformation” suggesting the 2020 presidential election was “stolen” or minimizing the attack as “just a peaceful protest.” [Virginia Mercury]

Georgetown Dessert Shop Moves to Annandale — “Pasha Castle, a Turkish/Middle Eastern dessert and coffee shop, is now open on Columbia Pike in Annandale. The shop offers booza ice cream, which is popular in the Middle East, and has a stretchy, chewy texture.” The business was located on M Street in Georgetown before moving to its new building at 7228 Columbia Pike. [Annandale Today]

New Soccer Club Launches in Great Falls — “This spring, Riverbend Fútbol Club launches with a clear mission: to keep soccer fun for kids while reconnecting the community with youth athletics … Registration for recreational programs and tryouts for the summer league are now open. Tryouts for the club’s competitive program will begin in March.” [Reston Letter]

New Legal Notice — Restaurant seeks on/off-premise alcohol license; objections due in 30 days. [Public Notices]

It’s Thursday — There’s a 20% chance of rain before 10am and after 4pm, with patchy fog expected before noon. The cloudy weather will slowly turn mostly sunny, reaching a high of 63°F. There’s a 60% chance of rain at night, mainly after 7pm. It will be mostly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to around 51°F. [NWS]

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