The federal government has launched an investigation of its own into allegations that a Fairfax High School student groped multiple female students.
The U.S. Department of Education announced yesterday (Monday) on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, that it’s opening an investigation into Fairfax County Public Schools “following reports from 12 high school girls who have credibly accused one male student — an illegal immigrant — of sexual assault.”
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.
America’s birthday party continues.
The United States Mint on [March 23] unveiled a Revolutionary War-themed quarter at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, continuing the yearlong celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday.
The Labubu craze is coming to Tysons Corner Center, where it will no doubt be greeted by avid collectors and befuddled observers alike.
Pop Mart, the Chinese toy company best known for its popular line of grinning, bunny-eared monster dolls, is planning to open a retail store at the mall, its second in the D.C. region following a launch in Pentagon City last November.
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]
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors could soon receive a staff proposal on potentially consolidating “placemaking groups” that promote either the county as a whole or specific communities in it.
County Executive Bryan Hill said he expects to detail his proposals to elected officials later this spring.
Fairfax County officials are seeking public feedback on a proposed walkway along Idylwood Road to improve pedestrian and bicycle access.
The project will replace existing sidewalk and asphalt trail segments to form a continuous walkway along the northwest side of the road, extending about 100 feet of sidewalk east of Idylwood Court and 170 feet of trail west of Hillside Drive.
Whether they’re crawling, flying or scurrying, pests can cause serious damage to a home or business. Luckily, Fairfax County has professionals who can step in to clear them out.
Here are the nominees for “Best Pest Control Company in Fairfax County” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. See your favorite business below? If not, write them in!
Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, April 10.
Voting for the Best Lawn Care Service in Fairfax County is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, April 3 at 8:30 a.m.
Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Landscapers in Fairfax County. The results are now official:
A coalition of homeowners associations and civic groups is pressing Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) to veto legislation allowing a casino in Tysons.
“Residents are deeply concerned about the potential impacts on traffic congestion, public safety, neighborhood character and the well-being of families in surrounding communities. These concerns come from people who would live with the consequences of this decision every day,” said the letter, provided to FFXnow by the Tysons Stakeholders Alliance.
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]
