• Three congressional candidates fined for betting on their own races. The federal prediction market Kalshi hit three congressional candidates with fines and suspensions for wagering on their own elections. One of them, Mark Moran of Virginia, is challenging Sen. Mark Warner. The move raises new questions about ethics and campaign finance in the digital age. Get the details
• Virginia's largest steeplechase gallops into May. The Virginia Gold Cup returns for its 101st running in Fauquier County on May 2. Organizers expect thousands for the Virginia's biggest steeplechase event. See what's planned

• General Assembly blocks Gov. Spanberger's expanded collective bargaining for public workers. Lawmakers rejected amendments to a bill that would have broadened union rights for government employees. Union leaders called on Gov. Spanberger to sign the original version. Read more
• Prince William delegate jumps into the race for the new 7th Congressional District. State Del. Elizabeth Guzmán announced her campaign as the new district lines shake up the field. The 7th now covers sizeable portions of Fairfax and Prince William. See the map and lineup

• Reston startup launches on-demand laundry lockers. Washera, based at Reston Station, rolled out its automated laundry lockers at a Brambleton coworking space. The company aims to make laundry drop-off as easy as grabbing a package. How it works
• New Dash In convenience store moves forward in Ashburn. After years of delays, plans for the Dash In gas station and c-store on Loudoun County Parkway are advancing. Project update
• Springfield gets a new outdoor furniture store. Fortunoff Backyard Store opened its doors, offering everything from patio sets to fire pits. Store details

• Loudoun supervisors approved park plans, including a controversial disc golf course. More
• Hybla Valley now has a resource center for adults with disabilities. Ribbon-cutting highlights
• Taste of Vienna food festival returns, complete with a cake-eating contest. Event info
• Groundbreaking for the Route 7 and Route 690 interchange in Loudoun is set for May 1. Timeline

NoVA heads into the weekend with big events, political shakeups, and a burst of spring energy. The region's pace is brisk, and the stakes, political and personal, keep rising.

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