• Tornado watch and warnings hit after record warmth. The DC region flipped from balmy to blustery as storms swept through, bringing tornado alerts and a sharp drop in temperature. Expect rain, snow, and gusty winds today. Washington Post weather updates | WTOP on storms

• Massive Potomac sewage spill cleanup now pegged at $30M. New testing will determine when it's safe to kayak or fish after last month's spill. The price tag to fix the ruptured pipe keeps climbing. WTOP coverage

• Fairfax County cracks down on home height "creative workarounds." Officials want to clarify rules as new builds keep pushing vertical limits in residential neighborhoods. The Board is weighing updates to close loopholes. FFXnow explainer | WTOP summary

• Virginia lawmakers debate scrapping data center tax breaks. With data centers booming and local pushback growing, legislators face pressure to rethink the state's generous incentives. The outcome could reshape Northern Virginia's tech landscape. FFXnow report | WTOP background

• Former Virginia first lady Dorothy McAuliffe jumps into crowded congressional race. She's running for the newly drawn 7th District, joining a field already packed with local names. FFXnow coverage | WTOP story

• Two teens charged in deadly basketball court shooting. Police say the pair shot and killed an NSU student at a Virginia court. Investigators continue to probe the motive. WTOP crime report

• Alexandria police's "Walk-In Wednesdays" boosts recruitment. The department reports a surge in applicants after launching open-door hiring events. They hope it helps fill persistent vacancies. WTOP details

• VRE plans more trains and weekend service by 2030. Virginia Railway Express will add weekday trips and launch new weekend routes, aiming to meet demand as the region grows. WTOP breakdown

• Fairfax County offers free trees to residents. The county wants to expand its tree canopy and is giving away seedlings. Locals can sign up now for pickup events. FFXnow announcement

• FCDOT seeks public input on pedestrian and bike projects. Transportation officials want feedback on proposed improvements across Fairfax. Residents can weigh in online. FFXnow call for comments

• Reston Association reopens debate on renaming Lake Audubon. The conversation reignites over whether to keep or change the lake's name, reflecting ongoing community divides. FFXnow update

• Stuff the Bus food drive returns to Fairfax. Some say the need for food assistance is rising, others question if the county is doing enough to address root causes. The drive runs this weekend at multiple locations. FFXnow info

• Bob Ross's paintings get the spotlight in the latest Ashburn Magazine. The Burn
• Opening dates set for Fava Pot and a new game show experience at The Boro in Tysons. FFXnow
• Loudoun County offers retirement planning workshops in April. Loudoun County News
• Best places for Passover dishes in and around Arlington. Arlington Magazine

NoVA woke up to a weather whiplash and a political field that keeps shifting. The region feels restless, but there's a sense of momentum: whether it's fixing old pipes, planting new trees, or debating what comes next.

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