• Rising college costs and limited guidance stress out local students. DC-area high schoolers face sticker shock and confusion as they navigate college applications. Many say they lack the support to make informed choices. Read more at WTOP
• Three Spotsylvania High School seniors died in a crash. The community mourns after a tragic speeding accident claimed the lives of three students. Officials have not released further details about the cause. Full story at WTOP

• Ashburn's food scene gets a Kentucky twist. Juleps Kentucky Tavern has opened, bringing Southern fare and bourbon to Loudoun. Owner Reese Gardner battled delays and design headaches to get the doors open. Details from The Burn
• Tous Les Jours bakery construction underway in Ashburn. The French-Asian bakery has started building out its new location. Locals can expect pastries and coffee later this year. More at The Burn
• Bruster's Real Ice Cream nears opening in Cascades Overlook. Signs are up and finishing touches are in progress. The shop will add another scoop spot to Loudoun's growing dessert scene. The Burn has the scoop

• Ilia Malinin claims third straight world figure skating title. The Virginia native bounced back from Olympic disappointment with another gold. WTOP
• BWI Marshall urges travelers to arrive early this weekend. Expect crowds and longer security lines. WTOP
• Arlington Public Library spotlights 10 new books for spring. Arlington Magazine

Spring break brings a bittersweet mix: local pride for homegrown talent, fresh spots to eat, and a heavy sense of loss after tragedy. NoVA pushes forward, but hearts are heavy today.

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