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A century-old barn at Cox Farms in Centreville was destroyed by fire early Sunday, Feb. 2, as firefighters from Fairfax and Loudoun counties responded to 15621 Braddock Road around 4:30 a.m.
No people were injured. About a dozen chickens died, while a tractor, slide, sunflower sculpture and artwork decorating the barn were also lost.
In Harrisonburg, a jury deliberated for just 30 minutes before convicting Anthony Eugene Robinson of killing Allene “Beth” Redmon and Tonita Smith in 2021. Robinson had been described as the suspected “shopping cart killer.” Jurors recommended four life sentences, another 10 years in prison and a $400,000 fine.
Two Virginia mothers whose children died in car crashes are working with state lawmakers to strengthen driver and passenger safety laws. Their proposals could introduce new penalties for unlicensed minors who drive, expand driver education in public schools and require all adults in a vehicle to wear seat belts.
Demolition is drawing closer for part of Eastgate Shopping Center on John Marr Drive in Annandale. The developer behind a planned mixed-use project submitted a demolition plan to Fairfax County on Jan. 28.
Everything to the left of K Market is slated for removal, including Kimen Ramen Izakaya, Pelicana Chicken, The Block, b-Thrifty, ToBe Nails, Sinsegye Department and Ben Gong’s Tea.
In Falls Church, Pupatella founders Enzo Algarme and Anastasiya Laufenberg are planning a French cafe and creperie called Little Falls Cafe. The new concept is expected to have a vintage aesthetic, with the team aiming to open it in the spring.
Fairfax City crews are replacing 200 feet of aging sewer line on Orchard Street. The work zone runs from Bevan Drive to a utility access point about 200 feet west of the intersection. Construction is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays through Friday, Feb. 21.
Tysons-based digital identity verification company ID.me has secured a $275 million credit facility from Ares Management, which is also making a substantial equity investment in the company. ID.me said it plans to use the largest funding vehicle in its history to accelerate growth.
An annual reader survey is seeking feedback to help guide local coverage and priorities during 2025.
Monday is expected to be mostly sunny, with temperatures near 57 degrees and south winds of 3 to 8 mph. Skies should become mostly cloudy overnight as temperatures fall to about 46 degrees and southwest winds increase to 7 to 10 mph.