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About 100 people gathered Friday, March 6, to remember Binda and Mamta Thapa, two women fatally stabbed at their Fairfax home on Feb. 23.
The vigil at Margate Manor Apartments was organized by Prabha Bhattarai, founder and president of the PKP Tender Hearts Foundation, which supports the Nepalese community.
Casino referendum faces resistance
Fairfax County Board Chairman Jeff McKay says he does not plan to put a casino referendum before voters if Virginia lawmakers approve the proposal in its current form.
The legislation has not reached Gov. Abigail Spanberger. The House and Senate must first reconcile differences between their versions of the bill.
Sexual abuse legislation advances
House Bill 1020 is heading to the governor with a provision that could give some survivors of child sexual abuse another opportunity to pursue civil claims.
Virginia’s current civil statute of limitations generally expires 20 years after a survivor reaches adulthood. The bill would restart that 20-year period when new evidence is uncovered.
Murder charge dropped in Groveton case
Prosecutors have dropped a second-degree murder charge against a suspect in the fatal stabbing of a man near a Groveton bus stop last year.
The Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office cited insufficient evidence to support prosecution. The victim’s family expressed anger and disappointment over the decision.
Lawsuit targets reproductive rights amendment
A Bedford County-based lawsuit is challenging Virginia’s pending reproductive rights amendment, alleging House of Delegates Clerk Paul Nardo failed to distribute copies to circuit court clerks as state law required.
However, legislation signed by Spanberger in February retroactively removed that requirement from the state code.
Electrical problem blamed for Belle Haven fire
An electrical event inside the wall of a second-floor bedroom caused a March 4 house fire in the 2600 block of East Side Drive, investigators determined.
Fairfax County firefighters responded at 4:13 a.m. No injuries were reported, but the blaze caused an estimated $20,129 in property damage.
Temporary Annandale music venue proposed
Local entrepreneur Johnny P hopes to turn a vacant Columbia Pike building into a temporary live music venue called Music Flavor.
The building, formerly home to Thai Sushi Eats, was among two properties damaged by fire in 2023. The venue would operate until the structure is demolished and the site redeveloped.
Critical shortage prompts Chantilly blood drive
Inova is appealing for donors amid a critical blood shortage. The Sully District Blood Drive is scheduled for Monday, March 9, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Sully Government Center.
Four appointment times remained available as of Sunday night.
Alcohol license sought
An applicant is seeking authorization to manufacture alcohol and sell it for consumption both on and off the premises.
Warm, sunny Monday ahead
Monday’s forecast calls for sunshine and a high near 72 degrees. Calm winds are expected to shift south at about 5 mph during the afternoon.
Skies should remain mostly clear Monday night as temperatures fall to around 48 degrees. Winds will be calm.