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Fairfax County police are increasing impaired-driving patrols as March Madness and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations bring more travel and late-night gatherings. Officials warn that evenings spent watching games or attending festivities can lead to more impaired drivers on the road.

A federal court on Monday reaffirmed a January ruling that found Virginia’s blanket disenfranchisement of people with felony convictions violates post-Civil War laws requiring former Confederate states to protect voting rights for newly emancipated Black residents.

Fairfax City homeowners could see their average annual real estate tax bill rise by $633. The City Council voted 4-3 Tuesday to advertise a maximum fiscal 2027 rate of $1.095 per $100 of assessed value, exceeding City Manager Daniel Alexander’s proposal.

A potential D.C. ballot measure would raise the minimum wage for tipped workers to $25 an hour. George Mason University professor Terry Clower said the proposal would likely have little short-term effect on nearby jurisdictions such as Arlington, though its broader regional impact remains uncertain.

Virginia Railway Express is planning a major service expansion by 2030 and a broader transformation by 2050. Its long-range strategy calls for adjusting to changing travel patterns, increasing ridership, and introducing more off-peak and weekend trains.

Kings Dominion is scheduled to reopen March 21, while Busch Gardens Williamsburg begins its spring celebrations this weekend. Both amusement parks have new offerings for visitors planning trips down Interstate 95.

The Afghanistan Refugee Rescue Organization celebrated Afghan women at the United Christian Parish in Reston on Sunday, March 8, marking International Women’s Day. The event included speakers, government and nonprofit resources, and an Iftar dinner with singer Latifa Azizi.

Metro is recruiting experienced automotive service technicians to work as bus mechanics. An invitation-only hiring event is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, and applicants must apply through Metro’s careers website by 11:59 p.m. March 26.

Thursday’s rain showers are expected to become a rain-and-snow mix by 2 p.m. as temperatures fall to about 40 degrees. Winds of 14 to 21 mph could gust as high as 38 mph, with a 90% chance of precipitation but little anticipated snow accumulation. Skies should become mostly clear overnight as the temperature drops to 33 degrees.