Community Corner
Top News Of 2025: Plane Crash Victims, Home Explosion Conviction, Data Center Zoning
Top news of 2025: conviction locker room investigation, new school board members elected, by-right data center approval removed, toll hike.
ASHBURN, VA — There was plenty of news Ashburn Patch readers were following in 2025, from power line and data center stories to an update in the home explosion case and plane crash victims.
The year started with some victims in the Reagan National Airport plane crash being identified as Loudoun families in the figure skating community. Tributes for the victims followed, including at the Ashburn Ice Center where some of the families frequented.
Power lines were another topic of interest, as data center power needs prompted Dominion Energy to pursue new projects. One with a significant portion of the route along Route 7 was approved by the State Corporation Commission, and another is being considered in the Ashburn area. Loudoun County government and other local groups are pushing for underground power lines to be considered.
Find out what's happening in Ashburnfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In business and development news, one major update was the elimination of by-right data center approvals by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. The board moved on to the second step of updating data center and electrical substation standards and locations. There were other business changes to follow, like development of Kincora, Dulles Town Center's plan for a new expo center and businesses opening and closing.
The top Loudoun County Public Schools story was the ongoing coverage of a Title IX investigation into a locker room incident with two male students and a transgender student at Stone Bridge High School. The lawsuit from the male students' families is underway, so expect more updates in 2026 on the matter. Other school-related stories include the election of new school board members, the renaming of schools with Confederate-associated names, stricter cell phone policies for students and new recovery school and inmate high school diploma programs.
Find out what's happening in Ashburnfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In Police and fire news, some of the notable stories were a new fire chief, conviction of a former propane company employee for the fatal home explosion, a college student's disappearance on a spring break trip and Ashburn volunteer fire chief's embezzlement charge.
There were also notable feel-good stories in the community, including a blood donor's record donations, park and potential post office renaming to honor Firefighter Trevor Brown, Ashburn family's Great Christmas Light Fight win, Santa and costumed firefighters greeting hospitalized children and a veteran battling cancer getting a new car.
See top stories by category below. Be sure to subscribe to Ashburn Patch to get free news alerts and a daily newsletter to stay up to date with Ashburn news in 2026.
Around the Community
- Loudoun County Families Identified As DC Plane Crash Victims, Vigil Planned
- 'We're Grieving': Ashburn Mourns Figure Skaters Lost In D.C. Plane Crash
- Community Rallies To Help VA Skaters' Families Tied To DC Plane Crash
- Needs Increasing For Income-Limited Loudoun Families Ineligible For Benefits
- Underground Power Line Route Proposed By Loudoun County, Others In Golden To Mars Case
- Power Line Opposition Organized By Rock Ridge High School Student
- 'Setting Precedents': Ashburn Neighbors Fight New Power Line Route Proposal
- Power Line Ruling Appealed By Loudoun County, Another Project To Get Hearings
- Overhead Power Lines Project On Route 7 In Loudoun County Approved By SCC
- Ashburn Recreation and Community Center Opening, Free Admission Days Set
- How Homelessness Is Trending In Loudoun County After Latest Point-In-Time Count
- Scrape For The Grape Volunteers Fight Invasive Insect Threatening NoVA Wine Industry
- See Which Loudoun Communities Make Niche's Best Places To Live Rankings
- Santa Arrives By Helicopter, Visits Children At Loudoun Hospital
- The Arc Of Loudoun Celebrates New Home After Relocation Of School, Other Services
- Relaunch Arc of Loudoun's School For Students With Disabilities Supported By Grant
- Costumed Firefighters Give Children Halloween Treat At Loudoun Hospital
- Invasive Plant Species Grant Program Launch Draws Crowd At Loudoun Winery
- Ashburn-Based Collection Provides 1.2 Million Diapers And Wipes To Nonprofits
- Watch: Bald Eagle Released In Loudoun County After Recovery
- Loudoun Hunger Relief Tops 161 Nonprofit Recipients Of Give Choose Day
Politics and Government
- VA House 30th District Election 2025: McAuliff Flips Seat
- VA House 29th District Election 2025: Martinez Wins With All Precincts In
- How Ashburn Precincts Voted In 2025 Virginia Gubernatorial Election
- Loudoun County Budget Approved With Lower Real Estate, Car Tax Rates
- Vehicle License Fee Reduced To Zero In Loudoun County With Supervisors' Approval
- Home Assessment Values, Data Center Tax Base Continue To Rise In Loudoun
- Congressman Receives Threat At District Office In Loudoun County
- ICE Makes Arrests Outside VA Immigration Court, Prompting Scrutiny From Advocates
- Democrats Srinivasan, Singh Declare Victory In Loudoun County Special Elections
- Federal Employees Share Concerns At Congressman's Loudoun Town Hall
- Livability Rated High By Majority In Loudoun County Resident Survey
- Trump Golf Club Visits Spur Concerns About Traffic Disruptions In Loudoun County
- Ban On Street Names With Confederate, Segregation Ties Approved By Loudoun Supervisors
- Loudoun County Seeks Attainable Housing Applications From Developers
- Tiny Homes Explored As Potential Attainable Housing Option In Loudoun County
- Historical Marker Sought For Third Of Documented Lynchings In Loudoun County
- Car Tax Assessment Changes Coming In 2026 To Some Vehicles In Loudoun County
- Loudoun Supervisors Express Hesitations About Ranked Choice Voting
Schools
- Loudoun County School Board Election 2025: 5 Candidates Projected To Win
- Loudoun County School Board Bids Farewell To 3 Outgoing Members
- Loudoun Superintendent Gets Pay Raise With School Board-Approved Contract Extension
- Feds Seek To Join Transgender Locker Room Lawsuit Against Loudoun Schools
- Locker Room Lawsuit Against LCPS Involves Misinformation, Loudoun4All Says
- Suspensions Paused In Transgender Locker Room Investigation
- 5 NoVA School Districts Reaffirm Transgender Student Policies In Rebuke To Trump Administration
- Last Case Against Former Loudoun Schools Superintendent Scott Ziegler Dropped
- Confederate Names Replaced For 2 Schools In Loudoun County
- School Board Approves Increased LCPS Budget, Rejects DEI Funding Decrease
- Stricter Electronic Device Policy Approved For Loudoun Schools Students
- Independence High School Marching Band Wins 3rd Consecutive State Championship
- New Program To Help Loudoun Inmates Earn High School Equivalent Degree
- Recovery School Program Launches At Loudoun County Public Schools
- 59 Loudoun County Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists For 2026
- SOL Pass Rates Improve For Most Subjects At Loudoun Public Schools
- Cappies 2025 Award Winners Include Loudoun County School
Business and Development
- By-Right Approval For Data Centers Changed To Full Board Review In Loudoun County
- Northern Virginia Science Center Breaks Ground At Kincora
- Expo Center To Open At Dulles Town Center Amid Dulles Expo Center's Planned Conversion
- Company To Expand Loudoun County Office Into Global Headquarters
- Old Ox Brewery To Close After 11 Years In Ashburn
- Attainable Housing Development Considered For Ashburn Park And Ride Site
- Loudoun Woman's Pastacraft Business Returns Ahead Of Bigger Launch In 2026
- New 810 Entertainment With Bowling, Games Opens At Dulles Town Center
- Bakers Crust Artisan Kitchen To Close Ashburn Location
- Pool, Sauna, Turf Areas Among Amenities At Health Club Coming To Ashburn
- Loudoun Hospital's New Level II Trauma Center Status Impacts Patient Transfers
- Southeast Asian-Focused Southeast Impression To Open In Brambleton
- Unlimited Brunch To Be Offered At New Southern Kitchen In Loudoun County
- Restaurant Known For Cheap Eats Opens At Ashburn Development
- Olympic Gymnast Dominique Dawes To Attend Ashburn Location's Grand Opening
- Ninja Warrior Champion To Help Open Gym At Dulles Town Center
- New Taqueria And Tequila Bar To Hold Grand Opening In Ashburn
- 'We Bring Back What's Been Lost': Upcycled Home Goods Business Finds Success
- A New View In Ashburn Unveils Ski Resort-Themed Holiday Experience: See Photos
- Former NFL Player-Founded D1 Training To Open At Ashburn's Loudoun Station
- New Entertainment Venue Breaks Ground At Loudoun County Development
- New Ashburn Restaurant Features Extensive Tequila Options, Mexican Fare
- Shopping Center Under Revitalization Set To Gain New French Restaurant
- Loud'n Roasted Opens New Ashburn Location, Coffee Flights To Be Added Later
- Taco Bamba Sets Opening Date For First Loudoun County Location, Plans Giveaways
- Brunch-Centric Restaurant Plans New Location In Ashburn Area
- Loudoun County Haunted House Builds On Success, Adds New Attractions
- New Southern-Inspired Restaurant Plans Opening Near Ashburn Metro
- Local Restaurant Group Brings Newest Location To Ashburn
- Book Boxes Thrive In Resident's Young Adult Online Bookstore
- Simulation Racing Lounge Feeds Growing E-Sport Interest In Loudoun County
- Loudoun-Based Bagel Shop Opens First Ashburn Area Location
- Specialty Cupcakes, Ice Cream Among Offerings At New Dessert Shop
- New Winery Focused On Sparkling Wine Opens In Loudoun County
- James Beard-Nominated Restaurateurs To Open Cascades Marketplace Location
- Expanded Children's And Medical Unit Opened At Loudoun Hospital
- Play Street Museum In Ashburn Opens, Offers Town Square Play Space For Kids
- EatLoco Open Air Market Debuts At Dulles Town Center
- Afghan Immigrant Fulfills Dream With Loudoun Business, Names It After Granddaughter
- Ashburn Tree Owner Aims To Help Neighbors In A Growing Ashburn
- Active Gaming Facility To Offer Free Play Days At Loudoun County Opening
- Mediterranean Breeze In Ashburn Closing After 21 Years
- NoVA High-End Pumpkin Styling Business Prepares For Busy Fall Season
- Marketplace Of Small Businesses Opens Second Loudoun County Location
- Up! Indoor Adventure Park Opens In Ashburn, Plans Grand Opening Event
- Rai's Pizza Closes At Ashburn Ice House, Prepares For Relocation
Transportation
- VA Supreme Court Upholds Toll Increase Rejection On Toll Road
- Metro Makes Destination Changes On Silver Line: What To Know
- White's Ferry Reopening Pushed By MD County With 'Last Chance Incentive'
- Route 7 Study Recommendations Provided For Busy Section In Loudoun County
- More Loudoun Commuter Routes To Launch As Pilot Program
- Loudoun County Transit Increases Fares For Some Bus Routes In December
- Scope Of Gloucester Parkway Extension Reduced By Loudoun Supervisors
- Loudoun County Adds New Fee For Electric Vehicle Charging
- Portion Of Road In Ashburn To Be Renamed, Roundabout Planned
Crime and Safety
- Fire Chief Keith Johnson To Retire From Loudoun County Role
- New Fire Chief Named In Loudoun County As Keith Johnson Plans Retirement
- Former Propane Company Worker Convicted On Home Explosion Charges
- Home Explosion Aftermath: Challenges With Home Explosion Emergency Response Identified
- Worldwide Missing Person Alert Sought For VA Student Missing In Dominican Republic
- Last Person To See Missing VA Student Free To Go Home, Judge Rules
- Disabilities Advocacy Group Backs New Blue Envelope Program In Loudoun County
- Killing Of Teen In Ashburn Leads To Second Arrest, GoFundMe Set Up For Victim's Family
- Suspect Charged With Murder In Teen's Shooting Was Out On Bond In Sex Case
- Dog Rescued From Beaverdam Reservoir By Loudoun Fire And Rescue Units
- Fire And Rescue Vehicle Strikes Pedestrian In Fatal Loudoun Crash
- Over 100 Animals Seized In Loudoun Animal Cruelty Case Leading To Sentences
- Remains Found At Loudoun 3-Alarm Fire Scene
- Intentionally Set Loudoun House Fire Killing Resident Leads To Murder Charge
- Explosion, Fire Reported To 911 In Ashburn, Fatality Confirmed
- Ashburn Volunteer Fire Chief Faces Embezzlement Investigation
- Sexual Abuse Of Daughter With Special Needs Leads To Father's Loudoun Prison Sentence
- Stabbing Kills 1 Person In Sterling, Suspect Charged
- 18-Year-Old Killed In Loudoun County Crash Identified
- Rapes Of Teen Girl For Nearly 3 Years Lead To Sentence In Loudoun County
- Teen Girl On Scooter Dies After Crash At Loudoun Intersection: Police
- Man Sentenced On Rape Of Child Charges In Loudoun County
- Home Burglaries Targeting Indian, Jewish Residents Lead To Man's Sentence
- Indecent Exposure Leads To Charge For Loudoun Substitute Teacher
- Worker Dies After Trench Collapse At Ashburn Construction Site
- Ashburn Dog Park Attack Leading To Victim's Death Prompts Prison Sentence
- Tractor-Trailer, Truck Crash On Route 28 Kills 1 Person: State Police
- Arson Investigation In Sterling Leads To Arrest: Fire Marshal
- Gunfire On Ashburn School Grounds Investigated By Sheriff's Office
- $1.4M Seized In Cryptocurrency Scam Bust By Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
- Attempted Carjacking At Dulles International Airport Leads To Sentence
- 'Felony Lane Gang' Tied To Identity And Credit Card Thefts In Loudoun County
- Deaths Of 2 Dogs In Hot Car Leads To Charges In Loudoun County
- Former Teacher From Ashburn Charged In Undercover Child Exploitation Case
- Driver Impaired In Crash With Loudoun School Bus: Sheriff
- Molestation Of 12-Year-Old Leads To Man's Sentence In Loudoun County
- Dog Owner Fatally Shot After Attack, Report
- 'Sus Candy Man' Faces Aggravated Sexual Battery Charge, Additional Victims Possible
- Lansdowne House Fire Causing 2 Injuries Traced Back To Lithium-Ion Battery
- Pedestrian Killed In Bus Crash Near Ashburn Metro Station: Sheriff's Office
- Fatal DUI Crash In Brambleton Prompts New Charge For Driver
Notable People
- Post Office Renaming Legislation Proposed To Honor Fallen Loudoun Firefighter
- Park On Home Explosion Site Honoring Fallen Firefighter Prepares To Open
- Ashburn Native Wins Miss Vermont USA, Advances To National Competition
- Navy SEAL Veteran Battling Cancer Gifted New Car In Loudoun County
- Blood Donor's 700-Donation Milestone Celebrated At Inova Blood Donor Services
- Ashburn Family Wins 'Great Christmas Light Fight' Episode With Synchronized Display
- 5K For Mental Health Support Continues In Memory Of Dominion High School Student
- High-Achieving Women Membership Group Launched By Loudoun Chamber Official
- Data Center Workers Help Pack 1,450 Meal Bags For Loudoun Food Insecure Students
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