Morning Notes

Bills to Expect From the 2024 General Assembly — “Virginia lawmakers will head to Richmond on Jan. 10 for the start of the General Assembly session, which lasts until mid-March.” Key issues up for debate will include proposed tax changes, funding for Metro and a stadium to bring the Washington Capitals and Wizards to Alexandria, and data center regulations. [DCist]

Oakton HS Band Wins Metallica Contest — “Oakton High School’s marching band has won the small high school category in the metal band Metallica’s first-ever ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ competition…The choreography and nice touches like a drum solo, liberal use of band members throwing devil horns, and wallets on chains seem to have put it over the top.” [Washingtonian]

Local Contractor Violated Labor Law, Judge Says — “JAG Contractors Inc., a Fairfax County company specializing in commercial drywall, discriminatorily transferred and terminated or laid off three workers, per a Jan. 2 decision from a National Labor Relations Board administrative law judge.” The company filed voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Oct. 12. [Washington Business Journal]

Environmental Council Seeks Public Input — “The Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) will meet on January 10, 2024, at 7:15 PM in Conference Room 4/5 of the Government Center…The public is encouraged to attend EQAC’s public comment meeting to share views on the state of the environment and to identify environmental issues of concern applicable to” the county. [OEEC]

Spring Start Anticipated for Old Mount Vernon HS Project — “The Original Mount Vernon High School (OMVHS) is edging closer to construction, with work potentially starting in late spring 2024, according to Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES)…The county originally had hoped to award the construction contract by the end of 2023.” [On the MoVe]

FCPS Program Helps Students With Disabilities Get Work Experience — “On Friday afternoon at Brooke Rental Center in Vienna, Virginia, Fairfax County student Curtis Roberts took inventory of some of the items throughout the warehouse…Since September, Roberts has worked at the store three days per week for one hour each day. It’s part of a countywide program that aims to get students with disabilities working experience before they graduate.” [WTOP]

Nearby: Input Sought on Dulles Greenway Toll Hikes — “The Toll Roads Investors Partnership II, which operates the road, is calling for a peak-hour hike, which would be up from $5.80 for the trip. Off-peak times could jump to $6.40 from $5.25. But residents will have a chance to voice their opinions on the change Tuesday during a hearing at Freedom High School in South Riding.” [WTOP]

It’s Tuesday — Heavy rain is expected with a high near 60, accompanied by strong east winds increasing to 23-28 mph in the afternoon, gusting up to 39 mph. A 100% chance of precipitation is anticipated, with 1-2 inches possible. Rain will persist before 1 am, with a low around 44. Windy conditions continue, and an additional 1-2 inches of rain may fall. [Weather.gov]