Va. Lagging on AI Expertise, Report Says — “Virginia’s information technology office is not up to speed on artificial intelligence, and the agency that helps draft laws does not have the AI expertise needed to address the quickly evolving technology, according to a state-directed report.” [Cardinal News]
Arlington Removes Flock Cameras — “All county-leased Flock Safety technology had been removed as of last week, in compliance with a County Board vote last month, county spokesperson Ryan Hudson told ARLnow … The decision, which came amid nationwide backlash against the technology and concerns about potential misuse by federal agents, does not affect cameras installed on private property.” [ARLnow]
Senate Candidates Make Cases — “U.S. Sen. Mark Warner says he wants one final term to help undo the damage he believes President Donald Trump has caused. His Republican challenger, Bert Mizusawa, argues Virginia would be better served with a senator Trump will actually listen to.” [Virginia Mercury]
Officials Join Data Center Substation Protest — “After Alexandria’s mayor and City Council spoke out against an electric substation for a data center development near the city [in Lincolnia], some elected officials joined a march against data centers … The event in Alexandria kicked off a two-week March for a Moratorium to call on state leaders to pause new data center development in Virginia.” [ALXnow]
Improved Score for Chesapeake Bay — “The Chesapeake Bay earned a C+ on the annual report card that calculates improvements or losses in key indicators of health and conditions in the estuary and surrounding areas. This is the highest the Bay has ever scored since the record-keeping began in 2006.” [Virginia Mercury]
Counter-Drone Firm Opens Reston HQ — Denmark counter-drone technology company MyDefence will open a North American headquarters at 11190 Sunrise Valley Drive in Reston today (Thursday). William Ostrowski, president and CEO of the North American division, says the 7,180-square-foot office will initially accommodate 35 people before increasing its headcount to “about 50 workers based there a year from now.” [Washington Business Journal]
County Seeks to Address Child Care Gap — “Leaders in Fairfax County tell 7News they’re working to expand access to childcare after discovering major gaps across the community.” The county will host two more virtual meetings at noon today (Thursday) and at 7 p.m. next Wednesday (Oct. 21) to gather public feedback on proposed zoning changes intended to make land use and permitting processes easier for home child care providers. [WJLA]
Survey Coming on Public School Facilities — “The Office of the Chief of Facilities Services and Capital Programs is seeking input from community members, families, and employees about school facility needs and how FCPS prioritizes facility improvements.” Surveys will be sent to families by email this Friday (Oct. 16), remaining open until Oct. 31. [FCPS]
It’s Thursday — There’s a 70% chance of showers, likely after 1pm, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 64. Tonight will stay cloudy with a low near 58 and possible showers, especially before 2am. [NWS]
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