Author: FFXnow.com

Winter Weather Advisory in Effect — “A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Thursday, Feb. 20, from 7 to 11 a.m. for accumulating snowfall during the morning commute. Expect accumulating snowfall and slick roads if traveling tomorrow morning, with surface temperatures in the upper teens to low 20s.” [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

Family of DCA Plane Crash Victim Sues — “The family of a passenger who died in the midair collision near Washington, D.C., filed legal claims against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the United States Army, seeking $250 million in compensation for each claim.” [ABC News]

Campaign Finance Reform Bill Goes to Governor — “The Virginia House and Senate voted unanimously Wednesday to tighten Virginia’s notoriously loose campaign-finance laws by banning the personal use of campaign funds, something already banned in 48 states and in federal contests.” Sen. Jennifer Boysko, who sponsored the Senate version of the bill, called it “a long-overdue first step” toward restoring faith in democracy. [Washington Post]

County Shares Resources for Fired Federal Workers — “Thousands of county residents and their families will likely be affected by the federal government’s recently announced plan to significantly downsize the federal workforce and budget. The county has a variety of resources and services that can help former federal employees, contractors and anyone else affected by job loss.” [Fairfax County Government]

Tysons Financial Firm Plans Expansion — “Nodal Exchange, LLC, North America’s largest power futures exchange and a subsidiary of the Deutsche Boerse Group’s EEX Group, will invest $300,000 to expand its operations. The expansion will create 33 new jobs.” The company’s headquarters are at 1921 Gallows Road. [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]

Fairfax City Police Seek Man Wanted for Gun Possession — “City of Fairfax Police are asking the public’s help in locating [a man] who is wanted on two felony firearm possession warrants and four misdemeanor warrants. Police warn members of the public not to approach [the man], who is known to carry firearms and knives.” [Patch]

Inside ‘Legendary’ Springfield Recording Studio — “If the walls of Bias Studios could talk, they would sing. And it would sound amazing. Hiding next to a firehouse in Springfield, this unassuming one-story brick building has been quietly cranking out hit after hit since 1980.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

It’s Thursday — Snow is expected mainly before 1pm, with a high near 29. The day will be blustery with wind gusts that could reach 33 mph. There’s an 80% chance of precipitation, and snow accumulation could be less than one inch. Thursday evening will be partly cloudy and continue to be blustery, with a low around 22. [NWS]

Legislation to Reform Speed Cameras Stalls — “After lawmakers uncovered millions in speed camera revenue across Virginia, a proposal to tighten regulations on the devices has hit a legislative roadblock. The General Assembly now waits to see whether a pared-down version of the plan will survive without triggering an expansion of automated enforcement.” [Virginia Mercury]

Two Hospitalized by Lincolnia House Fire — “On Tuesday, February 18, at 7:12 pm, #FCFRD responded to a house fire in the 5100 block of Clinton Road in the Lincolnia area. Units arrived to smoke showing from the single-family home … Two civilians were transported. No firefighter injuries. Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.” [FCFRD/Facebook]

I-495 Lane Closures Near Tysons — “Ramps will be closed and traffic detoured nightly at eastbound Dulles Toll Road/Dulles Airport Access Highway to Northbound I-495 during overnight hours through March 1. The ramp from eastbound Dulles Toll Road/Airport Access Highway (Route 267) to northbound I-495 will also be closed nightly.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

N. Va. Church Cancels Kennedy Center Christmas Show — “On Sunday, Alexandria’s Alfred Street Baptist Church announced it would be cutting ties to the Kennedy Center after President Trump purged the arts center’s board. Alfred Street Baptist Church joins a list of events and shows canceling on the venue. [ALXnow]

Va. Push to Regulate Data Centers Falters — “Out of several dozen bills introduced on the subject, including a slate that had support from Republicans and Democrats in both the Senate and the House of Delegates, only a few remain alive — and industry critics say those have been watered down.” A state report on data centers came out too close to the beginning of the legislative session for significant changes to be fully considered, one delegate says. [Washington Post]

Metro Plans Tap-to-Pay System — “Metro is making strides this year, recently bringing back automated trains on the entire Red Line and readying to launch tap-to-pay in late spring … Tap-to-pay with a credit or debit card is anticipated for late May or early June, says [General Manager Randy] Clarke,” though SmarTrip cards will stick around. [Axios DC]

South Block Celebrates Fairfax City Opening — “Representatives from the Fairfax City business community hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday morning to welcome the new South Block to Fair City Mall. The shop specializes in making healthy smoothies, acai bowls and juices.” [Patch]

Mount Vernon Police Station Head to Retire — “Maj. Matthew Luik, who has served as commander of the Mount Vernon District Police Station since last summer, is retiring from the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD), effective Feb. 21.” The station’s assistant commander, Capt. Jeff Mauro, will fill the position until a permanent hire is made. [On the MoVe]

It’s Wednesday — Expect snow mainly between 1pm and 4pm today, with cloudy skies and a high near 27. There’s a 60% chance of precipitation, accumulating less than half an inch of new snow. Tonight, a slight chance of snow before 7pm and isolated showers after 4am with lows around 22. The chance of precipitation is 20%. [NWS]

Strong Winds Affect Power in N. Va. — The D.C. area was “hit with winds as high as 60 mph Sunday night … as energy companies in the area reported thousands of customers were in the dark.” More than 20,000 Dominion Energy customers in Fairfax County lost power on Sunday (Feb. 16), and “Fairfax County Fire and Rescue reported that seven houses had been hit by falling trees and nine downed wires.” [WUSA9]

Witnesses Describe Reston Gym Shooting — “The case against a man accused of killing another man inside a gym in Reston, Virginia last summer is moving forward. Steve Ha, 43, of Chantilly, is suspected of killing Hyungjoon Choi, of Reston, in a Gold’s Gym in August. Choi was 31.” Witnesses, including Gold’s Gym trainer, testified in court last Thursday (Feb. 13). [NBC4]

Bill to Expand Traffic Enforcement on GW Parkway Dies — “A bill in Virginia that would allow state and local police departments to enforce traffic laws on the federally owned George Washington Memorial Parkway failed to advance in Richmond. Senate Bill 776, introduced by Sen. Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax County) passed the Senate … However, in a House transportation committee, the bill was defeated.” [WUSA9]

Flight Honors Springfield Pilot Killed in Crash — “Twenty-two homeless dogs and eight cats boarded a flight toward freedom Feb. 2 at Culpeper Regional Airport — a mission in memory of volunteer pilot Seuk Kim, a Springfield resident and former financier who died in a plane crash last year saving dogs from kill shelters.” [Inside NoVA]

Falls Church Library Reviewing Palestinian Book — “A children’s book about Palestine is under review at a Falls Church library following a complaint alleging antisemitic language. ‘P is for Palestine: A Palestine Alphabet Book’ is the work in question. Library Director Megan Dotzler said at a Feb. 5 meeting that a complaint had been lodged, leading to the review.” [ARLnow]

Taiyaki Shop Opens Chantilly Location — “Rice Culture — the new eatery specializing in sweet fish-shaped Asian desserts — started a soft opening over the weekend at its newest location in Chantilly off Route 50 … Rice Culture has taken a small space in the Chantilly Crossing shopping center.” [The Burn]

Sen. Kaine Jams With GMU Pep Band — “Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine (D) accompanied George Mason University’s Green Machine pep band during the men’s basketball game against St. John’s College … The Patriots squeaked by the visiting St. John’s College Hawks, overcoming a 16-point deficit to win 58-57 at Eagle Bank Arena in Fairfax.” [Patch]

Budget Airline to Serve Dulles Starting in Spring — “Low-cost carrier Contour Airlines is set to launch service at Dulles International Airport starting May 1, the airline announced. The Tennessee-based carrier will begin nonstop flights to Dulles from Macon, Georgia, and Plattsburgh, New York. Fares will start at $94 one-way, Contour said in a Facebook post.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

It’s Tuesday — Expect mostly sunny skies and a high near 36 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 11 to 15 mph with gusts reaching up to 25 mph. As Tuesday night arrives, anticipate increasing clouds and a low temperature around 20 degrees, along with a north wind blowing at 8 to 10 mph. [NWS]

Metro Work to Affect Service This Weekend — “Metro has trackwork on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday and adjusted service hours on Monday due to the Presidents’ Day holiday.” The Blue Line will operate only from Franconia-Springfield to Greenbelt, while the Orange and Silver lines will be split into two segments, with shuttle buses replacing trains from Foggy Bottom to the Pentagon and Clarendon. [WMATA]

Federal Workers Get Layoff Notices — “Federal workers have begun receiving layoff notices as the Trump administration moves ahead with plans to drastically downsize the government. While the full scale of layoffs isn’t yet clear, the first round of cuts appeared to target employees who were recently hired and still on probationary status.” [NPR]

Beer Garden Replacing Falls Church Motel — “Demolition has begun at the vacant Stratford Motor Lodge in Falls Church, where a local business owner plans to construct a restaurant and beer garden. Under new ownership, the site at 300 W. Broad Street is slated to become Stratford Gardens, the latest project by Arash Tafakor.” [ARLnow]

Statewide Spring Burn Ban to Take Effect — “Virginia’s statewide burning law, which prohibits outdoor burning between midnight and 4 p.m., is in effect from Saturday, Feb. 15 through April 30. Violation of the burning law is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable with a fine of up to $500.” [Inside NoVA]

Fabric Store to Close Fairfax Locations — “Joann announced yesterday that it plans to close approximately 500 of its U.S. stores. Thirteen of the stores are in Virginia; five are in Northern Virginia.” Out-of-business sales at the closing stores, including ones at Fairfax Towne Center and in Seven Corners, are expected to begin tomorrow (Saturday). [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Revisions to Fairfax Connector Routes Proposed — “The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will host two virtual public meetings, on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Join Fairfax Connector for a lunch and learn session that will begin at 12 p.m. followed by an evening meeting at 7 p.m. to discuss proposed service adjustments and realignments to several routes.” [FCDOT]

Vienna Tech Startup Raises $30M — “Antithesis Operations LLC, a Vienna software testing startup whose tools find bugs in computer programming code, has raised $30 million in new funding.” Founded by two former Apple engineers in 2018, the company hopes to double its workforce to “about 140 employees over the next year, primarily by adding marketing and product development teams in San Francisco, where it recently added an office.” [DC Inno]

Riverside McLean Mansion Lands Buyer — “A seven-bedroom home along the banks of the Potomac River has found a buyer, and the listing’s land may have been the driving factor. 1260 Crest Lane (map), on the market for $15.5 million with Piper Yerks and Ben Roth of Washington Fine Properties, went under contract with contingencies earlier this week.” [DC UrbanTurf]

It’s Friday — Expect sunny skies and a high around 38 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind ranging from 8 to 13 mph, and gusts reaching up to 21 mph. At night, clouds will increase as temperatures drop to around 27 degrees. [NWS]