Assault Weapons Ban Heads to Governor — “Virginia is one step closer to enacting an assault weapons ban. The Senate is sending a bill to Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s (D) desk on Monday that would make it illegal to sell, purchase, import, manufacture or transfer assault weapons in Virginia starting on July 1, 2026, with some exceptions.” [WRIC]

Gambling Commission Push Stalls — “A Virginia Senate committee killed a House bill that would create an independent body to regulate various gambling industries Monday, as state lawmakers seek to corral the sprawling industry.” A separate Senate bill currently being negotiated by members of both General Assembly chambers would instead hand most regulatory authority over gaming to the Virginia Lottery. [VPM Media]

Rarely Seen Bird Spotted in Great Falls Park — “Since a birder named Phil Kenny first discovered a female red-flanked bluetail in a tree just off the Capital Beltway on New Year’s Day, crowds of visitors have flocked to Great Falls Park — where the bird has been living for the past three months — to try to catch a glimpse. Locals young and old, plus bird nerds from as far away as Minnesota, Nevada, Texas, Michigan and Florida have all showed up with binoculars in tow.” [Washington Post]

Va. Could Clear Way for Plug-In Solar Panels — “Bills allowing for portable solar generation devices are nearing the finish line to be sent to the governor’s desk.” Led by Fairfax State Sen. Scott Surovell and Del. Paul Krizek, the bills prevent landlords with “more than four rental dwellings from prohibiting the use of balcony solar panels.” [Virginia Mercury]

Annandale Masonic Lodge for Sale — “The Elmer Timberman Masonic Lodge is selling its building at 6911 Columbia Pike in Annandale. The Masons only use it for monthly meetings. They own the building but they’re finding it hard to keep up with maintenance expenses” after a slowdown in event rentals post-Covid. [Annandale Today]

Vietnamese Eatery Launches at Tysons Galleria — “At his upscale restaurant Moon Rabbit, chef Kevin Tien and his team reimagine Vietnamese food with modern dishes like mochi beignets with fresh eel or green-curry sponge cake. But at his new fast-casual spot, Chao Ban, in Tysons Galleria, Tien is focusing on more familiar staples like pho and banh mi — albeit with some of his usual cheffy twists.” [Washingtonian]

Vienna Steakhouse Aims for Spring Opening — “Electric Bull is slated to open this spring at 176 Maple Ave. West. It began as a basic idea: a neighborhood grill and butcher shop centered on great meat and live fire. Somewhere along the way, that vision attracted an elite group of chefs and partners whose combined experience is helping shape it into something much bigger.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Fairfax City Schools Take Cautious Approach to Budget — “City of Fairfax school leaders say they are building a cautious Fiscal Year 2027 budget that preserves student programs and staff support while budgeting for a lower tuition bill than the roughly $77 million figure initially projected by Fairfax County Public Schools.” [Patch]

It’s Wednesday — There’s a 50% chance of rain with partly sunny skies, and a high near 82 degrees. South winds will range from 6 to 11 mph, gusting up to 22 mph. Evening brings a 70% chance of rain, along with cloud cover and a low around 51 degrees. [NWS]

There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.