Countywide

Two Virginia lawmakers are proposing sweeping measures to improve the state’s provision of special education services as criticisms from parents and the federal government over Virginia’s compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act continue.

Sponsored by Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield, and Sen. Barbara Favola, D-Arlington, the proposals would create a statewide system to oversee the development and use of individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with special needs, require more training for educators about how to provide inclusive special education instruction, set up eight regional “special education parent support centers” and provide additional specialists to divisions.


Around Town

Ornery Beer Company Public House has officially dropped its plans for a location at Herndon’s Arrowbrook Centre (2340 Silver Arrow Way).

The company’s CEO Randy Barnette says plans fell through due to issues with securing financing for the project. The news was first reported by The Burn.


News

Older residents will have a new housing option in Tysons next month.

After almost two years of construction, The Mather Tysons will start opening the first of its two high-rise apartment buildings at 7929 Westpark Drive during the first week of March, according to Mather Senior Vice President of Connections and Sales Gale Morgan.


Around Town

A Japan-based ramen chain is gearing up to open a new location in Lincolnia this summer.

Founded in Nagoya, Japan, in 2010, Kajiken is expanding its footprint with an outlet in Pinecrest Plaza at 6550K Little River Turnpike. The restaurant is scheduled to open within the next six months, according to the franchise owner, Maryland-based IVEA Restaurant Group.


Countywide

One Dead, Six Hospitalized After Annandale Crash — “Fairfax County Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash in Annandale, Virginia that sent seven people to the hospital Sunday morning, including one man who died en route…People who live in the area tell WUSA9 they’re shocked to see this happen but they said there’s been a long history of drivers speeding” on Braddock Road, where the crash occurred. [WUSA9]

Alleged Brothel Operators Indicted — “Three people arrested and charged in November 2023 in connection to brothels operating in Boston and Northern Virginia have been indicted by a federal grand jury…According to charging documents, the defendants operated an interstate prostitution network with multiple brothels in Cambridge and Watertown, Massachusetts, as well as in Fairfax and Tysons.” [WTOP]


Around Town

Capital One Park is winding up for another year of baseball.

Capital One Center unveiled a schedule yesterday (Thursday) for the ballpark’s second season since it opened at 1820 Dolley Madison Drive in Tysons on March 31, 2023.


Countywide

Fairfax County may continue waiving permitting and installation fees for electric vehicle chargers, following an initial trial period of 18 months that showed mixed results.

At a land use policy committee meeting on Tuesday (Jan. 30), Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said he hopes to extend the trial period by one year.