morning notes

Local Man Arrested in Florida for Alleged Assault — “A Fairfax County, Virginia, man has been arrested in Florida after authorities say he attacked the mother of his child and left their newborn baby in the snow.” The 20-year-old man “is accused of assaulting and strangling the victim during a Feb. 12 incident — the 13-day-old infant was dropped during the fight, according to a police investigation.” [WTOP]

Pedestrian Fatalities Still Elevated in D.C. Region — “Pedestrians are now twice as likely to be killed in the D.C. area as they were a decade ago, even as more local leaders promise safer streets. For the third consecutive year in 2024, the Washington region recorded more than 100 pedestrian deaths.” [Washington Post]

Second Student Charged in Edison HS Gun Incident — Fairfax County police detectives arrested a 17-year-old Edison High School student on Friday (Feb. 21) who allegedly “shared possession” of the same gun that led to a 16-year-old student’s arrest the previous day. The 17-year-old has been charged with possessing and brandishing a firearm on school property. [FCPD]

Fairfax City Launches Housing Survey — “Fairfax City has launched a survey, open now through March 15, to gather input from the public regarding housing in the city … Survey responses will help shape the city’s Affordable Housing and Homelessness Strategic Plan, set to be published in June.” [City of Fairfax]

Mobile Revolutionary War Museum Stops by Mount Vernon — “The free, 11,000-square-foot VA250 Mobile Museum Experience — a museum on wheels [can be found] at the Mount Vernon Estate’s west visitor parking lot until Feb. 26. The two-room museum is part of the state’s commemoration of Virginia’s role in the 250th anniversary of American independence, called the Semiquincentennial.” [On the MoVe]

Shopping Center in Woodlawn Up for Sale — “KLNB is marketing Sacramento Center at 8792 Sacramento Drive, fronting Richmond Highway near Mount Vernon Country Club in Fairfax County, on behalf of its owner, an affiliate of Capital Investment Advisors … The center is nearly 99% leased and features a standalone Chipotle that opened in September.” [Washington Business Journal]

Spa Opens at Gunston Plaza — “At Gunston Plaza in Lorton, the Gunston Head Spa officially opened for business Feb. 19. Under the same ownership as the nearby Gunston Massage business, the head spa provides clients with specialized head, scalp and hair services, as well as skin care and massages.” [On the MoVe]

Vienna Native Makes College Baseball History — “The College of Charleston has promoted Sam Gjormand to a Division I baseball general manager position. The Vienna native becomes the first female general manager and the second person to hold the position in the history of Division I baseball.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

It’s Monday — Expect sunny skies and a high of 54 degrees with calm winds transitioning to a southerly 6 to 11 mph breeze during the morning. Monday night will be partly cloudy, with lows around 39 degrees and south winds at 6 to 8 mph. [NWS]

FCPS Reaches Out to Ousted Federal Workers — “Fairfax County Public Schools held an informational session for transitioning federal workers Wednesday night. The aim was to identify skills that can translate into new roles with the school district. The impact of mass firings is being felt throughout the Metro D.C. area.” [WJLA]

ICYMI: Student Charged With Bringing Gun to School — An Edison High School student has been charged with for allegedly bringing a gun to school yesterday (Thursday) morning. The student reportedly showed the gun to other students, one of whom alerted a school resource officer. A 16-year-old was arrested, and the gun confiscated, with no reported injuries. [FFXnow]

Teen Charged with Falls Church Robbery — “An Arlington teen awaiting trial over his alleged role in a 2023 stabbing has been arrested on a robbery charge.” The 19-year-old man “is one of four suspects accused of taking more than $300 in merchandise from a liquor store in Falls Church on Jan. 17.” [ARLnow]

How Federal Firings Might Affect Va. National Parks — “The Trump administration’s firing of hundreds of newly hired National Park Service employees could limit operating hours and cut a range of services at attractions such as Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, which bring in $32 million and $96 million, respectively, in tourism money to Virginia.” [Patch]

Workhouse Arts Center Leader Details Vision — “While driving by the Workhouse on his way to baseball games with his son, [Keith] Gordon used to ponder the 55-acre property and its potential. Last summer, he became the center’s president and chief executive officer. He sees the center as ‘a diamond in the rough, a story waiting to be told.'” [On the MoVe]

Fairfax County Hosts Black History Month Celebration — Fairfax County’s annual Black History Month Celebration will be held today (Friday) from 5-8:30 p.m. at the county government center. The festivities will include a variety of speeches and entertainment “to explore Black history in Fairfax County and celebrate perseverance and resiliency.” [Neighborhood and Community Services]

Lego-Building Contest Underway in Springfield — “Through March 2, kids looking to prove they’re the best young Lego builder in the area can participate in the 2025 Mini Master Model Builder competition for chance to win the title of DMV’s Mini Master Model Builder.” The winner will go to “Billund, Denmark, for the chance to become the first-ever Global Mini Master Model Builder.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

It’s Friday — Expect sunny and breezy conditions with a high around 37 degrees and northwest winds at 17 to 20 mph, gusting up to 32 mph. Night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 22 degrees. Winds will decrease to 5 to 10 mph, still gusting up to 18 mph from the northwest. [NWS]

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]

FCPS Reopens After Snow Day — After earlier snow, warmer temperatures yesterday (Wednesday) “have been good for area road conditions and for the clearing of sidewalks. With that in mind, all Fairfax County public schools and offices will open on time tomorrow, Thursday, February 13, 2025. We look forward to seeing everyone at school.” [FCPS]

Metrobus Resumes Regular Service — “Metro plans to resume normal Metrobus service starting at 4 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13. All 193 routes will operate on a regular schedule, reflecting improvements in road conditions across the region. In addition, Metrorail and MetroAccess will be running normal service.” [WMATA]

Bodies of DCA Crash Victims Illegally Filmed — “An airport dispatcher admitted to illegally recording surveillance footage showing deceased victims after last month’s fatal midair crash, police say.” The Maryland man allegedly took “photos and videos of crash victims being transferred from a first-responder boat to a staging area at Reagan National Airport,” according to a criminal complaint. [ARLnow]

Reston Man Convicted in Sex Crimes Cases — “A Reston man has been sentenced to at least seven years in prison for multiple sex crimes in Arlington. Matthew Coble’s sentencing, handed down Friday by Circuit Court Judge Daniel S. Fiore II, follows his convictions for aggravated sexual battery and indecent liberties with a minor.” [ARLnow]

Cyberattack on Va. Attorney General’s Office — “A ‘sophisticated cyberattack’ struck the offices of Virginia Attorney General Jason S. Miyares on Wednesday, forcing the agency to shut down computer systems and resort to paper court filings as Virginia State Police and the FBI investigate.” [Washington Post]

Taste of Annandale Planning to Begin — “The community is invited to a meeting on March 5 to help plan the next Taste of Annandale. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. at the Mason Government Center. The 2025 Taste of Annandale is scheduled for Sept. 20 at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space at 7200 Columbia Pike.” [Annandale Today]

Tysons Couple Celebrates 65th Anniversary — “Like something out of a romance novel, Ed, 80, and Helen Okunak, 81, have been going strong since 1960. The Tysons residents first dated as juniors at Lyndhurst High School in New Jersey.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

It’s Thursday — Expect rain to subside before 10am, followed by increasingly sunny skies and a high of 52. A south wind will shift northwest at 6-13 mph and gusts up to 23 mph. 60% chance of precipitation. Thursday night will be mostly clear with lows around 26. [NWS]

National Airport Runways Reopen — “Two runways were reopened at Reagan National Airport and a section of the Potomac River was restored Tuesday following a deadly midair collision last month, according to officials … In addition to the reopening of Runways 4/22 and 15/33, the Federal Aviation Administration has increased the hourly arrival rate to 28 aircraft for DCA.” [WTOP]

VHSL to Ban Transgender Female Athletes — “The Virginia High School League (VHSL) has announced that it will comply with the executive order banning transgender athletes assigned male at birth from competing in girls’ sports … This announcement comes after Gov. Glenn Youngkin posted on Facebook urging the league to comply” with the order signed by President Donald Trump on Feb. 5. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Bird Flu Spiking in Virginia — “Virginia is facing the worst bird flu spike since the nationwide outbreak started in 2022, USDA data shows … The Commonwealth has the seventh highest number of birds in the U.S. affected by avian influenza, per confirmed reports from Jan. 4 to Feb. 3.” [Axios Richmond]

Carjacking Attempted Near Huntington Metro Station — “Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau have charged a 30-year-old man with carjacking in Huntington. On February 9, at 10:45 p.m., officers responded to the 5700 block of Metroview Parkway in Huntington for a robbery. The victim reported that a man assaulted him and attempted to take his vehicle.” [FCPD]

Fresh World Supermarket Nears Opening — “The much-anticipated international supermarket at the Mount Vernon Square retail center is officially slated to open the second week of March, said Joshua Kim, property manager of Mount Vernon Square … More details on the grand opening will be forthcoming.” [On the MoVe]

County Offers Free Tax-Prep Resources — “Eligible residents and their families can get free assistance filing their federal and state income taxes at locations around the county through the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.” [Fairfax County Government]

Environmental Improvements Recommended for Mason District — A Greener Mason Advisory Committee convened last April presented a final report at a community meeting on Monday (Feb. 10). “The committee was charged with proposing both long-term and short-term actions for making the environment in Mason District more sustainable, greener, healthier, and more attractive.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Wednesday — Snow, freezing rain, and sleet are expected, with rain becoming likely after 4pm. The day will be cloudy with a high near 36. Precipitation probability is 70%. For Wednesday night, rain will persist mainly before 4am, with a low around 34 and a 100% chance of precipitation. [NWS]

Franconia Supervisor Announces Opposition to Casino — “During an open house in the Franconia District on Saturday, Supervisor Rodney Lusk (D-Franconia) told attendees he had contacted Speaker of the House Don Scott (D-Portsmouth) to express his opposition to the Tysons casino referendum bill currently making its way through the Virginia General Assembly.” [Patch]

Delegate Sues Over Sexual Assault Allegations — “Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, is hitting back. Months after facing sexual assault allegations that surfaced just days before his congressional primary, Helmer has filed a $15 million defamation lawsuit, claiming the accusations were politically motivated and knowingly false.” [Virginia Mercury]

Elected Officials Address Federal Government Concerns — “Several public officeholders hailing from or representing the Mount Vernon area devoted their presentations at the 38th Annual Mount Vernon Town Meeting to defending constituent groups that have been impacted by current White House policies, and pledged support to protect the affected groups.” [On the MoVe]

Tysons Consultant Pulls Out of Pride Event — “Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH) has withdrawn as a sponsor for WorldPride 2025, to be held this spring in D.C. for the first time.” The company said it dropped out of the LGBTQ Pride celebration in response to the Trump administration’s recent executive order threatening to withhold contracts from firms that promote diversity. [Washington Business Journal]

UVA Begins Classes at Merrifield Campus — “Workers are making some final tweaks, but classes have begun at the Fairfax campus of the University of Virginia. The new campus covers two floors in the Inova Center for Personalized Health complex … The campus will hold its grand opening on February 28.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Future of Helicopter Flights at DCA Still Unclear — “As safety restrictions tighten around Reagan National Airport, Arlington’s congressman is pushing to ensure this doesn’t mean more aircraft noise over residential areas … The FAA has stopped almost all helicopter traffic over the Potomac River near DCA, pending the results of an investigation into the crash that killed 67 people.” [ARLnow]

Falls Church Theater Group to Open New Venue — “Creative Cauldron has announced that it will officially open the doors to a brand-new theater in the Broad and Washington Development on February 13, 2025. A ribbon cutting and reception will take place Thursday February 13 at 1:00 p.m. at the new theater [at] 127 East Broad Street.” [Tysons Today]

McLean Community Center Seeks Board Members — “The McLean Community Center is looking for district residents to serve on its Governing Board.” Three adult seats and two youth seats will be open in this year’s election, which will start absentee voting on April 2 and conclude after McLean Day in mid-May. [MCC]

It’s Tuesday — Snow is expected, mainly after 1pm, with a high near 34. Precipitation chances are at 90% with a potential 1-3 inches of new snow. At night, the low will be around 31, and there’s a 100% chance of precipitation with an additional 2-4 inches of snow accumulation possible. [NWS]

Family Mourns Hit-and-Run Victim — “Erica Tibbs; her partner, Christian Saidi; and their son, Hezekiah, had just stepped off a bus after dinner at McDonald’s Jan. 29” when an SUV driver struck the woman and boy on Richmond Highway. Tibbs, who died at the hospital, “was loved, valued and respected in the community,” according to her aunt. [NBC4]

Advocates Propose W&OD Trail Rail Line — A new coalition of businesses, nonprofits and transit supporters called NOVA-TRAC is advocating for a commuter rail line alongside the Washington & Old Dominion Trail. “By building a consensus town by town, we hope to gain momentum to get an official feasibility study commissioned by Loudoun and Fairfax counties in partnership with state and regional agencies.” [Greater Greater Washington]

Governor Candidates React to Federal Worker Cuts — “The Trump administration’s aggressive push to cut government jobs is reverberating in the early stages of this year’s race for governor in Virginia.” Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, the top Republican contender, said she “backed Trump’s effort to take inventory of federal spending,” while former Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger said the gutting “will cause damage across the state.” [Associated Press]

Annandale Student Leads Anti-Trump Protest — “Hundreds of people chanted ‘stop the coup’ along with other sentiments, at a rally organized by a motivated student from Annandale. Those in attendance at the Virginia Capitol on Feb. 5 protested President Donald Trump’s recent flurry of executive orders, as well as Elon Musk’s unprecedented access to federal government systems.” [VCU Capital News Service/Annandale Today]

Whole Foods Opens in Falls Church — “Over 100 shoppers flocked to 103 E. Broad Street this morning (Friday) to see the new 45,000-square-foot grocery store … The new store replaces a previous Whole Foods at the Idylwood Plaza, which closed permanently Monday, Feb. 3.” [ARLnow]

Insurance Company Leases Reston Station Office — Comstock Holding Companies announced on Friday (Feb. 7) that FM Global, a commercial property insurance and loss prevention company, has signed a lease for 32,000 square feet at 1906 Reston Metro Plaza. The company serves “businesses in over 130 countries that span across a variety of industries.” [BusinessWire]

County Sells $400M in Bonds — “Fairfax County successfully held a $400 million general obligation bond sale on Jan. 22, securing a competitive interest rate of 3.57%.” The money will fund schools, public safety, parks, transportation, library and human services capital projects. [Fairfax County Government]

Park Authority Hiring for New Mount Vernon Rec Center — “The Fairfax County Park Authority is excited to announce open hire events for the newly renovated Mount Vernon Rec Center, which is reopening in May 2025 and looking to fill over 290 part-time positions across multiple departments.” [FCPA]

It’s Monday — Expect mostly sunny skies and a high near 44, accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 5 to 7 mph. As night falls, the sky will become mostly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to around 30 and a calm wind. [NWS]