morning notes

Groveton Apartments Targeted by ICE Raid — “Some residents of an apartment complex in Fairfax County, Virginia, say they’re alarmed and frightened after waking up to loud door knocks from federal agents before sunrise on Sunday.” The raid at the Beacon Hill Apartments was one of many carried out nationwide by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Jan. 26, leading to more than 1,170 arrests. [NBC4]

Two Virginia Children Die From Flu — “The Virginia Department of Health on Monday reported two influenza-associated pediatric deaths, the first reports for the 2024–25 flu season. One death occurred in a young school-aged child between the ages of 5 of 12 years old in Virginia’s Eastern Region and one in a teenage child between the ages of 13 and 17 years old in the Central Region, which is in the southern part of the state.” [Inside NoVA]

Senate Passes Bill to Protect Voting ‘Quiet Period’ — The state Senate voted 20-18 yesterday (Monday) to pass a proposal from Sen. Aaron Rouse (D-Virginia Beach) “to clarify the federal 90-day threshold for voter roll removals and extend the response time for flagged individuals to contest their potential purge.” Removals of voters flagged as “non-citizens” last year led to a lawsuit and reports of people being erroneously dropped from voter rolls. [Virginia Mercury]

Longtime Radio Anchor Dies — “WTOP evening anchor Dimitri Sotis, whose deep, warm voice informed and kept listeners in the D.C. region company during storms, elections and breaking news, has died at the age of 55 … Sotis was the evening anchor at WTOP for more than two decades; listeners heard his distinctive timbre weekdays from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.” [WTOP]

N. Va. Business Leaders Optimistic About Economy — “Northern Virginia business owners are overwhelmingly optimistic about the region’s economy in the new year, but affordability has become a top concern for business leaders trying to attract new talent and new businesses to the region,” according to a recent survey conducted on behalf of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. [WTOP]

Fairfax City Police Make Arrest After Gunshots Reported — “City of Fairfax Police have apprehended a suspect in connection to the attempted malicious wounding that occurred Friday morning in the 3100 block of Campbell Drive … Investigators recovered shell casings on the scene. No injuries were reported and no property was reported damaged, according to police.” [Patch]

Falls Church Advances Accessory Unit Policy Update — “Falls Church officials are nearing a decision on an ordinance that would make it easier to build accessory-dwelling units … At a Council work session last week, however, there was a split between elected leaders and top staff on how much remaining public input is advisable before the matter goes to a vote.” [ARLnow]

Local Students Compete in World Diving Championships — “Carter G. Woodson High School senior Nathaniel Grannis and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) senior Rem Turatbekov have gone international. Nathaniel and Rem recently returned from the Junior World Diving Championships in Rio de Janeiro, where Nathaniel represented the U.S. and Rem dove for his birth country, Kyrgyzstan.” [FCPS]

It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny conditions today with a high of around 52 degrees and west winds at 7 to 12 mph, increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon, with potential gusts up to 33 mph. The evening will bring mostly clear skies and a low of about 31 degrees. [NWS]

‘Pancake’ Ice Forms on Potomac River Near Great Falls — “Because of prolonged cold weather, pancake ice has formed on the Upper Potomac River near Great Falls. The circular slabs have been spinning and colliding with one another for days while trapped in the river’s eddies.” [Washington Post]

One Person Hospitalized by Newington Forest Fire — Fairfax County firefighters responded on Saturday (Jan. 25) to a fire at a home in the 8000 block of Steeple Chase Court. “Units arrived with a working fire and occupant trapped. Crews rescued the occupant via ground ladders and contained the fire to a single unit. 1 civilian transported with non life threatening injuries.” [FCFRD/Twitter]

Man Sentenced to Prison for Kidnapping and Theft Plot — “A man was sentenced in D.C. court Friday for his role in a kidnapping and high-end robbery of two victims at an Alexandria address in Fairfax County. Robbie Terrell Clark, 27, of Washington, D.C., will serve 108 months in federal prison in relation to the September 2022 kidnapping and robbery.” [Patch]

FCPS Officials Promise to Defend Students From ICE — “As fears mount following President Trump’s threat to deport many more immigrants, including those here legally, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid told Annandale Today, ‘We are committed to the fullest extent of the law to protecting our students and staff.’ Reid said she met with all the principals last week” and sent a letter to the community on Saturday. [Annandale Today]

Fairfax City Chooses Acting Manager — “Following a special meeting on Jan. 21 to discuss interviews for city boards and commissions and other personnel matters, the Fairfax City Council unanimously appointed Bryan Foster to serve as acting city manager … He will begin his new role on Monday, Jan. 27.” [City of Fairfax]

Falls Church Considers West End Redevelopment — “Falls Church’s ongoing redevelopment spurt could next focus on 15 acres of mostly industrial land in the community’s West End. City leaders have invited a contingent from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) … for a look at what the city calls its Gordon Road Triangle.” [ARLnow]

Reston Summer Camp Registration Coming — “Reston Community Center’s summer camp program has grown significantly under [Jeff] Morgan’s leadership, now featuring about 70 specialty camps designed for kids ages 6 to 17 … The 2025 summer camp season runs from June 16 through Aug. 15. Registration opens Feb. 1 for Reston residents and those that work in Reston and Feb. 8 for non-residents.” [Fairfax County Government]

Herndon Theater Postpones Shows Due to Illness — “Due to illness in the cast and crew, the opening of NATIVE GARDENS has been postponed by one week. All performances the weekend of January 23-26, 2025 have been canceled. Patrons with tickets to the canceled performances will be contacted by the Box Office shortly.” [NextStop Theatre/Instagram]

It’s Monday — Expect a partly sunny day that will eventually transform into full sunshine, with temperatures peaking around 45°F. Winds will come from the southwest, blowing at 5-10 mph. For Monday night, anticipate an increase in cloud coverage and lows near 31°F. [NWS]

Parents Advocate for Later Middle School Start Times — “Mason District parents are pushing back against a delay in implementing later middle school start times. In September 2023, FCPS awarded a contract to Prismatic Services to develop a plan for changing middle school start times — to 8 a.m. or later ” to take effect in fall 2025. An online petition calls for FCPS to stick with that schedule.” [Annandale Today]

Reminder: Avoid Northern I-495 This Weekend — Starting today, “traffic on northbound I-495 will be reduced from six lanes (four general purpose and two express) to two lanes and shifted to the 495 Express Lanes for about a one-mile stretch near Tysons. Traffic shifts and lane reductions will be in place for approximately three miles beginning at the Route 7 interchange until just past Lewinsville Road.” [VDOT]

General Assembly Advances Bills on Contraception — “With contraception rights under scrutiny nationwide, Virginia Democrats are doubling down on efforts to safeguard access, even as they brace for potential pushback from Gov. Glenn Youngkin. House Bill 1716 … passed the House of Delegates on Thursday, while a companion bill … cleared the Senate Education and Health Committee.” [Virginia Mercury]

Woman Recalls Sexual Abuse on Great Falls Farm — “It was something Stephanie, 56, had accepted as a fact of life: She was assaulted, repeatedly, from ages 11 to 14 at the Great Falls barn where she mucked out stalls and fed horses.” Stephanie recently recounted her experiences to Fairfax County police, leading to charges of indecent liberties with a child younger than 14 against the 81-year-old man. [Washington Post]

No Go on Bills to Eliminate Legal Notice Requirements — “A bipartisan pair of Virginia Delegates sought to roll back legal notice publishing requirements for localities this session. But both efforts are dead for the time being.” The bill in the House of Delegates, sponsored by Vienna Del. Holly Seibold, died last Friday, Jan. 17. [Virginia Public Radio/WVTF]

Fairfax Circle Eatery Beloved by Local Venezuelans — “Although it’s less widely known than Arepa Zone, Antojitos de tu País, which moved into a Fairfax commercial kitchen in 2015, is going strong. It has become a passion project for Febres and Arellano—with an almost entirely separate customer base.” [Washingtonian]

High School Basketball Players Lead Literacy Lessons — “Each Wednesday afternoon during the winter months, the Annandale High School boys and girls basketball teams make the short walk to Braddock Elementary School for a very important match-up. The Atoms athletes are there to mentor third graders who could benefit from a little extra support in reading comprehension.” [FCPS]

It’s Friday — Expect a mostly sunny day with a high of around 33 degrees and northwest winds at 5 to 9 mph. Friday night will be mostly clear with lows around 15 degrees. Northwest winds at 5 mph will become calm after midnight. [NWS]

Bird Flu Cases Reported in Virginia — “Two cases of bird flu have been detected at the Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia, marking the first time the highly contagious virus has been found at the facility in its 30-year history. The cases come on the heels of at least three other recent outbreaks in the Washington region that have already killed an estimated 1 million chickens and put officials on alert.” [Washington Post]

People and Dogs Rescued from Apartment Fire — Firefighters responded yesterday (Wednesday) to the 7300 block of Route 29 in West Falls Church for a fire in a “garden style” apartment building. “Firefighters assisted multiple people with evacuations and rescued two dogs from an apartment … No civilian or firefighter injuries.” [FCFRD/Facebook]

Mosaic District Might Get a Fitness Center — A zoning verification letter submitted to Fairfax County this week suggests Onelife Fitness is planning to open a facility at 2910 District Avenue that’s “larger than 30,000 square feet and ‘includes pool(s).'” No one involved would comment, but the space has been vacated by Custom Ink, whose lease expires on March 31. [Washington Business Journal]

Founder of West Falls Church Security Company Dies — “Gene Samburg, founder of Falls Church, Virginia-based Kastle Systems, has died at age 83. Samburg may be best-known for the building security cards and fobs carried by thousands of D.C.-area office workers, and tens of thousands more across the country.” [WTOP]

Bill Seeks to Close Education ‘Loophole’ — Legislation proposed by state senator and former Fairfax County School Board member Stella Pekarsky would require parents who are homeschooling their children to submit documentation of their teaching qualifications and their kids’ academic progress. Virginia currently has an exemption for parents who opt out of public schools for religions reasons. [WRIC]

Pilates Studio Opens in Mount Vernon — “Club Pilates Hybla Valley plans to open at Mount Vernon Plaza on Jan. 23. The studio, which specializes in Reformer-based Pilates training, recently posted on social media that bookings are available via their app … Club Pilates is located at 7702 B-D Richmond Highway.” [On the MoVe]

Celebrate Lunar New Year at Providence Community Center — “Supervisor Palchik is thrilled to invite you to her inaugural Lunar New Year Open House, a joyous event honoring the cultural heritage of our Asian communities! This family-friendly celebration will feature cultural performances, Chinese Calligraphy, arts, traditional cuisines, and fortune cards.” [Eventbrite]

Lorton Nonprofit Celebrates 50th Anniversary — “The Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025 — a time when the nonprofit’s services are in increasingly high demand, yet a degree of uncertainty looms.” The organization realized its founder’s vision of a “supermarket of human services” when it moved into the new Lorton Community Center in 2022. [On the MoVe]

It’s Thursday — It will be mostly sunny with a high around 32 degrees and calm winds shifting to the south at 5 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear with a low of about 17 degrees, as calm winds turn to the northwest at 5 mph after midnight. [NWS]

Fairfax County to Review Leaf Collections — “Among the resolutions approved by the Board of Supervisors last week, one addresses leaf collections, and another deals with the need for apartments to have pet-friendly policies. Mason District residents were told to put their leaves on the curb in early November but in some cases, the leaves weren’t picked up until a month later, said Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez.” [Annandale Today]

State Senators Punt Bill to Legalize Online Gaming — “A proposal to legalize internet gaming in Virginia has been put on hold as lawmakers seek more time to assess its potential impact. Senate Bill 827,  introduced by Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton, would authorize the Virginia Lottery Board to issue licenses to casino gaming operators for online gaming.” [Virginia Mercury]

Vice President Moves Out of N. Va. — “Del Ray officially lost one of its most famous residents this week, as Vice President JD Vance moved from his Del Ray home to the grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory. The move also means that Judy Lowe Neighborhood Park … which is next to Vance’s former home has reopened to the public.” [ALXnow]

Frozen Yogurt Shop Faces Eviction — “Peachwave Frozen Yogurt has until 7 a.m. on Thursday to vacate its space at University Mall in Fairfax.” Store owner David Waskiewicz says he has been struggling to pay off debts that “snowballed” after a kiosk he opened at Tysons Corner Center in 2023 failed to take off. [Patch]

Dulles Airport Confiscates Record Number of Guns — “Two DC-area airports have set new records for the number of guns found last year at TSA security checkpoints. TSA detected 41 guns at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. That’s up from 39 in 2023. At Washington Dulles International Airport, 29 guns were found, up from 24 in 2023.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Local School Teacher Plays for Washington Commanders Band — “Perez, who’s a band director at Holmes Middle School in Fairfax County, got involved with the Commanders marching band because a friend needed a trumpet player to sit in on rehearsal. He did it, inquired about how to get involved, auditioned, and has been a part of the band since 1997.” [WTOP]

Fairfax City Arts Gallery Celebrates New Curator — “The Commission on the Arts has selected Debra Wright of the Rouge Arts Project to curate the Rotary Gallery, and her Inaugural Show is currently on display. The public is invited to attend the opening reception of Wright’s Inaugural Show from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Sherwood Center, 3740 Blenheim Blvd.” [City of Fairfax]

It’s Wednesday — Expect clouds to increase, reaching a high near 20, accompanied by wind chills as low as -3. Northwest winds of 5 to 10 mph will ease in the afternoon. At night, you can anticipate partly cloudy conditions with the temperature settling at a low of around 12 and calm winds. [NWS]

Schools Open on Two-Hour Delay — With some snow still on the ground from Sunday (Jan. 19) and frigid temperatures overnight, Fairfax County Public Schools is opening two hours late today (Tuesday). “Central Office employees may report two hours later than their regular scheduled time, but no later than 10 a.m. Central offices will open to the public at 10 a.m.” [FCPS]

Order Nixes Telework for Federal Workers — As expected, newly inaugurated “President Trump has signed an executive action directing federal agencies to order their workers back to the office full time,” though unions with contracts that allow telework have indicated they might take legal action. “Trump also signed a hiring freeze for most federal agencies, with the military being one notable exception.” [NPR]

Fairfax Motorcyclist Killed in Manassas Crash — “A Fairfax man is dead after the motorcycle he was driving collided with an SUV in Manassas, authorities said. According to Prince William County police, the crash happened shortly after 3:40 p.m. Friday on Centreville Road near Breeden Avenue.” [Patch]

ICYMI: Tysons Casino Bill Advances — A gaming subcommittee voted 5-2 yesterday (Monday), with Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-39) abstaining, to report Sen. Scott Surovell’s bill to make Fairfax County eligible for a casino to the full Senate General Laws and Technology Committee, which is scheduled to meet next at 11 a.m. on Wednesday (Jan. 22). [FFXnow]

Former Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dies — “The Mount Vernon District, and all of Fairfax County, lost an influential and well-respected community member this past weekend with the passing of Gerald W. (Gerry) Hyland.” In addition to representing Mount Vernon District on the Board of Supervisors from 1987 to 2015, he founded the nonprofit Mount Vernon at Home and served on various boards and commissions. [On the MoVe]

Hispanic Supermarket in Annandale Could Open Soon — “Megamart, a grocery store focusing on the Hispanic community, is expected to open in Annandale in late February or early March. The store is located at 4415 John Marr Drive in the space formerly occupied by Party Co and AnnSandra.” [Annandale Today]

Falls Church Looks to Build First Roundabout — “The Falls Church City Council has voted to pursue eminent domain in order to build the city’s first traffic circle … The city has been seeking to acquire about 1% of the 2.48-acre Bowl America site as part of a project to install the roundabout at the current four-way intersection at S. Maple Avenue and Annandale Road.” [ARLnow]

Fairfax Surpasses Arlington in 2024 Housing Sales — “Arlington, Virginia, is typically the most expensive county in the D.C. region for home selling prices, and for much of 2024 that remained the case, but Fairfax County had a strong year. Closed sales in Fairfax County jumped more than twice as much as closed sales in Arlington County.” [WTOP]

It’s Tuesday — Flurries possible after 10am, with a cloudy high of 22 and west wind at 5-7 mph. At night, there’s a slight chance of snow showers before midnight, with clouds clearing and a low of 9 but wind chill values as low as -3. Expect light, variable wind becoming northwest at 5-10 mph in the evening and a 20% chance of precipitation. [NWS]

Truck Driver Charged for Fatal Chantilly Crash — “Detectives from our Crash Reconstruction Unit have charged the driver from the December 23 fatal pedestrian crash in Chantilly with Failure to Maintain Control.” Police say the 44-year-old man from Maryland “drifted over the solid white line” on Sully Road before hitting Centreville resident Amin Emad-Eldin Hammoud, who was on the road shoulder after his vehicle got disabled. [FCPD]

Inauguration to Close I-395 Ramps — “The Virginia Department of Transportation will support Virginia State Police for bridge and ramp closures from Virginia into Washington, D.C. on Jan. 20. Drivers should plan now to use alternate routes during this time. Portable and overhead message signs will remind drivers of the closures.” [VDOT]

Bill Increases Penalties for Striking Pedestrians — “State Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) plans to introduce legislation this year that would sidestep debate over what counts as ‘careless’ or ‘distracted’ by punishing any driver who seriously injures or kills somebody who is in a crosswalk or otherwise legally on a roadway with up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.” [Washington Post]

GOP Pushes to Ban Transgender Student-Athletes — “Republican lawmakers, joined by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, Attorney General Jason Miyares and student athletes, gathered on Wednesday to support legislation that would bar transgender students from participating in school sport teams inconsistent with their biological sex.” [Virginia Mercury]

Local Events to Celebrate MLK Day — “To commemorate King’s legacy, below is a list of events that highlight the importance of community service, reflection and dialogue, musical performances, children’s activities and more. Note: Fairfax County Government offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20.” [Fairfax County Government]

Hearing Set on Cut-Through Permit Program — “Fairfax County is considering adding a permit component to the ‘residential cut-through traffic mitigation program.’ At its Jan. 14 meeting, the Board of Supervisors agreed to hold a public hearing on the permit proposal. The hearing is scheduled for Feb. 18 at 4 p.m.” [Annandale Today]

First Hike Photo Public Vote Winner Unveiled — “The Fairfax County Park Authority is thrilled to announce Rena Schild as the winner of the People’s Choice Award for the 2025 First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest. Rena’s captivating photo, taken at Huntley Meadows Park, received the highest number of online votes submitted by residents from across the county.” [FCPA]

It’s Friday — Expect sunshine and a high around 40 degrees, with west winds at 5 to 9 mph shifting to southern winds in the afternoon. By Friday night, clouds will increase and temperatures will drop to around 30 degrees, accompanied by a southerly wind at 5 to 8 mph. [NWS]

Conviction of FCPD Officer in Tysons Shooting Upheld — “A Fairfax County judge has denied a motion to dismiss the guilty verdict for former police officer Wesley Shifflett, who was convicted in October for reckless handling of a firearm” after fatally shooting Timothy Johnson outside Tysons Corner Center on Feb. 22, 2023. [WUSA9]

How Inauguration Will Affect Travel — “Anyone driving, riding the Metro or taking the bus in Washington, D.C., on Inauguration Day can expect changes and plenty of closures. Here’s everything to know about getting around in D.C. on Monday — including what travelers can expect at D.C.-area airports.” [NBC4]

Former Falls Church Youth Minister Accused of Sexual Abuse — “The alumnus was one of three Falls Church Episcopal youth group members who an independent investigation revealed in April were allegedly sexually abused by [Jeff] Taylor in the 1990s or the early 2000s when they attended the church.” Taylor, now the subject of an FBI investigation, left Falls Church Episcopal in 2001 to work at churches in Atlanta, where he faced more allegations. [Washington Post]

Tysons Casino Opponents Speak Out — Members of the No Fairfax Casino Coalition voiced their concerns about the proposed legislation at a press conference in Richmond yesterday. “Virginia state Sens. Jennifer Boysko and Saddam Salim joined the group, along with Fairfax County Supervisors Walter Alcorn and Jimmy Bierman.” [WTOP]

Capital One Hit With Federal Lawsuit — “The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has sued Capital One and its McLean holding company, Capital One Financial, alleging the companies cheated millions of consumers out of more than $2 billion in interest payments, the federal agency announced Tuesday.” [Virginia Business]

Herndon Roofing Company Eyed for Acquisition — “A Connecticut building products company is attempting a hostile takeover of Herndon’s Beacon Roofing Supply Inc. (NASDAQ: BECN), offering to acquire the fast-growing Fortune 500 company for $11 billion in cash.” Beacon said it reviewed the offer, which was proposed in November and publicly confirmed yesterday (Wednesday), but “found it lacking.” [Washington Business Journal]

Data Dashboard Shows County Energy Use — “By making its buildings energy efficient, installing solar panels for clean energy, and electrifying its vehicle fleet, Fairfax County has also cut its greenhouse gas emissions by almost 28% since fiscal year 2018, according to new data from the county’s energy dashboard.” [Fairfax County Government]

Franconia Supervisor to Chair Key Regional Group — “The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Board of Directors today elected Fairfax County Supervisor Rodney Lusk as its Chair for 2025.” Lusk will lead the regional planning body as it prepares for potential changes to the federal government and finalizes transit funding recommendations. [COG]

It’s Thursday — There’s a 30% chance of snow showers after 1pm, with increasing clouds and a high near 34 degrees. Expect a south wind of 3 to 8 mph. In the evening, it’ll be cloudy before gradually clearing, and the temperature will drop to around 25 degrees. A calm wind will become northwest at 5 to 8 mph later in the night. [NWS]

Park Police Officers in Bijan Ghaisar Shooting Reinstated — “The two U.S. Park Police officers who shot and killed Bijan Ghaisar are back on the job after federal investigators cleared them in the case.” Lucas Vinyard and Alejandro Amaya had been on paid administrative duty and then paid leave since the Nov. 17, 2017 shooting. [NBC4]

Person Critically Injured in Springfield House Fire — “#FairfaxBravest are on scene of a house fire in the 7500 block of Long Pine Dr. Crews arrived with fire showing. The fire is under control. One civilian was transported with life-threatening injuries. No firefighter injuries.” [FCFRD/Twitter]

Lawsuit Alleges Fraud by Compass Coffee Owner — “The co-founders of the popular Compass Coffee chain in Washington have severed ties, with the company’s former chief executive accusing its owner of fraudulently misusing pandemic relief funds in a lawsuit filed Monday.” The chain’s 20 D.C.-area shops include locations in Fairfax City and West Falls Church. [Washington Post]

Police Make Arrest in Business Burglaries — A 32-year-old man was arrested and charged on Monday (Jan. 13) for allegedly burglarizing a business in the 9400 block of Mathy Drive in Mantua the previous day. Police say they found the man outside a business in Annandale that had reported a larceny and recognized him from surveillance footage. [FCPD]

Japanese Grocery Store Sets Opening Date — Marufuji Japanese Market will celebrate the grand opening of its new store in Tysons starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25. Plans for the event are still being finalized, but expect plenty of giveaways, deals and demonstrations, Fuji Mart Corp. Vice President Joshua Nakama says. [FFXnow]

Stream Restoration Planned at Lincolnia Park — “The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is planning a major stream restoration project at Turkeycock Run in Bren Mar Park. The design is expected to be completed in late summer or early fall of 2025.” [Annandale Today]

New Fairfax City School Board Sworn In — “The five members of Fairfax City’s new school board were officially sworn in during a ceremony at City Hall on Monday night. Lauren A. Bartelme, Kristina M. Cecere, Amit S. Hickman, Sarah M. Kelsey and Carolyn S. Pitches were elected during the Nov. 5, 2024 general elections.” [Patch]

GMU Professor Shares Vision for Use of A.I. — In a podcast interview, Dr. Amarda Shehu, George Mason University’s inaugural chief artificial intelligence officer, “discusses her groundbreaking role at Mason, the university’s proactive approach to AI, and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on education, the workforce, and the economy.” [Potomac Local News]

It’s Wednesday — Expect a sunny day with highs near 30 and northwest winds of 14 to 16 mph, gusting up to 31 mph. The night will be mostly clear with lows around 17, as northwest winds decrease to 6 to 11 mph, turning light westerly after midnight, and potentially gusting up to 18 mph. [NWS]

D.C. Area on ‘High Alert’ for Bird Flu — “Bird flu outbreaks have been detected at three poultry operations in Maryland and Delaware, impacting more than 500,000 chickens and leading to heightened alert among officials in the Washington region.” The Maryland H5N1 case was reported on Friday (Jan. 10) and detected in a chicken in Caroline County. [Washington Post]

FCPS Not Affected by Data Breach — “K-12 education vendor PowerSchool experienced a data breach. While FCPS is a customer of PowerSchool, we do not utilize their Student Information System product, which was the system impacted by the data breach.” [Fairfax County Public Schools]

Governor Highlights Priorities for Final Year — “Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin launched his priorities in his State of the Commonwealth speech Monday morning. The speech, and the start of the 2025 Virginia General Assembly, was postponed until after the water crisis in Richmond could be resolved.” [WTOP]

High School Stadium Bathrooms Expected This Summer — “The long-awaited permanent restroom facilities at several high school athletic stadiums around the Richmond Highway Corridor are expected to be ready this summer, according to leaders at Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).” [On the MoVe]

Proposed Bill Would Make School Breakfasts Free — “Public school students across Virginia would soon be getting free breakfasts under a newly proposed bill by Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (D-5) and Sen. Danica Roem (D-30) … The new bill only covers breakfast and costs $43 million, Bennett-Parker said.” [ALXnow]

Annandale Cancer Patient Finds Solace in Singer — “It’s been an incredibly tough year for Cassidy Rajala, an Annandale sixth-grader who’s spent months in the hospital since being diagnosed with leukemia in December 2023. One of the bright spots has been her discovery of pop singer Benson Boone.” [Annandale Today]

N. Va. Social Services Nonprofits Merge — “Northern Virginia Family Service, which offers a variety of help to those in need, last week announced its merger with Alexandria-based Stop Child Abuse Now of Northern Virginia. The entities will be combined under the Northern Virginia Family Service, or NVFS, name and will broaden services to better aid children in the region, a spokeswoman for NVFS said.” [Inside NoVA]

It’s Tuesday — Scattered flurries are expected after 4pm, accompanied by increasing clouds and a high near 32. Winds will be from the northwest at 9 to 11 mph, gusting up to 23 mph. For Tuesday night, expect scattered flurries to cease before 9pm, leading to partly cloudy skies and a low around 19. Northwest winds will be stronger, at 13 to 16 mph, and may gust as high as 30 mph. [NWS]