morning notes

Tuesday Storm Brought Record Rainfall — “Tuesday’s storm soaked the Washington region with record rainfall, toppled trees onto buildings, knocked out power, and flooded areas near rivers and streams…The 2.24 inches at Reagan National Airport, 1.76 inches at Dulles International Airport, and 2.62 inches at Baltimore-Washington International Marshall Airport were all record amounts for the date.” [Washington Post]

Virginia House Selects First Black Speaker — “After making history as the first Black person chosen to lead the 405-year-old Virginia House of Delegates, new Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, said the weight of the moment wasn’t lost on him as he looked out over the chamber…Scott’s ascension to the top House job was one of several historic firsts as the Virginia General Assembly began its 2024 legislative session.” [Virginia Mercury]

County to Crack Down on Felon Gun Possessions — The Fairfax County Police Department and Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office launched Operation Press Check yesterday to focus “on dedicating more time and resources to the investigation and prosecution of convicted felons who have guns illegally…There will be approximately six detectives involved in the initiative along with a team of four prosecutors.” [WTOP]

New Historical Marker Coming to Groveton — The Virginia Department of Historic Resources will place a historic marker at Little Hunting Park in Groveton to commemorate a Supreme Court ruling that determined prohibiting Black people from swimming pools is discriminatory. The case was sparked by the Little Hunting Park Pool and Tennis Club’s refusal to let a Black family use its pool in 1965. [On the MoVe]

Bills to Expect From the 2024 General Assembly — “Virginia lawmakers will head to Richmond on Jan. 10 for the start of the General Assembly session, which lasts until mid-March.” Key issues up for debate will include proposed tax changes, funding for Metro and a stadium to bring the Washington Capitals and Wizards to Alexandria, and data center regulations. [DCist]

Oakton HS Band Wins Metallica Contest — “Oakton High School’s marching band has won the small high school category in the metal band Metallica’s first-ever ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ competition…The choreography and nice touches like a drum solo, liberal use of band members throwing devil horns, and wallets on chains seem to have put it over the top.” [Washingtonian]

Inova Revives Face Mask Requirements — “Effective Jan. 4, Inova is requiring that all patients, visitors and staff at emergency departments, emergency care centers and Inova-GoHealth Urgent Care centers wear masks to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.” As of Dec. 29, Virginia was “experiencing a ‘very high’ level of respiratory illness activity — including from COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.” [On the MoVe]

Leader of Fairfax-Based NRA Steps Down — “The longtime head of the National Rifle Association said Friday he is resigning, just days before the start of a civil trial over allegations he treated himself to millions of dollars in private jet flights, yacht trips, African safaris and other extravagant perks at the powerful gun rights organization’s expense.” [Associated Press/WTOP]

Wintry Mix Expected From Storm in Fairfax County — “Storm Team4 is tracking a winter storm expected throughout Saturday and into early Sunday…The District and parts of Maryland and Virginia bordering the Capital Beltway will get a wintry mix, with snow arriving Saturday morning and then changing over to all rain. Not much snow accumulation is expected.” [NBC4]

Parents of Overdose Victim Urge Awareness of Opioids — “In the months since Cayden died, the Fosters have worked to make sure other parents don’t experience similar heartbreak. Schools across the D.C. region have hosted information sessions about the dangers of fentanyl, and are continuing to do so. Fairfax County has an opioid awareness session scheduled next week.” [WTOP]

Inova Prepares for Hospital Construction — “The Falls Church-based health system has filed building permits for both a Springfield hospital at 6330 Lewin Drive in Franconia, about a mile from the Springfield Metro station, and a new Alexandria hospital at 6001 Duke St…Inova expects to start construction ‘on both sites’ in the third quarter of this year, [Inova Realty President Tom] McDuffie said.” [Washington Business Journal]

Washington Post Sees of Exodus of Local Reporters — “At least 240 Post writers, columnists, editors, and others were expected to leave in the final days of 2023, significantly reshaping the paper in ways that aren’t yet fully realized…Unfortunately for readers in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, local coverage appears to have taken the biggest hit” [Washington City Paper]

Snow Possible This Weekend — “Rain and snow are likely to fall in the D.C. region this weekend as a significant winter storm impacts much of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. In the D.C. area, precipitation could go back and forth from rain to snow during the storm, perhaps mixing with a little sleet.” [Washington Post]

Police Seek Info About Herndon Parkway Crash — “Thurs, 12/28/23, at 5PM, HPD got a call about 3 pedestrians that had been struck by a gray Jeep Compass in the 1100-blk of Herndon Pkwy. We are seeking info from any that may have seen or noticed anything leading up to the incident. 703-435-6846 or herndon.police@herndon-va.gov.” [Herndon Police/Twitter]

Person Killed by Train Near Reston Metro Station — “A person was struck and killed by a Metro train after police determined they were trespassing on Silver Line tracks in Fairfax County, transit officials wrote on social media Monday. The incident occurred near Reston Town Center and was announced shortly before 9:45 a.m., but officials did not say when the person died or how the individual gained access to the tracks.” [Washington Post]

I-95 Crash Injures Woman and Child — “A woman and a child were seriously injured in a crash on Interstate 95 in Fairfax County, Virginia, early Sunday morning. A spokesperson with Virginia State Police told WTOP that officers went to the northbound lanes of I-95 at the 165-mile marker where the crash occurred at 1:50 a.m.” [WTOP]

Metro Offers Late Night Service for New Year’s Eve — “Good news for those celebrating New Year’s Eve in the D.C. region: Metro trains will be running till around 2 a.m., two hours later than usual for Sundays. The exact last train times will vary depending on the station and line…Trains will start running at around 7 a.m. as usual.” [DCist]

Fairfax County Casino Bill Expected — “State Sen. David Marsden, D-Fairfax, is planning to re-introduce legislation that would allow Fairfax County to hold a referendum on building a casino. He introduced similar legislation last year that went nowhere. This year, though, his proposal envisions far more than a casino and includes a convention center, concert hall, hotel, and other amenities.” [Associated Press]

Pedestrian Hospitalized in Springfield Hit-and-Run — “Officers are on scene of a vehicle crash involving a pedestrian at Huntsman Blvd/Bridle Wood Dr in Springfield. The pedestrian, an adult woman, was transported to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Striking vehicle fled the scene.” [FCPD/Twitter]

County Housing Authority’s HQ Gets Solar Panels — “A new rooftop solar array and other energy improvements at the Pender Office Building will save money and lower greenhouse gas emissions…Overall, the project is expected to reduce annual electricity consumption by 23%, producing up to $35,500 in savings in the first year.” [Fairfax County Government]