morning notes

Audit Identifies Metro Safety Issues — “Metro workers responsible for maintaining key safety systems that help prevent collisions are not following internal procedures, and the engineers who are supposed to oversee them sometimes don’t notice because they aren’t looking at the data, according to an audit by the transit agency’s independent regulator.” [Washington Post]

Bomb Threat Reported at Lake Braddock School — Security at Lake Braddock Secondary School was stepped up yesterday (Thursday) after an anonymous student made a threat to bomb the school on TikTok. Activities continued “as regularly scheduled after the building was cleared” ahead of students arriving at 7:30 a.m. [WUSA9]

Public Hearing on Chantilly Data Center Coming — The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing next Tuesday, Jan. 23, on a proposal to build a data center or warehouse off of Route 50 in Chantilly. Residents of the nearby Pleasant Valley community told the planning commission in September that the data center would be bad for their neighborhood and the environment. [The Connection]

Grocery Store Under Construction in Hybla Valley — “Renovations have begun at the former Safeway site at Mount Vernon Square, and the projected opening date for the new Fresh World supermarket is mid- to late summer 2024, according to Joshua Kim, a property management representative for Mt. Vernon Square LLC, which purchased the shopping center last June.” [On the MoVe]

FCPS Delays Classes After Snow — “All Fairfax County public schools and school offices will open two hours late tomorrow. 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]

Man Arrested for Impersonating Police Officer — “A 31-year-old Georgia man is facing charges after City of Fairfax police said he impersonated a law enforcement officer and deceived four people into paying him money. Officials said they were made aware of multiple cases of fraud in June 2023.” [WJLA]

D.C. Area’s Snow Drought Is Over — “It’s official! Over 1” of snow so far in DC & Baltimore, first time in approx. two years we’ve had this much snow! Through 7 PM,” Dulles International Airport had recorded 1.8 inches of snow, surpassing 1 inch for the first time in 673 days, while the same amount at National Airport broke a 728-day drought. [National Weather Service/Twitter]

Vienna Cancels Morning Classes for Snow — “Due to inclement weather, Vienna Parks and Rec. classes and programs scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 16 are cancelled until 1 p.m. at the Community Center and Bowman House. Essential Town employees must report as scheduled. Liberal leave is in effect for all other Town employees.” [Town of Vienna/Twitter]

Flood Watch Issued for Tonight — “If Tuesday’s soaker of a storm left you wanting, an encore is on the way. The National Weather Service has just issued a Flood Watch for Friday night, warning of heavy rain and the potential for localized flooding in the D.C. area. The watch will take effect at 6 p.m. Friday and run through 6 a.m. Saturday.” [ARLnow]

Winners of First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest Revealed — “The annual First Hike Fairfax photo contest is…a way for residents to begin a new year with fitness and outdoor activity, while enjoying the experience with friends, neighbors and family. This year, more than 350 contestants submitted photos showcasing the sights and scenes they experienced. The results were spectacular!” [Fairfax County Park Authority]

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]