morning notes

WaPo Axes Third of Staff — “Mass layoffs at The Washington Post [announced Wednesday] have prompted grief and outrage among D.C.-area reporters and a pointed rebuke of the newspaper’s owner from U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.). The publication eliminated about one-third of its staff today, cutting the jobs of numerous respected journalists on its Metro desk while eliminating its sports section, several foreign bureaus and its books coverage.” [ARLnow/Associated Press]

Virginia to End ICE Agreements — “Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed an executive directive Wednesday instructing the state’s law enforcement agencies to terminate agreements that allowed them to be deputized to conduct federal immigration enforcement activities.” Earlier, Spanberger rescinded an executive order from her predecessor, Glenn Youngkin, that encouraged local law enforcement to assist ICE. [VPM News]

Man to Plead Guilty to Carrying Gun at Library — “A man arrested with a handgun last June in the garage of the City of Fairfax Regional Library is expected to plead guilty to a federal weapon charge, according to court documents.” The man was wanted by Fairfax City police officers for a probation violation when they encountered him in Old Town Fairfax on June 11. [Patch]

Bill to Limit ICE Presence in Courts Advances — “The Virginia Senate passed legislation on Tuesday that would limit the work of immigration enforcement officials from operating inside courthouses … The bill, sponsored by Sen. Saddam Salim, D-Fairfax, passed the Senate on a 21-18 party-line vote.” [Virginia Scope]

Two Fairfax Athletes Head to Winter Olympics — “Vienna native Ilia Malinin is set to hit the ice in Milan, Italy, in both the figure skating team event and men’s single skating competition.” In addition, Brandon Kim, a Thomas Jefferson High School graduate, will make his Olympic debut in short-track speedskating. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Tysons Apartment Complex Sold — Developer LCOR sold the Kingston at McLean Crossing apartments in Tysons to Pantzer, a New York-based multifamily residential property owner and operator on Jan. 30. The sale price wasn’t publicized, and the transaction doesn’t appear to have been recorded yet in Fairfax County’s property records. “The property was 96% occupied at the time of sale.” [Press release]

New Seven Corners Mural in Design — “The Community Revitalization Section of the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development is seeking community feedback on a mural proposed for Seven Corners. The mural, part of the Paint It, Fairfax! program, will be located on the former CVS building at Willston Centre I, facing Patrick Henry Drive.” [Annandale Today]

TJ Breaks Ground With New Coaches — Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is the first high school in Virginia to appoint women as head coaches for both its baseball and football varsity teams. “On the football sidelines this year for the Colonials will be Coach Rachel Worsham, while over in the baseball dugouts, Coach Jennifer Hammond is gearing up for the spring tryouts following her hiring in September.” [FCPS]

It’s Thursday — Expect sunny skies and a high temperature of about 31 degrees, accompanied by a north wind blowing at 7 to 9 mph. As night falls, clouds will increase, leading to a low temperature around 16 degrees. The northwest wind will be between 3 to 5 mph during the night. [NWS]

No Heat at Annandale Apartments — “With outdoor temperatures in the 20s, hundreds of tenants at the Wedgewood in Annandale have been struggling to stay warm over the past two days without heat or hot water.” The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority, which owns the property, said water temperatures have been “partially restored,” but as of yesterday (Tuesday), repairs were still in the works for the heating system. [Annandale Today]

Redistricting Push Stalled by Infighting — “A disagreement between Democrats in the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates has upended plans to redraw the state’s congressional map. Democrats in both chambers want a 10D-1R map, but they disagree on what that map looks like and blew past their self-imposed deadline last week to release a proposal.” [Punchbowl News]

Metro Honors Rosa Parks — “On Wednesday, Feb. 4, Metro is honoring civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks on her birthday by reserving a seat for her on every bus and train across the system. To commemorate the day, Metro is placing signs on trains and buses, reserving a single seat in recognition of Parks’ refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus and subsequent arrest in 1955.” [WMATA]

Demand High at Shelter Amid Cold Weather — “A hot meal on a cold day is just one of many ways FACETS provides for people seeking refuge at Fairfax County’s Bailey’s Crossroads Community Shelter. This shelter typically serves 18 people in what’s known as permanent supportive housing and about 52 overnight guests. But when the snow and sleet came and temperatures plunged, dozens more came through the doors.” [NBC4]

Bill Would Allow Cell Phones in Courthouses — “Senator Saddam Salim is a Democrat from Fairfax County and is advocating for his bill that would bring courthouses into the 21st century by allowing visitors to bring cell phones … A Senate panel approved Salim’s bill on cell phones this week.” [WVTF]

Falls Church Grocery Store Opening — “A discount grocery store coming to Falls Church plans to mark its grand opening next week with money-saving festivities. Grocery Outlet Bargain Market intends to open its doors at 500 S. Washington Street at 7 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, offering gift cards worth varying amounts to the first 100 customers.” [ARLnow]

New Vienna Police Chief Takes Office — “The Town of Vienna Police Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Dan Janickey as its new Chief of Police, effective February 1st, 2026. Chief Janickey brings decades of law enforcement experience, proven leadership, and a strong commitment to officer wellness and community service to the role.” [Town of Vienna Police]

How Local Wildlife Is Handling Winter Weather — “If you’re wondering whether you should feed the wild animals you see wandering over the icy snow in your yard, the answer is no.” Fairfax County Park Authority’s natural resources branch manager, John Burke, says the desire to support wildlife is understandable, but squirrels, birds and other creatures “are well adapted to survive in the conditions that we’re experiencing now, and sometimes much colder.” [WTOP]

It’s Wednesday — Expect partly sunny skies and a high of 33 degrees with a north wind at 9 mph. Night brings a 20% chance of snow before 10 pm, followed by mostly cloudy skies that will gradually clear up. The low temperature will be around 17 degrees. [NWS]

Inova Eases Face Mask Rules — “Based on current levels of respiratory illness, effective Sunday, February 1, 2026, Inova will suspend the requirement for universal masking for team members, patients and visitors in our emergency departments (EDs) and Inova GoHealth Urgent Cares. Masks will continue to be offered to visitors and provided to team members.” [Inova]

Debate for State Senate Candidates — “Special election candidates for State Senate in the 39th District fielded questions about immigration, taxes, snow removal and more” at a recent virtual forum. “Early voting began this past Saturday for the Feb. 10 special election and will last through Saturday, Feb. 7.” The district includes parts of Seven Corners and Bailey’s Crossroads. [ALXnow]

Tysons Company Faces Sale for ICE Contract — “French IT company Capgemini SE said Sunday it will sell its McLean-based government solutions unit that provides technology to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The move comes as the French government has pressured Capgemini to disclose its business with ICE, whose operations in Minneapolis have drawn international controversy.” [Washington Business Journal]

Tysons Chef to Compete on New TV Show — “Joon chef-owner Chris Morgan will compete on the first season of America’s Culinary Cup on CBS … The show will feature signature challenges throughout the season as contestants compete for the $1 million grand prize. That’s the biggest cash prize in culinary television history.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Jewelry Store Coming to Bailey’s Crossroads — “A shop called Masa Jewelry is coming to the Glen Forest Shopping Center in Bailey’s Crossroads, according to a building permit issued by Fairfax County. The store will be located at 5900 Leesburg Pike between Halal Hunan Village and Subway.” [Annandale Today]

Falls Church Eyes Townhome Redevelopment — “Falls Church city officials have started talking with potential partners about what could be one of the largest housing projects in the city’s history.” The city has been discussing redeveloping the Virginia Village duplexes as affordable housing, among other possibilities, “with four nonprofit or governmental housing organizations.” [ARLnow]

Park Authority Celebrates Black History Month — “Throughout February and beyond, the Fairfax County Park Authority offers engaging events, exhibits and interpretive programs for all ages that highlight the essential role Black individuals and communities have played in shaping the county’s past and present.” [FCPA]

Nominees Wanted for Healthy Living Awards — “The Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax seeks nominations for its 2026 Live Healthy Fairfax Award. This award recognizes individuals, businesses, agencies, and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership and action to improve the health and well-being of the Fairfax community.” [Fairfax County Health Department]

It’s Tuesday — There’s a 20% chance of rain and snow after 4pm, with increasing clouds and a high near 39. At night, chances rise to 60%, with snow likely mainly before 1am. With a cloudy sky and a low around 27, new snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible. [NWS]

Man Found Dead in Centreville — “The Fairfax County Police Department is conducting a death investigation after a man was found unresponsive in the roadway on Saturday. In a post to the X platform at 3:22 p.m., officers responded to reports of a man found lying in the roadway near Route 29 and Rydell Road in Centreville.” [DC News Now]

Another Measles Exposure at Dulles Airport — “Health officials are advising of potential measles exposures after confirming a case that traveled through Washington Dulles International Airport last Saturday. A person with measles traveled through the Dulles airport and took a shuttle bus to its rental car facilities on Saturday, Jan. 24 … This is the fourth case of measles reported in Virginia in 2026 — nearing the total of five cases reported by VDH in 2025.” [ALXnow]

Popes Head Road Limited to One Lane — “Weather permitting, Popes Head Road (Route 654) will have one lane of alternating traffic via flagging between Revercomb Court and just east of Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) on weekdays from Monday, Feb. 2, through Friday, Feb. 27, for water main relocation work as part of the Fairfax County Parkway and Popes Head Road interchange project … Drivers should expect delays and are advised to use alternate routes.” [VDOT]

Walk for Peace to Pass Through Fairfax County — “A group of Buddhist monks on a Walk for Peace from Texas to Washington, D.C., is expected to pass through Annandale, Falls Church, and Seven Corners next week. The monks began their 2,300-mile journey at the Dhammacetiya Temple in Fort Worth on Oct. 29. They plan to arrive in D.C. on Feb. 11, where they will hold a Peace Gathering at the Lincoln Memorial at 2 p.m.” [Annandale Today]

Falls Church Council to Vote on Transit Funding Plan — “The Falls Church City Council is preparing to vote on a region-wide proposal to increase annual spending for Metro by $460 million every year … Arlington, Loudoun, and Fairfax counties have already approved resolutions in support of the funding plan, adopted by the COG and WMATA board last fall.” [ARLnow]

Bill on Teaching About Capitol Attack Advances — “Democrats in Virginia’s House of Delegates advanced a measure Tuesday morning that puts so-called guardrails around when and if a local school system wants to teach about the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capital.” A bill pushed by Del. Dan Helmer would require any curriculum touching on the event to describe it “as an unprecedented, violent attack on democratic institutions.” [WVTF]

Fairfax City Awarded Opioid Settlement Funds — “At a Jan. 20 meeting, the [Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority] committee approved $545,429 in awards to Clarke, Franklin, Henrico and Patrick counties and the city of Fairfax. The grants will support a mix of new initiatives and expansions of existing programs, funded through Virginia’s share of national opioid settlements with manufacturers, distributors and retailers.” [Virginia Mercury]

Plastic Surgery Clinic Moves in Reston — “Rostami Oculofacial Plastic Consultants … is pleased to announce the relocation of its Reston practice to a new, larger, state-of-the-art facility to better serve patients across Northern Virginia and the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area. The practice has officially moved from its former location at 1860 Town Center Drive, Suite 250, Reston, VA 20190, to its new address at 1850 Town Center Parkway, Pavilion 2, Suite 650.” [Press release]

New Legal Notice — Rescheduled 2026–2027 PHA Plan hearing Feb 6; comments, virtual access. [Public Notices]

It’s Monday — Expect a sunny day with a high temperature around 31 degrees and wind chill values dropping to as low as zero. The northwest wind will be blowing at a speed of 8 to 14 mph, with gusts reaching up to 23 mph. As for Monday night, the sky will be partly cloudy, and the temperature will drop to around 18 degrees. The west wind will blow at a speed of 5 to 7 mph before becoming calm in the evening. [NWS]

Fairfax Connector Resumes Full Service — For the first time since Saturday (Jan. 24), “Fairfax Connector will operate full service with some snow detours on Friday, Jan. 30. All regularly scheduled weekday routes will be in service. The following routes will begin operating with snow detours in the morning until road conditions improve: 151, 152, 161, 162, 231, 232, 310, 321, 322, 334, 703, 803 and 937.” [Fairfax Connector]

Memorial Planned for Midair Crash Victims — “A new memorial in Alexandria will honor the lives of the 67 people killed in last year’s midair collision over the Potomac River, which happened one year ago [Thursday]. A bench, newly planted trees and plaque bearing the names of the 67 victims will be installed on the Potomac waterfront on the northeastern portion of Rivergate Park.” [ALXnow]

N. Va. Skating Community Honors Crash Victims — Ashburn figure skater Alexis “Winch was friends with Everly Livingston, 14, a victim of the regional jet’s mid-air collision with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River … Winch and a few peers participated in a commemorative tribute skate at the Ashburn Ice House on Tuesday following a sculpture unveiling ceremony.” [Inside NoVA]

Felon Disenfranchisement Partly Struck Down — “A federal judge in Richmond partially struck down Virginia’s felony disenfranchisement rule earlier this month, in a court decision that could make hundreds of thousands of people eligible to vote again — and have broader implications across the southern United States.” Virginia General Attorney Jay Jones is expected to “make a public announcement on the case this week.” [VPM News]

Virginia AG Condemns DOJ Pressure on Minnesota — “Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones joined 21 colleagues on Thursday in sharply condemning the U.S. Department of Justice’s latest push to force Minnesota officials to surrender sensitive state data and dismantle public-safety policies as a condition for federal cooperation, calling it unconstitutional and an overreach of federal power.” [Virginia Mercury]

Fairfax Speed Skater Set for Olympic Debut — “When 24-year old Brandon Kim was growing up in Fairfax, Virginia, he first saw short-track speedskating on television, during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver … Now, he’s preparing to make his Olympic debut in Italy next month.” [WTOP]

Renewed Push for Paid Sick Leave — “While Virginia does have a paid sick leave law, it applies to a narrow scope of workers. House Bill 5 by Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler, D-Virginia Beach, would expand that to all public and private sector employees in the state. Workers would be able to earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.” State Sen. Jennifer Boysko, who represents Reston, Herndon, Great Falls and McLean, has also proposed a paid family medical leave bill. [Virginia Mercury]

Oakton Golf Center Named Among Best in U.S. — “Oakmont Golf Center range was recognized as one of America’s Top 50 Public Ranges by Golf Range Magazine,” which has now included the facility in its ranking four years in a row. Owned and operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority, the range “features 78 lighted stations, with 30 stations that are also covered and heated.” [FCPA]

New Legal Notice — Public hearings on FY2027 budget: Feb 10; overflow Feb 11. [Public Notices]

New Legal Notice — Application for restaurant beer/wine on- and off-premises license. [Public Notices]

It’s Friday — Expect mostly sunny skies and a high of around 21 degrees during the day, with wind chill values dropping as low as -1 due to a 6 mph northwest wind. The night will be mostly cloudy, seeing a low of around 9 degrees, identical wind chill values, and a calm wind that will shift to north at around 6 mph after midnight. [NWS]

Transit Service Inches Closer to Normal — Metro is returning to weekday rail and bus service today (Thursday) after several days of no or limited operations as post-Winter Storm Fern cleanup efforts continue. Most Fairfax Connector routes will operate on a limited Saturday schedule, but a couple have resumed regular weekday schedules. [WMATA]

Extreme Cold Could Be Among Worst Since 1800s — “D.C. plunged to 13 degrees on Tuesday morning, while many locations in the region dipped into the single digits and below zero. The frigid morning was part of a punishing cold snap that ramped up Saturday and may not relax until around Groundhog Day on Feb. 2. By some measures, it could rank among the most severe cold spells since the late 1800s.” [Capital Weather Gang]

Health Insurance Enrollment Lagging — “With the deadline to register for health insurance coverage through the state’s marketplace this year fast approaching, thousands fewer Virginians have signed up so far this cycle. The deadline to register or change insurance coverage is Friday, Jan. 30.” Advocates attribute the decline to “a sharp increase in health insurance costs” due to changes at both the state and federal levels. [VPM News]

Responders Reflect on DCA Crash Anniversary — “Nearly one year ago, on Jan. 29, 2025, the capital region and the nation watched with shock and confusion as an American Airlines regional jet collided midair with an Army Black Hawk helicopter … While most watched the tragedy in the aftermath from phone screens and television, D.C. Police and Fire and EMS’ divers and crew members had to sift through the wreckage in the icy Potomac River.” [WTOP]

Dual DUI Arrests in Annandale — “Fairfax County police arrested two drivers after two vehicles struck police cruisers during a traffic stop on I-495 in Annandale. On Jan. 23, at approximately 4 a.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on the beltway approaching Little River Turnpike for suspicion of driving while intoxicated.” While officers were testing that driver for sobriety, a different driver crashed into two police cruisers stopped on the shoulder. [Annandale Today]

Family Reunited With Dog After Five Years — “How did you spend your snow day? Luke spent his day reuniting with his family after FIVE YEARS!” Two community members came across the dog “playing in the snow” at a local recreation center on Tuesday (Jan. 27) and brought him to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, which was able to locate Luke’s adopted family using a microchip. [FCAS/Facebook]

McLean Estate Sells for Almost $16M — “Easter Hill, a property consisting of two lots and nearly four acres along McLean’s Gold Coast, went under contract with contingencies at a list price of $15.999 million recently … While there is a four-bedroom home on the land, the buyer is primarily paying top dollar for some of the best views of the Potomac in the region.” There are signs that the site could be part of a “megadeal” involving three other adjoining properties, totaling 6 acres. [DC UrbanTurf]

Burke Store Sells $1M Raffle Ticket — “A retired U.S. Army officer couldn’t believe that the New Year’s Millionaire Raffle ticket he purchased at a Burke grocery store would be worth $1 million, according to the Virginia Lottery … The number of the ticket that the man purchased at the Giant Food at 6011 Burke Center Parkway in Burke was #038045.” It was one of five winning tickets worth $1 million reported on Jan. 1. [Patch]

It’s Thursday — Expect sunny conditions and a high of 23 degrees, but wind chills could reach as low as -5 due to a west wind blowing at 6 to 10 mph, and gusts reaching up to 20 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear with a low of 6 degrees and wind chill values as low as -2, accompanied by a northwest wind at around 6 mph. [NWS]

Former FCPD Officer Pardoned for Fatal Shooting — “Shortly before leaving office, Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin granted an absolute pardon to a former Fairfax County police officer who killed a man while on duty and was later convicted of reckless firearm handling.” Wesley Shifflett’s prison sentence for shooting Timothy Johnson in Tysons was previously commuted by Youngkin. With the pardon, his conviction will be erased. [VPM News]

Investigation of DCA Plane Crash Concludes — “After a yearlong investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board blamed multiple systemwide failures for the midair collision of an Army Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines regional jet that killed 67 people.” Among other issues, investigators say the FAA ignored warnings from air traffic controllers that helicopters and planes landing at Reagan National Airport lacked “adequate separation.” [NPR]

Guide to County’s Hypothermia Program — “We are still facing significant challenges with near record cold temperatures this week. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold can be deadly. Our Hypothermia Prevention Program is now active, designed to ensure that no one in our community is forced to sleep outside.” [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

Regional Restaurant Week Extended — “More Flavor. More Time. Winter #RestaurantWeek is officially EXTENDED through Feb 1. From signature 3-course lunches to can’t-miss dinners, the window is wide open. Follow the Flake: the icon marks participating restaurants.” [RAMW/X]

Helmer Settles Defamation Lawsuit — “Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, has reached a settlement with all parties in a defamation lawsuit he filed more than a year ago, ending a legal battle tied to sexual assault allegations that surfaced days before he finished second in a crowded June 2024 Democratic primary for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District.” [Virginia Mercury]

Behind the Scenes of FCPS Snow Days — “A week ago, as the threat of a major storm became realistic, the facilities team for Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia started holding meetings and getting contractors lined up.” Overseeing cleanup efforts from a snow command center at Woodson High School, FCPS leaders estimate that the response to Winter Storm Fern could cost about $1 million. [WTOP]

Reston Association Job Fair Coming — “Reston Association (RA) is gearing up for summer and inviting local job seekers to its Seasonal Job Fair, which will take place February 28 from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at RA Headquarters (12001 Sunrise Valley Drive).” Temporary positions will be available in aquatics, camps, tennis, maintenance and member services. [Reston Association]

A Look Inside Tysons Speakeasy — “Tysons got a taste of Tokyo last spring with the arrival of reservation-only Naisho Room atop the Watermark hotel. The sky-high speakeasy, which translates to ‘hidden’ in Japanese, is tucked inside the hotel’s gym.” [Eater DC]

It’s Wednesday — Expect increasing clouds and a high near 22, along with wind chill values dropping to -1, accompanied by a west wind blowing at 5 to 9 mph. Night will be partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to a low of 6 and wind chill values as low as -3. A calm wind will turn into a northwest breeze around 6 mph after midnight. [NWS]

County Extends Trash Collection Pause — “Due to inclement weather, trash, recycling, and special pickup services have now been suspended for Monday, January 26, and Tuesday, January 27.” Fairfax County customers typically scheduled for collections on Monday and Tuesday must now wait until next week (Feb. 2-3) for service. [DPWES]

Jack-Knifing Truck Crashes on I-495 — A tractor-trailer crash on I-495 in the Huntington area caused backups during the afternoon rush hour yesterday (Monday). “The crash occurred when the driver of a tractor-trailer in the right lane ‘lost control, jack-knifed, and struck an SUV’ on westbound I-495 around 4:08 p.m., according to Virginia State Police.” [ALXnow]

Dulles Passengers Adapt to Snow Delays — “Passengers at the D.C. region’s three major airports [were] optimistic their flights will take off Monday, after the weekend’s snow, sleet and ongoing brutal cold temperatures … One business traveler heading to Los Angeles had to travel back and forth to Dulles several times since Saturday.” [WTOP]

Investigators to Detail Causes of Potomac Plane Crash — “So many things went wrong last Jan. 29 to contribute to the deadliest plane crash on American soil since 2001 that the National Transportation Safety Board isn’t likely to identify a single cause of the collision between an airliner and an Army helicopter over the Potomac River at its hearing Tuesday.” [Associated Press/ARLnow]

FCPS Introducing New Emergency Management System — “FCPS is implementing a new emergency management system, created by Raptor, in all school buildings. The new system is designed to support faster, more coordinated responses during emergencies by improving communication among schools, security staff, local first responders, and law enforcement.” [Annandale Today]

Driver Sentenced for Fatal GW Parkway Crash — “A drunk driver who struck and killed a woman in a head-on collision on GW Parkway has been sentenced to 8 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter.” The driver reportedly had cocaine and alcohol in his system at the time of the Jan. 1, 2025 crash, and he was driving in the wrong direction near Roosevelt Island at 80 mph. [ARLnow]

Spanberger Faces Test on ICE — “Gov. Abigail Spanberger, sworn in earlier this month as Virginia’s 75th governor, has moved quickly to draw a line between state law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement, while acknowledging that much of the authority still rests outside her control.” After taking office on Jan. 17, she rescinded an executive order directing local and state agencies to assist ICE, but the move didn’t affect existing agreements. [Virginia Mercury]

Va. Democrats Push for Housing Reform — “Virginia Democrats campaigned on affordability last fall. Now that they’re in control of both houses of the General Assembly and the governor’s mansion, they face a tougher challenge: passing policies that will actually make housing more affordable.” [WAMU]

It’s Tuesday — Expect sunshine and a high of 26 degrees, though wind chill values can dip to -6. The west wind at 5 to 8 mph will shift to the south in the afternoon. Night will be partly cloudy and cool with a low of 8 degrees; wind chill values may reach -1 as the northwest wind moves at 3 to 7 mph. [NWS]

Brace for Extreme Cold — “The National Weather Service warns that temperatures and wind chills are projected to plunge below zero this week and will likely remain below freezing through at least Friday night. These temperatures will create hazardous conditions, which will impact road/sidewalk clearing and water main issues.” [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

No Fairfax Connector Bus Service — After initially planning to provided limited Sunday service, Fairfax Connector announced last night that it will suspend service today (Monday) based on challenging road conditions after Winter Storm Fern. “Service decisions are subject to change as road conditions require. Please visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/operatingstatus for additional service status updates.” [Fairfax Connector]

Free School Breakfast Bill Advances — “Senate Bill 4 by Sen. Danica Roem, D-Prince William, and House Bill 96 by Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, D-Alexandria, narrows the scope of free meals provided to students to just breakfast, and would have the state reimburse reimburse each school for the breakfasts they provide. After clearing the Senate and Education Committee unanimously on Thursday, it will be further deliberated in the Finance and Appropriations Committee.” [Virginia Mercury]

Bill Calls for Study of Snow Treatment Alternatives — “A bill from Sen. Danica Roem (D-Manassas) would direct the Virginia Department of Transportation to study the pros and cons of salting methods and alternatives. Many options have been proposed around the country, such as calcium or magnesium chloride and mixtures including sand, cat litter and even beet juice.” [VPM News]

Va. Could Rejoin Emissions Reduction Compact — “Virginia’s newly elected Democratic Attorney General Jay Jones took action Thursday that creates a pathway for Virginia to rejoin the carbon market called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI.” Jones filed a motion that could allow the state to settle or withdraw from a lawsuit over then-Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s withdrawal from the multi-state initiative. [Inside Climate News]

Lawsuit Over Solitary Confinement Allowed — “A class action lawsuit alleging that the Virginia Department of Corrections has violated its ‘Step Down’ program by arbitrarily keeping people confined solitarily for long periods of time will be allowed to move forward, a federal district judge ruled this week.” Vienna Del. Holly Seibold (D-12) said she was concerned about the treatment of people in restorative housing after visiting Red Onion State Prison last year. [Virginia Mercury]

Hawk Freed From Batting Cage Jam — “A hawk was rescued from a park in Annandale after it got caught in a batting cage. The Fairfax County Animal Shelter said animal control officers responded to a call last week that a hawk got stuck in a batting cage at Pine Ridge Park … Officers quickly helped to free the hawk and safely released it back into the wild.” [DC News Now]

Affordable Housing Waitlists Opening Soon — “The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) is opening the application waitlist for the Project-Based Voucher units from Feb. 2 through Feb. 8. Properties accepting waitlist applications are part of the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) – Project-Based Voucher program,” which “generally serves households with … up to 50 percent of the median income.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Monday — Expect a mostly sunny day with highs around 27 degrees and winds ranging from 11 to 16 mph, potentially reaching 28 mph. Night will be mostly clear, with lows near 2 degrees and wind chills as low as -7. The west wind will blow at 7 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. [NWS]

Residents Stock Up Ahead of Snowstorm — “The latest forecast predicts 10 inches of snow falling on the Washington, D.C. region, bringing cold temperatures with it. In anticipation, Fairfax County residents began flocking to area hardware stores to stock up on shovels, bags of salt, and sleds.” [Patch]

Man Guilty of Murder at ATM — “Winston Nathaniel Lark IV was found guilty Thursday of first-degree murder and using a firearm in commission of a felony” for fatally shooting Nelson Alexander at an ATM in West Falls Church on Oct. 20, 2021. “A sentencing date has not been set yet. Lark faces 20 years to life on the first-degree murder conviction.” [NBC4]

Redistricting Referendum Date Proposed — “The House of Delegates Appropriations Committee voted 15–7 on Thursday to move forward a bill introduced by Chair Luke Torian (D–Prince William) that would set April 21 as the date for a ballot referendum on a proposed constitutional amendment that passed through the legislature on a partisan vote last week.” [VPM News]

Updates Underway at Bailey’s Homeless Shelter — “Since FACETS took over management of the troubled Bailey’s Shelter in late 2025, the nonprofit has taken steps to resolve the problems stemming from New Hope Housing’s mismanagement.” In addition to introducing more staff, the new shelter operator is working to upgrade its security system and has rejoined Fairfax County’s Operation Stream Shield litter pick-up program. [Annandale Today]

Homeowner Appeals Denial of Addition — A homeowner on Marble Lane in the Greenbriar area has turned to the Board of Zoning Appeals after Fairfax County staff ordered him to stop construction on a three-story addition found to be a few inches too close to a neighbor’s property line. Intended for the resident’s parents, the expansion sparked neighbor complaints and discussions of a zoning ordinance amendment that could “accelerate later this year.” [Washington Business Journal]

Parents Lobby for More Child Care Support — “Kaila Brewer, a Chesapeake mother and special education teacher, had to leave her job during the COVID-19 pandemic to care for her five-year-old son, who is autistic … That experience spurred her to advocate alongside other parents and supporters at the state Capitol on Wednesday and urge lawmakers to expand early childhood care options.” [Virginia Mercury]

Nonprofit Rolls Out Mobile Bathrooms — A Mobile Outreach Unit with private bathrooms, including hot showers, from Fairfax-based Pathway Homes will soon travel to sites in Northern Virginia and D.C., providing services to people experiencing homelessness. “According to Pathway Homes, only two of the 41 homeless shelters in Northern Virginia offer drop-in shower services for people not living in the shelter.” [WTOP]

Feedback Wanted From Military Community — “The Fairfax County Veterans and Military Families Commission is conducting a survey to identify gaps in serving county veterans and military community … The survey will take about 15 minutes to complete. The survey will close on Feb. 16, 2026. The feedback will be used to help inform county policy and practices.” [Neighborhood and Community Services]

It’s Friday — Expect partly sunny skies and a high near 44, as west winds increase to 12-17 mph in the afternoon, with gusts up to 24 mph. Friday night will be partly cloudy and colder, with lows around 10 and wind chill values as low as -7. Blustery conditions will prevail, featuring a north wind of 18-25 mph and gusts up to 36 mph. [NWS]