Weather

Fairfax County Public Schools will start classes on a two-hour delay tomorrow (Wednesday), as the region continues its slow recovery from the Jan. 25 winter storm.

Like they did today (Tuesday), school and administrative offices will open on time, as will afternoon preschool and adult education classes.


Around Town

A New York dance company that recently nixed scheduled appearances at the Kennedy Center is coming to George Mason University’s Center for the Arts instead.

Doug Varone and Dancers will visit the Fairfax performing arts venue (4373 Mason Pond Drive) on Saturday, April 25 for a free show in the concert hall, the Center for the Arts announced today.


News

A lengthy approval process for an affordable townhouse development motivated Fairfax City Mayor Catherine Read to testify in support of state legislation eliminating a key hurdle to affordable housing on church-owned properties.

State Sen. Jeremy McPike’s (D-29) Senate Bill 388 would let religious organizations develop housing on their land by right, without needing to go through a special exception, special use or conditional use permit or rezoning process that requires public hearings and votes.


News

After months of negotiations and pressure from both elected officials and community members, Dominion Energy and NOVA Parks have settled on a new path forward for managing trees near power lines along the Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Railroad Regional Park.

Dominion and the regional park authority, which owns and manages the 45-mile-long W&OD Trail, have reached an agreement governing vegetation management activities that, among other provisions, requires the utility to provide advanced notice of any major maintenance work and to plant native species in affected areas when possible.


News

Local residents have until the end of the month to submit feedback on proposed changes to Fairfax County’s rules for accessory living units (ALUs).

“We see ALUs as a valuable tool in the housing toolkit,” Casey Judge, a deputy zoning administrator in the county’s Department of Planning and Development, said in a Jan. 21 online community forum.


Piled-up snow blocks a turn lane from International Drive into Tysons Galleria (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

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]


Countywide

As anticipated, Fairfax County Public Schools will resume classes tomorrow (Tuesday), albeit on a two-hour delay.

“This means all schools will begin two hours after their regularly scheduled start times,” FCPS said in an announcement. “Central and school offices will open on time. Central and school office 12-month employees must report to work on time.”


Countywide

As he approaches his 18th anniversary as CEO of Visit Fairfax, Barry Biggar has the same item atop his to-do list as when he started on the job: a conference center.

“We needed it 25 years ago, we need it today,” Biggar said during a Jan. 28 presentation to the Fairfax County Planning Commission.


Countywide

Legislation allowing local governments to regulate or ban the use of gas-powered leaf blowers is facing an uphill climb in the Virginia General Assembly.

A measure by Del. Rip Sullivan (D-6) was deferred until the 2027 session by a vote on Friday (Jan. 30) in the House Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns.


Countywide

Like the rest of the D.C. region, Fairfax County is still working its way out from under the mounds of snow and ice left behind by Winter Storm Fern.

On top of the three deaths from medical emergencies reported by the Fairfax County Police Department, the Jan. 25 storm resulted in a “significant” surge in sledding-related injuries throughout last week, according to Inova.


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