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Fairfax County residents are stocking up on shovels, salt and sleds as forecasts call for about 10 inches of snow across the Washington region, followed by dangerously cold conditions.
The storm preparations lead a busy Friday across Northern Virginia, with developments involving a West Falls Church murder case, Virginia redistricting, homeless services and a disputed home addition.
Guilty verdict in fatal ATM shooting
Winston Nathaniel Lark IV was convicted Thursday of first-degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of a felony. He was charged in the fatal shooting of Nelson Alexander at a West Falls Church ATM on Oct. 20, 2021.
A sentencing date has not been scheduled. Lark faces 20 years to life in prison on the murder conviction.
April vote proposed for redistricting amendment
The Virginia House of Delegates Appropriations Committee voted 15-7 Thursday to advance legislation setting April 21 as the date for a referendum on a proposed constitutional amendment involving redistricting.
The bill was introduced by committee Chair Luke Torian, a Prince William County Democrat. The amendment cleared the legislature on a party-line vote last week.
Changes underway at Bailey’s Shelter
FACETS is adding staff and pursuing security upgrades at Bailey’s Shelter after taking over management in late 2025. The nonprofit is working to address problems attributed to the facility’s previous management by New Hope Housing.
The shelter has also rejoined Fairfax County’s Operation Stream Shield litter-removal program.
Homeowner challenges order stopping addition
A Marble Lane homeowner in Greenbriar has appealed to the Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals after county staff halted work on a three-story addition.
The expansion, planned for the homeowner’s parents, was found to sit a few inches too close to a neighboring property line. The project prompted complaints from neighbors and discussion of a possible zoning ordinance amendment that could move forward later this year.
Parents seek expanded child care support
Parents and advocates gathered at the Virginia Capitol on Wednesday to press lawmakers for more early-childhood care options.
Among them was Kaila Brewer, a Chesapeake mother and special education teacher who left her job during the COVID-19 pandemic to care for her autistic 5-year-old son. That experience led her to join the push for additional support.
Mobile showers coming to the region
Fairfax-based Pathway Homes plans to deploy a Mobile Outreach Unit with private bathrooms and hot showers at locations across Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.
The unit is intended to help people experiencing homelessness. Only two of Northern Virginia’s 41 homeless shelters provide drop-in showers to people who are not staying at the facility, according to the nonprofit.
Military community survey open through Feb. 16
The Fairfax County Veterans and Military Families Commission is asking veterans and military families to complete a survey about gaps in county services.
The survey takes about 15 minutes and will remain open through Feb. 16, 2026. Responses will help guide county policies and practices.
Friday turns colder and blustery
Friday will be partly sunny with a high near 44 degrees. West winds are expected to reach 12 to 17 mph during the afternoon, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Temperatures will fall to around 10 degrees Friday night, with wind chills potentially reaching 7 below zero. North winds of 18 to 25 mph could produce gusts up to 36 mph.