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Virginia faces the loss of up to $425 million in federal grants supporting several COVID-related programs run by the Virginia Department of Health. The funding withdrawal has already prompted layoffs and the early termination of contracts across the state.
Meanwhile, families of seven victims killed in the Flight 5342 crash are preparing to sue the federal government. Their attorney plans to file claims targeting the Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Army once a required six-month review period ends.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin has signed Senate Bill 754, legislation introduced by Sen. Barbara Favola, D-Fairfax, to protect reproductive health information. Privacy concerns surrounding menstrual health data have intensified since federal abortion protections were overturned and state laws began changing.
Virginia’s leading gubernatorial candidates from both parties are also addressing the sweeping federal workforce cuts being carried out by President Donald Trump’s administration. The issue could become a major campaign debate because of its potential impact on Virginia.
Closer to home, daytime single-lane closures are scheduled along Route 28, also known as Centreville Road, at the Fairfax County-Prince William County line. Weather permitting, the closures will occur Mondays through Thursdays from March 31 through April 24 while crews repair the bridge over Bull Run.
Hyderabad House, an Indian restaurant chain, is planning its first Northern Virginia location in Fairfax County. The restaurant is expected to occupy the former Pho Golden Express space in Fairfax Court shopping center, near Fairfax Boulevard and Waples Mill Road.
Vienna residents can weigh in on the town’s draft parks and recreation master plan during a community meeting at 6 p.m. March 27 at the Vienna Community Center. The town is also collecting responses through an online survey, and the draft plan is available on its website.
Fairfax County officials are reminding residents not to disturb young wildlife that may appear abandoned. Animal protection police and wildlife staff receive many such calls each spring, but most of the animals are not in danger and should be left alone.
Thursday’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and a high near 60 degrees. West winds of 6 to 9 mph could gust as high as 18 mph. The evening will be partly cloudy, with a low around 44 and southwest winds near 6 mph.