Article Text

Northern Virginia started Wednesday with mounting business troubles, record firearm discoveries at local airports and several government decisions affecting residents across the region.

Fairfax County supervisors will review problems with leaf collection after significant delays in some neighborhoods. Mason District residents were instructed to place leaves at the curb in early November, but some waited a month for pickup, according to Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez. Another resolution approved by the board addresses pet-friendly policies at apartment buildings.

Virginia lawmakers, meanwhile, postponed consideration of a proposal to legalize online gaming. Senate Bill 827, introduced by Sen. Mamie Locke, a Hampton Democrat, would allow the Virginia Lottery Board to license casino operators to offer internet gaming. Legislators said they need more time to evaluate its potential effects.

Vice President JD Vance has moved from his Del Ray residence to the grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory. Judy Lowe Neighborhood Park, located beside his former home, has reopened to the public following the move.

In Fairfax, Peachwave Frozen Yogurt was ordered to leave its University Mall location by 7 a.m. Thursday. Owner David Waskiewicz said debts grew after a kiosk he opened at Tysons Corner Center in 2023 failed to gain traction.

Security officers discovered record numbers of firearms at two Washington-area airports in 2024. The Transportation Security Administration found 41 guns at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, up from 39 in 2023. Washington Dulles International Airport recorded 29, compared with 24 the previous year.

A Fairfax County educator is also balancing classroom responsibilities with performances for the Washington Commanders marching band. Holmes Middle School band director Perez first joined a rehearsal when a friend needed a trumpet player. After asking how to become a regular member and completing an audition, he joined the band in 1997.

The City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts has selected Debra Wright of the Rouge Arts Project to curate the Rotary Gallery. Her inaugural exhibition is on display, with an opening reception scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the Sherwood Center, 3740 Blenheim Blvd.

Wednesday’s forecast calls for increasing clouds and a high near 20 degrees, with wind chills potentially falling to 3 below zero. Northwest winds of 5 to 10 mph are expected to ease during the afternoon. Temperatures should drop to around 12 overnight under partly cloudy skies with calm winds.