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Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger began her administration with 10 executive actions after taking office Saturday, Jan. 17. The measures broadly address affordability while shifting state policy away from former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s approaches to education, immigration and race.
Fairfax County residents also face consequential elections, while authorities investigate incidents ranging from a mall lockdown to a fatal house fire.
Special elections underway
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, in parts of Fairfax County for the vacant District 17 House of Delegates seat. The district includes Franconia, Huntington, Kingstowne and Rose Hill.
Democrat Garrett McGuire and Republican Christopher Cardiff are competing to replace longtime Del. Mark Sickles.
A Democratic firehouse primary for the 5th House District now has four candidates after Fairfax County Public Schools teacher Gregory Darrall entered the race over the weekend. The winner will seek the seat vacated by Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, who resigned to campaign for outgoing state Sen. Adam Ebbin’s 39th Senate District seat.
Gun incident locks down Springfield mall
Springfield Town Center was locked down for about 45 minutes Saturday night after someone displayed a gun during what police described as a domestic-related incident.
Police received the report shortly before 8:10 p.m. Authorities found no evidence that shots had been fired.
Trooper and police dog hurt during pursuit
A Virginia State Police trooper and police dog suffered minor injuries in a Friday morning crash during a pursuit on Interstate 495.
The incident began around 3:38 a.m., when the trooper spotted a vehicle traveling about 90 mph on northbound Interstate 95 near Fairfax County Parkway. The pursuit later reached the American Legion Bridge.
Electrical event blamed for deadly fire
Investigators determined that an electrical event in the basement caused a New Year’s Day house fire in the 5500 block of Corot Court in Burke Centre.
The home’s three occupants and responding firefighters escaped injury, but two cats died. Property damage was estimated at $147,750.
Former NBA player faces charges
Former NBA player Delonte West, 42, has been arrested and charged with robbery and assault in Fairfax County.
The charges stem from a reported assault and robbery around 6:40 a.m. Dec. 21 in the 5900 block of Richmond Highway in Belle Haven. West previously played prominent roles with the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Justice Department sues Virginia
The U.S. Department of Justice sued Virginia on Friday, alleging that the state failed to provide requested voter information. Virginia is among several states targeted in the department’s nationwide effort to obtain registration data that began last year.
Reston highlighted as a visitor destination
Reston’s open-air town center, green spaces, cultural offerings and network of walking and biking trails are drawing attention as visitor attractions. The Hyatt Regency Reston was recommended as a central base for exploring the community.
Cold, sunny Tuesday ahead
Tuesday will be sunny with a high near 29 degrees. West winds of 9 to 11 mph could gust as high as 24 mph.
Skies will remain mostly clear overnight as temperatures fall to around 17 degrees, with light and variable winds.