Beyer Hosting Resource Fair — Rep. Don Beyer (D) is hosting a resource fair for federal workers, contractors and economically impacted individuals on March 21 at Wakefield High School. “Come meet with local partners who can connect you with housing assistance, food banks, resources for small businesses, and more,” Beyer said. [Rep. Don Beyer/X]
Rowers Return to Potomac — “Rowers have returned to the Potomac River after the lifting of restrictions that were put in place due to a sewage spill in Maryland two months ago.” The Virginia Department of Health lifted its recreational water advisory last week, though it continues to advise against contact with a 4.7-mile stretch between the American Legion Bridge and Chain Bridge. [Andrew Leyden/X]
School Choice Celebration — More than 100 people gathered at the Leadership Institute in Clarendon on Saturday for EdReform Virginia’s 4th Annual School Choice Celebration. Former Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears headlined the event, offering “a robust defense of educational freedom.” [EdNews Virginia]
SER Makes Eater List — SER Restaurant (1110 N. Glebe Road), which has served tapas in Ballston for 10 years, was included on DC Eater’s 38 Best Restaurants Around D.C. list. “It’s hard to go wrong with any of the 12-plus tapas on the list, but the tomato bread, croquetas, and deep-fried eggplant are not to miss,” according to Eater. [Patch]
Boater Sues Over Sewage Spill — A Great Falls resident has filed a class action lawsuit against DC Water over the January sewer collapse that dumped more than 200 million gallons of wastewater into the Potomac River. The plaintiff’s boat is moored at Columbia Island Marina on the Pentagon Lagoon, where waters were “directly contaminated” by the spill. Meanwhile, the Potomac Riverkeeper Network says sewage may still be leaking into the river. [FFXnow]
Five Guys BOGO Take Two — “We screwed the first one up so bad, we’re trying to redo it,” Five Guys CEO Jerry Murrell told WTOP. The Alexandria-based burger chain is rolling out another buy-one, get-one free offer this week after its initial 40th anniversary BOGO led to long lines and stores running out of stock. The chain is also giving $1.5 million in bonuses to employees who bore the brunt. [WTOP]
FCPD Encrypting Radios — The Fairfax County Police Department is moving forward with plans to encrypt its main dispatch radio channels. Once in effect, FCPD will join numerous regional agencies — including ACPD, Prince William County Police, Virginia State Police and D.C.’s Metropolitan Police — that have partially or fully encrypted their transmissions. [FFXnow]
Assault Weapons Ban Advances — A bill that would ban the import, sale, manufacture, purchase or transfer of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines (more than 15 rounds) in Virginia is heading to Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D). The bill does not make it illegal to possess assault weapons or magazines already owned. If signed, it takes effect July 1. [Tyler Englander/X, DC News Now]
Lucas Grades Spanberger B– — Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) gave Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) a B– for her work with the Senate. Lucas is pushing to eliminate an estimated $1.6 billion-a-year tax break for data centers, an idea opposed by business groups. Spanberger and House Speaker Don Scott (D-Portsmouth) have been tepid on changing the tax provision. [Radio IQ, Virginia Scope, WBJ]
Lawmakers Slam Deceptive Mailers —Members of Virginia’s congressional delegation, including Rep. Don Beyer (D), are condemning mailers from a PAC that invoke Jim Crow imagery to oppose the April 21 redistricting referendum. The PAC is linked to a former Hampton GOP delegate, according to the Virginian-Pilot. [Press Release, Virginian-Pilot]
W&OD Rail Line Eyed — Transit advocates have revived a 60-year-old proposal to add rail service along the W&OD Trail right-of-way from Purcellville to the East Falls Church Metro station. The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission has received more than 60 requests to study the concept. [FFXnow]
March Warmth — “Temperatures climbed into the mid-80s in the D.C. area Tuesday afternoon, the warmest weather for March 10 since 2016. WTOP Meteorologist Mike Stinneford reported high temperatures climbed to 84 degrees at all three airports in the D.C. region by 3 p.m.” [WTOP]
It’s Wednesday — Partly sunny skies tomorrow with a high near 82 and a chance of rain after 9 a.m. Strong storms are possible in the afternoon and evening as a cold front clashes with unseasonably warm air — the Storm Prediction Center has the region at a Level 2 (of 5) severe risk, with potential for downpours, gusty winds and hail. Overnight lows drop to around 51 with rain likely. [NWS, CWG/X]
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