Curbing Phones = Fewer Fights — “The program being tested at Wakefield requires students to store phones in magnetically locking pouches during the school day. Peter Balas, principal of the 2,200-student school, said teachers have reported less phone use in the classroom and higher engagement since the pilot launched in September. He’s seen fewer fights and less drama from social media.” [Washington Post]

Xmas at Mary Marshall — “The staff at the Mary Marshall assisted living facility in Arlington, made sure older neighbors living with illness and disability’s wishes were fulfilled” on Christmas. [WUSA 9]

Paper Halts Free Home Delivery — “The Falls Church News-Press, for the first time in 33 years, will not be carrier-delivered free of charge to every household address in the City of Falls Church. However, abundant copies of the paper will be provided at over 40 locations in and around the Little City… It is a difficult but unavoidable move in the effort to keep the paper solvent, and we intend it to be only temporary.” [FCNP]

It’s Thursday — Skies will transition from cloudy to sunny, with a high close to 42 degrees and calm winds. By Thursday night, expect partly cloudy conditions with a low near 29 degrees. [NWS]

Reminder: Don’t Drink and Drive — “Drunk driving is the No. 1 cause of road deaths in Arlington, with alcohol factoring in 75% of fatal injury traffic crashes since 2022. We can prevent unnecessary tragedy this holiday season if everyone steps up to stop drunk driving. The County’s Vision Zero team and the Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) have launched a new anti-drunk driving campaign this month.” [Arlington County]

Scammers Target Transgender Workers — “Email messages claiming to be from an employee that were sent in November to the LGBT+ Counseling Collaborative in Arlington, Va., and to a yoga studio in Middleton, Del., requested that the employees’ direct deposit paycheck be sent to a new bank account. According to an official with the LGBT+ Counseling Collaborative and the employee at the yoga studio, the emails had the employees’ correct names, including a photo, and included a bank account number for the Green Dot Bank where the email messages said the salary payments should be deposited.” [Washington Blade]

County’s Year in Review — “A look back on the many achievements of 2024 — who we are, and who we strive to be. From employee groups engaging with the community to imagining what Arlington looks like in 2050, and from important initiatives in human services to welcoming home an Olympian — and everything in between — join the County in reflection on the community’s values and achievements.” [Arlington County]

It’s Christmas Eve — Rain or freezing rain is expected in the morning, followed by a slight chance of rain in the afternoon, with a high temperature near 45. There’s an 80% chance of precipitation and a possibility of less than 0.1 inches of new ice accumulation. Tuesday night will be partly cloudy, with a low around 32. On Christmas Day, expect partly sunny skies with a high temperature near 42. [NWS]