Gov. Spanberger’s Journey — “In 2014, Abigail Spanberger had a decision to make. Her young family was living in Los Angeles, where she was a CIA officer working drug cartel cases, and the time had come to put in for her next assignment. She and her husband, Adam, handed a toy globe to their 5-year-old daughter, Claire, and described endless possibilities for adventure. “Where should we go?” they asked. England? Costa Rica? Kenya? Claire had another idea: Virginia.” [Washington Post]

Gov. Youngkin’s Education Legacy — “Youngkin promised supporters that he would be the “education governor” and reverse what he saw as declines under his Democratic predecessor… interviews with more than a dozen people who worked with the governor in his administration, schools and universities show a mix of opinions about Youngkin’s education legacy. Some say he made fundamental changes that improved schools, while others say he also injected politics into policy, which made it harder to fully realize his agenda.” [Washington Post]

Youngkin’s Big Regret — “Outgoing Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin doesn’t have many regrets as he prepares to leave office. But he named the inability to get an Alexandria arena deal done in 2024 as one lost opportunity. The Washington Capitals and Wizards arena would have gone in Potomac Yard as part of an entertainment district. But in March 2024, the City of Alexandria announced that the proposal wouldn’t be moving forward.” [ALXnow]

Colada Shop Open at DCA — “Colada Shop has opened its first-ever airport location, bringing its signature Cuban coffee, cocktails, and all-day bites to travelers flying through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Open from first flight to last, the new outpost delivers the brand’s warm, vibrant hospitality in an on-the-go setting.” [PoPville]

Flu Season Still Raging — “Emergency rooms and urgent care facilities are seeing an increased number of [flu] patients… This season, health officials are monitoring a variation of Influenza A — called H3N2 subclade K — which may have a mismatch with this year’s seasonal flu vaccine. While this year’s flu vaccine may not be the most effective prevention, it still provides valuable protection.” [N. Va. Magazine]

American Legion Bridge Update — “Maryland will reconsider private funding to help replace the American Legion Bridge… [Gov.] Moore agreed to ‘leverage innovative approaches like a public private partnership (P3) that will ensure Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. commuters can soon experience some much needed traffic relief from the most congested corridor in America.'” [Bethesda Magazine]

Beyer on Greenland ‘Nonsense’ — “Trump’s threat to tariff any country that doesn’t accept go along with his idiotic Greenland nonsense is so dumb. He’s already driving some of our closest allies and trading partners into China’s arms. All of this stupidity is making Americans less safe and raising prices.” [Rep. Don Beyer/X, Rep. Don Beyer/X]

Key Bridge Emergency Activity — “Update water search Potomac River beneath Key Bridge. 1 victim recovered by a diver and enroute to EMS at a nearby land location.” [DCFEMS/X, DCFEMS/X]

Sphere Coming to Md. — “Sphere Entertainment Cos. built the largest spherical building on Earth in Las Vegas. Now it wants to build a smaller one outside D.C. The company behind Sphere unveiled plans Sunday night for what it says will be the world’s first “mini-Sphere” venue off the Potomac River in Maryland, a 6,000-seat immersive experience that would open in 2030.” [Washington Post]

Sentencing for Arlingtonian’s Murder — “It has taken nearly three years for an Arlington, Virginia, family to get justice in the murder of their loved one at a Northeast D.C. motel in 2023. It was back in April 2023 that 31-year-old Christy Bautista was stabbed over 30 times, her body battered by 46-year-old George Sydnor. During his sentencing hearing, which resulted in a 40-year sentence for Sydnor, Bautista’s family ripped into another judge by name for allowing Sydnor to be free while he awaited sentencing for other violent crimes.” [WTOP, DOJ]

Weekend Snowstorm Threat — “There is an enhanced threat for a winter storm Saturday, Jan 24, 2026 bringing increased potential of significant travel impacts & closures. Confidence remains low within the 5 day lead time window, but significant impacts are possible.” [NWS/X, CWG/X]

It’s Tuesday — The weather will be sunny, reaching a high of 29 degrees, accompanied by a west wind blowing at 9 to 11 mph and gusts up to 24 mph. The night will be mostly clear with a low temperature of 17 degrees and light variable winds. [NWS]