Zeke Hartner – 海角精品黑料 News Washington's Top News Sat, 29 Jan 2022 04:51:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /wp-content/uploads/2021/05/WtopNewsLogo_500x500-150x150.png Zeke Hartner – 海角精品黑料 News 32 32 Winter weather advisories in effect across DC area; Md., Va. declare state of emergency /weather-news/2022/01/winter-weather-advisories-start-friday-afternoon-across-dc-area/ /weather-news/2022/01/winter-weather-advisories-start-friday-afternoon-across-dc-area/#respond Sat, 29 Jan 2022 04:50:20 +0000 /?p=23270173 Snow is falling in the D.C. region, and the area is under a winter weather advisory until Saturday morning. As temperatures drop, snow will begin accumulating at a faster rate and will continue overnight.


Key points:

  • 听础 winter weather advisory is in the D.C. region through Saturday morning.
  • Accumulation for much of the area is expected to be between 1 and 4 inches.
  • Weekend travel between the D.C. region and regions to the northeast could become treacherous.
  • Virginia and Maryland each declared a state of emergency ahead of the winter storm.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for D.C. that is effect until 4 a.m. on Saturday.

Areas of Prince George’s and Howard counties in Maryland, and Stafford County in Virginia are under a winter weather advisory until 10 a.m.; areas of Anne Arundel, St. Mary’s and Calvert counties in Maryland听until 1 p.m.

A light snow fell across the D.C. region on Friday morning into the early afternoon. That snow mostly dissipated as another system moved into the region, one that carries a higher potential for accumulation.

D.C.-area residents can expect steep temperature drops and hazardous travel conditions through the weekend as the significant storm grazes the region’s easternmost areas.

As for snow totals, winter weather lovers are in for a manageable treat 鈥 if storm paths remain the same.

Updated models expect the storm to most heavily impact Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Delaware and coastal New England. They include the potential for several inches of snow and blizzard-esque temperatures. D.C. and Baltimore, on the other hand, are expected to see a much more manageable blanket of snow, topping out at about 4 inches.

Storm Team4 meteorologist Steve Prinzivalli said the greater D.C. area could see about 1 to 2 inches, with Southern Maryland up to 3 to 4 inches.

Storm Team4 chief meteorologist Doug Kammerer released his snow total prediction for this weekend. (Doug Kammerer/NBC4)

Impact to commutes

Winds will be a big hazard causing blowing snow that lowers visibility and also temperature. Expect plummeting wind chills and 15 to 25 mph winds, Prinzivalli said. This could lead to some slippery road conditions before the snow ends by dawn.


海角精品黑料’s Mary DePompa: Weather will dictate traffic this weekend


Charlie Gischlar, with the Maryland State Highway Administration, says drivers should stay off the roads if they can once the snow starts coming down steadily.

“Best practice we always tell people is if you can avoid it, reduce travel,” Gischlar said.

But for those who do have to go out, he said to for information on what roads have and haven’t been plowed.

States prepare for another round of snow

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin due to the severe winter weather, and D.C. has dispatched its snow team.

On Friday, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency and mobilized the National Guard in preparation for the storm.

The emergency declaration includes Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne鈥檚, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester Counties. A blizzard warning is in effect for Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester Counties.

The governor directed the Maryland National Guard to station 125 soldiers on state active duty in order to assist state and local agencies in responding to the storm’s impact.

鈥淲e urge Marylanders to take this winter storm seriously, especially residents on the Eastern Shore, where we are anticipating blizzard-like conditions,鈥 Hogan said in a statement. 鈥淪tay off the roads tonight for your own safety, and so that the crews and first responders can do their jobs. We will continue to monitor this winter storm closely, and provide updates as it progresses.鈥

Some areas of the Eastern Shore are expected to get up to 12 inches of snow.

In Maryland, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s, Montgomery, Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties are under a winter weather advisory. Stafford County in Virginia is also under a winter weather advisory.

Gischlar said crews started anti-icing the roadways in advance of the storm.

“Our crews are now going into the active operations,” Gischlar said. “We’re closely monitoring how the storms going to come together.”

On Saturday morning, Gischlar said because it’s a “two-phase storm,” they need to watch and see where crews are needed the most once the storm transitions.



The National Weather Service is predicting the D.C. area will get less than an inch of snow over the weekend. (Courtesy National Weather Service)

A Winter Storm Watch along the Eastern Shore shows a different challenge in gusts up to 40 mph that could reduce visibility on roadways.

Saturday will bring bitter cold as snow departs the metro area. Wind chills can drop far below zero through Sunday morning across the Blue Ridge and Northern Maryland.


Forecast:

Saturday: Light snow ending in the early morning. Total accumulations of 1鈥 to 4鈥. Windy and very cold the rest of the day with a mix of clouds and sun and scattered flurries.听Highs: mid 20s to near 30.听Wind chills in the single digits and teens.

Sunday: Mostly sunny. Cold but not as windy.听Highs: upper 20s to low 30s.

Monday: Mostly cloudy. More seasonably chilly.听Highs: low 40s.


Current conditions:


Power outages:


海角精品黑料’s Ivy Lyons contributed to this report.

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DC mayor extends indoor mask mandate until end of February /dc/2022/01/dc-mayor-extends-indoor-mask-mandate-until-end-of-february/ /dc/2022/01/dc-mayor-extends-indoor-mask-mandate-until-end-of-february/#respond Wed, 26 Jan 2022 23:45:24 +0000 /?p=23265144 D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued an executive order Wednesday extending the limited public health emergency in the District until Feb. 15 and the indoor mask mandate until the end of February.

In the order, Bowser said that while cases linked to the omicron variant appear to be dropping in D.C., the impact on hospitals, medical providers and facilities is ongoing.

The limited health emergency was scheduled to expire Wednesday.

“Hospitalization and deaths lag infections, so the District is facing increases in
hospitalized patients with COVID-19, increased ventilator use by persons with
COVID-19, and more deaths than the District experienced at the beginning of
January,” the mayor’s order says.

The indoor mask mandate, which was set to expire Jan. 31, has been extended until Feb. 28.

“Given the very high (though falling) daily case rate of 51.3 cases per 100,000
persons, the indoor masking requirements established by Mayor’s Order 2021-14 7,
dated December 20, 2021, continue to be necessary,” the order said.

In declaring the previous extension to the public health emergency, Bowser said the order allowed the District health department “to modify procedures, deadlines, and standards authorized during the declared emergency. By declaring a public health emergency, the District and healthcare partners can continue to respond expeditiously and safely to COVID-19 and its ongoing and changing impacts.”


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Mayor of Hyattsville dies as result of self-inflicted injury /prince-georges-county/2022/01/mayor-of-hyattsville-dies-as-result-of-self-inflicted-injury/ /prince-georges-county/2022/01/mayor-of-hyattsville-dies-as-result-of-self-inflicted-injury/#respond Wed, 26 Jan 2022 22:55:30 +0000 /?p=23264884 The City of Hyattsville, Maryland, has reported that Mayor Kevin Ward died from an apparent self-inflicted injury Tuesday.

The city said Ward died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

“Mayor Ward was a valued and trusted leader and a fierce advocate for all the people of Hyattsville. We are heartbroken at this loss and extend our deepest sympathy to the Mayor鈥檚 family,” a news release from the city said.

Ward first served as interim mayor for the city beginning in 2019, before being elected to the position in 2021.

Outpourings of grief filed in from friends, elected officials and members of the media who knew Ward.

Rep. Anthony Brown, who represents Maryland’s Fourth District, said on Twitter, “My heart is with Mayor Ward鈥檚 family and the people of Hyattsville after the loss of this dedicated, thoughtful and fiercely passionate public servant.”

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks extended her sympathies.

“We are so heartbroken and devastated to learn of the passing of Hyattsville Mayor Kevin Ward,” Alsobrooks said on Twitter. “Mayor Ward was an outstanding leader for the residents of Hyattsville and deeply loved his City.”

State Del. Nicole Williams (MD-22) also offered her condolences and shared her grief on Twitter, saying, “I am so sad to hear this news. Mayor Ward was more than just a municipal leader in my District, he was my friend. My heart is heavy right now. His partner and his children are in my prayers right now.”

State Del. Alonzo T. Washington (MD-22) said, “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and City of Hyattsville Mayor Kevin Ward. Kevin was a wonderful friend, father, husband, and fierce advocate for the city鈥檚 residents. I want to extend my deepest condolences to his family. He will be sorely missed.”

City Council Vice President Robert Croslin will serve as the city’s interim mayor.

The city said those in need of grief counseling or mental health support are encouraged to contact Community Crisis Services, Inc. by dialing 211 and pressing 1 or the Affiliated Sante Group crisis support line at 301-429-2185.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available at 1-800-273-8255 for those in crisis or who would like to help someone else.

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Fairfax Co. police charge 2 in Alexandria man’s death; body still missing /fairfax-county/2022/01/fairfax-co-police-charge-2-in-alexandria-mans-death-body-still-missing/ /fairfax-county/2022/01/fairfax-co-police-charge-2-in-alexandria-mans-death-body-still-missing/#respond Wed, 26 Jan 2022 22:51:41 +0000 /?p=23264363 Two men have been charged in the death of a 20-year-old Virginia man who was reported missing by family members Jan. 17, according to Fairfax County police.

Police have charged Joel Antonio Sarabia, 20, of Fairfax, and a 17-year-old male in the death of Ahmed Hasheem Ebrahim, of Alexandria, who had last been seen on Jan. 15 leaving his home for a friend’s house.

According to Fairfax County police, Ebrahim’s case was given to a detective from their missing persons squad. The detectives from missing persons learned Ebrahim’s vehicle had been towed on Jan. 18 from an address in the City of Alexandria. They found the vehicle in a tow lot and noticed blood in its interior. Ebrahim’s disappearance was then elevated to a critical missing persons case.

Detectives then learned that Sarabia was allegedly driving Ebrahim’s vehicle after his reported disappearance. A warrant was obtained for his arrest for unauthorized use of a vehicle and driving without an operator’s license.

Sarabia was taken into custody Monday.

According to police, detectives learned through interviews that Sarabia and Ebrahim knew each other, and Sarabia and the 17-year-old had planned to rob Ebrahim.

Police say Sarabia shot Ebrahim in the upper body on Jan. 16 in a parking lot near the 6200 block of Lachine Lane in Lincolnia. Sarabia and the teenager allegedly then drove Ebrahim’s vehicle until they disposed of his body in a dumpster on Jan. 17.

Sarabia has been charged with first-degree murder, robbery resulting in death, concealment of a dead body and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is being held without bond in Fairfax County. Police recovered a firearm when Sarabia was arrested, and they believe a second one is in the City of Alexandria.

The 17-year-old was arrested on Tuesday and charged with robbery resulting in death and concealment of a dead body. He is being held in the juvenile detention center in Fairfax County.

Detectives found the dumpster where Ebrahim’s body was allegedly dumped, and have reached out to the disposal services company to find the potential location where his body may have been taken. Fairfax County’s search and rescue team has conducted several searches, but no body has been recovered as of yet.

Detectives are asking anyone with additional information about the case to call them at 703-691-2131, or by calling 911. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone at 866-411-8477 or by texting 鈥淔CCS鈥 plus tip to 847411.

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New COVID Center opening in DC’s Ward 4 /dc/2022/01/new-covid-center-opening-in-dcs-ward-4/ /dc/2022/01/new-covid-center-opening-in-dcs-ward-4/#respond Wed, 26 Jan 2022 19:45:54 +0000 /?p=23264257 D.C. Health will open a new COVID Center in Northwest’s Ward 4 on Thursday, Mayor Muriel Bowser said Wednesday.

When it opens, the site will join similar COVID Centers in Wards 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8 in offering vaccinations, boosters, take-home rapid antigen tests and PCR tests.

The mayor said an eighth center in Ward 3 “will open soon.”

All the sites are open six days a week and rotate days off so that multiple sites are open around the District on any given day.

The following chart lists all currently open sites and their operating hours:


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Driver dies after two-vehicle crash in Prince George’s Co. /prince-georges-county/2022/01/driver-dies-after-two-vehicle-crash-in-prince-georges-co/ /prince-georges-county/2022/01/driver-dies-after-two-vehicle-crash-in-prince-georges-co/#respond Sat, 22 Jan 2022 23:16:25 +0000 /?p=23248825 One person is dead and another is in the hospital following a two-car collision at an intersection of Indian Head Highway in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

Prince George’s County police said the crash happened around 12:15 p.m. at the intersection Indian Head Highway and Farmington Road. Both drivers were going eastbound on Farmington Road when one of the drivers rear-ended the other while going through the intersection.

The driver of the vehicle that was struck, an adult male, was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The driver of the striking vehicle was taken to the hospital with what police described as serious injuries.

Police are still working to determine the circumstances that led up to the crash.

Northbound Indian Head Highway was closed for several hours Saturday as police conducted an investigation into the crash, but has since reopened.

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Md. gets passing grade on coastal climate change preparedness with room for improvement /maryland/2022/01/md-gets-passing-grade-on-coastal-climate-change-preparedness-with-room-for-improvement/ /maryland/2022/01/md-gets-passing-grade-on-coastal-climate-change-preparedness-with-room-for-improvement/#respond Sat, 22 Jan 2022 01:39:09 +0000 /?p=23246346 A new report card from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) that grades a state’s coastal adaptability as it relates to climate change gave Maryland a passing grade, but says there is room for improvement.

The report scored the state on how well it was preparing for the impact of climate change on coastal regions in four categories: ecosystem, flooding, planning and socioeconomic.

Overall, the state received a B- from the report, noting shortfalls in preparation for flooding and socioeconomic impact of climate change.

The ecosystem and planning categories received grades of A and B+ respectively.

“Particular success has been seen in maintaining wetland acreage and in using dredge materials for restoration,” a news release Thursday from UMCES said. “Flood plain populations have also been reduced, decreasing the potential threat of coastal emergencies.”

The report says the state needs to improve certain indicators, “such as integrating and updating data and flood risk visualizations, including maps, as climate projections change.”

The flooding and socioeconomic adaptation goals were each given a C grade, with the report noting that progress toward meeting goals in that category had been moderate thus far.

“Many indicators in these categories, such as loss coverage through flood insurance, miss adaptation targets and require further action,” the release said. “The most urgent challenges are the location of critical facilities that must remain operational in emergencies in flood hazard areas and the need to adapt certain previously flooded properties to withstand future climate events.”

The report was compiled through a series of stakeholder workshops that identified the threats presented by climate change and then looked at how the threats are addressed.

One of the researchers who assembled the report card said one of the biggest struggles in bringing it together was finding sufficient data.

鈥淐oastal adaptation is increasingly important as we see the impact of climate change on our region,鈥 said Science Integrator Katie May Laumann, who led the development of the report card at the UMCES鈥 Integration and Application Network. 鈥淭he biggest challenge in developing the report card was finding adequate data. Data gaps also present challenges to managers planning for adaptation. Filling these gaps is important to inform planning and management decisions to improve Maryland鈥檚 adaptation status.鈥

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Shenandoah National Park to introduce Old Rag reservation system in effort to reduce crowding /virginia/2022/01/shenandoah-national-park-to-introduce-old-rag-reservation-system-in-effort-to-reduce-crowding/ /virginia/2022/01/shenandoah-national-park-to-introduce-old-rag-reservation-system-in-effort-to-reduce-crowding/#respond Fri, 21 Jan 2022 20:03:11 +0000 /?p=23245496 Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is launching a pilot program at one of its most popular hiking trails aimed at protecting the ecosystem of the trail and enhancing the hiking experience, the national park announced Friday.

The pilot program at Old Rag 鈥 a popular trail known for its spectacular views of the surrounding mountain range 鈥 will require visitors who would like to access the trail to obtain a day-use ticket for trips between March and November. Tickets will be $1 during the one-year pilot and will be limited to 800 visitors per day.

The one-year pilot program will begin March 1, 2022. of time and cannot be purchased at the Old Rag fee station. While 800 tickets are available each day, 400 will be made available 30 days ahead of time, and the other 400 will be made available five days ahead of time.

The National Park Service said a recent survey among visitors indicated that parkgoers were open to the ticketing program to reduce the overcrowding and congestion common at Old Rag in the spring, summer and fall seasons.

The move would also better protect the ecological communities found on the trail, according to the Park Service.

This comes as state parks in Virginia move to an online reservation system for their campgrounds, cabins and picnic spots in parks.

Existing reservations and customer loyalty points will automatically be moved into the new system when it launches Thursday.

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Va. ABC stores to adjust opening hours as employees impacted by COVID-19 /virginia/2022/01/va-abc-stores-to-adjust-opening-hours-as-employees-impacted-by-covid-19/ /virginia/2022/01/va-abc-stores-to-adjust-opening-hours-as-employees-impacted-by-covid-19/#respond Thu, 20 Jan 2022 22:19:34 +0000 /?p=23242273 The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) will be adjusting opening hours to noon at the 395 stores around the commonwealth, as exposures among employees makes operations more difficult, the authority said Thursday.

Virginia ABC said the change will allow its reduced workforce to better serve customers.

鈥淟ike other retailers affected by pandemic-related staffing shortages, we are modifying our store hours to reduce the need to close stores because of employee quarantines,鈥 said Virginia ABC CEO Travis Hill. 鈥淥pening at noon meets the needs of the majority of our customers, most of whom prefer to shop in the afternoon.鈥

Store closing hours are unchanged.

While ABCs have implemented safety measures, such as masking among employees, regular cleaning and plexiglass dividers at counters, the authority is requesting that all customers wear masks for their own protection and the safety of employees.

Stores are also offering curbside pickup or home delivery. Orders can be .

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Anne Arundel Medical Center announces potential breach of patient information /anne-arundel-county/2022/01/anne-arundel-medical-center-announces-potential-breach-of-patient-information/ /anne-arundel-county/2022/01/anne-arundel-medical-center-announces-potential-breach-of-patient-information/#respond Thu, 20 Jan 2022 21:44:09 +0000 /?p=23242126 Luminis Health, the owners of Anne Arundel Medical Center in Maryland, announced Thursday that its email system was accessed by an unauthorized party, and some patient information could have been exposed during the breach.

The health company said it became aware of the breach within its employee email system on Sept. 3, 2021, and took steps to secure the impacted email accounts.

They then hired a computer forensics firm to assist in an investigation into the incident. That investigation found that an unauthorized person accessed employee email accounts between Aug. 26 and Sept. 14.



The company said because it had no way of knowing which emails may have been accessed, they launched a review of all emails and attachments within those accounts. That review — which is ongoing — determined that patient records, such as names, date of birth, medical record numbers and Social Security numbers, were available in some of those emails.

Luminis said it doesn’t believe that any of this information was viewed during the breach, but that letters began going out to impacted patients on Jan. 12. They said all affected patients will be notified once the investigation is complete, which they expect to complete “in the coming weeks.”

Those who have questions or would like to know more are being directed to a toll-free helpline specifically for this incident at 855-675-3128. The line is available Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Patients whose Social Security information was available in the emails will be offered free credit monitoring through Equifax.

While the company did not say specifically how the email system was compromised, its statement said measures would be taken to help employees identify phishing emails.

“To help prevent something like this from happening again, we have reinforced education with our employees on how to identify and avoid phishing emails and have implemented tighter controls on the existing multi-factor authentication for our email environment,” the company said.

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Hogan announces antibody testing program for nursing homes to determine necessity of 4th dose /maryland/2022/01/hogan-announces-antibody-testing-program-for-nursing-homes-to-determine-necessity-of-4th-dose/ /maryland/2022/01/hogan-announces-antibody-testing-program-for-nursing-homes-to-determine-necessity-of-4th-dose/#respond Thu, 20 Jan 2022 21:03:46 +0000 /?p=23242007 Gov. Larry Hogan announced Wednesday that Maryland would be partnering with the University of Maryland Medical Center and Johns Hopkins University to implement an antibody testing program in nursing homes to determine if residents should receive a fourth dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

“This study will help determine whether we move forward with a potential fourth dose for some of our most vulnerable residents,” Hogan said. “We hope that that won’t be necessary, but we will be prepared to take action if it is deemed necessary.”

The governor said the study is expected to be completed in the next two weeks.

He emphasized that the booster was not just a “bonus or extra dose.” He said that First Lady Yumi Hogan, who recently tested positive for COVID-19, was experiencing very mild symptoms and credited the booster shot for preventing more serious illness.

“Getting your booster shot as soon as you’re eligible is absolutely critical to protecting you from severe illness from this virus and its variants,” he said.

Cases, hospitalization rates on the decline in Md.

Hogan touted the downward trend in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Maryland as evidence that the pandemic may soon reach a manageable level in the state. He said Maryland had a lower positivity rate than 42 states, and was down nearly 40% from its peak of nearly 30% two weeks ago.

Hogan also said the state’s hospitalization rates have fallen from their peak of 3,462 hospitalized on Jan. 11, and that the number of people hospitalized has fallen below 3,000 for the first time since Jan. 2.

“Our public health team is encouraged by the fact that this decline in hospitalizations is a result both a result of a decline of admissions and an increase in discharges,” Hogan said. “We’re getting folks healthier and out of the hospital faster.”

The governor announced Thursday that the 19th hospital-based testing site was operational as of Thursday at LifeBridge Health in Carroll County. The testing sites are designed to help hospitals avoid overcrowding as residents seek coronavirus testing.

“All of this progress is very encouraging, but we’re not out of the woods,” Hogan said. “Even though we have been able to attain considerable drops in the metrics, and they’re continuing to drop, they’re still much higher than they had been or where we need to be. But we will continue taking actions every single day to combat this surge.”


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Youngkin releases COVID-19 pandemic plan /virginia/2022/01/youngkin-releases-covid-19-pandemic-plan/ /virginia/2022/01/youngkin-releases-covid-19-pandemic-plan/#respond Thu, 20 Jan 2022 19:21:47 +0000 /?p=23241541 Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin unveiled his plan for combating the COVID-19 pandemic Thursday, which includes programs to promote vaccinations without implementing mandates.

The governor’s is divided into three fronts: The COVID-19 vaccine Marshall Plan for Virginia, expanded health care flexibility and support and prioritized testing guidelines.

The COVID-19 vaccine Marshall Plan is a framework for promoting vaccines to the 1.6 million Virginians who are not vaccinated without implementing mandates. The plan will direct the commonwealth’s health secretary to re-prioritize resources into vaccine outreach and promotion. Youngkin will also host and attend vaccine promotion events, according to the plan.

The expanded health flexibility portion of the plan relates to that Youngkin signed, which is aimed at improving the conditions at Virginia hospitals as they relate to the pandemic.

That section of the plan will waive regulations on capacity limits in hospitals and nursing homes so they can add beds, ease the process for qualified out-of-state nurses and medical professionals who want to practice in Virginia and expand overtime hours and flexibility for personal care workers.

It will also create exemptions for scope of care requirements for health care providers.

The final section of the governor’s action plan prioritizes the availability of COVID-19 tests to compensate for supply-chain issues that have made acquiring tests more difficult.

The following groups will receive priority for getting tested:

  • Students potentially exposed to COVID-19 who need to test to remain in school.
  • Essential health care professional and other essential worker who need to be tested to return to work.
  • Vulnerable citizens including those in nursing facilities and over the age of 65.
  • Those with serious medical conditions and their caregivers.
  • Those who need to be tested after consultation with a health care provider.

The plan also said the commonwealth will expedite pending orders of rapid tests.


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Youngkin chooses former Heritage Foundation official as Va.’s new chief diversity officer /virginia/2022/01/youngkin-chooses-former-heritage-foundation-official-as-va-s-new-chief-diversity-officer/ /virginia/2022/01/youngkin-chooses-former-heritage-foundation-official-as-va-s-new-chief-diversity-officer/#respond Thu, 20 Jan 2022 06:16:44 +0000 /?p=23238537 Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin named a former Heritage Foundation official as the commonwealth’s Chief Diversity, Opportunity & Inclusion Officer Wednesday.

Youngkin said he would be designating Angela Sailor to his cabinet, while also issuing an executive order renaming the office she will heading from “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion” to “Diversity, Opportunity & Inclusion,” along with refocusing the mission of the office.



Executive Order No. 10 says the office will be focused on “expansion of entrepreneurship and economic opportunity for all Virginians, the promotion of diverse free speech and inclusive civil discourse, and a role in promoting the honest and complete teaching of history.”

鈥淎ngela Sailor鈥檚 experience in government, nonprofits and the private sector will guide us as we ensure that the government is working for all Virginians across our diverse Commonwealth, especially when it comes to economic opportunity for all Virginians. In addition, I will introduce and support legislation to change the name of the office to the Diversity, Opportunity and Inclusion Office,鈥 Youngkin said in a statement.

Sailor recently served as the vice president of the Feulner Institute at the Heritage Foundation. When the Feulner Institute was launched in October 2019, the Heritage Foundation described it as a “first-of-its-kind endeavor to restore confidence in America鈥檚 founding values and principles.” Sailor was tasked with heading up the project, and appointed its first vice president.

Sailor was also the director of African American Affairs for President George Bush’s 2000 presidential bid, and afterward served in the White House Office of Public Liaison.

She has also been outspoken about critical race theory being taught in schools, an issue that Youngkin campaigned on as he was running for governor. Critical race theory is a way of thinking about America鈥檚 history through the lens of racism.

In an op-ed written for the Feulner Institute, Sailor wrote about critical race theory: “No matter your race, it鈥檚 our moral obligation to push back against a doctrine that divides our nation and invokes hopelessness. We must also teach the truth of America鈥檚 heritage 鈥 its imperfections as well as its remarkable strengths.”

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Man convicted in 2002 Fairfax Co. murder linked to unsolved deaths in Va., Md. /local/2022/01/man-convicted-in-2002-fairfax-co-murder-linked-to-2-unsolved-deaths-in-va-md/ /local/2022/01/man-convicted-in-2002-fairfax-co-murder-linked-to-2-unsolved-deaths-in-va-md/#respond Wed, 19 Jan 2022 20:20:44 +0000 /?p=23237107 A man after strangling a single mother in Fairfax County, Virginia, has been linked to two other unsolved killings in the region.

In a joint news conference with the Fairfax and Prince George’s police departments on Wednesday, officials announced that Charles Helem verbally confessed to also having killed 19-year-old Jennifer Landry in August 2002.

According to officials, Landry was picked up in D.C., and was later killed in Mount Rainier in Prince George’s County.

According to Prince George’s County Police Chief Malik Aziz, Helem sent letters to law enforcement in 2010 and 2017 indicating his involvement in Landry’s death, but refused to speak with detectives. He agreed to be interviewed in October 2021, and Aziz said that is when he verbally confessed to killing her. The Prince George’s County cold case unit obtained an arrest warrant against him in Landry’s death.

Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy said formal charges are pending.

During that same interview, Helem gave details about the cold case of 37-year-old Eige Sober-Adler, of Kensington, Maryland, who was killed in 1987 in Herndon, Virginia. Detectives said the details Helem shared would have only been known to her killer.

A cold case file for Sober-Adler says she was found dead in a field behind a Days Inn on Centerville Road, and that her vehicle was found on the Dulles Toll Road.

Helem was indicted for murder by a Fairfax County grand jury this week for the death of Sober-Adler.

Officials also said Helem told detectives he had been a truck driver, and so the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit have been asked to check cold cases around the country to see if there are any links to Helem.

Helem is currently serving life in prison at the Red Onion State Prison 鈥 the supermax state prison in Wise County, Virginia 鈥 for the death of Patricia Bentley, a 37-year-old single mother from Chantilly, Virginia. Prosecutors said he strangled Bentley with a phone cord and his hands.

During sentencing in 2003, Fairfax County prosecutors said Helem had previously served four years in federal prison for choking his wife. She survived the attack.

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What’s open, what’s closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2022 /holidays/2022/01/whats-open-whats-closed-on-martin-luther-king-jr-day-2022/ /holidays/2022/01/whats-open-whats-closed-on-martin-luther-king-jr-day-2022/#respond Mon, 17 Jan 2022 10:57:02 +0000 /?p=23219428 The memory and legacy of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. will be honored Monday.

As a federal holiday, most area public schools, post offices, libraries, banks and government offices will be closed.

There are also a number of day of MLK Day of Service events being held around the D.C. region.

Here’s what’s open and what’s closed in the D.C. region Monday, Jan. 17.

Roads

High Occupancy Vehicle restrictions are lifted in Virginia for the holiday, but not in Maryland.

The reversible roads that would normally be used in a rush hour will not will not reverse during a holiday:

  • Connecticut Avenue NW and 16th Street NW will stay in weekend mode all day, with no rush-hour lane reversals.听 Canal Road NW and Independence Avenue SE/SW, the District will implement reversible lanes as usual at rush hour Monday.

Transit

– Buses will operate on a , with some routes seeing additional trips throughout the day. Service and hours will vary by route, so riders are advised to check their routes ahead of time.

will run on a normal weekday schedule. Red Line trains will run every 12 minutes; Blue, Orange and Silver Line trains every 24 minutes, and Green and Yellow Line trains every 20 minutes.

– Paratransit service will operate normal hours; however, subscription trips will be canceled.

– VRE not run on Monday.

– MARC made the following changes due to the weather:

  • Brunswick Line – No service
  • Penn Line – Will operate on the听Sunday schedule听with no service to or from Martin Airport station.
  • Camden Line – Will operate on the R schedule

There will be no service on the Commuter Bus, except for Route 201. Route 201 will operate on a Weekend Holiday Schedule.

– Buses will not run due to the holiday.

The following changes are weather-related:

  • Manassas Metro Express (60) 鈥 No service
  • Linton Hall Metro Express (61) 鈥 No service
  • Prince William Metro Express 鈥撎鼶elayed start of service.听 First bus will depart the OmniRide Transit Center at 9:38am

– DASH buses will run on a Saturday schedule for the holiday.

听 – Fairfax Connector will operate on a holiday weekday service with detours.

– The following routes will operate:听 11, 13A, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 21x, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 51 Loop A and B.

– There will be reduced bus service due to . Ride On Flex and extRa services are suspended.

– ART 41, 42, 45, 51, 55, 77 and 87 will operate Saturday schedules. All other ART routes will not operate. The ART Call Center will be closed.

– VanGO will operate a modified schedule on Monday.

– Commuter Bus Service will not run because of the holiday. , including Routes 72, 985 and 84,听will operate on a regular schedule. The Loudoun County Courthouse Shuttlefrom the Pennington Garage and Lot to the Courthouse听will not run听on Monday. Peak Period Metro Connection Bus Service will not run听Monday, January 17, 2022. This includes Routes 87X, 88X, 901, 902, 923, 924, 925, 926, 931, 932, 927, 990 and 992.

DC

Most D.C. government offices will be closed Monday.

TestYourself drop boxes will be open for drop off only until 8 p.m.

TestYourself Express rapid antigen test kits will be available from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at fire stations 4, 8, 31 and 33.

The PCR testing site at Farragut Square will be open from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 17th and Eye streets in Northwest.

Parking meters, residential parking and rush hour lanes .

Trash and recycling collections will slide to the next day for the remainder of the week into Saturday.

Maryland

Frederick County

Government services will be closed Monday.

Howard County

Most government buildings and services .

Regular parking fees and regulations will be in effect.

County trash and recycling services will continue as scheduled.

County parks; the Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers; the Cedar Lane and Schooley Mill Activity Rooms, Kiwanis Wallas Hall and Meadowbrook Athletic Complex will be open.

Montgomery County

County and state offices, courts and libraries will be closed Monday.

Parking at public lots, garages and curbside parking will be free.

No trash or recycling collections will be made on Jan. 17. Collections will slide one day each week from the regular schedules.

Prince George’s County

All county government offices will be closed Monday.

Organics collections will occur (such as food scraps and yard trimmings) on Monday, but no bulky trash pickups will be made.

COVID-19 testing sites and the county’s vaccination clinic will open on a one-hour delay. The testing sites at the Bunker Hill Fire Station and the Temple Hills Community Center will open at 10:30 a.m. The vaccination clinic at the Sports & Learning Complex will open at 10 a.m.

Virginia

Alexandria

City offices, courts and libraries will be closed on Monday.

The city police department will suspend enforcement of parking restrictions in metered spaces, permitted residential areas and other areas with timed parking limits.

Arlington County

Most government services are closed Monday in the county, including libraries, parks and recreation facilities, DMV services and county COVID-19 clinics.

Permitted parking will be enforced unless otherwise specified on a parking sign, but metered parking will not be monitored.

Trash collection continues as normally scheduled, but drop-off facilities will not be open.

Fairfax County

Most county government services will be closed on Monday, but some will still operate and hours vary depending on the department. Check the current .

The Fairfax Connector will operate on a holiday weekday service schedule. Check online for .

Loudoun County

County government services will be closed Monday.

Trash collection continues as normally scheduled.

Local bus routes will operate on a normal schedule, but connector and Metro Connection buses will not operate on Monday.

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