Animal Deaths In Barn Fires, National Retailer In Limbo: Patch PM

Here are the share-worthy stories from Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia Patches to talk about tonight:

Northam Executive Order Allows NoVA To Delay Phase 1 Reopening

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued an executive order allowing Northern Virginia localities to delay the first reopening phase, which is on track to begin Friday, May 15, in other parts of the state. The governor directed jurisdictions to formally request approval to remain in what he calls "Phase Zero."

• Coronavirus Hospitalizations Fluctuate Daily Across Virginia

J.C. Penney Bankruptcy Could Affect 22 Virginia Stores: Report

The iconic but struggling retailer J.C. Penney Co. is preparing to file for bankruptcy, perhaps as soon as next week, as the new coronavirus continues to take a toll on bricks-and-mortar retailers, Reuters reported. The report said the department store chain will close permanently about 200 of its 850 stores, but it's unclear if any of Virginia's 22 stores will be included.

Loudoun Barn Fires Kill Livestock, Cause Nearly $700K In Damage

The Loudoun County fire marshal issued a warning Monday about using heating equipment in barns after three recent fires caused $684,000 in damage and killed several animals.

Spotsylvania Town Centre To Expand Hours Under Reopening Plan

Businesses at Spotsylvania Towne Centre will resume additional in-person operations on Friday, as part of Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's phase one plan to ease restrictions on businesses and gatherings, the mall said Tuesday.

Bowser OKs $2.3M To Expand DC Coronavirus Contact Tracing Force

On Monday, Mayor Muriel Bowser directed $2.3 million of the District's Contingency Cash Reserve Fund to pay for the initial staffing hires for the D.C. Department of Health's D.C. Coronavirus Contact Trace Force. D.C. Health started onboarding 17 contact tracers to help identify individuals exposed to COVID-19, the illness associated with the new coronavirus.

McLean Center Cancels July 4 Fireworks, More Summer Events

The McLean Community Center has canceled more events in light of the new coronavirus crisis. The cancellations include Fourth of July fireworks at Langley High School and full-day summer camps. McLean Day, which would have happened on Saturday, May 16, was previously canceled.

McLean Student Makes 200+ Masks For 911 Call Center Staff

Even with schools closed for the academic year, one student in McLean is finding a way to use skills learned in class to benefit front-line workers. Sasha Malik, a 13-year-old student at Cooper Middle School, made 225 face masks for first responders at Fairfax County's 911 call center.

Also Worth a Look Today

• Leesburg's Trash Contractor To Resume Bulk Item Collection
• Patient First Offers Coronavirus Testing At Leesburg Facility
• Novant Adopts Scoring System For Scheduling Medical Procedures
• Local Artists Brighten National Landing Storefronts
• Vienna Scavenger Hunt Raises Awareness For Mental Health
• Fairfax County Coronavirus: Deaths By Age Group, More New Data
• Sterling Man Charged With Animal Cruelty In Puppy Beating Case
• Police Officer Injured During Scuffle At Virginia Hospital Center
• Herndon Man Faces Multiple Indecent Exposure Charges
• Mount Vernon Avenue Repaving To Begin In Del Ray
• DC Police Officer Shot During Struggle With Suspect
• Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Center To Reopen Saturdays In Alexandria

Across America

• U.S. Coronavirus Blog: Fauci Issues New Warning; Deaths Pass 81K
• PA Fully Intends To Open Schools In Fall, Top Official Says
• No Charges Filed Against Shopper In KKK Hood At Santee Store
• Coronavirus: Texas Attorney General Seeks To Block Mail-In Voting
• Florida Aquarium Makes Historic Discovery To Save Coral Reefs