Shopping Carts, Pot Prosecutions, Sephora Opens: News Nearby

There was plenty of news across Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia on Thursday. If you missed any of it on your local Patch, here's a roundup of some of the top stories from the past 24 hours.

• Alexandria Presbyterian Church Expansion Plan Draws Backlash
• Arrest Made In Child Sex Abuse Incident
• Park Land Under Consideration For School: Report

March For Life 2020: Where To Go For DC Rally

The March for Life's national march in D.C. is planned for Friday and for the first time should include an appearance by the current president. President Donald Trump said on Twitter that he would attend the national march and plans to address those attending the rally.

Proposed Virginia Legislation Addresses Abandoned Shopping Carts

An effort to address abandoned shopping carts with legislation has been revived in the new Virginia General Assembly session. A new bill would allow local regulation in two counties.

VA, DC Retail Apocalypse: Another Chain Closing All Its Stores

The outlook for national chain retailers in northern Virginia and DC continues to be gloomy: Another national retail chain this week announced plans to close all of its stores, according to reports.

Coronavirus Outbreak Spurs Changes To Exchange Program

Exchange students who traveled to Fairfax County from China where the coronavirus outbreak is happening will not be attending classes at Longfellow Middle School, according to the school district.

Sephora Opens Store On Jan. 24, Freebies Offered

Cosmetics store Sephora is opening a store on Friday, Jan. 24. The first 100 customers ages 13 and older will receive a $20 Sephora gift card.

Drug, Racial Reforms Emerge As Prosecutor Assumes Role

A new prosecutor has begun filing motions to dismiss some marijuana possession cases, and is looking at the racial disparity in those charged with some crimes.

Massive Data Center Campus Coming To Manassas

The Peterson Cos. is partnering with a data center developer to build a large data center campus in Manassas that, in its initial phase, will cover 25 acres and include 700,000 square feet of data centers that could begin to come online as soon as late 2020.

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Also Worth A Look Today

• VA Bill Allows Transgender People To Change Birth Certificate
• DC, NoVA Weekend: Chinese New Year Festival, Washington Auto Show
• Smoking In Bed Sparks Townhouse Fire
• Teen Charged With Sexually Assaulting Minor
• Arlington Restaurant Inspections: 45 Violations At 12 Locations
• Armed Robbery In Columbia Heights Caught On Video

• Sentara Kicks Off Program To Encourage Reading To Babies
• Letter Intensifies Debate Over Status Of Leesburg Town Attorney
• Jeweler Picks Canines-N-Kids Foundation For Donation

Across America

Millions Of Youth Athletes Bullied By CoachesMan Diagnosed With Coronavirus Remains IsolatedOn Valentine’s Day, Feed Your Ex To A MeerkatGrammys 2020: Time, Date, Nominees And MoreFlorida Arrest Warrant Issued For Antonio Brown