Evening briefing · 7 things to know
School disruptions, new criminal charges and the Federal Reserve’s rate decision lead tonight’s briefing.
Loudoun schools pause hiring as enrollment declines
Loudoun County Public Schools is pausing hiring through the remainder of this school year, FOX 5 reported Wednesday, citing district officials. Superintendent Aaron Spence announced the measure Tuesday evening as enrollment declines. The district aims to reduce staffing through attrition rather than contract terminations; no school-closure plan has been approved.
Four charged in Fairfax fire-damaged home burglaries
Four Maryland men face charges in five burglaries targeting fire-damaged homes in Reston, Fair Oaks and West Springfield, FOX 5 reported Wednesday, citing Fairfax police. Investigators say the group used fire reports to identify vacant properties. The allegations remain unproven. Anyone with information can contact Reston police at 703-478-0904.
Princeton Elementary remains closed through Friday
Princeton Elementary in Camp Springs is closed through Friday, October 30, following respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, FOX 5 reported, citing school officials. Reports involved 48 students and 16 staff members. Crews are deep-cleaning the building. Families should keep symptomatic children home and watch for updates sent directly by the school.
D.C. indictment adds four defendants in drug investigation
Federal prosecutors announced Wednesday that a superseding indictment charges 15 defendants in an alleged methamphetamine and GBL trafficking organization serving Washington and other East Coast cities. Four newly charged defendants were arrested Tuesday; 11 others were arrested earlier this year. The indictment contains allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent.
National Christmas Tree ticket lottery opens
The free lottery for the December 3 National Christmas Tree Lighting opened Wednesday. Applications close November 4 at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, with results announced November 12. Only one application is allowed per household, requesting up to five tickets. Every attendee, including infants, must have a ticket.
Update: Fed holds rates steady; two members favor increase
The Federal Reserve kept its benchmark target range at 3.75% to 4% Wednesday, resolving the decision pending in this morning’s briefing. The committee voted 10–2; Lisa Cook and Beth Hammack preferred a quarter-point increase. Officials described inflation as elevated and said additional information would help determine the appropriate policy stance.
Microsoft revenue rises 19% as Azure grows 48%
Microsoft reported Wednesday that quarterly revenue rose 19% to $92.3 billion, while Azure revenue increased 48%. Net income reached $36.6 billion, up 32% under standard accounting rules. The results cover the quarter ended September 30 and provide another measure of demand for cloud computing and related technology services.
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