Jan. 30-Feb. 5: Residents Speak Against Cell Nodes Plan; School Board Considers Budget Amendments

Miller Heights and History Drive on their streets at a public meeting with NewPath Networks. Residents worried about the effect on the aesthetic character of their neighborhoods. Cell nodes provide broadband antennas that can accommodate any wireless carrier, allowing for greater wireless coverage and capacity in the area.

The fiscal year 2013 budget proposal before the Fairfax County School Board would . Fairfax County Public Schools spokeswoman Mary Shaw said the program restructuring is necessary to make ACE "a self-supporting program going forward."

The school board , during which speakers pushed for the Foreign Language in Elementary School program and a salary increase for teachers, among other topics.

The school board also , such as eliminating athletic fees, hiring school board support staff and studying the system's food services.

Sen. Janet Howell (D-32nd District) made national headlines when she , which later failed, that would have required men to have a rectal exam and a cardiac stress test before obtaining a prescription for erectile dysfunction medication. Howell said the amendment was an attempt at "gender equity" in legislation that calls for women to undergo an ultrasound before having an abortion.

The Senate also . Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34th District) spoke against the proposed legislation on the Senate floor.