Good morning, Leesburg.

Acclaimed writer Charles Houston released his novel Bad Horsey, a romantic thriller set in western Loudoun that follows Atlanta real estate success Robert Rood as he seeks a fresh start in the countryside.

Early readers have given high praise and the book is available in paperback and Kindle formats.

L-Lab is launching Loudoun County’s first language after-school program on Jan.

5 at Pearls Academy in Sterling where children 5–9 will learn Arabic or Spanish through play-based STEAM and Montessori lessons, with classes held Monday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and enrollment open for the January–June term.

The Loudoun County Public Library is hosting a short story contest for teens and adults that accepts original, unpublished entries until Sunday, Feb.

15, with awards ceremonies including cash prizes and guest author Meg Medina set for Saturday, May 9 at Eagle Ridge Middle School (Ashburn).

Loudoun County ended 2025 with severe drought that led several towns to reimpose water restrictions + a local study raised alarm over falling groundwater levels, and delegate-elect John McAuliff will use community stories to guide future water policy.

County planners deferred Happy Paws K9’s Special Exception request on Dec.

18 due to concerns over scale, noise, and traffic on Oatlands Chase Place. Marcel and Beatriz Uttembergue had sought to legally run a home-based kennel with up to 35 dogs.

Two Loudoun families asked for guidance on personal challenges; one inquired about evaluating a seven-year-old's behavior and dyslexia concerns at school, while another couple questioned ways to rekindle intimacy amid midlife shifts.

Experts (including school staff, pediatricians or therapists) recommend discussing concerns for tailored support.