Crane Removal May Affect GMU Area Traffic — “This Saturday, August 12, beginning at 9:00 a.m., contractors will be removing a crane from the central portion of the One University building site adjacent to the George Mason University campus…The removal will take several hours and will block the northern curb lane on University Drive just west of Route 123, near Mason’s Field House.” [The Walkinshaw Advisory]
Metro Train Operator Fired After Stranding Riders — “Metro is requiring supervisors to conduct checks on train operators working split shifts after an intoxicated operator left passengers stranded for 40 minutes last year…The commission released a report on the incident, which occurred Dec. 23 and resulted in Metro firing the operator, Metro spokeswoman Sherri Ly said.” [Washington Post]
Latest Design for Penn Daw Fire/Housing Facility Shared — “The gymnasium at Bucknell Elementary School was packed July 27 for Fairfax County’s presentation of a revised concept design for the colocated fire station, affordable housing and emergency shelter/supportive housing in Penn Daw.” Notable changes include a relocation of the affordable housing closer to Beacon Hill Road and the addition of solar power roof shingles. [On the MoVe]
Virginia Bumps Up Penalties for “Swatting” — “While it has always been a crime to intentionally provide false information to law enforcement, a new law is now in place in Virginia that includes stronger penalties for calling in fake emergencies… ‘It is a significant change,’ said Sgt. Jacob Pearce with Fairfax County Police.” [WTOP]
Tysons Area Apartment Prices on the Rise — “Those wishing to partake of the urbanizing atmosphere of Tysons and the Mosaic district around Merrifield are having to pay more for the privilege, according to new apartment-rental data. Both areas have seen year-over-year increases in median rentals even as the nation as a whole saw a contraction in costs.” [Gazette Leader]
Fairfax City Seeks Feedback on Website Update — We are updating the #FairfaxCity website — please take this short survey to help guide our efforts…The survey is open through Aug. 11. The next version of our website will be easier to navigate & tasks will be easier to accomplish. Thanks for your input!” [City of Fairfax/Twitter]
Reston Media Company at Risk of Losing Nasdaq Listing — “With its stock price floundering, Reston media analytics company Comscore Inc. (NASDAQ: SCOR) took a massive impairment charge in the second quarter that wiped out any chance of it turning a profit…Last month it received a delisting warning from Nasdaq, and the drop in its share price also prompted the company to take a non-cash $44.1 million goodwill impairment charge in the second quarter.” [Washington Business Journal]
Local Volunteer Wins FCPS Equity Award — “George Becerra was recognized as the first recipient of Fairfax County Public Schools’ Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. The award recognizes staff, students, or community members who have demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.” [FCPS]
It’s Friday — The forecast predicts mostly sunny weather with a high near 87 degrees and a west wind of about 8 mph. In the evening, expect partly cloudy skies with a low around 69 degrees and a southeast wind at roughly 6 mph. [Weather.gov]