Morning Notes

TJ No Longer Ranked the Best U.S. High School — After three years in the top spot, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology has dropped to fifth in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best High School Rankings.” The data used for the 2023 list comes from 2018-2021, before the magnet school’s admissions policy changes took effect. [WTOP]

Potomac River Running Low on Water — “The Potomac River supplies drinking water to some 5 million people in the D.C. region, and right now, the river is running low. Water managers announced they may have to use water from backup reservoirs upstream — it would be the first time in more than a decade.” [DCist]

Special General Assembly Session Called on Budget — “Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has summoned the General Assembly to a special legislative session on Sept. 6 to take up long-delayed amendments to the state budget.” Democrats and Republicans had stalled on whether to devote $3.6 billion in unallocated revenue to tax cuts or priorities like teacher pay and mental health services. [Washington Post]

Reston Office Towers at Risk of Foreclosure — “A $83.5 million loan secured by Plaza America III and IV in Reston went into default last month, putting the property at risk of foreclosure, according to loan servicer notes sent to bondholders this month.” The buildings are “presently 76% leased, while all four towers together are about 80% leased, a person familiar with the matter said.” [Washington Business Journal]

More N. Va. Families Struggling to Afford Basic Needs — “A new report is underscoring the increase in Northern Virginia families struggling to afford basic needs. In 2021, 20% of families in the region did not earn enough money for shelter, food, medical care and other essentials. Another 9% could not afford childcare in addition to these needs.” [Inside NoVA]

Fire Department Hires New HR Director — “Fire Chief John Butler is pleased to announce Damitra Gardner has been named Director of Human Resources for the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, effective September 9, 2023.” Gardner has been serving as HR manager for the county’s Department of Public Safety Communications. [FCFRD]

Vienna Little Leaguers Honored for Strong Seasons — “Two Vienna Little League teams were recognized by the Vienna Town Council tonight for their exceptional records this year.” The 10-year-old group went undefeated for “the perfect summer,” while 12-year-olds on “The Big Red Machine” were “just one win short of a trip to Williamsport, PA and the Little League World Series.” [Town of Vienna/Facebook]

It’s Wednesday — Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms before 11am today, followed by partly sunny skies and a high temperature near 85°F. There is a 30% chance of precipitation. Tonight, the sky will be partly cloudy in the early evening, becoming cloudier later on, with a low temperature around 62°F. [Weather.gov]