Morning Notes

Virginia Reps Raise Alarm Over Potential Federal Shutdown — “The fractious, divided House of Representatives has until the end of the month to approve the funding needed to keep the federal government open. If…the government runs out of money, it’ll likely have dire consequences for the D.C. region, which is home to hundreds of thousands of federal workers, contractors, and military service members.” [DCist]

Lee Chapel Road Hill Removals Fully Funded — State Sen. George Barker shared on Wednesday (Sept. 13) that the state will provide $4 million to eliminate two hills along a stretch of road where two teens were killed in a crash, Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity confirmed yesterday. Fairfax County has already allocated $5 million to the project. [WTOP]

Downtown McLean Design Guidelines Approved — “The Board of Supervisors endorsed new design guidelines for downtown McLean on Sept. 12…This marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the downtown area and give it a more attractive and vibrant look.” [Fairfax County Government]

Reston Technician Named Firefighter of the Year — “Technician Julie Tomesheski, assigned to Reston Fire Station 25 has been named the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department’s Firefighter of the Year. This is the highest honor given to a firefighter by the department…She will be presented her award by Fire Chief Butler in a ceremony at the county’s Public Safety Headquarters on Oct. 30.” [Hunter Mill District News]

County Leaders Urge Preservation of Merrifield Cemetery — At a public hearing Tuesday (Sept. 12), Fairfax County supervisors stressed the need to protect the Thompson Family Cemetery, as developer Federal Realty seeks to revamp the adjacent Pan Am Shopping Center. A ground survey is recommended, but the lot isn’t part of the proposed redevelopment. [Gazette Leader]

Lorton Realtor Plans Temporary Homes After Morocco Earthquake — “Last week’s deadly earthquake in Morocco claimed the lives of more than 2,000 people and left many homeless and displaced. The images of the devastation…are motivating members of the D.C. area’s Moroccan community to help, and that includes an ambitious plan to build temporary villages coming from a Lorton, Virginia, man.” [WTOP]

Vienna Kid Competes in National Go-Kart Race — “Lucas Palacio zooms down the pavement at 65 mph, maneuvering tight turns likely better than you can, except he’s 4 feet, 5 inches tall, still seven years shy of getting a driver’s license — and in a go-kart…This month, Lucas will race in the GoPro Motorplex Karting Challenge in North Carolina.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Halloween Haunt Set for Lorton Return — “The Workhouse Arts Center’s immersive scare-inducing outdoor haunted trail is returning this fall for its 10th year. This year’s Workhouse Haunt event, titled “Haunt: Game Over,” will run on weekends from Friday, Oct. 6, through Saturday, Oct. 28. Haunt will also perform on Halloween night, Tuesday, Oct. 31.” [Inside NoVA]

It’s Friday — This Friday’s weather forecast predicts a sunny day with a high temperature near 76 degrees . Later in the evening, the sky will remain clear while the temperature drops to a low of around 55 degrees. [Weather.gov]