Cases of Viral Disease Rising — “Over the last two months, there has been an increase in the number of people seeking emergency care for hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), especially involving young children, ages 0 to 4-year-olds in Fairfax County.” The Fairfax Health District has seen six outbreaks of the viral disease so far this year, including five reported within the past two months. [Fairfax County Health Department]
Agriculture Dept. Moving D.C.-Area Jobs — “The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it will relocate about 2,600 jobs out of the D.C. area and vacate the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center building in Prince George’s County. The positions are more than half of the agency’s workforce in the region,” where about 4,600 employees live. [NBC4]
Washington Gas Bills to Go Up — “The utility said in a statement to customers that due to above-average temperatures from October 2024 to May 2025, it collected lower revenues than approved by the State Corporation Commission. Therefore, Washington Gas said, the utility will be collecting additional charges from Virginia customers during the billing months of August, September and October.” [WTOP]
Virginia Braces for Medicaid Changes — “As Virginia lawmakers heard from state health officials Wednesday about potential effects of federal healthcare funding changes approved by Congress earlier this month, it became clear to Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News: ‘we at this time do not have a true sense of what we’re up against.'” Virginia Medicaid Director Cheryl Roberts said the 600,000-plus people who became eligible for Medicaid starting in 2018 will be most affected. [Virginia Mercury]
‘Walking Taco’ Eatery Now Open — “Flavor Hive, the beloved food truck that turned heads with its viral walking taco, is officially opening its first brick-and-mortar location [Thursday] in Annandale.” Located at 4260 John Marr Drive, the restaurant serves Mexican and Middle Eastern-style food, such as “quesadillas, loaded fries, rice bowls, pita pouches, pita melts, and falafel pieces.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Medical Office Buildings Acquired — “Chicago’s Remedy Medical Properties and Los Angeles-based Kayne Anderson Real Estate recently acquired eight medical office buildings in Fairfax County and the city of Alexandria.” The sales include the Children’s National Health System building (3023 Hamaker Court) in Fairfax, Prosperity Medical Center (8501, 8503 and 8505 Arlington Blvd) in Merrifield, Woodburn Medical Park (8289-99 Woodburn Road) in Annandale, and Metro Park III (6354 Walker Lane) in Springfield. [Washington Business Journal]
New Athletic Field for Annandale School — “Sixteen years after the Westminster School purchased an adjoining property on Gallows Road in Annandale, it’s clearing the site for a full-size athletic turf field. The field will be used for soccer, lacrosse, and softball. Tree clearing is expected to be done next week, and the field should be completed in January 2026, says Nancy Schuler, head of the highly acclaimed private school.” [Annandale Today]
Registration Coming for Fall Camps and Classes — “Registration for FCPA classes opens Tuesday, July 29 at 9 a.m. Don’t wait, explore the full lineup today at by visiting the Parktakes website. Register by Aug. 8 and save $8.” The Fairfax County Park Authority will also host camps for kids throughout the fall on topics from sports to the performing arts. [FCPA]
It’s Friday — There’s a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 2pm and 5pm. Despite increasing clouds, temperatures will reach a scorching high of 98 with a heat index up to 106. Friday night, more precipitation is possible before 7pm, followed by partly cloudy conditions and a low of 77. [NWS]
