Author: FFXnow.com

Storm Cleanup Underway in Reston Area — The Reston and Herndon area was hit hardest in Fairfax County by a storm that “tore down trees and knocked out power for thousands of people Sunday night.” No injuries were reported, but some homes and vehicles were damaged by fallen trees. Reston Association said its crews were working to clear its facilities, including trails, of fallen trees and other debris. [NBC4]

Townhouse Fire Under Investigation — “Just before 2:00 a.m., on July 6, units responded to reports of a townhouse fire” in the 3000 block of Ellenwood Drive in Merrifield. “Arriving crews found fire coming from the rear of the townhome.” No injuries were reported, but the cause of the fire remains under investigation. [FCFRD/Facebook]

Metro Claims Ridership Record — Based on a preliminary count, Metro says its system transported 667,652 riders on Saturday, a record for the Fourth of July, Washingtonian reported. The milestone was accompanied by a sellout of retro merchandise at a pop-up store for the transit agency’s 50th anniversary, more evidence that WMATA “has gone from regional punching bag to communal point of pride.” [The 51st]

Search and Rescue Team Finished in Venezuela — “Members of Urban Search and Rescue Virginia Task Force 1 are returning home to Fairfax County Monday after completing their deployment to earthquake-ravaged Venezuela. The Fairfax-based team announced Monday morning that it had been demobilized by the U.S. Department of State” and was expected to arrive at its Chantilly base at around 9:15 p.m. [WJLA]

How N. Va. Became Data Center Capital — “Today, the region houses the world’s largest concentration of data centers, making Virginia the nation’s digital capital. That growth has brought major economic benefits for local governments, but it has also divided communities increasingly weary of the facilities’ heavy demands on water and energy, among other impacts.” [Virginia Mercury]

County Appoints New Environmental Director — “Robert Sandoli has been appointed director of the county’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC), effective Monday, July 20. He succeeds John Morrill, who is retiring after serving with the department since 2020.” [Fairfax County Government]

More Funding Approved for Dulles Concourse — Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced last week that the Federal Aviation Administration has awarded $32.5 million in grants to modernize airports in Virginia, including $22.1 million for the upcoming Concourse E at Dulles International Airport. The award comes on top of another $41.8 million in federal funds allocated to the project earlier this year. [Office of Sen. Mark Warner]

Local Musicians to Perform With Lizzo — “Grammy Award-winning artist Lizzo, who is also a classically trained flutist, will reimagine her biggest hits with the National Symphony Orchestra. Local ensemble DCFlutes will open the show” tonight (Tuesday) at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center. “About 30 local student flutists will also join them on stage to perform a medley of Lizzo’s hit songs.” [WTOP]

It’s Tuesday — Expect patchy fog before 10am, then partly sunny skies with a high near 85. There’s a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. In the evening, precipitation likelihood is 80% with a low around 70. [NWS]

Want more local news? Check out our newest sister site, WSHnow, with the latest from across the region.

Spike in Heat-Related ER Visits — “According to the Virginia Department of Health, 737 people visited emergency departments because of heat-related illnesses in just a four-day span from July 1 through July 4. Of those days, Friday, July 3 was the worst with 225 medical visits.” Since May 1, emergency departments in Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church have seen 128 visits for heat-related illnesses, the most in the state. [WAVY/DC News Now]

Reston and Annandale Residents Without AC — Residents of the Vantage Hill Condominiums in Reston and the Wedgewood Apartments in Annandale have been forced to endure the recent heat wave without functioning cooling systems. The Wedgewood property manager was reportedly working to fix the air-conditioning, while the Vantage Hill management says necessary electrical upgrades won’t be completed until next spring, per FOX5. [Annandale Today]

Teen Found Dead in Potomac River — “The body of a 16-year-old boy who was reported missing was found Friday in the Potomac River near Great Falls Park in Montgomery County, Maryland … The boy had been swimming there. He was with a group when he entered the water and never resurfaced.” [WTOP]

Chantilly Man Arrested for Shooting — “A Chantilly man has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in Loudoun County early Saturday … Deputies responding to the home for a shooting call discovered 33-year-old Brandon Fadden of Centreville dead at the scene.” Joshua Soroko, 31, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and other gun-related offenses, the county sheriff’s office said. [Inside NoVA]

No Injuries in Groveton House Fire – “The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department said crews responded around 6:35 p.m. [on July 4] to the 2700 block of Schooley Drive in Groveton, where they found flames showing from multiple sides of the home and through the roof upon arrival … The cause of the fire remains under investigation.” [WJLA]

Reproductive Rights Amendment Faces Legal Challenge — “A legal challenge to Virginia’s pending reproductive rights amendment is headed toward a hearing later this month, with potential implications for two other pending constitutional amendments.” The lawsuit centers around “an argument that the clerk of the House of Delegates, Paul Nardo, failed to send copies of the amendment to circuit court clerks.” [Virginia Mercury]

Burke Family Struggling With Storm Recovery — “For Tony and Adrienne Toledo, the recovery is far from over. They spoke to WUSA9 shortly after the storm ripped the chimney off of their home the night of June 22. They were one of the many homeowners in the area impacted by the storm.” [WUSA9]

Warmth Could Increase Tick-Borne Illnesses — “Northern Virginia residents should brace for a surge in Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses as warmer weather following a mild winter creates ideal conditions for ticks.” McLean-based Dr. Gary Kaplan says Northern Virginia has a “very high concentration of ticks,” with the highest risk area being “the edge of most people’s backyards.” [Inside NoVA]

It’s Monday — Chance of precipitation is 40%, with a higher likelihood of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. The day will be mostly cloudy, with temperatures reaching around 87°F. Overnight, there’s an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms with a low near 71°F. [NWS]

Pollution Expected From D.C. Fireworks — “Fireworks for this year’s July Fourth celebration are expected to cause hazardous levels of pollution around the National Mall and ‘very unhealthy’ conditions in central D.C., according to internal National Park Service documents.” The show will feature approximately 850,000 fireworks and start later than usual, at around 10:30 or 11 p.m. [Washington Post]

Va. ICE Mask Ban Blocked — “Virginia cannot enforce a newly passed law prohibiting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from wearing masks, a federal judge ruled less than 12 hours before it would have taken effect. Senior U.S. District Judge Robert Payne held the Justice Department was likely to succeed in its argument” that the U.S. Constitution bars the commonwealth from regulating federal officers’ conduct. [Courthouse News Service]

Va. Rejoins Emissions Marketplace — Virginia officially rejoined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative yesterday (Wednesday) after Gov. Abigail Spanberger ceremonially signed into law House Majority Leader Charniele Herring’s bill requiring the state to establish a “market-based trading program” to incentivize carbon emission reductions. Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s withdrawal from the pact was ruled illegal by a court in 2024. [VPM News]

Herndon Summer Youth Program Offered — “Cornerstones will offer an eight-week summer youth program for students in the Reston and Herndon area beginning July 6, even as families continue to question the future of one of the nonprofit’s longtime after-school programs.” The new program at the Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center will be open to students entering second through 12th grade. [Patch]

Dulles Greenway Toll Increase Opposed — “Local elected officials testified against potential Dulles Greenway toll hikes June 29 at a State Corporation Commission hearing in Ashburn.” The owner of the 14-mile roadway from Leesburg to Dulles International Airport filed an SCC application in December seeking to raise tolls to $6.75 during peak hours and $5.60 during off-times. [Loudoun Times-Mirror]

Funding for Firefighter Cancer Screenings — “Virginia’s new two-year budget earmarks millions to help offset current and forthcoming federal funding changes to healthcare and social services. It also accomplished a bipartisan multi-year effort to fund cancer screenings for firefighters.” [Virginia Mercury]

Tips for Safe Fourth of July — “The Fairfax County Police Department encourages residents to celebrate safely while enjoying fireworks, barbecues, outdoor events, and time with family and friends. With large crowds, increased travel, and heightened activity expected across the region, planning ahead and staying alert will help ensure a safe and memorable celebration.” [FCPD]

Free Ice Cream at RTC Family Night — “Kick off Fourth of July weekend in style at Reston Town Center’s Stars & Stripes Family Night! Join us in the Pavilion from 4-8PM for an action-packed evening of all-ages fun, featuring field games, face painting, live DJ, and more. Celebrate America’s 250th with a sweet treat — FREE Ben & Jerry’s ice cream from the truck, including the fan-favorite Americone Dream (while supplies last)!” [Reston Town Center]

It’s Thursday — Expect sunny and hot conditions with temperatures reaching around 102 degrees and heat index values climbing to 109. A gentle west wind will blow at 3 to 5 mph. Night will be clear with temperatures dropping to about 80 degrees. [NWS]

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Va. Can Now Order Speed-Limiting Devices — One of the many new laws taking effect in Virginia today (Wednesday) “allows judges to require people convicted of reckless driving to have the device installed in their cars, which prevents them from being able to speed. It’s a law D.C. already has, and it’s coming to Maryland this fall.” [NBC4]

Mount Vernon Releases Exclusive Whiskey — This Fourth of July, “George Washington’s Mount Vernon will mark the occasion with the release of an exclusive new whiskey: George Washington’s Spirit of ’76 Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey, the first bourbon ever produced by George Washington’s Distillery. The Spirit of ’76 is a special release to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.” [Mount Vernon]

FCPS Pushed to Do More to Address Racism — “Fairfax County’s NAACP chapter is calling for more transparency and urgency in how Northern Virginia’s largest school system investigates and responds to complaints of anti-Black bias and discrimination … The statement followed the group’s forum with Superintendent Michelle Reid [on June 18]. For over 90 minutes, some families expressed frustration with a lack of communication or transparency.” [WTOP]

Pizzeria Started in Tysons Wins RAMMY — Andy’s Pizza, which got its start at Tysons Galleria in 2018, was named the D.C. region’s Fast Casual Restaurant of the Year at the 44th annual RAMMYs Awards on Monday (June 29). While that was the only winner with a Fairfax County location, four others were among the finalists, and Old Ebbitt Grill in D.C., winner for Favorite Gathering Place, is getting a spin-off at Reston Station. [ALXnow]

FCPS Expands Virtual Mental Health Service — “Since 2023, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has partnered with Hazel Health to offer virtual mental health services to FCPS high school students. Beginning July 1, 2026, these services will also be available to students enrolled in all FCPS middle schools.” [FCPS]

Tenants Wanted for Vacant Building — “After lying dormant for years, the Hana Plaza building, at 7409 Little River Turnpike in Annandale, is now available for leasing. The building has been totally redone, and interior renovations are expected to be completed in October or November, says Diane Lee of Mega Realty & Investment.” [Annandale Today]

State Budget Funds Pentagon Memorial — “The Pentagon Memorial Fund said the two-year spending plan — approved by the General Assembly on Monday and set to take effect July 1 — includes money for the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Visitor Education Center. A budget amendment provides $1 million to Arlington County to support the center’s construction.” [ARLnow]

GMU President’s Contract Extended — “George Mason University’s Board of Visitors has extended the contract of President Gregory Washington through June 30, 2031 … The extension comes after federal investigations into civil rights violations by the university, which Washington has forcefully pushed back against.” [Inside NoVA]

New Legal Notice — Estate creditors notice; claims due by December 31, 2026. [Public Notices]

It’s Wednesday — There is a 20% chance of precipitation, but expect sunny and hot conditions, with temperatures nearing 99 degrees and heat index values as high as 106. Night will be mostly clear with a low of around 77. [NWS]

There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.

Heat Wave Could Be Historic — “As we close in on the Wednesday start of an unusually intense and long-lasting blast of extreme heat extending into the Fourth of July weekend, computer models continue to pump out numbers that could threaten all-time high temperature records in the DC area and across the Mid-Atlantic by late this week.” [Capital Weather]

State Budget Amendments Pass — “With less than 48 hours remaining before the start of Virginia’s new fiscal year, the General Assembly on Monday approved a package of amendments proposed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger to the state’s two-year budget, formally ending a budget fight among the Democratic majority that had dragged on for months.” [Virginia Mercury]

Tysons Company Scooped Up in $8B Deal — “Rocket Lab said ​on Monday it would acquire satellite communications provider Iridium Communications in a cash-and-stock deal valued at about $8 billion, marking one of the biggest consolidation moves in the commercial ⁠space industry.” [CNBC]

Virginians Feeling Healthcare Costs — “There were 371,000 Virginians who signed up for insurance plans at the end of the 2026 open enrollment period on Jan. 30, according to data presented to the state’s Health Benefit Exchange Advisory Committee on June 18. That number dropped to 298,000 as of mid-June.” [VPM News]

New Housing Proposed in Annandale — “A revised development proposal for Gallows Road and Libeau Lane in Annandale calls for 32 detached single-family homes across from Holmes Run Acres and Woodburn Elementary School. Madison Homes is proposing a Comprehensive Plan amendment to increase the density on the property … to 3-4 dwellings per acre.” [Annandale Today]

Health Department Expanding Walk-In Hours — “The Fairfax County Health Department is expanding walk-in hours at all four of its public health centers starting July 1. While appointments remain available, the extended walk-in hours will make accessing Health Department services easier, including vaccinations, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing [and] maternity services.” [FCHD]

New Events Added to Senior Olympics — “Rock climbing, weight lifting and the game of darts will be new events in the 2026 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics. This year’s Senior Olympics are scheduled to be held from Sept. 9 through Oct. 4 … Over 70 events will take place at more than 30 venues across Northern Virginia.” [Inside NoVA]

McLean Ranked Among Richest Suburbs — “McLean has ranked No. 9 on GOBankingRates’s list of the wealthiest suburbs in the nation. However, that ranking is down three slots from 10 years ago, when it ranked at No. 6.” Vienna and Fort Hunt were also on the list. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny weather with temperatures reaching a high of around 90°F. At night, anticipate mostly clear skies with a low of about 71°F. Winds from the south will persist at 7 to 9 mph, with possible gusts up to 18 mph. [NWS]

Want more local news? Check out our newest sister site, WSHnow, with the latest from across the region.