Countywide

Federal Workers Paid Not to Work — “The government is paying more than 154,000 federal employees not to work as part of the Trump administration’s deferred resignation program, according to two administration officials … Critics have argued that the administration’s tactics of using buyouts and administrative leave have been wasteful because the public is paying tens of thousands of employees not to work for months.” [Washington Post]

Groveton Woman Faces Prison — “A Fairfax County mother is back in jail after she pleaded guilty to chaining her children to a table while she was away at work … In court on Tuesday, Del Cid Rodriguez pleaded guilty to one count of abduction and one count of assault and battery. Other charges were dropped.” She faces up to 11 years in prison at a sentencing hearing in November. [NBC4]

Virginia Considers Revising Election Cycle — “The Joint Subcommittee to Study the Consolidation and Scheduling of General Elections met for the first time last week to begin exploring whether Virginia — one of just a handful of states with statewide elections in odd-numbered years — should sync up with the federal calendar and move all general elections to even-numbered years.” [Virginia Mercury]

Herndon Police Recover Guns, Drugs — “On July 21, 2025, after receiving an alert for a vehicle that was stolen out of a neighboring jurisdiction, officers initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. During the traffic stop, officers seized a gun, drugs, cash, and a scale.” A 29-year-old man from Sterling received firearm and drug possession charges, while a juvenile was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle. [Herndon Police/Instagram]

Overnight Fairfax Parkway Closures — “Weather permitting, Route 29 northbound and southbound will be closed at the Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) interchange to install bridge beams as part of the Fairfax County Parkway widening north project … Northbound and southbound Route 29 will be simultaneously closed as follows” on Aug. 4-8 with the following week serving as a backup if needed. [VDOT]

Seven Corners Sign Designs Unveiled — “Design consultants hired by Fairfax County’s Community Revitalization Section presented several gateway signage concepts for Seven Corners and Bailey’s Crossroads at a meeting on July 30.” Several of the Seven Corners designs create stars using the number 7, while the Bailey’s Crossroads logos feature the “interwined letters B and C.” [Annandale Today]

Inside Peppa Pig Experience — “Families with Peppa Pig fans are going to be spending a lot more time at Tysons Corner Center. Hidden behind the walls of CAMP is the toy store’s new immersive Peppa Pig experience.” The themed pop-up made its debut on July 25 and is open during store hours “from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Seasonal Workers Wanted for Burke Lake Park — “Drop-in interviews at the Burke Lake Park Info Center will be held Aug. 7, 8, 14 and 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (no appointment needed!) Come by to explore job opportunities, complete an application and interview on the spot all in one visit!” [Fairfax County Park Authority]

It’s Friday — Showers are possible before 10am, with a chance of more showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Expect mostly cloudy skies and a high of around 78 degrees. The precipitation probability for the day stands at 20%. At night, the clouds will give way to mostly clear skies and a low temperature of around 64 degrees. [NWS]

DCA Crash Probe Finds Chopper Issues — “Investigators probing the January midair collision of a passenger plane and an Army helicopter over Washington that killed 67 people found the chopper was flying higher than it should have been and its altitude readings were inaccurate.” [Associated Press/ARLnow]

Police Investigate Falls Church Spa — “After questions lingered for months from several homeowners about the spa’s operations, two misdemeanor charges were levied against the business owner of a Limited Liability Corporation registered to the spa’s address. Two neighbors on the 2700 block of Summerfield Road shared their observations of the Rose Spa on South Washington Street … anonymously in fear of possible retaliation.” [DC News Now]

Bugs Swarm D.C. Area — “A bug boom of ticks, lanternflies and mosquitoes is fueled by climate change and invasive species.” Congressional lawmakers introduced a bill last week to fund projects intended to control the spread of lanternflies, while emergency rooms nationwide saw a surge in tick-related visits this past May and June, according to CDC data. [Axios DC]

Sales Tax Holiday Starts Friday — “Virginia families have a chance to save money while getting ready for emergencies this August. The state’s annual three-day sales tax holiday runs from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3.” School supplies are also exempt from state sales taxes through the weekend. [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

FCPD Concerned by Vape Store Burglaries — “Fairfax County police are issuing a public warning and urging Northern Virginia business owners to be vigilant after a string of burglaries involving kratom products … Police said they’re increasing awareness about the substance after a string of recent burglaries committed by the same person targeting Star Tobacco along Braddock Road. One robbery was in June and the other was earlier this month.” [WTOP]

Artists Wanted for Springfield Town Center — “ArtsFairfax is proud to partner with Springfield Town Center to present a public art opportunity for local artists in Fairfax County! Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in an art show that will receive high visibility and foot traffic.” Today (Thursday) at 7 p.m. is the deadline for artists to apply for the show, which is scheduled to run from October through March 2026. [ArtsFairfax/Instagram]

Tower Club Tysons Closes for Renovation — “As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing your member experience, we’ve entered a major phase of renovations that includes flooring installation, concrete work, and extensive sanding throughout the Club … During this time, no member access will be permitted … We look forward to welcoming you back on Tuesday, August 5, when we reopen with normal hours.” [Tower Club Tysons/Instagram]

Win a Capybara Hangout Session — Reston’s NOVA Wild is holding a contest for its social media followers, offering a 20-minute “encounter” with its capybaras Nugget and Tater as a prize. Participants can enter by liking the zoo’s posts on Facebook and Instagram and tagging a friend. The winner will be announced on Aug. 12. [NOVA Wild/Facebook]

It’s Thursday — A slight chance of showers could turn into thunderstorms after 2 pm, with increasing clouds and a high near 94. Heat index values could reach 103. A 60% chance of rain will jump to 80% at night. Expect a low around 70, and possible rainfall amounts between three-quarters and one inch. [NWS]

Unhealthy Air Expected — The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) is forecasting a Code Orange air day today (Wednesday) in D.C., Northern Virginia and parts of Maryland, meaning the air will be unhealthy for older adults, children and other sensitive groups. A Heat Advisory will also take effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. due to expected extreme heat. [COG]

ICE Arrests in Fairfax Courthouse — “Pictures shared with News4 by witnesses appear to show ICE agents detaining multiple people inside the Fairfax County courthouse, which is new within the last couple of weeks, according to the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office.” The sheriff’s office says its deputies haven’t assisted with any arrests, but they “may stay in the vicinity of the agents in case there is a security issue.” [NBC4]

Fairfax Judge Blocks University Board Appointees — “A Fairfax County Circuit Court judge on Tuesday granted a temporary injunction suspending eight gubernatorial appointees from serving on governing boards at the University of Virginia, Virginia Military Institute and George Mason, the latest development to rock Virginia’s higher education landscape this summer.” [Virginia Mercury]

Springfield Woman Killed in Crash — Cassandra Ann Signet, a 22-year-old woman from Springfield, “was killed in a Monday afternoon tractor-trailer crash on Vint Hill Road in Nokesville. Police said the driver of a 2016 Jeep Renegade was making a left turn from Owls Nest Road onto westbound Vint Hill Road at 12:53 p.m., when the SUV crossed paths in front of an International HV507 truck traveling east.” Signet, who was driving the Jeep, died at the scene, Prince William County police said. [Inside NoVA]

Inova Tops Hospitals Ranking — “For the fifth year in a row, Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church has taken the top spot for Virginia and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region on U.S. News and World Report‘s annual list of the nation’s best hospitals.” Arlington-based VHC Health, which has been expanding its Fairfax County presence recently, came in fourth in Virginia. [Virginia Business]

Protest Against Social Security Layoffs — “Although the temperature in Reston at 10 a.m. on Tuesday was 87 degrees, a small group of demonstrators had gathered along Sunrise Valley Drive to protest the layoffs of thousands of Social Security Administration employees since the Trump administration took office in January.” The local Defend Democracy Indivisible group has organized protests outside the office at 10800 Parkridge Blvd every Tuesday since April 4. [Patch]

Free Speech Advocates Question Social Media Law — “A new Virginia law requiring a child under the age of 16 who meets certain criteria must be compensated when taking part in content creation, known as SB 998, went into effect July 1. The law aims to protect young people from being exploited by adults in creating popular social media content … But according to experts, there may be some unintended consequences as well.” [WTOP]

Free Food Promo From Annandale Eatery — “Residents are invited to drop by L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in Annandale on Friday, Aug. 8, for a free Spam musubi from noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 8 is annual SPAM® Musubi Day, a holiday launched by L&L and officially established by the governor of Hawaii in 2021. The date, 8/08, pays homage to Hawaii’s 808 area code.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Wednesday — Expect sunny, hot conditions with temperatures reaching a high near 98 and heat index values up to 103. A calm wind will shift to 5 to 7 mph from the south in the afternoon. For Wednesday night, it will be mostly clear with a low of around 77 and a south wind at 6 mph. [NWS]

Driver in Fatal Crash Identified — “On July 25 at 4:09 p.m., officers responded to a single-vehicle crash on Fairfax County Parkway near Old Keene Mill Road in Burke involving a 2022 Mack truck that left the roadway and struck a jersey wall. The driver, Kenneth Davis, 57, of Amissville, was declared deceased on the scene. Preliminary, detectives do not believe alcohol or speed are factors in the crash.” [FCPD]

Search and Rescue Task Force Returns — “Virginia Task Force 1 (VA TF-1), the commonwealth’s specialized search and rescue team, is back home from working victim recovery operations following deadly floods in Texas. The crew of four people and three dogs returned to their home base in Chantilly just before noon Monday after a 17-day deployment.” [DC News Now]

GMU Faculty Resolution Draws Scrutiny — George Mason University’s faculty senate approved a resolution last Thursday (July 24) denouncing the Trump administration’s recent investigations as a “politically motivated attack” similar to the pressure campaign that led University of Virginia president Jim Ryan to resign. The Justice Department is now seeking drafts of the resolution and communications between those who drafted it and GMU President Gregory Washington’s office. [New York Times]

Vigil for Still-Missing Former Inova Nurse — “During a peaceful gathering early Sunday in front of the Prince William County judicial center in Manassas, Sunita Basnet paused for a moment to reflect, reminiscing on the hardship of the past 365 days. July 27 will mark the one-year anniversary of the day Mamta Kafle Bhatt, a Manassas Park nurse and mother, was last seen at UVA Prince William Medical Center, where she worked.” [Inside NoVA]

Hunter Mill Town Hall Tomorrow — “Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill), who represents the Town of Vienna, Reston and other surrounding parts of Fairfax County, will host the town hall. The meeting is planned Wednesday, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Vienna Elementary School cafeteria (128 Center St S, Vienna, VA).” [Patch]

New Attractions Planned for Taste of Annandale — “This free, family-friendly community festival is Sept. 20, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space, 7200 Columbia Pike in the heart of Annandale.” Additions for 2025 will include a petting zoo, an eating contest, a new route for the 5K, additional crafts and artisans, and possible shuttle bus service. [Annandale Today]

RCC Board Candidates Wanted — “Reston Community Center (RCC) is seeking interested candidates to run for seats on its Board of Governors, a nine-member body responsible for oversight of RCC … This year’s Preference Poll will fill three positions for three-year terms. Online and in person voting will take place from September 5 through September 26 until 5:00 p.m.” [RCC]

It’s Tuesday — The weather will be mostly sunny and hot, reaching a high near 98 and heat index values up to 102. The wind is expected to be light and variable. As for Tuesday night, it will start off mostly cloudy and gradually clear up, with a low temperature of around 77. A south wind of 3 to 5 mph is anticipated. [NWS]

Blue Line Metro Stations Reopen — “Blue Line summer construction is complete! Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn Street stations are now open. Thank you for your patience. Crews updated the train control and signaling system, renewed rails and ties, and repaired lighting.” [WMATA/Bluesky]

VCU Withheld Student’s Diploma — “A year after pro-Palestinian protests at Virginia Commonwealth University, Oakton native Sereen Haddad organized a gathering in late April commemorating the encampment that once stood on campus.” The university later cited Haddad and others for violating student conduct policies and said their degrees would be withheld until the process was resolved. Haddad said Friday (July 25) that a board had cleared her. [WUSA9]

Man Who Fired Gun in Mall Violated Parole — “A popular D.C. rapper who served time for opening fire inside the Tysons Corner Center mall in Northern Virginia will remain free after he was found guilty of violating his probation … [Noah] Settles was ordered to avoid marijuana and continue substance abuse treatment and drug screenings.” [NBC4]

Tysons Office Building Listed for Sale — “Bethesda-based Washington Property Co. has owned the four-story, 1980s-era office at 8618 Westwood Center Drive for more than 20 years, but is now looking to let it go. Offers are due by July 31, according to marketing materials from Cohn Property Group, the seller’s broker.” The site is being advertised as an opportunity for redevelopment, with an illustrative concept plan showing townhouses. [Washington Business Journal]

Vienna Extends Tax Deadline — “Due to technical problems, the deadline to pay Town real estate taxes is extended to July 31, 2025. Payments can be made in person, dropped in the night deposit box at Town Hall, or mailed. No late fees will be assessed to mailed payments postmarked on or before 7/31.” [Town of Vienna/X]

Auto Parts Store Opens in Annandale — “AutoZone is now open next to Pep Boys at 7121 Little River Turnpike in Annandale. It’s located in the space formerly occupied by Pep Boys’ auto supply store but is completely separate. The store sells everything for cars, from motor oil to wiper blades, from batteries to air fresheners.” [Annandale Today]

Totally Trucks Returning to Reston — “Bring the kids for an up-close look at the big trucks Reston Association uses to keep our community beautiful! If available, police and fire trucks may also be on display. Each child will receive a ‘Totally Trucks’ construction helmet. Some vehicles will be horn-free for a sensory-friendly experience.” The event will be held at RA’s Central Services Facility (12250 Sunset Hills Road) this Friday (Aug. 1) from 8:30 a.m. to noon. [Reston Association]

Outdoor Movie Series Starting Soon — “Introduce your family to the magic of the drive-in theater this summer at Starlight Cinema, part of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series. During the first four Saturdays in August, bask in the dreamy atmosphere of movies by starlight at Sully Historic Site, located at 3650 Historic Sully Way.” [Fairfax County Park Authority]

It’s Monday — Expect a sunny day with highs reaching near 95 and heat index values as high as 101. A northwest wind around 6 mph will provide some relief. For Monday night, the sky will be mostly clear and temperatures will drop to a low of around 76 with calm winds. [NWS]