PenFed Plaza at Tysons Corner Center after some rain (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Arrest in Groveton Shooting — Fairfax County police officers have taken a person into custody following a shooting last night (Tuesday) in the 7200 block of Fairchild Drive. “One adult male was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Preliminarily, the parties are known to one another and this appears to be an isolated incident.” [FCPD/X]

Repairs Progress on Potomac Sewer — “DC Water has completed the first major phase of emergency repairs on a critical section of the Potomac Interceptor near Pennyfield Lock in Potomac, marking a significant milestone in an effort to strengthen the aging sewer line. The repairs follow the January 19 collapse of a section of the Potomac Interceptor along Clara Barton Parkway.” [MoCo Show]

Data Center Group Launches Ad Campaign — Promotional campaigns advocating for data centers and challenging critiques have cropped up in Virginia and other states considering regulations or restrictions. “They’re all part of a network of groups created by the nonprofit Data Center Coalition, an industry group hoping to improve public opinion of data centers as pushback grows.” [Virginia Mercury]

Feds Propose Transportation Funding Shift — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has proposed cutting funding for mass transit and “Complete Streets” projects aimed at improving pedestrian and bicycle safety. “The administration’s key transportation goals include improving transit safety and security, supporting development of autonomous vehicles, ensuring freight railroad safety and building or expanding interstate highways, according to the letter.” [Smart Cities Dive]

Reston Man Arrested for Reported Theft — “Northern Virginia Community College Police Department officers have arrested a man in connection to a July 24 incident at NVCC’s Loudoun Campus. NVCC and Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the campus around 12:30 p.m. for a report of a robbery” involving a theft of $580 in cash from a car belonging to a college employee. [Loudoun Now]

New Mural Celebrated in Annandale — “The artwork, featuring the Statue of Liberty, was installed on July 24 on the fence around a construction site on John Marr Drive. Several volunteers painted the mural on June 27 at an Asian Night Market in Annandale under the direction of Omaid Sharifi, the president and co-founder of the ArtLords international art collective.” [Annandale Today]

RCC Seeks Board Candidates — “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 … Statements of Candidacy will be available at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 31 at both RCC Hunters Woods and RCC Lake Anne locations and online” until a filing deadline of Aug. 14 at 5 p.m. [RCC]

Thumbs Up for Vienna Ice Cream Shop — Frozen custard is “not an easy thing to find these days, so this summer’s opening of Whistler’s Ice Cream Extraordinaire in Vienna has brought a welcome change to my frozen dessert game. Made with an egg-yolk base, custard may be the antithesis of gut-friendly yogurt, but when treating myself, I see nothing wrong with going for it full force.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

It’s Wednesday — It will be sunny and warm with a high of 84°F. Expect northwest winds of 10 to 13 mph, with gusts reaching up to 25 mph. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy with a low of 68°F, and northwest winds around 11 mph, gusting up to 20 mph. [NWS]

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


At least one Fairfax County supervisor isn’t giving up on a push for bringing all residential trash collection under the purview of the county government.

“I hope we can look at it again. I want to have the conversation we never really had,” Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck said at a July 7 meeting of the Board of Supervisors’ Environmental Committee.


Drivers and pedestrians on Wiehle Avenue cross Reston Station Blvd with the BLVD apartment buildings in the background (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Alexandria Concerned by Fairfax Data Center — “Data center plans just outside Alexandria city limits has raised concerns among residents and officials.” Starwood Capital Group’s Plaza 500 site in Lincolnia was permitted by Fairfax County by right, but residents are planning to protest the project ahead of a Sept. 24 public hearing by the planning commission on an electrical substation to power the facility. [ALXnow]

Call for Action After Midair Crash Report — “Exactly six months after the National Transportation Safety Board issued recommendations following the 2025 midair collision of an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over Reagan National Airport, Chair Jennifer Homendy is calling for further action from Congress.” [WTOP]

Big Spending Expected on Amendments — “At least eight referendum committees have been formed in the lead-up to this fall’s vote on three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution” that deal with abortion rights, same-sex marriage and voting rights for formerly incarcerated people. “Virginia law requires organizations or individuals that spend more than $10,000 advocating in a statewide referendum to register with the Department of Elections.” [VPM News]

Pay Transparency Law in Effect — “The new law, which took effect July 1, requires employers to include a good-faith wage or salary range in public and internal job postings for openings, promotions, transfers and other employment opportunities. It also bars employers from asking applicants about their salary history or using prior pay when making hiring and compensation decisions.” [Virginia Mercury]

Tysons Consultant Sheds Some Workers — According to an earnings report for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, Booz Allen Hamilton had about 30,900 employees, as of June 30, down 7.5% from 33,400 a year earlier. “Execs indicated during Friday’s earnings call that the company plans to ramp up hiring for its national security work,” despite a decline in federal government contract work. [Washington Business Journal]

Property Owners Seek to Evict Absent Tenants — “The tenants of the derelict building in Bailey’s Crossroads that formerly housed the Zaaki Restaurant have refused to fix up or vacate the property for years, despite court orders to do so. An eviction hearing is scheduled for Sept. 2 at the Fairfax County General District Court.” [Annandale Today]

Fitness Studio Opens in Fairfax City — “After years as a Fit Body Boot Camp member, coach and mentor to others, [Sarah] Crissup said she decided she wanted to spend what she calls her ’10 good years left’ building something for herself instead of another company … That decision led to the opening of Fairfax Fit Body Boot Camp, a new fitness studio in Fairfax City.” [Patch]

Police Tips for Safe Online Shopping — “Buying and selling items through online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Craigslist, and Ebay make it easy to find great deals. While most transactions go smoothly, meeting a stranger to exchange cash and goods does carry some risk.” [FCPD]

It’s Tuesday — Expect showers and thunderstorms before 11 a.m. and again after 2 p.m., with partly sunny skies and a high of 85°F. There’s a 70% chance of rain. At night, there’s a 60% chance of precipitation, likely before 11 p.m., followed by isolated showers until 2 a.m. The sky will be mostly cloudy, with a low near 68°F. [NWS]

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


A monarch butterfly on a bunch of pink flowers in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Two Injured in Farmers Market Crash — “A woman and a child were taken to the hospital Saturday morning after an older woman drove into them at a Fairfax Farmers’ market … Fairfax County police say it happened around 11 a.m. in a parking lot near the Main Street Center. The driver is said to have confused the gas pedal with the brakes and crashed into a stand at the market, according to police.” [WTOP]

Vigils for People Killed by ICE — “Communities nationwide, including some in the DMV, held vigils Saturday for people killed during interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). There have been two instances this month, one in Texas, the other in Maine. A pack of people lined a busy intersection along Route 29 in Centreville.” [NBC4]

Va. Given Early Primary Spot — “Virginia voters may get a say in picking the next Democratic presidential nominee before most of the country does. The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee voted [on Friday, July 24] to give the Commonwealth one of six spots in the early window of the party’s 2028 presidential nominating calendar. Virginia would go last of the six, on Feb. 29, 2028.” [ARLnow]

Crash Into Chantilly Post Office — A minivan driver crashed through the front window of a U.S. Post Office in Chantilly on Friday afternoon. Police and firefighters helped the driver extract her vehicle from the building, but no injuries were reported, FFXnow was told. [Reddit]

Judge Rules Against Abortion Drug Restrictions — “A federal judge in Virginia ruled Thursday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration did not sufficiently justify restrictions imposed in 2023 on a drug used to terminate early pregnancies, adding another layer of complexity to a string of legal cases with opposing goals that could affect future abortion access.” [Virginia Mercury]

Regulator Refuted Data Center Pollution Report — “Internal emails obtained by POLITICO through a public records request paint a portrait of an agency that moved quickly to defend the only data center in Virginia that is powering itself — in what former officials and environmental health advocates described as an unusual effort to shape the debate around an industry whose global epicenter is in the state.” [Politico]

New Wine Shop Opens at Lake Anne — “Opening the door to Kinship Wine + Wares feels like you’re stepping into your friend’s cozy living room. That was the goal for owner Jennifer Monago at her new shop at Reston’s Lake Anne Plaza. There, you can try the certified sommelier’s favorite wines and browse the curated vintage décor.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Open House on Reston East Plan Tonight — “Fairfax County Supervisor Walter Alcorn invites residents to a July 27 open house on the Reston East Planning Study. This study will consider changing the Comprehensive Plan to allow residential development in the area north of Sunrise Valley Drive between Upper Lake Drive and Hunter Mill Road.” [Hunter Mill District Office]

It’s Monday — Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m., with mostly sunny skies and a high of 87°F. Chance of rain is 50%. Monday night will be partly cloudy with a low of 70°F, with a 30% chance of precipitation. [NWS]


By SARAH RANKIN Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia, the world’s largest data center hub, has released a long-delayed study that examined the state’s eastern region groundwater supply and the resource-hungry industry’s possible impact on it, finding declines are likely in a critical aquifer due to population growth and industrial use, and urging stricter regulations.


Close-up of orange daylilies with red spots blooming outdoors against a blurred green background.
Blackberry lilies in a Vienna garden (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Motorcyclist Killed in Fairfax Station Crash — Fairfax County police responded last night (Thursday) to “a fatal crash involving a motorcycle at Ox Rd and Chapel Rd in Fairfax Station. The adult female motorcyclist was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of the other vehicle remained on scene.” [FCPD/X]

Sen. Warner Making Final Reelection Bid — “U.S. Sen. Mark Warner said that, if he’s reelected in November, this upcoming term would be his last, Daily Press reported. Warner said that he believes it was time to bring younger people into office. The senator is 71 and would be 78 at the end of the next term.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Metrobus Ridership Dips After Overhaul — “A year after the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority reconfigured its entire bus network with the goal of improving service, ridership is down and buses are actually moving slower than they were before – frustrating both riders and Metro officials alike.” [The 51st]

History of Va. Gun Debate — A Virginia Declaration of Rights clause supporting “a well-regulated militia” didn’t address individual gun ownership until “1971, when Virginia amended Section 13 to add, ‘the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.’ That’s the moment gun rights and militia rights became legally braided together in Virginia, and why untangling them in court today might be difficult. ” [Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism]

New Watch Boutiques in Tysons Galleria — “The new 2,800 square foot Rolex boutique opened this month alongside a Patek Philippe showroom … Rolex and Patek Philippe have been relocated to the new 2nd floor position at the main entrance to Tysons Galleria and part of a recently upgraded cluster of prestigious brands including Cartier, Prada and Balenciaga.” Louis Vuitton also recently expanded its store at the mall. [WatchPro]

Lifeguards Honored for Pool Rescue — “Four Fairfax County Park Authority staff members were recognized on July 16 with lifesaving awards from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department for their extraordinary actions during a water emergency at Providence Recreation Center earlier this year.” [FCPA]

Peach Truck Visits Springfield Town Center — “The Peach Truck is coming to Springfield Town Center on Sunday, July 26th from 1-2:30pm! Don’t miss your chance to grab a box of fresh, juicy peaches — picked at their peak and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect way to sweeten up your summer.” Pre-orders are closed, but walk-ups will be allowed “while supplies last.” [Springfield Town Center]

Job Openings at Burke Lake Park — “Spend the rest of your season at Burke Lake Park, one of Fairfax County’s most beautiful outdoor destinations! Positions are available to start immediately and continue through the end of the season in October. Drop-in interviews will be held at the Burke Lake Park Information Center on July 29-31 and Aug. 5-7 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.” [FCPA]

New Legal Notice — Restaurant applying for on/off-premises wine and beer license. [Public Notices]

It’s Friday — Expect mostly sunny weather with a high of about 82 degrees, and a calm wind that will pick up to 5 to 8 mph from the east in the morning. Night will be mostly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 65 degrees. [NWS]


Going forward, Fairfax County Public Schools will prohibit the use of generative artificial intelligence by elementary school students, tablets and laptops in preschool and kindergarten, and student use of personal electronic communication and computing devices during instructional time.

The Fairfax County School Board approved the restrictions — which include a handful of narrow exceptions — at its July 16 meeting, along with several directives for the superintendent to report back to the board about the potential additional limitations on technology.


Fairfax County Public Schools’ integration of technology into its operations will extend to its transportation system in the coming academic year.

New identification cards that can be used to track when students get on and off a school bus will be rolled out across the division when the 2026-2027 school year starts on Aug. 24, FCPS announced on Tuesday (July 21).


Brown wooden railroad station labeled 'Vienna' with white-framed windows and doors, green base, and a tall semaphore signal on the roof; cyclist in green rides by.
A bicyclist near the historic Washington & Old Dominion Railroad train depot in Vienna (photo by Amy Woolsey)

Dulles Airport Roads to Close Overnight — “Construction alert: Arrivals & departures roadways will be closed at the Main Terminal from 11 p.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Friday this week for construction. Drivers should follow the detour to rideshare lanes for passenger pick up and drop off. Allow extra time.” [Dulles Airport/X]

Former CIA Director Dies — “R. James Woolsey Jr., a Rhodes Scholar and lawyer who led the CIA and the rest of America’s intelligence community for two troubled years during the Clinton administration, as the nation’s spy services struggled to adapt to the post-Cold War era, died Tuesday at his home in Washington. He was 84.” [Washington Post]

Assault Gun Sales Resume — “Gun shops across Virginia resumed sales of assault-style weapons and large-capacity magazines [on Tuesday, July 21] after a statewide injunction blocking enforcement of the new ban officially took effect.” Multiple lawsuits challenging the state’s restrictions, including one filed by the Trump administration, are still working their way through the court system. [WSET]

Va. Drivers See Gas Prices Soar — “Virginia households have paid $573 more for gas since the U.S.–Iran war began in late February, a recent congressional report found, placing them among the citizens who have experienced the highest fuel costs jump in the nation … According to the report, Virginians have paid $1.8 billion more for gas since February.” [Virginia Mercury]

Algae Bloom Spotted in Lake Anne — “RA’s watershed team has discovered a small amount of blue-green algae in areas around Lake Anne … At this time, there are currently no restrictions on boating or fishing, but [stand-up paddleboard] rentals have been temporarily suspended on Lake Anne. Members are advised to avoid contact with lake water.” [Reston Association]

Culmore Clinic Relocating Again — “Five months after the Culmore Clinic moved to a temporary location in Bailey’s Crossroads while a new permanent space is being constructed, it’s being forced to move again … The Culmore Clinic’s new space will be located in a 13-story high-rise office building at 6400 Arlington Blvd., Suite 940B, at the Seven Corners interchange.” [Annandale Today]

More Housing Considered Near Fairfax Border — “The Prince William Board of County Supervisors on Tuesday voted to initiate — albeit not yet approve — two sprawling comprehensive plan amendments” for 256-acre Manassas Preserve and 293-acre Catharpin Valley Estates developments that, combined, could “bring nearly 4,000 new homes to western Prince William.” [Inside NoVA]

Metro Reviews Possible Train Platform Doors — “Metro released renderings of train platform doors that could soon be coming to D.C. Train platform doors are a part of WMATA’s rail modernization plan. They’re used for extra safety, preventing anyone from falling, being pushed or jumping into the train tracks.” [WUSA9]

It’s Thursday — The weather will be partly sunny in the morning, becoming fully sunny later in the day, with a high of around 80°F. Expect a gentle north wind at 5 to 7 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to about 63°F and calm winds. [NWS]

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A bus shelter near an electrical tower in Kingstowne (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Call for Special Session on Dominion Merger — “As the State Corporation Commission prepares to begin a months-long review of the potential merger of Virginia’s largest electric utility company Dominion Energy and the Florida-based NextEra Energy, two Republican state lawmakers on Tuesday urged Gov. Abigail Spanberger to host a special legislative session that would allow a vote to extend the review period.” [Virginia Mercury]

Two Injured in GW Parkway Crash — “A serious crash on GW Parkway injured two construction workers and left passengers trapped inside a flaming vehicle on Friday night, authorities say … The crash took place around 10:40 p.m. on southbound GW Parkway near the Boundary Channel exit.” [ARLnow]

Fired Immigration Judges Sound Alarm — “It used to be rare for immigration judges to be fired, and they were generally only fired following serious complaints or issues,” according to Anam Petit, a former judge at Annandale Immigration Court. “But since January 2025, the Trump administration has fired more than 113 out of around 700 immigration judges without cause or explanation,” and many others have been reassigned, accepted buyouts or retired early. [Charlottesville Tomorrow]

Reston Man Arrested for Sterling Shooting — “A Reston man has been arrested in connection with a non-contact shooting that happened in Sterling on July 5. Around 2:22 a.m. on July 5, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Community Plaza for a report of shots fired near Tipicos Los Amigos restaurant. No one was hurt in the shooting.” [Loudoun Now]

Lincolnia Data Center Plans Filed — Starwood Capital Group has submitted a permit application and plans for the first building in its controversial Plaza 500 data center development on Edsall Road near the Bren Mar neighborhood. “The first two-story building, named ‘Plaza 500 South,’ is planned to be 226,469 square feet and stand 75 feet tall,” though the company is still waiting approval of an electric substation on the 34-acre site. [Washington Business Journal]

County Raises Awareness of Domestic Violence Indicators — “Strangulation often leaves little or no visible evidence, but Fairfax County officials say it is one of the strongest warning signs that someone experiencing domestic violence may later become the victim of homicide.” That concern will be the focus of an upcoming training for those who work with survivors of domestic and sexual violence. [Patch]

Va. Eases Rules for Birth Record Requests — “Adult adoptees born in Virginia can now request a copy of their original birth certificate without obtaining a court order, following the enactment of House Bill 301, which took effect July 1, 2026.  Previously, adoptees were required to secure a court order before accessing their original birth records.” [Virginia Department of Health]

FCPD Drone Program Wins Award — “The Fairfax County Police Department’s (FCPD) Drone as First Responder (DFR) program was recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACo) with a 2026 Achievement Award and selected as Best in Category for Criminal Justice and Public Safety, the organization’s highest honor within the category.” [FCPD]

It’s Wednesday — There is a 50% chance of precipitation, with partly sunny skies and a high near 85°F. Night will have a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm, with mostly cloudy conditions and a low around 65°F. [NWS]

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


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