Reston Association is breaking out the herbicide this summer in response to a proliferation of hydrilla at Lake Thoreau.
The invasive aquatic plant resurfaced last year after a couple of quiet summers. Though RA replenished the lake’s population of grass carp this spring, the fish don’t appear to be keeping the hydrilla in check as effectively as hoped.
The number of Fairfax residents counted as unemployed remains up 7.6% year over year and stands 39% higher than the last month of the Biden administration, according to new state data.
A total of 612,670 Fairfax County residents were employed in the civilian workforce and 21,239 were looking for jobs in May, according to figures reported July 1 by the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement.
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]
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Though the National Independence Day Parade in D.C. was called off, hundreds of student musicians from around the country ensured America’s birthday celebration went on by relocating to a venue in Fairfax County.
Four high school bands that had expected to march in the District on Saturday (July 4) as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary festivities instead staged an impromptu concert at the National Museum of the United States Army in Fort Belvoir.
A Herndon man has been arrested and charged a second time in connection with a crash that injured a pedestrian in Reston more than a decade ago.
Police have accused Enda Browne, now 43, of crashing into a woman who was crossing Reston Parkway at Spectrum Center at around 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 16, 2014.
A currently precarious federal contracting landscape has one major company rethinking its office needs in Fairfax County.
The Mitre Corporation is seeking to revise a master plan approved eight years ago for its Tysons headquarters campus, consolidating unbuilt office space that was previously going to be spread across five new buildings into two high-rise towers. One existing building and three undeveloped lots would be replaced by multifamily housing.
Northern Virginia leaders are treading cautiously with newly granted power to increase the sales tax in local jurisdictions.
Under the biennial state budget adopted in Richmond late last month, Northern Virginia localities now have the power to hold voter referendums to increase sales taxes by up to 1%, with the extra funding going to transportation, education or a combination.
Under a blazing summer sun, volunteers spent Wednesday evening planting an American flag at every mailbox in McLean Hamlet, transforming the 507-home neighborhood into a patriotic display ahead of the Fourth of July and the nation’s 250th birthday celebration.
The effort, organized by the McLean Hamlet Community Association, saw a team of volunteers spread throughout the neighborhood, placing one miniature American flag at each home while others decorated neighborhood entrances with patriotic ribbons and larger American flags.
Median year-over-year apartment rents declined in seven of eight Fairfax County corridors and the county overall in June, according to new data.
Only Lorton saw an increase in figures released June 30 by Apartment List. Its median rent was up 0.2%, standing at $2,250 for one-bedroom units, $2,728 for two bedrooms and $2,778 for all bedroom sizes.
An adult woman who was walking in the Richmond Highway (Route 1) area when she was hit by a truck has died from her injuries, the Fairfax County Police Department said last week.
Detectives from the Crash Reconstruction Unit are investigating the crash that took place around 7:45 p.m. on Thursday (July 2), as the woman was crossing at the intersection of Richmond Highway and Dart Drive.
