The CIA is hiring, though its recruiters can’t comment in detail on why.
The McLean-based intelligence agency joined over 65 other employers at the University of Virginia’s Northern Virginia campus in Merrifield last month for a career fair that drew hundreds of college students as well as recent (and not-so-recent) graduates, all of them scrambling for a foothold in an uncertain economy.
Protestors filled the sidewalks around the Route 50 and Stonecroft Blvd intersection in Chantilly yesterday (Wednesday), rallying against a nearby ICE facility with reportedly inhumane conditions.
Stories emerged in recent weeks of dire conditions inside ICE’s Washington Field Office, where immigrants picked up during the Trump administration’s takeover of D.C. are being detained.
Incredibly excited to wrap up an awesome first summer. I’ve learned a lot, and I thought I’d share some of those lessons with you.
1. Hiring a JMU intern is a great idea.
This summer we were lucky enough to hire a young man from Woodbridge named Owen, who is a rising senior at JMU. He was exactly the spark we needed to help us push through our first busy summer season. We’ve already made him a job offer for next summer when he graduates, and we’re hopeful he’ll join us full-time.
2. People are generally helpful and want to see you succeed when you’re first starting out.
Over the summer, I was amazed by how many people wanted to help me get a strong start in my business. There were definitely times when I knew folks might not need a new roof, but they were still kind enough to let me come by, take a look, and give them a free estimate just in case. It was inspiring and motivating to know that there are strangers out there who don’t even know me but still want to see me win.
3. Hard work solves most problems.
From the beginning, I’ve been honest about having a lot to learn in this industry. What I’ve come to find is that even when I don’t know exactly what I’m doing, hard work will still often get me to the right result. When in doubt, just keep pushing. This is something I’ll remember as more hard times come and as we get ready to go through the cold winter season.
4. Working with property managers and realtors can be a win-win for everyone.
This year, we’ve built some great relationships with property managers and realtors. These folks are hardworking and busy, and the last thing they have time to worry about is a roof for their clients. We’ve worked with them to install new roofs, windows, gutters, doors, and siding on multiple occasions.
5. Some folks will slam the door in your face without thinking twice.
Things aren’t always easy in this game, and I don’t want to paint an overly rosy picture without talking about some of the hard stuff too. As a new person working hard to get your name out there, it can definitely be a little daunting when someone yells at you or slams the door in your face. Luckily, most people are warm and will at least talk to you, and we’ve appreciated that as we navigate these bumps along the way.
6. Most homeowners just want transparency and great customer service.
It’s wild how many contractors out there really can’t be trusted. We’ve come to learn quickly that homeowners just want fantastic customer service and transparency throughout the process. If you can honestly show someone how the process is going to take place and hold their hand a little along the way, you can make almost all of your customers pretty happy.
7. Homeowners taught me more than any training could have.
Time is running out to weigh in early on the future of Fairfax County’s Mount Vernon District facilities.
County staff and Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck’s office are soliciting input on potential improvements to the governmental center, fire and police stations, and public library through a community survey that’s scheduled to close after tomorrow (Friday).
Reston Children’s Center announces that it is continuing to be a sponsor of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Reston Children’s Center has been part of the CACFP program since 1995.
The same meals will be available at no separate charge to all participants at each CACFP facility without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
The Water Mine in Reston is closing out the summer this Saturday (Sept. 6) with the return of its annual “Dog Daze” event.
The Gold Rush-themed water park, which is located in Lake Fairfax Park at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, will become a pooches-only zone from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. after concluding its human operations for the season on Monday (Sept. 1).
Music. Art. Food. Community. The Takoma Park Folk Festival brings it all together for one free, unforgettable day. Discover six stages of live music from around the world, shop an acclaimed juried craft show, enjoy international cuisine, connect with local community organizations, and let the kids explore crafts and activities in the Children's Nook. It's one of the region's most beloved traditions, and a celebration of the creativity, diversity, and welcoming spirit that has long defined Takoma Park.
New this year! Jam at the Crossroads is a place for musicians of all levels to come together and be part of the music.
FCPS Argues for Federal Funding — Fairfax and Arlington county public schools “made their legal arguments in federal court Wednesday in their lawsuit against the Department of Education. At the heart of this case is the debate on which restrooms transgender students may use.” The attorney representing the schools says Loudoun and Alexandria are expected to join the lawsuit. [NBC4]
New Analysis Warns of Recession — “Economists point to a number of contributing factors in Maryland, Virginia and the D.C. A new analysis by Moody’s, the financial services company, highlights federal workforce layoffs, canceled federal contracts, high inflation and interest rates and a slowing housing market as signs of economic trouble.” [FOX5]
Visit to Springfield Intelligence Agency Nixed — “Sen. Mark R. Warner of Virginia had arranged meetings with top officials this Friday at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, which analyzes data from spy satellites for the Pentagon and the intelligence community, but said his visit was abruptly canceled late Tuesday night after [Laura] Loomer attacked him and the agency’s director online.” [Washington Post]
Hospitals Urged to Speak on Funding Changes — Warner and Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Don Scott “delivered warnings about looming federal funding changes that will affect health care access and affordability in the years ahead. Both lawmakers expressed frustration with some hospital chains in Virginia for not speaking out about how the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ reconciliation bill that Congress passed this summer will impact health care providers and patients in the state.” [Virginia Mercury]
Reston Lab Helps Close Sexual Assault Case — “For the first time in history an identical twin has been convicted of a crime based on DNA evidence.” Russell Marubbion, 54, was convicted on Aug. 21 of sexually assaulting a gas station cashier in Woodbridge in 1987. “The landmark case was cracked by Reston’s Parabon NanoLabs and its genetic genealogy chief, CeCe Moore.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Yarn Shop Opening in Falls Church — “Entangled will sell supplies and host events for knitters and crocheters at 103 Rowell Court. Kelly Schnapp, a Coast Guard veteran, federal employee and longtime knitter from Falls Church, hopes to help customers ‘escape from everyday stress’ and connect to art.” [ARLnow]
Cut-Through Permit Zones Approved — “The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 26 approved two ‘residential cut-through permit zones’ in Mason District. One of the zones is between Sleepy Hollow Road, Juniper Lane, and Leesburg Pike. The other one affects homes between Columbia Pike and Old Columbia Pike … Residents of those zones can apply for a permit online or in person.” [Annandale Today]
Inova Blood Drive in Chantilly — “Medical emergencies have left Inova’s blood inventory for Type O blood critically low. Inova is in need of all blood types, but a boost to the supply of Type O will help patients significantly. Therefore, the Sully District, in cooperation with Inova, is hosting a blood drive this Monday, September 8, at the Sully District Governmental Center from 2pm – 6pm.” [Sully District newsletter]
It’s Thursday — Thunderstorms are possible after 5pm, with increasing clouds, a high near 86, and a 30% chance of precipitation. At night, expect showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, followed by a chance of showers until 2am. The night will be mostly cloudy with a low of 65. [NWS]
Full name(s) of owner(s): Ramsai Fairfax Hospitality LLC
Trading as: Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax (trade name)
(Location where business will trade): 3950 Fair Ridge DR, Fairfax, VA 22033
Moe Gahche, General Manager
Ramsai Fairfax Hospitality, LLC
The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Retail Hotel Application – Hotel with Mixed Beverages Restaurant, Wine, Beer, Mixed, Consumed On and Off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.
NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or (800) 552-3200.
Good Wednesday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Sep 3, 2025.
Here is what’s going on Thursday throughout the county, from our event calendar.
Expect showers and thunderstorms after 5pm, accompanied by increasing clouds and a high near 86°F. South winds will range from 8 to 15 mph, with potential gusts up to 28 mph, and a 30% chance of precipitation. Thursday night, there’s a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, followed by showers until 2am. The night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 64°F, southwest winds of 6 to 10 mph, and a 30% chance of precipitation. See more from Weather.gov.
The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.
Almost two months after President Donald Trump signed his so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” into law, the legislation’s health care implications remain hazy.
Adopted on July 4, the federal budget reconciliation package introduced a number of changes to Medicaid, Medicare and the marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that could lead to an additional 10 million uninsured people in the U.S. by 2034, according to the U.S. Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) most recent estimates.
Fans of bloodshed and Bikini Bottom can both get their fill at the Workhouse Arts Center (9518 Workhouse Way) over the next few months.
The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton announced last week that its 2025-2026 performing arts season will include four popular plays, all featuring live music.
