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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