Fairfax County’s public works department can now move forward with a new wastewater pump station to replace a more than 50-year-old one near Alexandria.
At its meeting last Wednesday (June 24), the Fairfax County Planning Commission unanimously approved plans for the Jones Point Pump Station upgrade project.
Fairfax County Public Schools has long planned to renovate and expand the aging facilities at Centreville High School to serve as many as 3,000 students.
But after unexpectedly purchasing a new campus in Herndon last year in the hopes of alleviate overcrowding at four high schools in the western end of the county, FCPS officials are facing a quandary: Does Centreville High School, which serves about 2,350 students today, still need an expansion?
For Fairfax County families, deciding to seek help is often only the beginning. The next question is more difficult: does the person need residential treatment, a Partial Hospitalization Program, an Intensive Outpatient Program, or standard outpatient care? The answer depends on more than the severity of substance use. Withdrawal risk, mental health symptoms, the home environment, previous treatment experiences, and the ability to remain stable between sessions can all change the recommendation. A clinical assessment helps determine the appropriate level of care without requiring families to make that decision alone.
No two people experience addiction the same way. The factors that influence treatment decisions include:
A thorough clinical assessment evaluates these factors before recommending a level of care. The goal isn’t to fit every person into the same program; it’s to match the amount of structure and support to what the individual actually needs at that point in recovery.
This is why addiction treatment in Fairfax, VA often involves different levels of care for different people, even when the underlying substance use appears similar.
For many individuals, the first step in treatment is detoxification; the process of managing withdrawal when the body is no longer receiving the substance it has become dependent on. Alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines are among the substances where withdrawal can be uncomfortable or, in some cases, medically serious.
Detox serves a specific purpose: stabilization. It helps individuals move through the acute withdrawal phase safely, with medical supervision when appropriate. However, detox isn’t a standalone treatment. It’s a preparation for ongoing care.
Novara Recovery Center in Fairfax coordinates inpatient detox placement when clinically appropriate and provides outpatient detox management for individuals who don’t require 24-hour medical supervision. The goal of detox isn’t to resolve addiction; it’s to create a stable foundation for the therapeutic work that follows.
The levels of care available in Fairfax County and Northern Virginia each serve a distinct purpose.
Residential Treatment provides higher structure and separation from everyday triggers. It may be recommended when someone can’t safely maintain stability in their home environment or needs a break from their usual surroundings.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) offer highly structured daytime clinical programming while allowing individuals to return home in the evenings. PHP provides intensive support without the need for residential care.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) involve multiple weekly treatment sessions while maintaining more independence. IOP offers consistent therapeutic support while accommodating work and family responsibilities.
Outpatient Addiction Treatment provides lower-intensity ongoing support when appropriate. It’s often used as a step-down after higher levels of care or for individuals who need less frequent clinical supervision.
The goal isn’t to place everyone in the most intensive program available. It is to match the level of structure to what the person needs at that point in recovery.
Potentially record-breaking heat is expected to take hold of the D.C. area, as the nation’s 250th anniversary nears.
A Heat Advisory issued by the National Weather Service is scheduled to take effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today (Wednesday), followed by an Extreme Heat Watch that will be in place from 11 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday) until 8 p.m. on Friday, July 3.
Va. Can Now Order Speed-Limiting Devices — One of the many new laws taking effect in Virginia today (Wednesday) “allows judges to require people convicted of reckless driving to have the device installed in their cars, which prevents them from being able to speed. It’s a law D.C. already has, and it’s coming to Maryland this fall.” [NBC4]
Mount Vernon Releases Exclusive Whiskey — This Fourth of July, “George Washington’s Mount Vernon will mark the occasion with the release of an exclusive new whiskey: George Washington’s Spirit of ’76 Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey, the first bourbon ever produced by George Washington’s Distillery. The Spirit of ’76 is a special release to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.” [Mount Vernon]
FCPS Pushed to Do More to Address Racism — “Fairfax County’s NAACP chapter is calling for more transparency and urgency in how Northern Virginia’s largest school system investigates and responds to complaints of anti-Black bias and discrimination … The statement followed the group’s forum with Superintendent Michelle Reid [on June 18]. For over 90 minutes, some families expressed frustration with a lack of communication or transparency.” [WTOP]
Pizzeria Started in Tysons Wins RAMMY — Andy’s Pizza, which got its start at Tysons Galleria in 2018, was named the D.C. region’s Fast Casual Restaurant of the Year at the 44th annual RAMMYs Awards on Monday (June 29). While that was the only winner with a Fairfax County location, four others were among the finalists, and Old Ebbitt Grill in D.C., winner for Favorite Gathering Place, is getting a spin-off at Reston Station. [ALXnow]
FCPS Expands Virtual Mental Health Service — “Since 2023, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has partnered with Hazel Health to offer virtual mental health services to FCPS high school students. Beginning July 1, 2026, these services will also be available to students enrolled in all FCPS middle schools.” [FCPS]
Tenants Wanted for Vacant Building — “After lying dormant for years, the Hana Plaza building, at 7409 Little River Turnpike in Annandale, is now available for leasing. The building has been totally redone, and interior renovations are expected to be completed in October or November, says Diane Lee of Mega Realty & Investment.” [Annandale Today]
State Budget Funds Pentagon Memorial — “The Pentagon Memorial Fund said the two-year spending plan — approved by the General Assembly on Monday and set to take effect July 1 — includes money for the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Visitor Education Center. A budget amendment provides $1 million to Arlington County to support the center’s construction.” [ARLnow]
GMU President’s Contract Extended — “George Mason University’s Board of Visitors has extended the contract of President Gregory Washington through June 30, 2031 … The extension comes after federal investigations into civil rights violations by the university, which Washington has forcefully pushed back against.” [Inside NoVA]
New Legal Notice — Estate creditors notice; claims due by December 31, 2026. [Public Notices]
It’s Wednesday — There is a 20% chance of precipitation, but expect sunny and hot conditions, with temperatures nearing 99 degrees and heat index values as high as 106. Night will be mostly clear with a low of around 77. [NWS]
There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.
Dreaming about your next vacation? Join Cruise Planners Beth Borrego and Rod Rodriguez for an inspiring day devoted to ocean and river cruises, guided tours, luxury travel and unforgettable destinations!
Meet representatives from AmaWaterways, Collette, Oceania Cruises and Premier World Discovery. Hear informative presentations, ask questions, explore exciting vacation possibilities and discover which travel experience may be the perfect fit for you.
Good Tuesday 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 — Jun 30, 2026.
Here is what’s going on Wednesday throughout the county, from our event calendar.
There is a slight chance of showers between 1pm and 5pm, followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Expect sunny and hot conditions, with temperatures reaching a high of 99 degrees and heat index values up to 108. Southwest winds will blow at 5 to 7 mph, with a 20% chance of precipitation. Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low around 76 degrees, and south winds will be around 8 mph, with gusts up to 18 mph. 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.
The federal government is considering offloading at least parts of its Franconia warehouse and U.S. Geological Survey campuses in Fairfax County.
Both properties were listed by the General Services Administration (GSA) in spring 2025 as potential sale targets as part of the new Trump administration’s bid to slash federal spending.
A motorcyclist died yesterday (Monday) after colliding with a car on Braddock Road near the Kings Park neighborhood in Burke.
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, the crash occurred around 9:36 p.m. at the intersection of Braddock Road and Kings Park Drive — the same location where a pedestrian was killed almost four years ago.
An Arlington man has been charged in connection with the death of a pedestrian in Seven Corners last month, Fairfax County police said today (June 30).
Hein Quang Le, 63, of Arlington was charged on Sunday (June 28) with felony hit-and-run in connection with the death of Falls Church resident Jose Jimenez at Patrick Henry Drive and Route 50 (Arlington Blvd).
Fairfax County leaders are ready to drill down on what it would take to establish a conference center in Tysons.
At Chairman Jeff McKay’s request, the Board of Supervisors directed County Executive Bryan Hill and his staff on June 23 to work with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, Visit Fairfax and other groups “to determine the feasibility of pursuing a conference center in Tysons.”
