The setting sun colors clouds over the W&OD Trail in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Motorcyclist Critically Injured in Annandale — Fairfax County police officers responded yesterday (Sunday) afternoon to “a motorcycle crash at Braddock Rd and Pine Rd in Annandale. The adult male rider was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.” [FCPD/X]

Drought Warning Still in Place — “Despite significant rainfall, the Drought Monitoring Task Force (DMTF) has continued the existing drought advisory statuses for Virginia.” With groundwater levels still at “emergency” status, Northern Virginia remains under a drought warning advisory, meaning a “significant” drought could be imminent and voluntary steps to conserve water are encouraged. [Virginia DEQ]

Three Arrests for Herndon-Area Shooting — “The shooting broke out near Birch Run Circle and Elm Tree Drive, near the Herndon and Reston area on Aug. 19 … Around 2:43 a.m., officers responded to reports of gunfire in the area, where a man reported that a 17-year-old he knew fired several shots at his vehicle.” The teen and two adults have been arrested, Fairfax County police say. [DC News Now]

Proposed Head Start Changes Concern Advocates — “Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families proposed significant changes to the program, framing them as measures to reduce federal regulatory burden, restore local flexibility and give greater authority to states, programs, and parents.” The Virginia Head Start Association, however, says “the proposal risks the program’s future.” [Virginia Mercury]

AI Hiring Tools Used by Va. Contractors — State procurement records indicate that artificial intelligence technology that can identify hiring applicants, scan resumes and “conduct one-way interviews” have been used “by state agencies and offices, including the Department of Motor Vehicles and the attorney general’s office. Records show that in fiscal years 2024 and 2025, the AG’s office had yearly subscriptions with the AI hiring company TestGorilla B.V.” [VPM News]

Burger Food Truck Plans Restaurant — “S&P Burger, is opening its first brick-and-mortar location in Fairfax, this fall. The new restaurant will be located at 11055 Main St., Fairfax,” and is aiming to launch in October. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Thousands Cited for Unsafe Driving — “Between August 10 and August 16, officers issued 16,235 citations and warnings, including 6,162 citations and 10,073 warnings, making Wave 3 the largest enforcement effort of 2026. These results highlight the continued importance of traffic safety and driver accountability across Fairfax County.” The Road Shark campaign will return for a fourth wave on Oct. 12. [FCPD]

Footbridges Replaced in Reston — “The Footbridge 60 & 64 replacement projects have been completed, and associated pathways have been reopened. These footbridges will serve Reston’s pathway users for decades and will also support maintenance/ emergency vehicle access to remote sections of the pathway.” Additional footbridges will be upgraded “in the coming years.” [Reston Association]

It’s Monday — Expect sunny weather today with a high of around 84°F and a light west wind picking up to 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Tonight will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to about 61°F. The northwest wind will be around 6 mph, calming down in the evening. [NWS]


Drivers waiting for the light to change in front of TownePlace Suites on Brandon Avenue at Commerce Street in Springfield (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

I-66 Safety Campaign Planned — “The Virginia State Police Fairfax and Culpepper Divisions will be conducting Operation DISS-rupt on all 76 miles of Interstate 66 in Virginia on Aug. 22-24, 2026. The traffic enforcement and educational safety initiative focuses on Distracted driving, Impaired driving, Speed compliance and Seat belt safety.” [Press release]

Rescue Task Force Returns From Earthquake — “Members of Virginia Task Force 1 (VA-TF1) received a heroes’ welcome home Thursday night, after ten days in Colombia … The team flew to Colombia to support the State Department’s response to the August 10 earthquake, where they helped with disaster coordination and structural engineering.” [DC News Now]

Contractor Files Notice of Layoffs — “Reston-based government technology contractor TekSynap expects to eliminate as many as 69 positions after work under two subcontracting programs comes to an end, according to a notice filed with the Virginia Works Rapid Response Program.” The company recently announced it will move its headquarters to a larger office at Reston Town Center. [Patch]

Police Seek Paisano’s Pizza Burglar — “Detectives from our Criminal Investigations Division are seeking the public’s assistance to identify a man who burglarized two Paisano’s Pizza locations in less than one week. Both incidents occurred around 4 a.m.,” first in Springfield on July 30 and then at a shop in Annandale on Aug. 4. [FCPD]

Study of Data Center Taxes Begins — “Virginia’s General Assembly convened its dormant Joint Subcommittee on Tax Policy on Wednesday for the first time since 2024, with the aim of implementing a consumption tax on data center operators and studying current exemptions for data centers and their impacts on communities.” [Cardinal News]

Fire Department Hands Out Backpacks — The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department “hosted its annual Backpack and School Supply Distribution at FS11, Penn Daw. Firefighters, retirees, and volunteers worked together to distribute 1,200 backpacks filled with school supplies to 45 schools and nonprofits throughout the county.” [FCFRD/Facebook]

New Member Joins Park Authority Board — “The Fairfax County Park Authority is pleased to announce that Ray Foote has been appointed by Braddock District Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer to represent” her district on the Park Authority Board. A county resident for 38 years, Foote “brings decades of nonprofit leadership, philanthropy and conservation experience to his new role.” [FCPA]

Cinema Supper Club in Vienna — “Hosted by Cozy District Cafe and sponsored by DMV Cater, the new immersive dining experience pairs food, film, and atmosphere to create a one-of-a-kind movie night.” Limited tickets are available for Cinema Supper Club’s next screenings of “Ratatouille” today and next Friday, Aug. 28, at Vienna Moose Lodge (9616 Courthouse Road). [Northern Virginia Magazine]

It’s Friday — It will be mostly sunny with a high of 82°F. Night brings increasing clouds and a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, especially after 2 a.m., with a low around 69°F. [NWS]


A pair of fawns in the woods at Wildwood Park in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Victim of Fatal I-495 Crash Identified — Virginia State Police have identified the Toyota Camry driver killed in a two-vehicle crash on I-495 south of Braddock Road on Sunday (Aug. 15) as 68-year-old Hung Nhu Ong of Fairfax. The driver of a BMW in the crash, a 22-year-old man from Annandale, has been charged with driving under the influence. [DC News Now]

Governor Touts $2B Revenue Increase — “Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Wednesday highlighted Virginia’s financial wins in the fiscal year that ended in July,” including a $2.1 billion increase in general revenue funds and projections of an additional $600 million from a new energy consumption tax on data centers. The governor also acknowledged “significant impacts from federal shifts … most notably a loss of 43,600 jobs.” [Virginia Mercury]

Scrutiny of Flock Cameras Builds — “A nationwide debate over police surveillance technology has landed in the Washington region, as lawsuits, a looming Fairfax County protest and new state law collide over automated license plate readers, which are AI-powered cameras capable of tracking a vehicle’s movements.” [WUSA9]

A Look Inside New Skyview High School — “Fairfax County Public Schools didn’t have to start from scratch. The district acquired the building from the King Abdullah Academy, then spent about a year transforming it into a public high school. Now, Skyview is ready for students, with specialized spaces focused on aerospace, technology and robotics.” [WUSA9]

Packed House for Data Center Meeting — “Residents from eight ZIP codes packed a room in Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library Saturday (Aug. 15) to discuss concerns with the Plaza 500 data center plans just outside Alexandria city limits.” The Fairfax County Planning Commission is slated to hold a public hearing on an electrical substation to power the project on Sept. 24. [ALXnow]

Medicaid Eligibility Changes Coming — “Starting Oct. 1, 2026, Medicaid will have eligibility changes for non-citizen adults. Our Department of Family Services is committed to working to ensure that current Medicaid enrollees are aware of these changes and their impact.” The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services is contacting individuals who could be affected by mail this month. [Fairfax County Government]

Funding Challenging for Volunteer Fire Departments — “There’s a financial crisis happening in many volunteer firehouses across the state: The costs of fire engines and other equipment have skyrocketed and the number of emergency calls has increased, while state funding has remained largely flat and funding from localities often can’t stretch to fill the gap.” [Cardinal News]

New Art Exhibit Planned at Reston Gallery — “Animals, plants and landscapes encountered by artist Rosemarie Forsythe in Virginia and around the world will be featured in a solo exhibition opening Sept. 5 at Reston Art Gallery and Studios. ‘Natural Wonders’ will run through Sept. 27 at the artists’ collective at Lake Anne Plaza.” [Patch]

It’s Thursday — Expect a high near 87°F and increasing clouds. There’s a 60% chance of rain throughout the day, with storms most likely from 3-11 p.m. At night, skies will be mostly cloudy with a low around 69°F. [NWS]

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Caboose Commons in Merrifield at sunset (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

GMU Students Return to Campus — “As George Mason University welcomes nearly 6,000 residential students to the Fairfax Campus for move-in and Preamble events from Wednesday, Aug. 19, to Sunday, Aug. 23, the campus community should expect increased traffic and parking delays … Specific parking areas will be reserved for move-in, and road closures will be in effect in some areas.” [GMU]

Hikers Shocked by Great Falls Killing — Fairfax County police have identified a 42-year-old woman from Reston as the victim of the fatal stabbing in Difficult Run Park yesterday morning (Monday). “While detectives continue to investigate, the violence has left the community shaken.” [WUSA9]

Man Accused of Posing as FBI Agent — A “man accused of posing as an FBI agent at an active Fairfax County polling place nearly two years ago — while wearing a pellet gun resembling a pistol — was arrested Monday and has been indicted on two federal charges, according to court documents.” [Patch]

County Rolls Out Tax Payment Kiosks — “New self-service kiosks now give you a faster option to make personal property tax payments closer to home, eliminating the need to visit our Department of Tax Administration’s customer service counter. The kiosks are available at four county government locations.” [Fairfax County Government]

WWII Veteran Celebrates 101st Birthday — “Romuald “Rom” Lipinski has lived a remarkable life – from his 1925 birth in Poland to his teens in Siberia to fighting in the Polish Army in Italy during WWII … And on July 25 – still sharp as a tack – he celebrated his 101st birthday with his children and friends at Brightview Senior Living in the Centreville area, where he’s a resident.” [The Connection]

Spanberger Seeks Emergency Response Review — “Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced Executive Order 19 Tuesday afternoon, which is designed to strengthen Virginia’s preparedness for natural disasters and other emergencies and streamline the state’s response to crises … Private-sector entities, local first responders and nonprofit organizations will also be involved in the endeavor.” [Virginia Mercury]

Nuclear Reactor Startup Raises Capital — “OrganiCore Nuclear Inc., a Reston startup, has raised $15 million toward a potential $65 million round, per a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission … The company, located at a Carr Workplaces coworking space at 1818 Library St. in Reston Town Center, has raised funding from at least 11 investors” and is working with the Oak Ridge National Lab in Tennessee to collect data “on how particles might move within its custom coolant.” [Washington Business Journal]

Celebrate End of Summer Reading — “Join us for a fun-filled event to wrap up our Summer Reading Program!” The celebration today (Wednesday) at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library will include crafts, raffles, snacks and a balloon artist from 3:30-5:30 p.m. [Fairfax County Public Library]

New Legal Notice — Restaurant seeks ABC license for on/off-premises wine, beer, mixed beverages. [Public Notices]

It’s Wednesday — It will be sunny, with a high near 89°F, accompanied by a west wind blowing at 3 to 6 mph. Wednesday night has a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m., with increasing clouds and a low of around 72°F. [NWS]

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


A pond partially blocked by a black fence near Fair Oaks Mall off of Route 50 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Man Injured in Centreville Crash — An adult male driver was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries following a two-vehicle crash at Centreville Road and Compton Road yesterday (Monday) afternoon. Northbound Centreville Road, also known as Route 28, was closed for an extended period at the intersection as detectives investigated. [FCPD/X]

Arrest in Hybla Valley Stabbing — An Alexandria man has been charged with malicious wounding in connection with a stabbing that occurred in the 7800 block of Richmond Highway on Saturday (Aug. 15). “Officers found a 41-year-old man who had been stabbed in his upper body. Responders transported him to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. He was still hospitalized as of Monday afternoon.” [DC News Now]

Change in FBI HQ Plans Blocked — “Maryland and Prince George’s County secured a win in court Monday in their fight to keep the FBI’s future home in Greenbelt. A federal judge ruled President Donald Trump’s administration cannot scrap those plans in favor of its preference to move the bureau’s headquarters across the street to the Ronald Reagan Building in D.C.” [WTOP]

Man Committed for Killing Flies Out of U.S. — A man who was charged with murder for the killing of his landlord in Vienna in 2019 left the country on a one-way flight from Dulles Airport to Tajikistan via Istanbul on July 6, court documents show. Found not guilty by reason of insanity, Abdulloi Toshpulodzoda was committed in 2022 to the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute, which had granted him a weekend pass despite opposition to his release. [FOX5]

Virginia Tapped for Early Primary — “The Democratic National Committee on Saturday approved by voice vote its lineup of six early primaries for the 2028 election cycle, kicking off with South Carolina and Nevada.” Virginia will be sixth on the schedule, with a Democratic presidential primary on Feb. 29, 2028. [Virginia Mercury]

Donations for Online Gaming Bill Supporters — During this year’s General Assembly session, “five Republican senators broke with their caucus and supported legalized online casino gambling. Four months later, the trade group behind the bill sent each of the five GOP senators a campaign donation of $100,000, according to campaign finance disclosures released last month.” [Poole Report]

Va. AG Creates Worker Protection Unit — “Attorney General Jay Jones announced on Friday the creation of a Worker Protection Unit, which Jones said will put the voices of working people first … The unit will be tasked with investigating potential violations of labor laws like wage theft, employee misclassification and more.” [WRIC]

Dessert Shop Coming to Falls Church — “A new spot for cupcakes, ice cream and other sweet treats is preparing to open in Falls Church. Lil’ Cakes & Creamery … is hoping to open at 120 Founders Avenue by the end of August, a spokesperson told ARLnow.” The regional chain currently has two Virginia locations in Sterling and Alexandria City. [ARLnow]

It’s Tuesday — Sunny conditions are expected, with temperatures reaching a high of 87°F and northwest winds blowing at 6 to 8 mph. By night, the weather will become partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to around 69°F. [NWS]

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


District Avenue in Merrifield’s Mosaic District mostly empty after rain and Sunday farmers’ market (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

ICE Agents Previously Seen in Chicago — “Unraveled has verified the agents in Molina’s videos were far from their usual base of operations. The team has been recorded inflicting violence on immigrants, protesters, and observers in the Chicago area since last summer, including outside the region’s ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois.” [Unraveled]

Police Seek Leads in 20-Year-Old Murders — “It has been 20 years since two women named Marion were killed 2 miles apart by the same person, Fairfax County, Virginia, police said. And the suspect has never been located. Police are asking for the public’s help in finding new information on who killed them.” Police say DNA testing confirmed that Marion Newman and Marion Marshall, both Springfield residents, were killed by the same person. [WTOP]

Grocer Bans Workers From Wearing Masks — “Employees at MOM’s Organic Market locations across Maryland are demanding answers after the Rockville-based grocery chain instituted a policy prohibiting them from wearing medical face masks on the job. According to an internal document reviewed by The Banner, the policy, which went into effect [on Aug. 10], is related to customer service.” [Baltimore Banner]

Dominion Requests Help With Fuel Costs — “Dominion Energy asked the State Corporation Commission for permission to recover an additional $922 million in fuel costs, citing extreme power demands during severe winter weather and a national rise in gas prices as reasons for the escalation beyond its original calculations.” [Virginia Mercury]

MedStar McLean Building Sold — The MedStar Health Medical Center at 1420 Beverly Road was sold last week by owner Stewart Investment Partners to Thomas Park “for an undisclosed price.” The 47,185-square-foot building is fully leased with MedStar Health occupying 85% of the space, and it was last renovated in 2022. [Citybiz]

Contractor Indicted for Fraud — “A former accounting contractor is accused of diverting nearly $2 million from a Falls Church software company by disguising payments to her personal bank account as legitimate vendor expenses, according to federal court records.” The woman was indicted on seven counts of wire fraud last Wednesday (Aug. 12) by a federal grand jury. [Patch]

Push for Tysons Convention Center Continues — “Tysons as the right environment for a convention center isn’t the question, [Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay] said; it’s whether the economics and partnership opportunities make it a good idea financially.” Tysons has been considered as an option for a “hotel/motel conference center” since the county’s 1984 comprehensive plan, but as the area develops, potential sites are dwindling. [Washington Business Journal]

Netflix Movie Has Local Origins — “Don’t Say Good Luck,” starring Adam Sandler’s daughter, Sunny Sandler, “was inspired by the co-screenwriter and D.C. native Laura Hankin’s own experience: She landed the lead in the then-Woodrow Wilson High School’s production of ‘Moby Dick! The Musical’ right when her own mother became sick.” The movie includes places inspired by D.C.-area hangout spots, such as the malls in Tysons. [Axios DC]

It’s Monday — Expect mostly sunny skies today with a high near 89°F and a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 PM. Tonight, there will be partly cloudy skies and a low around 71°F. North winds will blow at 3 to 6 mph. [NWS]


Bright orange marigold flowers with a bee collecting nectar on a bloom amidst green foliage.
A bee on French marigold flowers in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

New Group Opposes License Plate Readers — “A new advocacy group is trying to get the Board of Supervisors to remove the police department’s Flock license plate readers that are popping up all over Fairfax County.” DeFlock Fairfax will host a public event highlighting its concerns about the automated cameras on Aug. 22 at Ravensworth Baptist Church in Annandale. [Annandale Today]

Kennedy Center Board Votes for Closure — “The battle over the Kennedy Center’s future escalated Thursday as President Donald Trump’s allies on the board took new steps to commemorate him with physical changes to the iconic performing arts institution that could defy a federal court order.” [ARLnow and AP]

Governor Tours Local Health Clinic — Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger visited Neighborhood Health in the Groveton area yesterday (Thursday), “touting the progress the state has made in capping insulin costs and preventing prescription drugs from becoming unaffordable.” She also highlighted recently approved funding intended to offset the impacts of Medicaid changes on local residents. [WTOP]

Civil War Soldier’s Remains Destined for ANC — “A young Union soldier who likely died fighting in the Second Battle of Manassas more than 160 years ago is finally heading to his final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery. The National Park Service announced Thursday it will transfer the soldier’s remains to the Office of Army Cemeteries.” [Inside NoVA]

I-95 Ramp Closure Tonight — “Weather permitting, the ramp from northbound I-95 to Franconia Road/Old Keene Mill Road (Route 644, Exits 169 A-B) will be closed for paving Friday night, Aug. 14; Sunday night, Aug. 16; and Monday night, Aug. 17 … Drivers are asked to follow posted detour signs.” [VDOT]

NSO Sees Bump in Support at Wolf Trap — “One of the few bright spots in the [National Symphony Orchestra’s] budgets suggests its audience is waiting in the wings, willing to buy tickets to performances outside the Kennedy Center. Its summer residency at Wolf Trap, an outdoor performing arts venue in Northern Virginia, beat sales projections last fiscal year and is on pace to do so again.” [Washington Post]

Veterans Launch Printing Center in Kingstowne — “PostNet, a global leader in high-quality shipping, printing and logistics solutions, has opened a new veteran-owned center in Alexandria, Virginia, at 6471 Old Beulah Street, and will host a grand opening celebration on Aug. 18 at 11 am.” [Press release]

Free Celebration at Clemyjontri Park — “Celebrate inclusion at the Clemyjontri Park Open House event on Sunday, Aug. 30. Fairfax County Park Authority’s access and inclusion staff invites one and all out to explore the wonders of this inclusive play space located at 6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean.” [FCPA]

It’s Friday — Expect mostly cloudy skies with a high near 88°F and a 30% chance of showers and possible thunderstorms after 5 PM. In the evening, there is a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms until 10 PM, followed by showers after 2 AM, with a low around 71°F and light, variable winds. [NWS]


A leaning sign for the Fairfax County Parkway Trail in the Franklin Farm area of Herndon (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

No Changes to Va. Vaccine Rules — “After President Donald Trump issued an order seeking more spaced out childhood vaccinations, the Virginia Department of Health joined other medical experts in backing the existing childhood vaccination schedule … VDH said the executive order does not change Virginia’s school immunization requirements, which include two doses each of measles and mumps shots and one rubella dose.” [ALXnow]

Task Force Deployed to Colombia — “Members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue team landed in Bogotá, Colombia, on Wednesday to assist after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake rocked the area. A 10-person disaster coordination and structural engineering assessment team was deployed in support of the U.S. Department of State’s response to the disaster.” [WUSA9]

Herndon Man Charged With Kidnapping — “A Herndon man accused of abducting an acquaintance at knifepoint and leading police on a pursuit through three jurisdictions has been arrested on federal carjacking and kidnapping charges, court records show.” The man also still faces state-level charges related to robbery, domestic assault, reckless driving and driving without a license. [Patch]

Police Crack Down on Reptile Theft Ring — “Two men are facing charges in connection with an organized theft scheme that led to the theft of more than 60 reptiles from multiple stores in Maryland and Virginia … Fairfax Police first began looking into the thefts after officers were called to a Petco on Richmond Highway in Groveton on May 21. Officers learned two suspects walked into the store and stole four pythons from the reptile habitat.” [WUSA9]

Reston Media Analytics Firm Plans Layoffs — Comscore “is making ‘substantial’ headcount reductions, executive salary cuts and a possible decrease in its footprint” after reporting a net loss of $6.2 million in the first quarter of 2026. The company didn’t comment on how many workers will be affected overall or at its Reston headquarters, but pay cuts will include a 20% reduction to CEO Matt McLaughlin’s $625,000 base salary. [Washington Business Journal]

Regional Downturn in Public School Enrollment — Fairfax County, Prince William and Loudoun public schools all reported drops in student enrollment last year compared to the 2024-2025 and 2022-2023 academic years. “Declining birth rates, immigration and migration patterns and housing costs are all playing a role in fewer students enrolling in public schools, experts said.” [WTOP]

Advocates on Abortion Referendum — “As Virginians vote this fall on whether to put enshrine protections for abortion and other reproductive healthcare at the highest level — the state constitution — advocates on either side are presenting familiar, and newer, arguments on the issue.” [VPM News]

New Vietnamese Restaurant at Eden Center — “Restaurateur couple Thao Tran and Tin Truong want to add a slightly more upscale date-night spot to the mix” at the Falls Church retail hub. “Their new restaurant, Tam Tam Brunch and Dinner, has a trendy bistro vibe, with a menu spanning from a citrusy salmon crudo to abalone soup to a variety of hot pots.” [Washingtonian]

It’s Thursday — Expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 90 degrees and a northwest wind blowing at 5 to 8 mph. During the night, the weather will be partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 72 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind at 3 to 5 mph. [NWS]

Support local journalism. Join the FFXnow Press Club to boost our reporting and to get upgraded newsletters.


A pedestrian crosses over the Dulles Toll Road to the Herndon Metro station (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Death Investigation in Herndon — “Officers responded [on Tuesday, Aug. 11] to a death investigation in the 1200-block of Bond St. There is no threat to the public and no further information at this time,” though a police spokesperson confirmed no criminal activity is suspected. [Herndon Police/Facebook]

Apple Settles Discrimination Claims — “Apple has agreed to pay $150,000 to settle the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s claims that the manager of a retail store [in Reston] made antisemitic comments and denied ​a Jewish longtime employee’s requests for time off before firing him.” [Reuters]

Sweetgreen Adding Drive-Thru in McLean — “Sweetgreen built its D.C.-born brand around millennials and downtown professionals. Nearly 20 years later, the homegrown chain says its future looks more like McLean. Its newest concept — launching Aug. 20 — is the region’s first ‘Sweetlane,’ a drive-thru pickup.” The McLean location will be the company’s fourth overall to add a drive-thru lane. [Axios DC]

Herndon Engineering Firm to be Acquired — “Bernhard Capital Partners, a Baton Rouge, Louisiana, private equity firm, has struck a deal to acquire Bowman [Consulting Group] for $1 billion in cash — or $43 per share — and take it private. The acquisition, announced Monday, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year or the first quarter of 2027 — unless Bowman (NASDAQ: BWMN) receives a better offer” by Sept. 13. [Washington Business Journal]

Community Hub Launches in Culmore — “Free toys for kids, resources for adults, and free food for everyone: that’s the concept of the Unity in the Community event in Culmore. George Mason University’s Place-Based Initiative and the Mason Police District sponsored the event,” which took place on Monday, Aug. 10 to celebrate the launch of PBI’s Culmore Community Health and Wellness Hub at a local church. [Annandale Today]

Rehab Center Opens in Burke — “Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center has opened two new Sentara Therapy Centers in Manassas and Burke, expanding access to rehabilitation and physical therapy services for residents throughout Prince William and the region … The Manassas facility is at 9962 Liberia Ave., while the Burke center is at 9520 Burke Road.” [Inside NoVA]

Tysons Contractor Hired to Build Football Stadium — “McLean-based Clark Construction Group, Minneapolis-based Mortenson Co. and D.C.-based Smoot Construction Co. will lead construction of the 1.8-million-square-foot, 70,000-seat stadium, the Commanders announced Tuesday. Site work began in June, led by the same trio, and construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2027.” [WBJ]

D.C. Chefs to Serve Some Dulles Flights — “Two Washington, D.C., chefs are bringing new dishes to international flights from Dulles through United Airlines’ collaboration with Chef’s Table, the brand behind the acclaimed Netflix culinary series … The dishes are available beginning in August on nearly two dozen long-haul flights from Dulles that serve lunch or dinner.” [Patch]

It’s Wednesday — Expect partly sunny skies with a high near 87°F. Night will have a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m. Skies will be mostly cloudy before clearing, with temperatures dropping to around 70°F. [NWS]

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


Campus green space with Canada geese grazing, trees, and a brick building in the background near a sidewalk and road barrier cones nearby.
Geese graze on the the grass near Page Avenue in Fairfax as people walk along the sidewalk in the distance. (staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

GW Parkway Lane Closures Begin in Northern Section — “Drivers will face road closures in McLean, Virginia, on the George Washington Parkway beginning Monday as crews conduct routine maintenance to nearby trees. The good news for commuters is that the closures will not take place during morning or afternoon rush hour. The northbound lanes of the George Washington Parkway between Spout Run Parkway and Chain Bridge Road/Route 123 are scheduled to be closed from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays until Sept. 1.” [WTOP]

Former Academy Sold by Saudi Embassy — “The 34-acre property on Popes Head Road was sold by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia to an affiliate of the International Institute of Islamic Thought for $4.6 million on July 13, according to Fairfax County property records.” [Washington Business Journal]

Firefighters Respond to Vienna House Fire — “#FairfaxBravest are on the scene of a house fire near Onondio Circle SE and Aponi Rd SE in Vienna. Crews arrived with fire showing from the side and exterior. Utilities secured and fire extinguished. No injuries. Cause under investigation.” [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department/X]

Digital Protections for Children Presented to State Lawmakers — “On Wednesday, lawmakers considered a measure that would further require app store providers like Google and Apple to independently audit their products’ age ratings and content descriptions. This step would also require parental controls to be easy to find, understand, and configure, and require app stores to provide a clear and conspicuous mechanism to improve oversight. Another idea [Joint Commission on Technology and Science] discussed was limiting parental consent to apps rated above the account holder’s age category and apps offering in-app purchases.” [Virginia Mercury]

FCPD Road Shark Program Returns — “Drivers across Fairfax County can expect stepped-up traffic enforcement for the next week as police launch the third round of the “Road Shark” program, an initiative aimed at cracking down on aggressive and dangerous driving … During the seven-day enforcement period, officers will be out 24/7 in every nook and cranny of the county to catch dangerous driving behaviors in an effort to reduce deadly and serious injuries.” [WJLA]

It’s Tuesday — Expect a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms today, especially after 5 PM, with a high near 90°F and a northwest wind at 5 to 8 mph. Rainfall may reach up to a quarter of an inch, more during thunderstorms. Tonight, showers and thunderstorms are likely before 1 AM, with a low around 72°F. It will be mostly cloudy, with winds shifting to the northwest after midnight, and similar rainfall amounts. [NWS]

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


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