morning notes

DCA Crash Probe Finds Chopper Issues — “Investigators probing the January midair collision of a passenger plane and an Army helicopter over Washington that killed 67 people found the chopper was flying higher than it should have been and its altitude readings were inaccurate.” [Associated Press/ARLnow]

Police Investigate Falls Church Spa — “After questions lingered for months from several homeowners about the spa’s operations, two misdemeanor charges were levied against the business owner of a Limited Liability Corporation registered to the spa’s address. Two neighbors on the 2700 block of Summerfield Road shared their observations of the Rose Spa on South Washington Street … anonymously in fear of possible retaliation.” [DC News Now]

Bugs Swarm D.C. Area — “A bug boom of ticks, lanternflies and mosquitoes is fueled by climate change and invasive species.” Congressional lawmakers introduced a bill last week to fund projects intended to control the spread of lanternflies, while emergency rooms nationwide saw a surge in tick-related visits this past May and June, according to CDC data. [Axios DC]

Sales Tax Holiday Starts Friday — “Virginia families have a chance to save money while getting ready for emergencies this August. The state’s annual three-day sales tax holiday runs from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3.” School supplies are also exempt from state sales taxes through the weekend. [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

FCPD Concerned by Vape Store Burglaries — “Fairfax County police are issuing a public warning and urging Northern Virginia business owners to be vigilant after a string of burglaries involving kratom products … Police said they’re increasing awareness about the substance after a string of recent burglaries committed by the same person targeting Star Tobacco along Braddock Road. One robbery was in June and the other was earlier this month.” [WTOP]

Artists Wanted for Springfield Town Center — “ArtsFairfax is proud to partner with Springfield Town Center to present a public art opportunity for local artists in Fairfax County! Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in an art show that will receive high visibility and foot traffic.” Today (Thursday) at 7 p.m. is the deadline for artists to apply for the show, which is scheduled to run from October through March 2026. [ArtsFairfax/Instagram]

Tower Club Tysons Closes for Renovation — “As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing your member experience, we’ve entered a major phase of renovations that includes flooring installation, concrete work, and extensive sanding throughout the Club … During this time, no member access will be permitted … We look forward to welcoming you back on Tuesday, August 5, when we reopen with normal hours.” [Tower Club Tysons/Instagram]

Win a Capybara Hangout Session — Reston’s NOVA Wild is holding a contest for its social media followers, offering a 20-minute “encounter” with its capybaras Nugget and Tater as a prize. Participants can enter by liking the zoo’s posts on Facebook and Instagram and tagging a friend. The winner will be announced on Aug. 12. [NOVA Wild/Facebook]

It’s Thursday — A slight chance of showers could turn into thunderstorms after 2 pm, with increasing clouds and a high near 94. Heat index values could reach 103. A 60% chance of rain will jump to 80% at night. Expect a low around 70, and possible rainfall amounts between three-quarters and one inch. [NWS]

Unhealthy Air Expected — The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) is forecasting a Code Orange air day today (Wednesday) in D.C., Northern Virginia and parts of Maryland, meaning the air will be unhealthy for older adults, children and other sensitive groups. A Heat Advisory will also take effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. due to expected extreme heat. [COG]

ICE Arrests in Fairfax Courthouse — “Pictures shared with News4 by witnesses appear to show ICE agents detaining multiple people inside the Fairfax County courthouse, which is new within the last couple of weeks, according to the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office.” The sheriff’s office says its deputies haven’t assisted with any arrests, but they “may stay in the vicinity of the agents in case there is a security issue.” [NBC4]

Fairfax Judge Blocks University Board Appointees — “A Fairfax County Circuit Court judge on Tuesday granted a temporary injunction suspending eight gubernatorial appointees from serving on governing boards at the University of Virginia, Virginia Military Institute and George Mason, the latest development to rock Virginia’s higher education landscape this summer.” [Virginia Mercury]

Springfield Woman Killed in Crash — Cassandra Ann Signet, a 22-year-old woman from Springfield, “was killed in a Monday afternoon tractor-trailer crash on Vint Hill Road in Nokesville. Police said the driver of a 2016 Jeep Renegade was making a left turn from Owls Nest Road onto westbound Vint Hill Road at 12:53 p.m., when the SUV crossed paths in front of an International HV507 truck traveling east.” Signet, who was driving the Jeep, died at the scene, Prince William County police said. [Inside NoVA]

Inova Tops Hospitals Ranking — “For the fifth year in a row, Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church has taken the top spot for Virginia and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region on U.S. News and World Report‘s annual list of the nation’s best hospitals.” Arlington-based VHC Health, which has been expanding its Fairfax County presence recently, came in fourth in Virginia. [Virginia Business]

Protest Against Social Security Layoffs — “Although the temperature in Reston at 10 a.m. on Tuesday was 87 degrees, a small group of demonstrators had gathered along Sunrise Valley Drive to protest the layoffs of thousands of Social Security Administration employees since the Trump administration took office in January.” The local Defend Democracy Indivisible group has organized protests outside the office at 10800 Parkridge Blvd every Tuesday since April 4. [Patch]

Free Speech Advocates Question Social Media Law — “A new Virginia law requiring a child under the age of 16 who meets certain criteria must be compensated when taking part in content creation, known as SB 998, went into effect July 1. The law aims to protect young people from being exploited by adults in creating popular social media content … But according to experts, there may be some unintended consequences as well.” [WTOP]

Free Food Promo From Annandale Eatery — “Residents are invited to drop by L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in Annandale on Friday, Aug. 8, for a free Spam musubi from noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 8 is annual SPAM® Musubi Day, a holiday launched by L&L and officially established by the governor of Hawaii in 2021. The date, 8/08, pays homage to Hawaii’s 808 area code.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Wednesday — Expect sunny, hot conditions with temperatures reaching a high near 98 and heat index values up to 103. A calm wind will shift to 5 to 7 mph from the south in the afternoon. For Wednesday night, it will be mostly clear with a low of around 77 and a south wind at 6 mph. [NWS]

Driver in Fatal Crash Identified — “On July 25 at 4:09 p.m., officers responded to a single-vehicle crash on Fairfax County Parkway near Old Keene Mill Road in Burke involving a 2022 Mack truck that left the roadway and struck a jersey wall. The driver, Kenneth Davis, 57, of Amissville, was declared deceased on the scene. Preliminary, detectives do not believe alcohol or speed are factors in the crash.” [FCPD]

Search and Rescue Task Force Returns — “Virginia Task Force 1 (VA TF-1), the commonwealth’s specialized search and rescue team, is back home from working victim recovery operations following deadly floods in Texas. The crew of four people and three dogs returned to their home base in Chantilly just before noon Monday after a 17-day deployment.” [DC News Now]

GMU Faculty Resolution Draws Scrutiny — George Mason University’s faculty senate approved a resolution last Thursday (July 24) denouncing the Trump administration’s recent investigations as a “politically motivated attack” similar to the pressure campaign that led University of Virginia president Jim Ryan to resign. The Justice Department is now seeking drafts of the resolution and communications between those who drafted it and GMU President Gregory Washington’s office. [New York Times]

Vigil for Still-Missing Former Inova Nurse — “During a peaceful gathering early Sunday in front of the Prince William County judicial center in Manassas, Sunita Basnet paused for a moment to reflect, reminiscing on the hardship of the past 365 days. July 27 will mark the one-year anniversary of the day Mamta Kafle Bhatt, a Manassas Park nurse and mother, was last seen at UVA Prince William Medical Center, where she worked.” [Inside NoVA]

Hunter Mill Town Hall Tomorrow — “Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill), who represents the Town of Vienna, Reston and other surrounding parts of Fairfax County, will host the town hall. The meeting is planned Wednesday, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Vienna Elementary School cafeteria (128 Center St S, Vienna, VA).” [Patch]

New Attractions Planned for Taste of Annandale — “This free, family-friendly community festival is Sept. 20, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space, 7200 Columbia Pike in the heart of Annandale.” Additions for 2025 will include a petting zoo, an eating contest, a new route for the 5K, additional crafts and artisans, and possible shuttle bus service. [Annandale Today]

RCC Board Candidates Wanted — “Reston Community Center (RCC) is seeking interested candidates to run for seats on its Board of Governors, a nine-member body responsible for oversight of RCC … This year’s Preference Poll will fill three positions for three-year terms. Online and in person voting will take place from September 5 through September 26 until 5:00 p.m.” [RCC]

It’s Tuesday — The weather will be mostly sunny and hot, reaching a high near 98 and heat index values up to 102. The wind is expected to be light and variable. As for Tuesday night, it will start off mostly cloudy and gradually clear up, with a low temperature of around 77. A south wind of 3 to 5 mph is anticipated. [NWS]

Blue Line Metro Stations Reopen — “Blue Line summer construction is complete! Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn Street stations are now open. Thank you for your patience. Crews updated the train control and signaling system, renewed rails and ties, and repaired lighting.” [WMATA/Bluesky]

VCU Withheld Student’s Diploma — “A year after pro-Palestinian protests at Virginia Commonwealth University, Oakton native Sereen Haddad organized a gathering in late April commemorating the encampment that once stood on campus.” The university later cited Haddad and others for violating student conduct policies and said their degrees would be withheld until the process was resolved. Haddad said Friday (July 25) that a board had cleared her. [WUSA9]

Man Who Fired Gun in Mall Violated Parole — “A popular D.C. rapper who served time for opening fire inside the Tysons Corner Center mall in Northern Virginia will remain free after he was found guilty of violating his probation … [Noah] Settles was ordered to avoid marijuana and continue substance abuse treatment and drug screenings.” [NBC4]

Tysons Office Building Listed for Sale — “Bethesda-based Washington Property Co. has owned the four-story, 1980s-era office at 8618 Westwood Center Drive for more than 20 years, but is now looking to let it go. Offers are due by July 31, according to marketing materials from Cohn Property Group, the seller’s broker.” The site is being advertised as an opportunity for redevelopment, with an illustrative concept plan showing townhouses. [Washington Business Journal]

Vienna Extends Tax Deadline — “Due to technical problems, the deadline to pay Town real estate taxes is extended to July 31, 2025. Payments can be made in person, dropped in the night deposit box at Town Hall, or mailed. No late fees will be assessed to mailed payments postmarked on or before 7/31.” [Town of Vienna/X]

Auto Parts Store Opens in Annandale — “AutoZone is now open next to Pep Boys at 7121 Little River Turnpike in Annandale. It’s located in the space formerly occupied by Pep Boys’ auto supply store but is completely separate. The store sells everything for cars, from motor oil to wiper blades, from batteries to air fresheners.” [Annandale Today]

Totally Trucks Returning to Reston — “Bring the kids for an up-close look at the big trucks Reston Association uses to keep our community beautiful! If available, police and fire trucks may also be on display. Each child will receive a ‘Totally Trucks’ construction helmet. Some vehicles will be horn-free for a sensory-friendly experience.” The event will be held at RA’s Central Services Facility (12250 Sunset Hills Road) this Friday (Aug. 1) from 8:30 a.m. to noon. [Reston Association]

Outdoor Movie Series Starting Soon — “Introduce your family to the magic of the drive-in theater this summer at Starlight Cinema, part of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series. During the first four Saturdays in August, bask in the dreamy atmosphere of movies by starlight at Sully Historic Site, located at 3650 Historic Sully Way.” [Fairfax County Park Authority]

It’s Monday — Expect a sunny day with highs reaching near 95 and heat index values as high as 101. A northwest wind around 6 mph will provide some relief. For Monday night, the sky will be mostly clear and temperatures will drop to a low of around 76 with calm winds. [NWS]

Cases of Viral Disease Rising — “Over the last two months, there has been an increase in the number of people seeking emergency care for hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), especially involving young children, ages 0 to 4-year-olds in Fairfax County.” The Fairfax Health District has seen six outbreaks of the viral disease so far this year, including five reported within the past two months. [Fairfax County Health Department]

Agriculture Dept. Moving D.C.-Area Jobs — “The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it will relocate about 2,600 jobs out of the D.C. area and vacate the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center building in Prince George’s County. The positions are more than half of the agency’s workforce in the region,” where about 4,600 employees live. [NBC4]

Washington Gas Bills to Go Up — “The utility said in a statement to customers that due to above-average temperatures from October 2024 to May 2025, it collected lower revenues than approved by the State Corporation Commission. Therefore, Washington Gas said, the utility will be collecting additional charges from Virginia customers during the billing months of August, September and October.” [WTOP]

Virginia Braces for Medicaid Changes — “As Virginia lawmakers heard from state health officials Wednesday about potential effects of federal healthcare funding changes approved by Congress earlier this month, it became clear to Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News: ‘we at this time do not have a true sense of what we’re up against.'” Virginia Medicaid Director Cheryl Roberts said the 600,000-plus people who became eligible for Medicaid starting in 2018 will be most affected. [Virginia Mercury]

‘Walking Taco’ Eatery Now Open — “Flavor Hive, the beloved food truck that turned heads with its viral walking taco, is officially opening its first brick-and-mortar location [Thursday] in Annandale.” Located at 4260 John Marr Drive, the restaurant serves Mexican and Middle Eastern-style food, such as “quesadillas, loaded fries, rice bowls, pita pouches, pita melts, and falafel pieces.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Medical Office Buildings Acquired — “Chicago’s Remedy Medical Properties and Los Angeles-based Kayne Anderson Real Estate recently acquired eight medical office buildings in Fairfax County and the city of Alexandria.” The sales include the Children’s National Health System building (3023 Hamaker Court) in Fairfax, Prosperity Medical Center (8501, 8503 and 8505 Arlington Blvd) in Merrifield, Woodburn Medical Park (8289-99 Woodburn Road) in Annandale, and Metro Park III (6354 Walker Lane) in Springfield. [Washington Business Journal]

New Athletic Field for Annandale School — “Sixteen years after the Westminster School purchased an adjoining property on Gallows Road in Annandale, it’s clearing the site for a full-size athletic turf field. The field will be used for soccer, lacrosse, and softball. Tree clearing is expected to be done next week, and the field should be completed in January 2026, says Nancy Schuler, head of the highly acclaimed private school.” [Annandale Today]

Registration Coming for Fall Camps and Classes — “Registration for FCPA classes opens Tuesday, July 29 at 9 a.m. Don’t wait, explore the full lineup today at by visiting the Parktakes website. Register by Aug. 8 and save $8.” The Fairfax County Park Authority will also host camps for kids throughout the fall on topics from sports to the performing arts. [FCPA]

It’s Friday — There’s a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 2pm and 5pm. Despite increasing clouds, temperatures will reach a scorching high of 98 with a heat index up to 106. Friday night, more precipitation is possible before 7pm, followed by partly cloudy conditions and a low of 77. [NWS]

Medicaid Cuts Could Affect Hospitals — “Virginia hospitals will lose out on $26 billion over 14 years under changes to the Medicaid program in President Donald Trump’s tax and spending law, according to new state estimates … The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates it will lead to 10 million fewer people with health insurance in 2034.” [Virginia Public Media]

Driver Killed in I-495 Crash Identified — “The Virginia State Police provided more information on the beltway crash on July 21 that resulted in the death of a driver … According to the VSP, five vehicles were involved, not four as initially reported. Suzzane K. Colbert, 60, of Arlington, the driver of a Scion XB, was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.” [Annandale Today]

Immigration Lawyer on ICE Arrests — Fairfax-based immigration lawyer Ofelia Calderón “says that since Donald Trump took office for his second presidential term in January, she has had about the same number of clients but she’s getting a lot more calls from clients in ‘drastic situations.'” She advises documenting everything if people see ICE agents in their neighborhood. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Lawsuit Challenges Felon Voting Ban — “In a high-stakes voting rights battle with roots in the Reconstruction era, civil rights groups on Friday filed two new motions in a federal lawsuit that could restore voting rights to thousands of Virginians with felony convictions.” A bid for class-action status would expand the case’s impact beyond its plaintiffs to the “more than 300,000 Virginians who they say remain disenfranchised.” [Virginia Mercury]

Mental Health Center Opens — “On Tuesday, Dominion Hospital cut the ribbon on its new Fairfax Mental Health Assessment Center in Fairfax City, providing individuals ages 5 through adulthood with timely evaluations and care recommendations for free … Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., the Fairfax Mental Health Assessment Center is located at 10721 Main St., Suite 1300.” [Patch]

Parking Ticket Fight Leads to Charges — “A grand jury indicted a 29-year-old Virginia woman after she allegedly robbed a parking enforcement officer of their ticket machine in late June.” The Annandale woman allegedly took the D.C. officer’s machine after a “verbal altercation” over a ticket issued to her sister for not moving out of a “no parking zone.” [WJLA]

Fairfax City Economic Development Head to Leave — “After nearly a decade of leading Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED), Christopher Bruno will step down as CEO and Director in late August. Bruno will join New York Law School as its inaugural Chief of Economic Development Programs and Strategies and as a member of its Senior Leadership Team.” [FCED]

Tysons Contractor Boosts Startups — “McLean, Virginia-based government contracting giant Booz Allen Hamilton has tripled its commitment to investing in promising startup companies, specifically in cybersecurity, defense and intelligence. Booz Allen Ventures, launched with $100 million in 2023, has invested in 17 startups to date.” [WTOP]

Bank Eyes N. Va. Expansion — “Powhatan-based, New Horizon Bank has hired two local bankers from M&T Bank to help build a book of business in Northern Virginia as it eyes a branch opening in the region in the next 12 to 18 months.” The company hasn’t identified a location yet but aims to draw “$20 million and $30 million in deposits and $50 million in loans” in the region over the next year with a primary focus on real estate deals. [Washington Business Journal]

It’s Wednesday — Expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 87 degrees, accompanied by a calm wind that will shift to the southeast at 5 to 7 mph in the morning. On Wednesday night, the skies will be mostly clear as the temperature drops to around 69 degrees, with a south wind of 5 to 8 mph. [NWS]

Arrest in Bus Driver Assault — An 18-year-old man from Lorton was arrested in Loudoun County on Saturday (July 19) after police identified him as the passenger who allegedly assaulted a Fairfax Connector bus driver on July 8. The man has been charged with aggravated malicious wounding after the driver reportedly suffered serious, though not life-threatening, injuries. [FCPD]

IKEA Looking at Possible Chantilly Restaurant — “Swedish furniture company IKEA recently submitted a food permit application in Fairfax County noted as “IKEA Chantilly,” the Washington Business Journal reported. The application is for a 142-seat, full-service restaurant at 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center Dr. at the Dulles Expo Center.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Guilty Verdict for Deadly Propane Explosion — “A Loudoun County, Virginia, jury has found former propane service technician Roger Bentley guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the February 2024 home explosion that killed volunteer firefighter Trevor Brown … Prosecutors told jurors in closing arguments that Bentley’s ‘actions and failures to act’ caused the Feb. 16, 2024, explosion that killed Brown and injured 14 others.” [WTOP]

Lake Accotink Fix Likely Years Away — “Three studies are underway on Lake Accotink, but it’s going to be years before any action is taken to preserve the lake at a smaller size … The public got a chance to learn about those studies and talk to experts at an open house on July 19 at Kings Glen Elementary School in Springfield.” [Annandale Today]

Local Man Arrested on Drug Charges — “A 33-year-old man, formerly a resident of Alexandria, is being held without bond for multiple narcotics possession charges.” The man was arrested on drug possession charges in December, released on bond and then arrested again on June 11 after a worker at the UPS store in Annandale “reported to police that he was receiving packages of drugs, according to a recently released search warrant affidavit.” [ALXnow]

Former Capitals Stars List McLean Homes — Newly retired Washington Capitals forward TJ Oshie and his family moved out of their McLean home, listed for $9.85 million, and returned to Minnesota on Sunday (July 20), the fan blog Russian Machine Never Breaks says. Meanwhile, longtime Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom has moved to his native Sweden and is looking to sell his McLean mansion for just under $12 million. [Washingtonian]

Fairfax Nonprofit Reopens Dental Clinic — Last Thursday (July 18), “the Lamb Center celebrated the grand re-opening and dedication of its on-site dental clinic, a critical resource that will provide compassionate, comprehensive dental health care to 100’s of vulnerable City of Fairfax residents — many of whom are experiencing homelessness or housing instability.” [Patch]

Seafood and Ramen Restaurants Open — “Sea Friend, a carryout-only establishment serving fully cooked seafood, has opened in the former Father & Son Seafood shop at Gunston Plaza in Lorton.” Also in the Route 1 corridor, Yi Do Ramen and Sushi opened June 26 at Belle View Shopping Center. It’s the second location for the Japanese restaurant, which can also be found in Tysons. [On the MoVe]

It’s Tuesday — Expect sunshine and a high of around 85 with a gentle northeast wind at 6 mph. Moving onto Tuesday night, the sky will be mostly clear, with the temperature dropping to around 68. The east wind at 6 mph will become calm as evening progresses. [NWS]

Correction: The man arrested on drug possession charges did not work for UPS as initially stated. The drugs were allegedly mailed to the Annandale store, and a worker there reported them to the police.

CD 11 Candidate Forum Scheduled — “The Reston Citizens Association is hosting an 11th Congressional District Forum featuring candidates James Walkinshaw (D) and Stewart Whitson (R) on Monday, July 28, at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods. WJLA TV will be live-streaming the forum, which will be rebroadcast in the days following.” [Patch]

Change Name Back, Trump Tells Football Team — “President Donald Trump is threatening to hold up a new stadium deal for Washington’s NFL team if it does not restore its old name of the Redskins, which was considered offensive to Native Americans.” Whether Trump actually has any authority to hold up a stadium deal is unclear, seeing as President Joe Biden signed a bill in January transferring the land from the federal government to D.C. [Associated Press]

Watch for Road Closures — “Weather permitting, Popes Head Road (Route 654) will have one lane of alternating traffic via flagging just west of Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) Monday, July 21, through Thursday, July 24, for work related to the Fairfax County Parkway and Popes Head Road interchange project.” A segment of Oakton Road will also be closed on those days for a drain pipe replacement. [VDOT]

Longstanding Pizzeria Closes — “Casa D’Mama Pizzaria, an Annandale mainstay for the past 45 years or so, appears to be permanently closed. The family-operated restaurant at 7406 Little River Turnpike specialized in New York-style pizza, subs, calzones, and Italian and Greek entrees.” [Annandale Today]

Dulles Greenway Toll Increase Denied — “The Supreme Court of Virginia has upheld the State Corporation Commission’s September 2024 decision denying a toll increase for the Dulles Greenway, the 14-mile stretch of roadway that links Leesburg to the Dulles International Airport … The court found that the rate increase was neither reasonable nor beneficial to drivers, according to a news release.” [WTOP]

Falls Church Domino’s Moving — “The only Domino’s in Falls Church will soon relocate to a shuttered bike shop, possibly making way for another pizzeria to set up shop.” The pizza chain is expected to move to the former Bike Club storefront at 438 S. Washington Street in mid-November, according to operations manager Himel Uddin. [ARLnow]

Falls Church Foodie Challenge Underway — “Get your passport ready. You’ll need it for the inaugural Greater Falls Church Foodie Trek taking place now through the end of August. The food challenge, held in a dozen local dining destinations, offers prizes and discounts if diners eat at participating restaurants.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Warehouses to Replace Fuel Tank Farm — “On a unanimous vote, the five members of the Fairfax City Board of Architectural Review approved a plan Wednesday night that will see two warehouse buildings replace 10 fuel tanks at the Pickett Road tank farm within the next two years.” Property owner Brookfield hopes to bring “Fortune 500 companies, like Target, like Walmart, and Pepsi” to the area, a legal representative said. [Patch]

It’s Monday — Expect a mostly sunny day with highs around 85°F and a northward wind at about 6 mph. In the evening, there will be clear skies, and temperatures will drop to around 66°F with a gentle northeastward breeze between 3 and 5 mph. [NWS]

Two Injured in Tysons Crash — Fairfax County Fire and Rescue responded yesterday (Thursday) afternoon to “a two vehicle accident with one vehicle into a pole in the 8100 blk of Jones Branch Drive in Tysons. Crews arrived and assessed two patients. One patient was transported with non-life-threatening injuries.” [FCFRD/X]

House Fire in Franklin Farm — Firefighters were also dispatched yesterday to “a house fire in the 3000 blk of Jeannie Anna Ct in Herndon. Crews arrived to fire showing from an attached garage. The fire is under control. One occupant was transported for non-life-threatening injuries. No firefighter injuries.” [FCFRD/X]

Summer Has Been Especially Humid — “Summers in Washington are known for their humidity, but this one ranks among the muggiest in recent decades … From June 1 through July 16, dew points in D.C. reached 70 or higher for 573 hours, second-most on record since 1945, only trailing 1994 (603 hours).” The 15 Flood Watches issued since May have also been the most that the region has seen in a three-month period since 2007. [Capital Weather Gang]

Dulles Airport Construction Hits Milestone — Construction crews were scheduled to “install the final steel beam for Concourse E on Thursday morning. Set to open in fall 2026, the new concourse will feature 14 gates, a United Airlines lounge, state-of-the-art restrooms, and direct AeroTrain access. It is expected to replace the aging C/D concourse.” [FOX5]

Ruling on Dominion Energy Plan — The State Corporation Commission ruled on Tuesday (July 15) that Dominion Energy’s 2024 Integrated Resource Plan — which outlines how the utility intends to meet energy demands and emission reduction goals — is “legally sufficient,” but still raised concerns about its continued reliance on fossil fuels and spending plans that could “significantly impact” the monthly electric bills paid by residents and businesses. [Virginia Mercury]

Research Project Looks at Occoquan Water Supply — “The Occoquan Reservoir supplies water for a million people in Northern Virginia and right now, it exceeds the Environmental Protection Agency’s maximum contaminant levels for potentially dangerous chemicals.” An Occoquan Watershed Monitoring Laboratory led by Virginia Tech professor Stanley Grant is investigating “how this group of chemicals, known as PFAS, keep showing up in the water supply.” [WTOP]

Falls Church Adds Outreach Specialist — “Falls Church has hired its first outreach specialist for the city’s Vietnamese communities. Following city leaders’ promises to improve engagement with Vietnamese-American residents and businesses, Le Nguyen, a veteran journalist with local ties, started work on July 10.” [ARLnow]

Park Authority Honors Volunteers — “On Thursday, July 10, the Fairfax County Government Center Ellipse came alive with music, gratitude, and community spirit during the Evening on the Ellipse celebration recognizing the 2025 Outstanding Volunteers and officially proclaiming July as National Park and Recreation Month in Fairfax County.” [Fairfax County Park Authority]

It’s Friday — There’s a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm today, with partly sunny skies and a high near 87. Tonight, the showers and thunderstorms might occur after 8pm, leading to mostly cloudy skies and a low around 73. A light southeast wind will accompany the 40% chance of precipitation. [NWS]