morning notes

Driver Charged in Fatal Clifton Crash — Fairfax County police have charged a 21-year-old man from Woodbridge with failure to maintain proper control in connection to a July 15 crash that killed a passenger in his car. Police say the man was driving west on Old Yates Ford Road in a 2003 Honda Accord when he veered over the yellow line and collided with a Volkswagen SUV. [FCPD]

Man Convicted for 2022 Fatal Shooting — “Jordan Cochran was found guilty of first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. He was 20 at the time of the shooting. Kebbren Leigh-Gaye, who was just 18 years old, died after the shooting on Jan. 8, 2022, on Richmond Highway (Route 1) at Dart Drive, in the Hybla Valley area.” [NBC4]

Judge Orders Release of Defense Department Engineer — “A Defense Department engineer accused of mishandling highly classified records should be released from jail to home confinement pending trial, a federal magistrate judge ruled Tuesday…[Gokhan] Gun during the hearing agreed to put up a nearly $500,000 home in Fairfax as bond collateral.” [Washington Post]

Vienna Figure Skater Reflects on Journey — “Now a student at George Mason University, [Ilia] Malinin still lives with his family in Vienna and trains under his parents, former Olympic skaters Roman Skorniakov and Tatiana Malinina, at SkateQuest in Reston…We recently caught up with Malinin during his off-season to talk about his accomplishments and what to expect next.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Road Closure in Centreville Postponed — A planned closure of Stringfellow Road (Route 645) between Route 29 and Centreville Farms Road has been postponed due to weather. Originally set for Saturday, Aug. 17, the paving work is “part of the Route 29 Widening Project, which is making improvements…between Union Mill Road and Buckleys Gate Drive.” [VDOT]

Georgetown Pike Bridge Closure Rescheduled — “RESCHEDULED: All lanes of Georgetown Pk Bridge over I-495 in #McLean will shift to new northern portion of bridge 8/23-8/26. Motorists are urged to stay away from the area, as lanes will be reduced, and Beltway ramps closed all weekend for work.” [VDOT/Twitter]

New School Board Student Rep Shares Priorities — “Earlier this year, Megan Sawant — a rising senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology — was elected by the countywide Superintendent’s Advisory Council (SAC) to serve a one-year term as student representative to the Fairfax County School Board.” Her goals include ensuring “two-way communication” between students and the board. [Gazette Leader]

Vienna Community Center to Close for Cleaning — “All events and activities at the Vienna Community Center will be paused starting one week from today, next Monday, Aug. 19 through Sept. 2, for an annual deep clean and facility maintenance. The lobby, including the front desk and restrooms, will remain open on a modified schedule.” [Town of Vienna/Facebook]

It’s Thursday — Expect sunny conditions and a high near 88, accompanied by a mild north wind at about 5 mph. The evening will transition to partly cloudy skies with a low temperature around 68 and a gentle south breeze. [NWS]

Affordable Housing Dropped from Penn Daw Project — Architect BKV Group is revising the design for Fairfax County’s project to replace Penn Daw’s fire station and homeless shelter  after a fiscal analysis found “it would be more fiscally feasible and beneficial for the community to eliminate the affordable housing component…while increasing the number of permanent supportive housing units from 20 to 30.” [On the MoVe]

Man Arrested in Fairfax City Stabbing — Police officers arrested a 22-year-old man on Sunday (Aug. 11) and charged him with aggravated malicious wounding after he allegedly stabbed an acquaintance in the stomach during an argument in 7-Eleven (10810 Fairchester Drive) on Aug. 7. [City of Fairfax Police]

Armed Robbery by Teens in Reston — “Fairfax County Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred Monday night in Reston. Five teens approached the victim in the 12200 block of Laurel Glade Court, displayed a gun and took the victim’s phone before fleeing the scene on foot, according to an 8:38 p.m. social media post.” [Patch]

Cybersecurity Firm Leases Reston Station Office — Reston Station developer Comstock announced on Monday (Aug. 12) that it has signed a 7,700-square-foot office lease with GuidePoint Security at 1900 Reston Metro Plaza. “This lease marks a milestone accomplishment for Reston Metro Plaza, as all three of its trophy-class office towers are now 100% leased.” [Business Wire]

New Businesses and Events Coming to Eden Center — “Forty years since its founding, the Eden Center remains a community pillar of Falls Church and thriving destination for visitors from throughout the D.C. area and beyond…In addition to the center’s historical gems, you’ll find a handful of newer destinations that remain committed to authenticity.” [ARLnow]

Firefighters Distribute School Supplies — “Today #FCFRD hosted its annual Backpack & School Supply Distribution at FS11, Penn Daw. Firefighters, retirees, and volunteers distributed 1,300 backpacks filled w/ school supplies to schools & nonprofits throughout the county. Thank you to everyone who made the event a success!” [FCFRD/Twitter]

Shrevewood ES Welcomes New Principal — “Shrevewood Elementary School students will return this fall to find a repaired air-conditioning system, enhanced positivity and environmental initiatives, and a different, but familiar, face in the principal’s office. Former assistant principal Katie Vandawalker took the helm Aug. 1 and succeeded Joshua DeSmyter, who became principal at Floris Elementary School.” [Gazette Leader]

Get Sneak Peek of Annandale Mural — “The community is invited to meet muralist Giuseppe Percivati (also known as Pepe Gaka) at the Art Appreciation Festival on Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space.” Work on the mural will start before the end of this month, depending on the weather, and finish “in time for the Taste of Annandale on Sept. 21.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Wednesday — Expect sunny conditions with a high near 86 and a north wind of 5 to 8 mph. Wednesday night will be mostly clear, with a low around 66 and a light northwest wind. [NWS]

CIA Sexual Harassment Case Going to Trial — A jury trial is expected this fall after a former CIA employee appealed a Fairfax County judge’s ruling that found him guilty of misdemeanor assault and battery against a coworker who said “tried to strangle her with a scarf and kiss her in a stairwell” at the spy agency’s McLean headquarters. [Washington Post]

Helicopter Exercise Planned at Reston Park — “Lake Fairfax Park: The Cricket Field will be closed 9-11 am on 8/13 for a public safety training exercise with a helicopter landing and take-off (weather permitting). Other park areas remain open. Call or (703-471-5415) or check the website before visiting.” [Fairfax County Park Authority/Twitter]

Gun Brandished at Fairfax City McDonald’s — “A 33-year-old Fairfax man was arrested on weapons charges after he pointed a handgun and threatened someone that he had been arguing with late Thursday night at a local fast food restaurant, according to City of Fairfax Police.” [Patch]

Recent Rain Eases Drought Conditions — “Debby brought much-needed rain to the D.C. area, but not enough to pull it out of the ongoing drought.” National Weather Service hydrologist says “he expects general improvement of drought conditions across the region, but not as much as people might think.” [WTOP]

Reston Family Returns From Canceled Taylor Swift Concerts — “A Northern Virginia family touched down at Dulles International Airport Saturday night after a European vacation with a stop in Vienna, Austria where they were supposed to see a Taylor Swift concert…All three of Swift’s sold-out Vienna concerts were canceled after threats of a terrorist attack outside the stadium.” [WUSA9]

Annandale Supermarket Welcomes New Shops — “Yes! Buckwheat is the newest vendor at the food court in the K Market grocery store on John Marr Drive in Annandale. The small shop offers noodle and dumpling dishes all made in-house from buckwheat.” The store has also added Chinese and Korean eateries, Annandale Florist, a K-pop pop-up, and beauty and lifestyle shops. [Annandale Today]

GW Parkway Superintendent to Step Down — “Charles Cuvelier, superintendent of the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) since January 2019, will be leaving that role later this month to assume a different position with the National Park Service…Cuvelier, who has been with the Park Service for over 30 years, thanked the GWMP’s many partners for their support.” [On the MoVe]

Fairfax City to Replace More Streetlights — “Installation of new LED streetlights in Historic Old Town Fairfax is slated to start Aug. 19 and may take 12 weeks to complete…Phase two of the Old Town Fairfax lighting project started July 14 when Fairfax City removed the gas lamps decommissioned last fall.” [City of Fairfax]

It’s Tuesday — Expect a mostly sunny day with highs around 83 degrees and a gentle northwest wind at 6 mph. Tuesday night will be mostly clear, with lows near 65 degrees and a light northwest breeze. [NWS]

Local Companies Make Fortune 500 List — Led by Tysons-based Freddie Mac at no. 88, four Fairfax County companies made Fortune magazine’s 35th annual Global 500 list, which ranks businesses by “total revenues for fiscal years ending on or before March 31.” The others were Capital One (no. 304), Reston’s General Dynamics (no. 362) and Northrop Grumman (no. 382) in West Falls Church. [Virginia Business]

Drugs and Guns Seized in Seven Corners — “Fairfax County police detectives seized over 9,400 suspected fentanyl pills and two stolen firearms after arresting a man in Seven Corners early this month. On Aug. 2, detectives with the gang unit were on patrol in the area of Glen Carlyn Drive and Arglye Drive when they spotted a wanted man and quickly took him into custody, police said.” [Inside NoVA]

Tornado Confirmed in Loudoun County — “A storm-spawned tornado climbed the slope of the Blue Ridge in Loudoun County on Thursday night, chewing up several hundred trees, according to the National Weather Service.” No injuries were reported as a result of the tornado, one of three seen as remnants of Tropical Storm Debby passed through the D.C. area. [Washington Post]

Anti-Casino Advocacy Continues — “Local residents used the July 30 meeting of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to advocate against a proposed casino in the Tysons area…Casino opponents appeared at the podium wearing ‘No Tysons Casino’ red T-shirts with white lettering, which have become commonplace at local meetings this year.” [Gazette Leader]

Update on Co-Responder Program for 911 Calls — “Fairfax County’s co-responder program, which expanded last year, has helped respond to over 2,000 calls since its inception, according to the county’s 2023 Diversion First annual report. The program, which launched in 2021 and pairs a Fairfax County police officer with a crisis intervention specialist, expanded last year.” [WTOP]

Reston Media Company Reports Sales Decline — “CEO Jon Carpenter’s efforts to right the ship at Comscore Inc. are not going as quickly as planned. The Reston media analytics company’s stock price plunged Wednesday after second-quarter sales came in worse than expected and its leaders said full-year revenue would fall short of last year’s figure.” [Washington Business Journal]

Lincolnia School Seeks New Principal — “Fairfax County Public Schools is beginning the hiring process for a new principal to succeed Victor Powell at Glasgow Middle School. Powell, who has led Glasgow for the past three years, has accepted a new position as supervisor of Title I programs at Prince William County Public Schools. His last day at Glasgow was Aug. 2.” [Annandale Today]

Golf Photo Contest Underway — “The I Love Golf Fairfax Photo Contest is happening now through Aug. 20 across all Golf Fairfax courses! The Fairfax County Park Authority is giving away tickets to the 2024 Solheim Cup and invites all golf enthusiasts to take their best ‘shot’ at any Golf Fairfax course for a chance to win.” [FCPA]

It’s Monday — Expect mostly sunny skies and a high of around 84 degrees. As night falls, skies will turn partly cloudy and the temperature will dip to a low of 66 degrees, with a northwest wind at 3 to 5 mph. [NWS]

Felony Voting Rights Case Tossed — “A federal court has thrown out a lawsuit challenging Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s process for restoring voting rights for people convicted of a felony, ruling that the suit was filed under an incorrect section of law but also seeming to criticize the governor’s use of power by comparing it to that of a monarch.” [Washington Post]

Falls Church Council Member Resigns — Falls Church City Council member Caroline Lian has resigned after the city found that she hadn’t reported her job as deputy director for D.C.’s buildings department in a recent employment disclosure form. Lian left that post earlier this week after D.C. fined her $25,000 for failing to report her work with Falls Church or Tysons-based Freddie Mac. [ARLnow]

Restauranteur Seeks Help Catching DoorDash Thieves — “Fairfax City Police say thieves are exploiting a loophole in Doordash’s system, where the thieves put in an order, wait until the food is ready, and then cancel the order, but still pick up the food. [Okonomi Asian Grill owner Alex] Kang says thieves have been hitting his restaurant since April.” [WUSA9]

Fatal Food Poisoning Reported in Virginia — “Three people have now died in a listeria food poisoning outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats, federal food safety officials announced Thursday, and the overall number of people sickened rose to 43.” The latest death happened in Virginia, following earlier deaths in New Jersey and Illinois. [Associated Press/WTOP]

How Drought Conditions Are Affecting Local Farms — Despite recent rain from tropical depression Debby, Fairfax County has spent much of the summer under the threat of a drought. Farms and gardens around the Mount Vernon District shared “how the excessively hot and dry conditions have been impacting them and what they’ve been doing to keep plants growing.” [On the MoVe]

Opening Date for Tysons Burger Spot — “We’re so excited to finally announce Char’d is opening its doors at Tyson’s Galleria on 08/18/2024, at 12 PM! Join us for our GRAND OPENING and come hungry! See you there!” [Char’d/Instagram]

Vienna Baseball Facility to Expand — The baseball training facility “Pitchers Edge LLC, located at 516 Mill St., N.E., on July 17 received unanimous approval from the Vienna Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) for a conditional-use permit to expand into the space next door.” [Gazette Leader]

Repairs Coming for Burke Lake Marina — “The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin repairs to the marina parking lot at Burke Lake Park. TMG and Southern Asphalt contractors will mobilize on site, with active construction activities scheduled to begin the third week of August.” [FCPA]

It’s Friday — Expect showers, potential thunderstorms, and a high of 82°F today. There’s a 90% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts ranging from three quarters to one inch. Temperatures will drop to around 70°F at night, and the chance of precipitation decreases to 60%. [NWS]

Tropical Storm Debby Coming to Area — “Tropical moisture from Debby will track northward with excessive rainfall potential from the Carolina’s and eventually into the Northeast corridor…The heaviest period of rain is predicted for Thursday,” while the strongest winds are anticipated tomorrow (Friday). [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

Report Highlights Metro Worker Conditions — “The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission, citing that incident and others, is exploring whether it has the power to force Metro to change its rules related to employee fatigue, a subject of contention between workers and the agency for years.” The watchdog’s latest report found an increase in trains running red lights intended to prevent collisions. [Washington Post]

McLean Candy Company Eyes Merger — “Mars Inc., Greater Washington’s largest private company, is [in] advanced talks to purchase the maker of Pringles, Cheez-It crackers and Eggo waffles, according to multiple reports.” The potential acquisition of Chicago-based Kellanova would reportedly be worth as much as $30 billion, though it could “face regulatory scrutiny” like the pending Capital One and Discover merger. [Washington Business Journal]

Animal Shelter Seeks Owners of Found Pets — The Fairfax County Animal Shelter (FCAS) is trying to find the owners of nine different pets found around the county between July 30 and Aug. 3. The animals include dogs, cats, a rabbit and a parakeet. “Found pets may be located at our Lorton Campus or Michael R. Frey Campus in Fairfax; please call or email us to confirm the pet’s current location.” [FCAS/Facebook]

Public Transportation Survey Still Open — “How can we improve transportation in the Metropolitan Washington area? We want to hear your feedback! Complete the DMVMoves Survey by Sunday, Aug. 11.” The DMV Moves task force, which launched in June, is collecting public input to inform a long-term plan for funding Metro and other public transportation systems in the D.C. region. [Fairfax County/Twitter]

Kayakers to Race on Potomac River — “Crowds will gather in Great Falls Park this month to watch as advanced whitewater kayakers take to the water, racing one by one down the 60-foot vertical drop of rushing water.” The 36th annual Great Falls Race will return this Saturday (Aug. 10) with the race starting at race at 10 a.m. and a festival at 2 p.m. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Indigo Girls Coming to Wolf Trap — “Margot Robbie cruised to their music last summer in the box-office blockbuster ‘Barbie.’ Now, the folk-rock duo Indigo Girls plays Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia, on Aug. 24 and Aug. 25, sharing a bill with Melissa Etheridge by swapping who will open and close each night.” [WTOP]

Local Author to Give Memoir Tips — Former George Mason University biology professor Dr. Caroline Crocker will talk about memoir-writing at Lorton Library on Saturday. Crocker, who has written multiple historical non-fiction and children’s books, will have books for sale and sign books after her presentation. [Fairfax County Public Library]

It’s Thursday — Expect showers and potential thunderstorms, with a high near 80. There’s an 80% chance of rain, potentially up to half to three-quarters of an inch. Anticipate similar conditions at night with a low around 75. [NWS]

Virginia Declares State of Emergency — “Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency Tuesday afternoon ahead of Tropical Storm Debby, which is expected to bring multiple days of heavy rainfall and storms to Virginia starting on Wednesday evening.” [Patch]

Reston Pool to Reopen After Vandalism — Lake Newport Pool has closed since Monday (Aug. 5) “due to vandalism. There is broken glass on the pool deck and in the water.” Reston Association announced around 5 p.m. yesterday (Tuesday) that the facility has been cleaned and repaired, so the pool will reopen at noon today. [RA/Facebook]

N. Va. Gets Noticed for Wine — “Northern Virginia was named America’s next great wine region by The Wall Street Journal’s wine columnist Lettie Teague.” Dave McIntyre, the Washington Post’s wine columnist, attributes the region’s growing reputation to more experienced winemakers, state support and marketing. [WTOP]

Fort Hunt Restaurant Changes Ownership — The “popular” Italian restaurant Via Veneto closed on Aug. 1 “so its new owners can make minor changes and reopen later this week under the same name.” The eatery is slated to reopen tomorrow (Aug. 8) at 4 p.m. under Sarai and Jose Navarette, who own the carryout restaurant Roseina’s that’s directly next door. [On the MoVe]

Glasses Recycling Site Moves to Annandale — “When the Lions Clubs’ Eyeglass Recycling Center of Northern Virginia lost its home, Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez stepped up to offer space in the Mason Government Center. Local Lions Clubs collect eyeglasses from people who no longer need them, fix them up, and ship them overseas.” [Annandale Today]

WaPo Rave for New McLean Restaurant — “David Guas, the veteran chef behind Bayou Bakery in Arlington, has rolled out a second place to eat, Neutral Ground Bar and Kitchen in McLean.” Opened in June, the American eatery that replaced Assaggi Osteria & Pizzeria has been dubbed “the most captivating new restaurant in Northern Virginia” by critic Tom Sietsema. [Washington Post]

Falls Church Draws More Grocery Stores — “Already home to a Giant, a Harris Teeter and an Aldi, the city is expected to add a new Whole Foods and Grocery Outlet within the next year or so, according to Economic Development Division Chief Becky Witsman. A Fresh Market is also slated to arrive within the next few years.” [ARLnow]

It’s Wednesday — Showers and thunderstorms are expected, becoming more likely after 2pm, with a cloudy high of 86°F. There’s a 70% chance of precipitation. The night will remain cloudy, with a low around 72°F. [NWS]

FCPS Details Cell Phone Storage Pilot — “Starting on the week of Sep. 2, students at certain middle schools will receive a Yondr pouch, which is magnetic and can only be unlocked at an unlocking station at the end of the day.” The schools participating in the pilot will be Frost, Irving, Luther Jackson, Poe, Robinson Thoreau and Twain. [WTOP]

Route 1 Communities Struggle to Stay Cool — The Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination recently worked with several community groups to provide air-conditioning units to Harmony Place Trailer Park residents in Hybla Valley. However, the local nonprofit United Community has had to repeatedly close its food pantry “due a malfunctioning AC system.” [On the MoVe]

Korean BBQ Restaurant Coming to Fairfax City — “Chosun Hwaro Korean BBQ Restaurant is hoping to open its new location in the empty retail space in the Boulevard VI development within a month, a company spokesman told Patch on Monday.” Founding partners Sun Kim and Sung Kim started the business with a restaurant in Ellicott City, Maryland. [Patch]

Reston Community Center Offers Online Survey — Reston Community Center’s five-year strategic plan survey, which collects feedback on its facilities, programs and priorities, is now available online through Sept. 2. This year’s survey is particularly interested in what residents want to see from RCC’s Lake Anne facility. [RCC]

FCPD to Visit National Night Out Events — “This year, National Night Out is on Tuesday, August 6th. This is a chance for neighbors and law enforcement to come together and build lasting relationships through various community events like block parties, festivals, parades, and cookouts.” [FCPD]

Langley Student Medals in Geography Competition — “Ryan Minton, a rising sophomore at Langley High School, secured a top-12 finish at the 2024 International Geography Championships, held in Vienna, Austria. Students from 21 U.S. states, 16 countries and Hong Kong competed, showcasing geographical knowledge and analytical skills.” [Gazette Leader]

Volunteers Assemble School Bags for Students — “More than 75 volunteers put together 2,000 backpacks full of school supplies in less than two hours in a highly coordinated assembly line arrangement. The annual event, known as the Great Assembly, took place Aug. 3 at the Moose Lodge in Bailey’s Crossroads.” [Annandale Today]

Farmers’ Market Week Underway — “Join the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Farmers Markets as we proudly participate in National Farmers Market Week from Aug. 4 to 10. Farmers Market Week will be celebrated at all 10 Market locations and will include a recipe swap and free reusable bags – perfect for your fresh finds!” [Fairfax County Park Authority]

It’s Tuesday — Expect showers and thunderstorms after 2pm, sunny skies, and a high near 95, with heat index values reaching 100. At night, the chance of precipitation increases from 50% to 60%. It’ll be mostly cloudy with a low around 74. [NWS]

County Board Urged to Back Ceasefire in Gaza — “Several speakers at the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ July 30 meeting criticized board members for not weighing in on current fighting between Israel and Hamas forces in and around Gaza.” Activists called for the board to support a ceasefire and “full divestment from Israel by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority,” which says it ended a contract that gave it a presence in Tel Aviv on June 30. [Gazette Leader]

Board Chairman on Data Centers — “Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay joined the show to explain what the county is trying to do and how data centers can help with much-needed tax revenue…Plus, will county residents be able to stomach a meal tax? McKay certainly hopes so, noting it’s potentially a good way for the county to diversify its revenue source.” [WAMU]

Tysons Mall Collects Back-to-School Donations — “Tysons Corner Center has partnered with nonprofits and the Fairfax County Police Department to spotlight community needs and entrepreneurship among children. You can drop off needed school supplies and buy products made by children at three mall events.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

W&OD Trail Users Praise Wiehle Bridge — “Now that there’s a new pedestrian bridge over Wiehle Avenue near Sunset Hills Road, many of those concerns have been addressed. The bridge opened July 24, and many people who have already used it said it’s making them feel safer.” [WTOP]

Behavioral Health Services Added in Hybla Valley — “The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) celebrated opening its newest location for providing community-based services to youth and their families. CSB behavioral health specialists will now be located at the Hybla Valley Community Center…to help the community along the Richmond Highway corridor access high-quality and affordable care and supports.” [Fairfax-Falls Church CSB/Facebook]

Encampment Emerges in Annandale — “Toll House Park, a tiny landmark at the intersection of Little River Turnpike and Annandale Road, was created as a focal point for the revitalization of Annandale. Now, however, it’s become a gathering place for unsheltered individuals struggling to survive during a weeks-long heat wave.” [Annandale Today]

Tysons VC Firm Plans Investments — “Blue Delta Capital Partners, a Tysons-based venture capital firm, is preparing to make more equity investments in local growth-stage tech firms serving the federal government following the close of a $250 million fund…The firm plans to back established firms that need additional capital for growth.” [Washington Business Journal]

Fort Hunt Playground Gets New Swings — “Extreme heat Aug. 2 couldn’t stop Fairfax County officials and residents of several Fort Hunt area neighborhoods from commemorating the completion of a new swing set at Gilbert S. McCutcheon Park playground.” [On the MoVe]

It’s Monday — Expect sunshine and a high near 95 degrees, accompanied by a southwest wind at 3 to 8 mph. Later in the night, partly cloudy skies will prevail with a low around 77, and a southwest wind around 7 mph. [NWS]

Dozens Hospitalized by Sterling Ammonia Leak — “Thirty-three workers were taken to hospitals Wednesday night after ammonia leaked at a culinary facility near Dulles International Airport in Virginia, according to Loudoun County Fire and Rescue. A department spokeswoman said five of the victims were transported in very serious condition.” [Washington Post]

Sign Removals Drive Artist Out of Virginia — “The man responsible for posting over 1,500 ’empathy’ signs around the area is steering clear of Arlington and some other Northern Virginia locales these days. That’s because an unknown person or entity has been taking down the handmade markers meant to encourage greater human connection and understanding.” [ARLnow]

Tysons Software Company Lays Off Workers — “In a call with analysts Thursday, Appian revealed it reduced its workforce by 150 employees and consolidated some facilities at its leased headquarters building at the Valo Park campus.” Putting the company on a path to breaking even for 2024, the layoffs followed “years of rapid growth” that brought the firm up to 2,243 full-time workers, as of Dec. 31. [Washington Business Journal]

Woodlawn Korean Restaurant Relocates — “Kimchi House, a popular Korean barbecue restaurant long located on Richmond Highway in Woodlawn, moved to a new 1,200-square-foot space at Cooper Center in early July. The restaurant had to vacate its original building” after it was acquired for the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Richmond Highway widening project. [On the MoVe]

Speed Bumps Approved for McLean Road — “Two speed bumps will be coming soon to Ingleside Avenue between Churchill Road and Douglas Drive in McLean. Fairfax County supervisors on July 30 approved the traffic-calming measures, which will cost $38,000 and have support from the surrounding community, officials said.” [Gazette Leader]

Occupant Wanted for Former Annandale Bank — “The former Wells Fargo Bank building at 4260 John Marr Drive in Annandale is being marketed as a good location for a coffee shop, bakery, restaurant, or medical facility. It cannot be used for another bank branch, according to the broker.” [Annandale Today]

Great Falls Observatory to Open for Stargazing — “This program, hosted by volunteers of the Analemma Society, is a fun tour of the planets, stars, constellations, nebulas, and galaxies in the summer night sky that can be seen with the eye and through telescopes.” Registration is required for the event, which will take place at Turner Farm Park’s Roll-Top Observatory from 8-10 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 5. [Fairfax County Public Library]

It’s Friday — Expect showers and thunderstorms mainly after 5pm, with mostly sunny and hot conditions, a high near 97, and heat index values up to 106. Night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 75. There’s a 60% chance of precipitation. [NWS]