morning notes

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]

County Activates Heat Plan — “Fairfax County has activated its Heat Plan for Thursday, Aug. 1. When Fairfax County’s heat plan is activated, cooling centers around the county will be available during normal operating hours for individuals needing relief from the heat.” With the heat index potentially reaching 107 degrees, a Heat Advisory is scheduled to take effect from noon to 8 p.m. [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

Lorton Apartment Raid Leads to Guilty Plea — “A Dale City man pled guilty today to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, on Jan. 18, 2024, the U.S. Marshals Service’s Capital Area Regional Task Force located [the 40-year-old man], for whom they had an arrest warrant, in an apartment in Lorton.” [U.S. Attorney’s Office]

Annandale Shed Fire Extinguished — “#FairfaxsBravest are on the scene of a shed fire in the 7800 blk of Ridgewood Drive in the Annandale area. Firefighters arrived to find an exterior shed fully involved. The fire is under control. No extension to the house. No reported civilian or firefighter injuries.” [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue/Twitter]

Local Urgent Care Centers Extend Hours — “Inova-GoHealth Urgent Care, a partnership between Inova Health System and GoHealth Urgent Care, announced it is offering later hours at four Northern Virginia locations from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.” That includes centers in Vienna, Reston’s North Point Village Center and West Springfield. [Patch]

Fairfax Students Create Tool to ID Scams — “Advik Atyam never expected to be scammed, but he too became a victim while reselling computer parts during the pandemic…That experience prompted Atyam, now a senior at Fairfax High School in Virginia, to launch ScamCops, a website detailing the latest scam trends.” [WTOP]

Cultural Fair Coming to Oakton Library — “Join us for a taste of other countries with trivia, treats, and performances featuring dancers from Rhythmaya Dance, Foley Academy of Irish Dance, Fairfax Chinese Dance Troupe, and Scottish Country Dancers!” The festival will take place Saturday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to noon. [Fairfax County Public Library]

Virginia Amusement Park to Build Big Roller Coaster — “A new attraction is coming soon to Kings Dominion in Doswell, and it’s one that thrill-seekers won’t want to miss. Rapterra, the world’s tallest and longest launched wing coaster, will open in 2025 as part of the Doswell amusement park’s 50th anniversary celebrations.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

It’s Thursday — Expect a mostly sunny and hot day reaching a high of 97°F and heat index values up to 104°F. Night could bring showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm, with cloudy conditions, a low around 77°F and a 30% chance of precipitation. [NWS]

Former McLean Bible Pastor Funds Gun Law Challenges — A nonprofit started at McLean Bible Church by then-pastor Dale Sutherland “has evolved from spreading the good news to facilitating a far-reaching, multimillion-dollar legal campaign to dismantle America’s gun laws.” Now called the Constitutional Defense Fund, the organization has given funding to gun advocacy groups and a law firm that has filed at least 21 lawsuits challenging gun restrictions since 2020. [Mother Jones]

Man Sentenced in Fairfax City Killing — “A Fairfax County, Va., Circuit Court judge on July 26 handed down a sentence of 28 years in prison for a 31-year-old man convicted by a jury of second-degree murder for the June 10, 2023, stabbing death of a Fairfax City man after the man propositioned him for sex.” Aaron Robertson got the maximum sentence of 40 years, but the judge suspended 12 of them. [Washington Blade]

McLean Olympian Seeks to Make Rowing Finals — “Team USA’s women’s rowing eight, which includes McLean resident Claire Collins, finished second in its heat in the Nautical Stadium-Flatwater event on Monday. Although the American women didn’t win their heat, they still have an opportunity on Thursday to qualify for the finals.” [Patch]

Driver Crashes After Failing to Stop for Ambulance — “Watch: One person stopped for @ffxfirerescue Medic 432 yesterday morning as they responded through the intersection of Braddock Road and Ox Road. The driver behind them did not. Video via @SafetyVid.” [Dave Statter/Twitter]

Centreville Woman Competes for Miss USA — “Himanvi Panidepu is well-versed in the world of pageantry. In June, the Centreville native was crowned Miss Virginia USA. She also won Miss Virginia Teen USA in 2018 and is now the first Indian American to hold both titles. This week, she will travel to Hollywood to compete in the 73rd Miss USA pageant.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Former Defense Contractor CEO Sells McLean Mansion — Former Northrop Grumman CEO and chairman Wes Bush and his wife “sold their McLean mansion in late June, marking the region’s most expensive sale of the month. The buyer of 903 Turkey Run Road…paid $9.95 million June 28 for the 12,700-square-foot home, which offers six bedrooms, seven-and-a-half baths, six fireplaces and a four-car garage.” [Washington Business Journal]

Justice HS Gets New Stadium Bathroom — “Spectators at Justice High School football games will no longer have to take care of business in a porta potty. A new outdoor restroom has been installed next to the stadium. That is the first modular stadium restroom completed as part of a Fairfax County Public Schools project to add outdoor restrooms at 15 high schools.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Wednesday — Expect predominantly sunny skies and a high temperature around 95 degrees. Tonight, there’s a small possibility of sporadic showers and thunderstorms before 2 am, followed by partial cloudiness with the temperature dropping to about 76 degrees. [NWS]

Woman Killed in Fair Lakes Stabbing — A man is in custody after allegedly stabbing a woman at their home in the 3900 block of Highland Oaks Drive yesterday (Monday). The woman was taken to a hospital, where she died. Fairfax County police say “there is no apparent threat to the community” in what’s being described as a domestic incident. [FCPD/Twitter]

Driver Hospitalized in Reston Crash — “Baron Cameron Avenue at Fairfax County Parkway reopened to traffic Monday after being closed for several hours following a single-vehicle crash with injuries…The driver of the vehicle involved in the crash was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries.” [Patch]

Kook Dogg Cafe Opens in Reston — After a soft opening for family and friends earlier this month, Kook Dogg Cafe officially opened to the public in RTC West yesterday (Monday). Its first customers were the team from Little Beast Cafe and Bistro, which previously occupied the space. “We are stoked to welcome them (and you!) to KDC! We can’t wait to see y’all soon!” [Kook Dogg Cafe/Instagram]

Homeless Individuals on Sidewalk Raise Concerns — “A small group of unsheltered individuals who have nowhere else to go have created a community on the sidewalk on Patrick Henry Drive in Seven Corners. About half a dozen people hang out on a discarded sofa and chairs under a tarp, and that has drawn complaints from residents who say they are blocking the sidewalk and making the area unsafe.” [Annandale Today]

Sales Tax Holiday Coming — “NoVA shops and malls may be a little more crowded this coming weekend as people take advantage of Virginia’s sales tax holiday to buy back-to-school supplies and clothing. The annual sales tax holiday starts at 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 2, and runs until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, August 4.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Tysons Consultant Continues Growing — “Booz Allen Hamilton, one of the largest employers in the D.C. region, continues to grow its ranks of consulting professionals, with the addition of 800 new employees in the second quarter. In the past year, Booz Allen has grown its head count by 2,500, or about 8%.” The company employs 15,000 people in the D.C. region. [WTOP]

Annandale Park Getting New Pavilion — “The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin work on the installation of a new pavilion shelter at Eakin Community Park. Contractors will mobilize on site with active construction activities scheduled to begin in late July 2024. Weather depending, active construction is anticipated to be completed by the end of fall 2024.” [FCPA]

It’s Tuesday — Expect showers and thunderstorms starting from 2pm, with mostly cloudy skies and a high temperature near 88°F. The chance of precipitation is 50%. On Tuesday night, showers and thunderstorms are mostly likely before 2am, as temperatures drop to a low around 74°F. [NWS]

Gaza Protestors Removed Near McLean — “A months-long protest encampment in front of Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s house has been removed. The round-the-clock, pro-Palestinian protest started in January of this year along the 400 block of N. Chain Bridge Road in Arlington…Chain Bridge Road…was closed while VDOT carried out the removal operation.” [ARLnow]

Judge Allows Lawsuit Against FCPS Pronoun Policy — “On Thursday, a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge rejected the Fairfax County School Board’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit and allowed the student to proceed with her arguments against FCPS’ pronoun policy.” A claim over the policy allowing students to use bathrooms based on their gender identity was dismissed, though the plaintiff was given 21 days to amend her complaint. [WJLA]

Man Hampered by Loss of Fairfax Connector Bus Stop — “A man with visual impairment in Fairfax is raising concerns about a change to his bus route that eliminated stops near his home. Jeff Vieceli moved to a neighborhood along Stringfellow Road near Fairfax County Parkway 12 years ago. One of the reasons was the proximity to the bus stops across from the house.” [WUSA9]

Trees Hit by Lightning to Be Removed — “Three willow oak trees will be removed. The trees at 4209 University Dr. and 10507 Forest Ave. were struck by lightning and will be removed July 26 and Aug. 2, respectively. The tree at 4373 University Dr. is failing and presents a severe safety hazard. Removal is scheduled for Aug. 2.” [City of Fairfax]

Metallica Visits Springfield Record Company — “Heavy metal band Metallica swung by a record pressing plant a few blocks west of Alexandria earlier this week. The band visited Furnace Record Pressing, a record pressing company that’s been in business, which Metallica gained a majority interest in last year.” [ALXnow]

Inova Springfield Hospital Nears Construction — “The Falls Church-based Inova Health System intends to begin construction in August on a pair of new acute-care hospitals…Those facilities, one at the former Landmark Mall site in Alexandria and another in the Franconia-Springfield area, will together replace the nonprofit’s aging Alexandria hospital at 4320 Seminary Road.” [Washington Business Journal]

Richmond Highway Jeweler Goes Mobile — “Mount Vernon Jewelers, a fixture around the Richmond Highway Corridor for over four decades, is vacating its storefront location Aug. 1 to engage in mobile jewelry sales and service…Park plans to continue serving his existing customer base in the local community with his new business status as a traveling salesman and mobile repairman.” [On the MoVe]

Kid Donates Icee Stand Proceeds to Fire Department — “An 8-year-old boy set up an Icee stand in Alexandria, Virginia to raise money for the Fairfax County Fire Department on Saturday…His stand was a unique way to say thank you to the department for helping him with his broken arm last year.” [NBC4]

It’s Monday — Expect sunny conditions with a high of 92 degrees, followed by a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Monday night will have mostly cloudy skies and a low around 73 degrees. [NWS]

Local Couple Behind Drug Ring Going to Prison — “A Fairfax County woman and her husband have been sentenced to more than a decade in federal prison after being convicted of running a massive drug operation. Court documents say they distributed tens of thousands of dangerous fentanyl pills per month in Virginia.” [NBC4]

Gum Springs Cemetery Restoration Planned — “A decaying cemetery in Gum Springs that dates back to the 18th century will be restored and maintained as part of a preservation project between Fairfax County and various stakeholder organizations.” Residents interred at Peake Family Cemetery include friends of George Washington and descendants of Gum Springs founder West Ford. [On the MoVe]

Clifton Road Lane Closures Scheduled — “Weather permitting, lane closures will occur on northbound and southbound Clifton Road/Stringfellow Road (Route 645) between Regal Crest Drive and Autumn Willow Drive Sunday night, July 28; Monday night, July 29 and Tuesday night, July 30 for milling and paving at the Route 29 intersection.” The work is part of the Route 29 widening project. [VDOT]

Georgetown Getting More Visitors Than Tysons, BID Claims — The Georgetown Business Improvement District says the D.C. neighborhood got 12.3 million visitors last year and have been up 5% so far in 2024, “outpacing Tysons Corner.” The organization is studying new designs for its streateries, which have drawn both crowds and complaints. [Axios D.C.]

Tennis Courts Slated for Repair — “The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin repairing tennis courts #1 and #2 at Woodley Hills Park and #1 and #2 at Country Club View Park…Contractors are scheduled to mobilize onsite in early August weather permitting, and active construction is anticipated to be completed by mid-September 2024.” [FCPA]

Incoming FCPD Officers Graduate From Academy — “Session 86 is comprised of 32 newly sworn Fairfax County Police Officers. This latest graduating class is a unique and diverse session where eight different languages are spoken by 15 different officers…After graduation, officers will be assigned to one of the Fairfax County Police Department’s eight district stations and enter a 12-week field training period. [FCPD]

Animal Shelter Hosts Seminar on Chicken Care — “Kelly Rutkowski, managing director of Adopt a Bird Network, is hosting a free seminar on chicken behavior Sunday in Lorton, Virginia, in conjunction with the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. Topics that will be covered include chicken health, pecking order drama, feeding tips and more.” [WTOP]

It’s Friday — Expect mostly sunny skies today with the temperature reaching a high close to 85 degrees. Overnight, the sky will remain mostly clear, and the temperature drops to around 67 degrees. [NWS]