Reston

Student Test Results Released — “Virginia students made slight gains on state tests last year, according to new data released Wednesday, the first using a revamped exams pushed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin … Still the pass rates on the exams have struggled to rebound to pre-pandemic levels.” [Washington Post]

State Medicaid Systems Outdated, Study Says — “With new federal rules requiring states to track enrollees’ work hours and conduct twice as many eligibility checks each year, Virginia is facing a potentially steep price tag to comply. Currently, only 11% of the state’s local social service agencies complete the majority of applications within the federally required 45-day timeline, according to the study.” [Cardinal News]

Great Falls Contractor Sentenced — “A 43-year-old Great Falls man who pleaded guilty in April to acting as an illegal agent of the Iranian government in the U.S. was sentenced Monday in federal court to 12 months in prison, according to court records … U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan also ordered Rahmati to serve three years of supervised release, court records say.” [Patch]

Spanberger Would End ICE Cooperation Order — “Democratic nominee for governor Abigail Spanberger says one of her first acts if elected would be to undo Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s February directive requiring Virginia law enforcement to help carry out federal immigration crackdowns — a policy she argues wastes local resources and undermines community trust.” [Virginia Mercury]

D.C. Tourism Drops — “It’s already been a tough year for D.C. tourism with a data firm projecting a 5.1% drop in international visitors this year. There’s concern the surge of federal law enforcement and National Guard troops could drive away more visitors … Destination D.C., the city’s tourism marketing organization, is attempting to reassure wary travelers.” [WTOP]

Va. Supreme Court Elects New Chief Justice — “A Black woman will serve as the Supreme Court of Virginia’s Chief Justice for the first time ever following a unanimous vote. The Justices of the Supreme Court of Virginia unanimously elected Justice Cleo E. Powell as the court’s Chief Justice-elect, according to an Aug. 26 press release from the Virginia State Bar.” [WRIC]

Animal Shelter Waives Adoption Fees — “The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is thrilled to host a ‘Clear The Shelters’ fee-waived pet adoption event from Friday, August 29, through Sunday, August 31. Nearly 100 pets will be looking for homes, including cats, dogs, guinea pigs, mice, rabbits and more.” [FCAS]

Students Invited to Decorate Waste Trucks — “If you’re a kid with artistic talent, or know of any, help us spread the word about the first Solid Waste Management Program (SWMP) Truck Art Design Contest. The contest challenges participants to raise awareness about the benefits of zero-waste practices.” The competition is open to all Fairfax County students with a submission deadline of Oct. 3. [DPWES]

It’s Thursday — Expect a mostly sunny day with temperatures reaching up to 81°F and a calm wind transitioning to a southwest breeze of 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. As for Thursday night, anticipate partly cloudy skies, lows around 61°F, and a gentle south wind at 3 to 5 mph. [NWS]

House Fire in Kings Park West — Firefighters responded to a fire at a single-family house in the 9600 block of Commonwealth Blvd around 1:45 a.m. yesterday (Tuesday). No injuries were reported, as four people in the house were alerted by a smoke alarm. “Preliminary investigation by the FCFRD Office of the Fire Marshal determined the fire originated on the outside of the house and was caused by an electrical event at the air conditioner unit.” [FCFRD/Facebook]

AI-Based School Coming to N. Va. — “The pitch by Alpha School is as innovative as it is sensational: For $65,000 a year, students study for just two hours a day using adaptive apps and personalized lesson plans and spend their afternoons on life skills such as learning to ride a bike or financial literacy.” The school anticipates opening for 25 students this fall at 4550 Walney Road in Chantilly. [Washington Post]

Virginia Prepares for Food Stamp Changes — “After a Republican majority in Congress passed a major reconciliation bill this summer, states are expected to potentially absorb additional costs for SNAP, and will likely impose additional verification requirements for recipients. A recent analysis from Voices for Virginia’s Children estimates nearly 447,000 families are at risk of losing at least some of their SNAP benefits.” [Virginia Mercury]

Au Pair in Double Murder Case Shares Story — “Recordings of the au pair’s interview were entered into evidence during a recent hearing, and [Brendan] Banfield’s attorney provided a copy to News4. In the video of the interview Oct. 25, 2024, the au pair explained what she says happened in the months and days leading up to the killings.” [NBC4]

Metro Unveils New Train Design — “After more than 20,000 votes from customers throughout the region, we have a winner. The public selected Option 3 as the updated livery design for Metro’s incoming rail fleet.” The design features a silver “M” intersecting with a train window with a brown background. [WMATA]

Funding Available for Affordable Housing Projects — “Fairfax County seeks affordable housing development and preservations partners to apply for more than $48 million of funding. Requests for Proposals are being accepted on a rolling basis until all funds are awarded. Interested partners can apply online.” [Fairfax County Housing and Community Development]

Traded Football Player Selling Great Falls Home — “Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen was recently traded from the Washington Commanders to the Minnesota Vikings, taking a $51,000,000 three-year deal. And with that move, the pro footballer apparently no longer needs a mansion in Great Falls.” The home was listed for sale this week with a starting price of $4.25 million. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Back-to-School Party Coming to Tysons — “The Boro in Tysons is hosting a free night of family fun with the Back to School Boro Bash, featuring a night of crafts, an outdoor movie, refreshments and a school supplies drive. The Back to School Boro Bash will kick off at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6.” [Patch]

It’s Wednesday — Expect sunny skies and a high of 77°F, accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 7 to 10 mph, with gusts reaching up to 20 mph. At night, clouds will increase, and the temperature will drop to around 59°F. The northwest wind will slow to about 6 mph. [NWS]