Reston

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]