Countywide

TJ No Longer Ranked the Best U.S. High School — After three years in the top spot, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology has dropped to fifth in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best High School Rankings.” The data used for the 2023 list comes from 2018-2021, before the magnet school’s admissions policy changes took effect. [WTOP]

Potomac River Running Low on Water — “The Potomac River supplies drinking water to some 5 million people in the D.C. region, and right now, the river is running low. Water managers announced they may have to use water from backup reservoirs upstream — it would be the first time in more than a decade.” [DCist]


Around Town

A new ice cream parlor that caters to niche clientele is opening soon in Herndon.

Crème de la Crop, a vegan ice cream parlor, is set to open officially on Saturday (Sept. 9). It’s part of a shared commercial kitchen alongside Chiboo Bakery and Wined and Dined Catering at 273 Sunset Park Drive.


News

The ducks, turkeys and peafowl at Frying Pan Farm Park now have a reason to celebrate.

A new bird enclosure was recently completed to house the park’s creatures, funded by contributions from the nonprofit Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park. Local officials gathered last Thursday (Aug. 24) to celebrate the grand opening of the project.


Countywide

Some broken lights have unexpected challenges for Fairfax County’s speed camera pilot program, which appears to be having an effect on drivers, based on early data.

For about a week in mid-July, the Winko-Matics — flashing lights that signal when a school zone is in effect — failed to turn on at three of the eight sites involved in the pilot, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.


Countywide

Emergency Task Force Called for Florida Hurricane — “VA-TF1 has been activated by @fema as an 80-person Type I urban search and rescue team in response to #Hurricane #Idalia. The team will leave to assist the affected region [Monday] evening.” [Virginia Task Force 1/Twitter]

Senior Housing Complex Opens in Kingstowne — Fairfax County and developer Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing recently celebrated the grand opening of Oakwood Meadow Senior Residences, a 150-unit apartment building for low-income adults aged 62 and older. Located at 5815 South Van Dorn Street, the development is aimed at seniors earning 60% of the area median income or less. [FCRHA]


Around Town

Reston was under the lens on Friday (Aug. 25), as FOX 5 featured the planned community in its series on notable neighborhoods in the D.C. region.

The series, called Zip Trip, broadcast from Reston Town Center’s pavilion in the morning. The show highlighted the top five attractions in Reston: Reston Community Center (#5), Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art (#4), Lake Fairfax Park (#3), Lake Anne Village Center (#2), and the town center (#1).


Around Town

(Updated at 11:15 a.m.) Open Road Distilling Co. is officially opening its doors in Reston Town Center today (Monday).

The distillery takes over space vacated in 2020 by Balducci’s grocery store (1871 Fountain Drive). The business — which will also serve up live music and tours of its tasting room — is set to open at 3 p.m., according to its website.


Countywide

Fire Burns Down Wolf Trap Area Home — “The Fairfax County Fire Department responded to a massive fire at a home in McLean Friday night. The home, located in the 1100 block of Windrock Drive caught fire shortly before 7 p.m. The dispatcher for the incident said the caller believed the house was struck by lightning. However, firefighters told 7News it’s too early to verify that.” [ABC7]

CIA Trainee Convicted of Assault at HQ — “[Ashkan] Bayatpour was convicted Wednesday of a state misdemeanor charge of assault and battery in a case that was remarkable for breaking through the CIA’s veil of ultra-secrecy and playing out in a public courtroom where it has emboldened a sexual misconduct reckoning.” [Associated Press]


News

This year’s annual dragonfly count by Reston Association yielded higher than average numbers of the tiny critters.

Volunteer counters spotted 573 individual dragonflies from 16 species, the organization recently shared.


Countywide

Fairfax County is steadily making progress on efforts to cut its use of gas-powered leaf blowers.

By the end of June next year — the conclusion of the 2024 fiscal year — the county plans to ensure that the supply of electric blowers and string trimmers is nearly 50% electric, according to John Silcox, a spokesperson for the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination.


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