Countywide

Though the thunderstorm that the National Weather Service warned about yesterday (Wednesday) was largely felt in the form of some strong winds, a new round of storms coming this afternoon (Thursday) could potentially have a more meaningful impact.

The NWS has issued a Flood Watch for the D.C. region, including Fairfax County, that’s currently scheduled to take effect at 3 p.m. and stay in place until midnight. About 1 to 2 inches of rainfall are possible, the agency says, though isolated areas could see as much as 3 to 4 inches.


News

The three Republicans seeking election to statewide office this November will rally together in Vienna next week.

Current Virginia lieutenant governor and gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears, along with lieutenant governor nominee John Reid and incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares, who’s seeking reelection, will hold the ticket’s first joint appearance on Tuesday (July 1).


Reston Station development seen from Wiehle Avenue (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Reston Parkway Crash Hospitalizes Driver — A driver who crashed into a pole on Reston Parkway at Sunrise Valley Drive was transported to a hospital yesterday (Wednesday) with injuries described as “life-threatening.” Officers responded to the crash around 5:20 p.m., per the police scanner, closing the parkway’s northbound lanes so the scene could be cleared. [FCPD/X]

Another Measles Case at Dulles Airport — “The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was notified of a confirmed case of measles at Washington Dulles International Airport on Thursday, June 19. The confirmed case is an international traveler visiting North Carolina.” This is the third confirmed case of measles in a Dulles Airport visitor. [Fairfax County Health Department]

Uptick in Homes for Sale — “The local real-estate market is beginning to feel the impact of federal-government downsizing, new data suggests. By autumn, the impacts may be even more pronounced, according to Bright MLS, the region’s multiple-listing service.” An increasing number of homes in the D.C. area are being put on the market by retiring federal workers, Bright MLS says. [ARLnow]

Sentencing in Shots Fired Case — “A 20-year-old Fairfax County woman will serve eight years in prison for a ‘terrifying’ July 2024 shooting along Old Bridge Road in Lake Ridge. Maryam Raza was sentenced June 20 after pleading guilty in February” to several firearms charges and malicious wounding for chasing two people and shooting at their car following an argument. [Inside NoVA]

Burke Lake Algae Bloom Clears — “Burke Lake Park is now clear of high concentrations of harmful blue-green algae. However, please remember that swimming and pets are not permitted in the lake. Keep an eye out for park signs and warnings in the event of another algae bloom. Stay safe!” [Fairfax County Park Authority/Facebook]

E-Scooter Rider Stealing Packages — “Detectives from our Criminal Investigations Division are seeking the community’s help in identifying a suspect who stole packages off porches of homes in Annandale and Springfield.” In both June 17 incidents, the person appeared to have fled on an electric scooter, police say. [FCPD]

Tysons Radio Tech Firm Acquired — “Casa del Fuego Family Office and Trust, an investment and asset management firm, has acquired Tysons-based Digital Global Systems, which provides technology to optimize radio frequency signals. The all-stock transaction is valued at $5 billion … DGS will operate independently as a subsidiary with its leadership team unchanged.” [Virginia Business]

It’s Thursday — Expect showers and thunderstorms mainly after 5pm with mostly sunny conditions, a high near 96, and heat index values up to 106. Night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 72. There’s a 60% chance of precipitation. [NWS]


News

Local Democrats seeking to succeed the late Rep. Gerry Connolly sought to distinguish themselves from a crowded field yesterday (Wednesday), outlining how they would represent Virginia’s 11th Congressional District if elected.

Nine of the 10 candidates vying for the Democratic nomination attended the party’s lone forum at the Reston Community Center in Hunters Woods ahead of a primary election on Saturday (June 28).


Countywide

A thunderstorm is bearing down on Fairfax County, bringing some potential, albeit limited relief from the ongoing heat wave.

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of the D.C. area, including northwestern Fairfax County. Damaging winds with gusts up to 60 mph are possible.


Around Town

A new breakfast and brunch option is now available at the Mosaic District in Merrifield.

Maman, a New York-based cafe chain, opened its first Virginia location in the former Oath Pizza space on June 11, and the response so far has been as warm as the recent weather, according to company co-founder Elisa Marshall.


Countywide

Fairfax County School Board members faced the embarrassment earlier this year of having to reduce salary increases previously promised to staff under a landmark labor contract.

Moving forward, school board representatives said at a work session on June 17 that they need to drastically change how Fairfax County Public Schools’ needs and commitments are communicated throughout the budget process.


Countywide

Fairfax County leaders hope to soon have a better gauge of how much they’re getting back from tax revenue sent to Richmond.

The Board of Supervisors voted yesterday (Tuesday) to direct County Executive Bryan Hill and staff to return before the end of the year with an analysis of how many local tax dollars flow to the state government, and how much comes back.


News

A high-priority project to create more affordable housing in Merrifield is officially underway.

Officials with Fairfax County and developer Conifer Realty broke ground Monday (June 23) on a project to repurpose the currently vacant, four-floor office building at 2990 Telestar Court as an 80-unit affordable apartment building.


The sun sets on the Sully Plaza parking lot in Chantilly (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Challenge to Felon Voting Ban Allowed — “The U.S. Supreme Court declined on Monday to hear Virginia’s bid to scuttle a lawsuit challenging an 1869 state constitutional provision that imposes a lifetime voting ban on convicted felons, one of the toughest restrictions in the United States.” Attorney General Jason Miyares had appealed a lower court’s ruling that a lawsuit from two men represented by the ACLU could proceed. [Reuters]

Virginia to Phase Out Styrofoam — “Starting July 1, 2025, food vendors with 20 or more locations in Virginia must stop using containers made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as Styrofoam. By July 1, 2026, all other food vendors must follow suit.” The impending ban stems from legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2021. [FOX5]

Lawsuit Over GMU Board Appointees — “A Fairfax County court will soon weigh in on whether leaders at three of Virginia’s universities broke the rules by allowing rejected appointees to remain in their governing boards — despite Senate Democrats voting to remove them earlier this month.” The lawsuit takes issue with four George Mason University board members, including former state trade and commerce secretary Caren Merrick, as well as appointees to the Virginia Military Institute and University of Virginia. [Virginia Mercury]

Shredding Events Falsely Advertised — “Residents have recently reported arriving at Fairfax County facilities for shredding events that were falsely advertised on a suspicious website. These events are not associated with the county and we urge you to take steps to avoid misinformation and potential scams.” [Fairfax County Government]

Seafood Restaurant Coming to Fairfax City — “Diners will soon be able to enjoy wild-caught and farm-raised seafood at a new restaurant coming to the Kamp Washington Shopping Center. Property owner GRI-Regency Centers is currently working to refit the 3,030-square-foot space formerly occupied by Mod Pizza at 11048 Main St. for California Fish Grill Casual Kitchen.” [Patch]

Vienna Relocates Library Mural Event — Vienna has moved today’s farewell event for the “Liberty Amendments Month” mural on Patrick Henry Library to the council chambers at Vienna Town Hall due to the expected heat. “There will be an opportunity to take photos at the mural after the commemorative ceremony,” which will start at 3:30 p.m. [Town of Vienna/X]

Summer Safety Tips — “Whether you’re heading to the pool, walking your dog, or just enjoying the warm weather, safety is key. The Fairfax County Police Department is here to help you enjoy the season responsibly. Here are some simple, yet critical tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this summer.” [FCPD]

Kids Compete for Jr. Ranger Title — Layla Moore, a fourth-grade student from Burke, and Ivy Usher, a 7-year-old from the Woodlawn area, are both finalists in the National Wildlife Federation’s Jr. Ranger contest, whose winner will receive $20,000, among other rewards. Voting in the latest round is open online until 7 p.m. on Thursday (June 26). [WTOP]

It’s Wednesday — Expect sunny and hot conditions with temperatures reaching a high near 97 and heat index values up to 107. Night brings a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 pm and 2 am, with partly cloudy skies and a low around 76. Winds will be light and variable. [NWS]


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