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Fairfax County activated its emergency heat plan Thursday as the heat index was forecast to climb as high as 105 degrees, creating potentially hazardous conditions for outdoor activity across much of the Washington area.
Cooling centers are available for people seeking relief, water and other supplies. The forecast for July 17 calls for mostly sunny skies and a high near 95, with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms beginning around 5 p.m. Southwest winds could gust up to 18 mph. Thursday night is expected to be partly cloudy, with a low near 77.
George Mason community rallies amid federal probe
George Mason University students, faculty members and lawmakers are defending the school as it faces a federal civil rights investigation.
Hanaan Kazia, a junior political science major and member of the university’s Political Science Honor Society, said she was not surprised by news of the probe but remains worried about its implications. Supporters have praised GMU’s diversity and described the investigation as baseless and politically motivated.
Noblis plans smaller Reston headquarters
Nonprofit government contractor Noblis has signed a lease for 74,681 square feet at 12050 Inspiration St., part of BXP Inc.’s Reston Next expansion of Reston Town Center.
The organization is expected to move in September 2027 and occupy nearly all of the roughly 90,000-square-foot building. The new space represents a significant reduction from the 160,000-square-foot, two-building lease Noblis signed about a decade ago for its current headquarters at 2002 Edmund Halley Drive.
Walker Road closure will force a two-week detour
A portion of Walker Road, also known as Route 681, is scheduled to close to through traffic for two weeks as work continues on the bridge over Piney Run.
Weather permitting, the closure between Colvin Run Road and Georgetown Pike will begin at 10 p.m. Friday, July 18, and continue until 9 p.m. Aug. 1. Drivers will need to follow a detour.
Seven Corners office towers sell for $33.7 million
Two 13-story office buildings at the Seven Corners intersection have changed hands for 13% less than their purchase price six years ago.
Sage Ventures bought the towers at 6400 and 6402 Arlington Blvd. from BoundTrain Real Estate in June for $33.7 million.
Virginia teams with Google on AI training
Virginia is partnering with Google to offer free and low-cost artificial intelligence certification courses as part of an effort to help residents prepare for new jobs in a changing economy.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced the initiative Tuesday during a visit to Google’s Reston offices.
DCA passengers report lingering flight anxiety
Some passengers say they are experiencing heightened anxiety while flying through Reagan National Airport following the midair collision over the Potomac River that killed 67 people.
Travelers have described continuing emotional distress connected to the crash, particularly when their trips involve DCA.
Fairfax real estate tax payment deadline approaches
Fairfax County has mailed bills for the first installment of 2025 real estate taxes, with payments due July 28.
Property owners who have not received a bill can check the amount owed through the county’s website. Anyone paying online or by smartphone will need the current year’s stub number from the tax bill.