Around Town

FFXnow Daily Debrief for Sep 4, 2026

By FFXnow.com
FFX Now logo with the headline 'Daily Debrief for Sep 4, 2026' over an urban street scene with traffic lights and power poles.

Good Friday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Sep 4, 2026.

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  • Ownership change pairs acclaimed Great Falls restaurant with Reston hospitality group (27284 views)
  • JUST IN: Worker dies in bus collapse at Wolf Trap National Park (12112 views)
  • UPDATED: Teen hit in crash at South Lakes HS, as criticism of crossing guard changes mounts (8093 views)
  • Housing developer seeks to demolish Sheraton Tysons Hotel instead of converting it (7161 views)
  • Fairfax County civic group votes to oppose Plaza 500 data center, substation (4707 views)
  • New management to take over JW Marriott Reston Station hotel, no disruptions expected (4623 views)
  • Overnight thunderstorm knocks out trees, power for thousands across Fairfax (5745 views)
  • UPDATED: Crossing guards temporarily restored to some Fairfax County high schools (4148 views)
  • Townhouse development approved to replace office building near Innovation Center Metro (3592 views)
  • Teacher at Tysons daycare charged after allegedly hitting children (3375 views)
  • Public hearing planned on replacement of Kingstowne office building with housing (3356 views)
  • Loss of crossing guards creates ‘nightmare’ at South Lakes HS, RA board members say (3308 views)

    • 📅 Upcoming events

    Here is what’s going on Saturday throughout the county, from our event calendar.

    Here are the events planned for Sunday:

    🌥️ Saturday’s forecast

    There is a 20% chance of showers before 10 a.m., and again of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m., with mostly cloudy skies and a high of 83°F. Saturday night, expect a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m., then a slight chance of showers until 11 p.m., with mostly cloudy conditions and a low of 65°F. Winds will be light from the north during the day and from the northeast at night. See more from Weather.gov.

    🌅 Tonight’s sunset

    The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

    We hope you have a great weekend! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋

    Around Town

    Hollywood and Broadway artists headline new season at McLean’s Alden Theatre

    By Angela Woolsey
    Two male singers perform on a stage with purple lighting; one sings into a mic while the other leans forward in an energetic moment.
    Actors Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp (photo by Adam Kissick for APAP)

    As the calendar turns to fall, the Alden Theatre in McLean is preparing for a new year of movies, music, theater and other entertainment.

    Visits by two original cast members of the musical “Rent” and “Hollywood Shuffle” director and star Robert Townsend are among the highlights of the 2026-2027 season formally unveiled this week by the McLean Community Center’s performing arts venue (1234 Ingleside Avenue).

    Go to Hollywood and Broadway artists headline new season at McLean’s Alden Theatre Read more
    News

    Man sentenced to prison for fatal shooting outside Centreville Dunkin’ Donuts

    By Angela Woolsey
    Fairfax County Police Capt. Kent Bailey briefs media on a shooting in Centreville on May 15, 2024 (via FCPD/Facebook)

    A Centreville man will spend at least the next six years in prison for killing an 18-year-old outside a Dunkin’ Donuts over a marijuana deal two years ago.

    Hassan Kanu, who’s now 20 but was also 18 at the time of the shooting, was sentenced yesterday (Sept. 3) by a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge to 10 years in prison with four of them suspended, following a conviction in March of voluntary manslaughter.

    Go to Man sentenced to prison for fatal shooting outside Centreville Dunkin’ Donuts Read more
    Announcement

    Ever Wanted to Duel with a Sword or Hit a Bullseye? Fall Registration Is Open at Nova Fencing & Arch

    By Nova Fencing & Archery Club
    Two kids practicing sports: a young fencer in white with foil on the left and a young archer aiming with a bow on the right, NOVA Fencing & Archery Club logo across the lower center.

    There’s something a little bit magical about picking up a foil for the first time — or drawing back a bow and watching your arrow fly true. It’s why fencing and archery have such a hold on kids and adults alike: real focus, real skill, and a thrill you don’t get from the usual sports lineup.

    This fall, Nova Fencing & Archery Club in Bailey’s Crossroads is opening registration for both, with beginner classes for every age starting the week of September 12th. Fencing welcomes ages 7 to 12 and teens and adults 13 and up. Explore Archery, coached by USA Archery certified instructors, welcomes ages 8 to 12 and meets Tuesdays or Saturdays. And for our youngest fencers, ages 4 to 6, ABC’s of Fencing meets on Saturdays. All classes run eight sessions for $195, equipment provided, no experience needed — yes, even for grown-ups who’ve never held a sword or a bow before.

    Go to Ever Wanted to Duel with a Sword or Hit a Bullseye? Fall Registration Is Open at Nova Fencing & Arch Read more
    News

    County may add $300,000 for Royal Lake Park cleanup efforts after microburst

    By Scott McCaffrey
    Calm lake bordered by dense green trees with a rocky shore and a gravel path on the left where two people walk under a blue, cloudy sky.
    Royal Lake in Kings Park West on June 22, 2026 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

    Fairfax County staff have proposed using $300,000 in unspent funds to support ongoing cleanup of Royal Lake Park in Burke following a devastating microburst in June.

    The neighborhood was the hardest hit by a June 22 thunderstorm that knocked out power to more than 25,000 people across the county.

    Go to County may add $300,000 for Royal Lake Park cleanup efforts after microburst Read more
    Event

    Inner Peace Summit: A Day to Recharge. Reconnect. Renew

    Poster for Inner Peace Summit in Washington, DC with multiple speaker headshots and date details (Sept 20, 2026).

    Event location

    Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum - Virginia

    14020 Thunderbolt Pl., Suite 200, 2nd floor

    Chantilly, Virginia 20151

    Add to Calendar

    In a world that moves faster than ever, inner peace is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity.

    Join us for the Inner Peace Summit, a transformative gathering where leaders, professionals, educators, public servants, families, students, faith communities, wellness advocates, and spiritual seekers come together to discover practical tools for living with greater clarity, resilience, compassion, and purpose.

    Go to Inner Peace Summit: A Day to Recharge. Reconnect. Renew Read more
    Opinion

    Poll: Best dentist in Fairfax County

    By FFXnow.com
    Dentist shows a dental model to a patient, pointing with a pen as a 'Reader FFX Now Choice' logo appears on the right.

    From annual exams to more intensive procedures, dental practices across Fairfax County provide critical care to keep their patients’ teeth looking clean and healthy.

    Here are the nominees for “Best Dentist in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. Did we miss your favorite practice below? Write them in!

    Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18.

    Voting for the Best Summer Camp in Fairfax County is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, Sept. 11 at 8:30 a.m.

    Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Gym or Fitness Center in Fairfax County. The results are now official:

    1. Vitality Fitness
    2. eXurb Fitness
    3. Halo Fitness Experience
    Countywide

    Overnight thunderstorm knocks out trees, power for thousands across Fairfax

    By Angela Woolsey
    Street blocked by large fallen tree and branches crushing parked cars after a storm.
    A fallen tree crushed cars on Friar Tuck Court in Annandale after an overnight storm on Sept. 3-4, 2026 (photo by Richard Archambault)

    More than 16,000 residences and businesses in Fairfax County lack power following last night’s powerful thunderstorm.

    As of 10 a.m., power outages were affecting approximately 16,464 Dominion Energy customers in the county, plus another 607 customers in Fairfax City, according to the utility’s outage map.

    Go to Overnight thunderstorm knocks out trees, power for thousands across Fairfax Read more
    Around Town

    Restaurant Great Falls Lodge set for soft opening on Labor Day

    By Angela Woolsey
    Wine glasses hang upside down from a rack above a glossy black-bar counter in a warm, dimly lit restaurant interior.
    Inside Great Falls Lodge (courtesy Great Falls Lodge)

    After an unanticipated delay, Great Falls Lodge Bar and Grill is finally opening its doors.

    Previously expected to open earlier this summer, the restaurant is now set for a soft launch at 9835 Georgetown Pike in Great Falls Center this coming Monday, Sept. 7, according to owner and chef Neel Kamal.

    Go to Restaurant Great Falls Lodge set for soft opening on Labor Day Read more
    Around Town

    Friday Night Live! celebrates 500th concert in downtown Herndon

    By Angela Woolsey
    Outdoor community event with people gathered on the grass in front of a brick building, a rainbow in a cloudy sky.
    Rainbow over Friday Night Live! on June 12, 2026 before Gonzo’s Nose plays a reunion show on the Herndon Town Green (photo by Laura B. Poindexter)

    Friday Night Live’s 32nd season is winding down, but first, it will celebrate a notable milestone.

    Tonight’s show on the Herndon Town Green by rock cover band Shake the Room will be the 500th scheduled by the annual free summer concert series since it launched in 1995.

    Go to Friday Night Live! celebrates 500th concert in downtown Herndon Read more
    Countywide

    Morning Notes for September 4, 2026

    By FFXnow.com
    A pedestrian crossing sign for the Arlington Blvd service road near the Graham Park townhouses in West Falls Church (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

    Groundbreaking Planned on Trump Arch — “Excavation work is set to start over the next two weeks at Memorial Circle, where the Trump administration plans to build a towering, gilded arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.” A construction timeline was announced even though the project hasn’t received final approval and is facing a lawsuit. [ARLnow]

    Spanberger Visits Apartment Project — Gov. Abigail Spanberger and other elected officials visited Merrifield on Wednesday (Sept. 2) for a tour of Conifer Realty’s 80-unit affordable housing development on Telestar Court, which broke ground in June 2025 and is on track to finish construction this December. The office conversion project was touted as an example of “the commonwealth’s efforts to address a growing housing shortage.” [WTOP]

    Flock Camera Opposition Gaining Steam — “One town in Northern Virginia recently voted to immediately remove all of its Flock cameras. Now, Virginia lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are considering a statewide ban … Fairfax County police said [license plate reader] technology has assisted in nearly 900 arrests and helped locate 57 missing persons since November 2022.” [NBC4]

    Spanberger Skeptical of Flock Ban — “Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger said calls to ban automatic license plate reading cameras, such as Flock devices, are ‘overly simplistic,’ instead vowing to work with lawmakers on a solution to protect privacy while also maintaining the ability for law enforcement to investigate crimes.” [WTOP]

    Student Advocates for Pediatric Cancer Research — “Darya Golesorkhi, 15, of Reston entered South Lakes High School this week as a sophomore. While she and her peers in Fairfax County Public Schools navigate new districtwide restrictions on generative artificial intelligence in classrooms, Darya is heading to Capitol Hill on Friday, Sept. 18, to champion AI’s life-saving potential.” [The Connection]

    Fairfax Water Seeks Public Input — “Your Water, Your Voice! Fairfax Water is hosting customer focus groups to better understand your experiences and help shape the future of our services. If you’d like to share your thoughts, apply here by September 14, 2026.” [Fairfax Water/X]

    Mental Health Hospital Sold — “HCA Healthcare has sold Dominion Hospital in Seven Corners to Hill Valley Healthcare for $25.2 million, the Washington Business Journal reported on Sept. 1. The 116-bed Dominion Hospital, located at 2960 Sleepy Hollow Road, provides behavior and mental health services for children, teens, and adults.” [Annandale Today]

    Regional Apple-Picking Options Limited — “Apple-picking season is here — but one of fall’s favorite pastimes will be shorter, sparser or canceled altogether at some D.C.-area orchards after last spring’s devastating frost … Local apple lovers may find higher prices and fewer varieties.” [Axios DC]

    It’s Friday — Expect increasing clouds with a high near 91°F and a heat index up to 101°F. Showers and thunderstorms are possible after 2 pm, with a 40% chance of precipitation. Overnight, there’s a 50% chance of rain before 2 am, with mostly cloudy skies and a low of around 72°F. [NWS]

    Announcement

    Reston Children’s Center announces that is continuing to be a Sponsor for CACFP

    By Reston Children's Center
    Reston Children's Center logo: child reading inside a purple house with green leaves and the motto Know Grow Care in colorful letters.

    Reston Children’s Center announces that it is continuing to be a sponsor of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Reston Children’s Center has been part of the CACFP program since 1995.

    The same meals will be available at no separate charge to all participants at each CACFP facility without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

    Go to Reston Children’s Center announces that is continuing to be a Sponsor for CACFP Read more
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