Around Town

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 — Jul 31, 2026.

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

  • Guapo’s Restaurant to launch new concept in Spectrum at Reston Town Center (13523 views)
  • Fairfax City Council allows detached accessory dwelling units by right (8236 views)
  • New I-66 slugging network launching this fall to help commuters bypass tolls (5958 views)
  • New Fairfax City restaurant inspired by home-style regional Chinese foods (5878 views)
  • Fundraiser launched for woman killed in Ox Road motorcycle crash (5633 views)
  • Planning commission embraces long-awaited Reston Town Center North plan (4761 views)
  • Indoor golf venue with restaurant scores Capital One Center location (4337 views)
  • More restrictions on student parking proposed in Lake Braddock neighborhoods (3790 views)
  • UPDATED: Trump announces $22B plan to remake Dulles Airport (3465 views)
  • JUST IN: Tornado Watch issued for Fairfax County tonight (3407 views)
  • CAIR, FCPS reach temporary agreement on students’ records in ‘kidnapping’ skit lawsuit (3303 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

    Expect increasing clouds with a high near 91 degrees. Light south winds will pick up to 5 to 10 mph in the morning, with gusts possibly reaching 20 mph. Saturday night will be mostly cloudy with a low of around 74 degrees and southeast winds blowing at 9 to 11 mph, with gusts up to 18 mph. 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. 👋


    Countywide

    The political action committee associated with the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce is likely not to consider until next year whether to endorse candidates in Fairfax County’s 2027 Board of Supervisors’ elections.

    “Trustees would likely not make that decision until the spring,” Clayton Medford, senior vice president of government relations for the Northern Virginia Chamber, said in response to an FFXnow inquiry.


    News

    The Barns at Wolf Trap will open a fully renovated third historic barn, disassembled and moved earlier this year from its longtime home in Loudoun County, this fall.

    The 2,500 square foot building — constructed in the early 1900s and now called “The Virginian Barn” — will provide additional space for dining, special events, gatherings, and private rentals starting in November. Restrooms and kitchen space have been added inside.


    News

    One of Northern Virginia’s most historic places of worship has submitted plans to Fairfax County officials for the construction of housing on part of its grounds.

    The proposal by Pohick Episcopal Church and Christopher Land LLC seeks to rezone about 17.5 acres on western portions of the 43-acre church parcel at 9301 Richmond Highway in Lorton to construct a new subdivision called Cunningham Woods Reserve.


    Opinion

    Fairfax County’s dermatologists are known for their diagnostic expertise, effective treatment plans and dedication to helping patients with a wide range of skin conditions.

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

    Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14.

    Voting for the Best Eye Doctors in Fairfax County is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, Aug. 7 at 8:30 a.m.

    Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Chiropractors in Fairfax County. The results are now official:

    1. Ward Chiropractic and Rehabilitation
    2. Horizon Chiropractic & Wellness Solutions
    3. RxWellness Spine and Health

    News

    Specifics remain vague on how the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) plans to fund the $22.5 billion proposed Dulles International Airport expansion plan announced July 29 at the White House.

    Neither MWAA officials nor those representing dominant Dulles carrier United Airlines offered further details when asked by FFXnow on how the expansion plan could impact the existing operating agreement between the authority and airlines using Dulles.


    Around Town

    It turns out that the replacement for Four Sisters at Mosaic District won’t be a restaurant after all.

    Investment and financial advisory service Charles Schwab confirmed to FFXnow plans to open a new branch at 8190 Strawberry Lane, Suite 1 in Merrifield. That’s the former location of Vietnamese restaurant Four Sisters, which closed in May 2023 after 30 years.


    News

    An Alexandria man is facing multiple charges following a non-fatal shooting in the Groveton area, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.

    Rusbel Alberto Argueta, 19, of Alexandria, is charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and discharge of a firearm within 1000 feet of an elementary school.


    Countywide
    An image of a lake surrounded by pink flowers, green foliage, and trees. Homes are on the right side of the photo. A few paddleboarders are visible in the distance.
    Paddleboarders enjoy calm waters on a mild summer day at Lake Audubon in Reston. (staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

    Missing Swimmer Found Dead in Potomac River — “Crews have found the body of a 25-year-old man who went missing in the Potomac River south of Great Falls earlier this week. He is the third person to die after swimming in that area of the river this summer. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue said its swift water rescue team found the man’s body at 11:30 a.m. Thursday.” [NBC Washington]

    Rep. Beyer Opposes Lincolnia Substation Associated with Data Center — “U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-VA) [Thursday] urged the Fairfax County Planning Commission to deny the permit application filed for Edsall Data Center Substation 2232 at the Plaza 500 site at 6299 Edsall Road in Lincolnia, citing serious concerns about the project’s potential impacts on land use, flooding mitigation, light pollution, noise pollution, and whether this proposal is consistent with Lincolnia’s sustainable growth goals.” [Rep. Don Beyer news release]

    Affordable Housing Project to Feature Limited Parking — “The Columbia Crossroads affordable housing project in the works for Bailey’s Crossroads might not have enough parking, members of the Mason District Land Use Committee said at a meeting on July 28. The seven-story apartment building will be located on the site of the Crossroads Interim Park on Columbia Pike between Radley Acura and the Alta Nova market-rate apartments.” [Annandale Today]

    N. Va. Republicans Vie to Face Sen. Mark Warner — “A trio of Republicans from Northern Virginia are seeking the GOP nomination to battle Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, who’s seeking a fourth term. Warner, 71, has said this will be his last campaign to seek reelection. The candidate who wins the Aug. 4 primary will face a tough challenge against Warner, who has a big campaign war chest and won by double digits in the 2020 election.” [WTOP]

    Reston Education Company Sees Leadership Shakeup — “James Rhyu is out as chair and CEO of Reston online education company Stride Inc. after 13 years with the company and five years as its top executive, the company announced Thursday. Robert Knowling, a longtime tech executive and Stride director since 2018, is taking over as CEO effective immediately.” [Washington Business Journal]

    Vapes, Other Intoxicants Targeted in AG’s New Enforcement Unit — “Virginia is creating an enforcement unit to oversee the rapidly expanding market for vaping products, hemp-derived intoxicants, THC and kratom, consolidating several regulatory responsibilities within the attorney general’s office … Inspectors assigned to the unit will monitor retailers, conduct compliance checks and coordinate enforcement with the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority and other state agencies. The office will also be able to pursue civil penalties and other legal action against manufacturers, distributors and retailers accused of violating state law.” [Virginia Mercury]

    Parking Lot Closure at Fairfax County Government Center Starts Aug. 3 — “The work currently underway to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at the Fairfax County Government Center is moving along nicely. Phase 2 of the project begins August 3. That portion of the work will result in the partial closure of Parking Lot A through September 25. The project supports Fairfax County’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2040 by expanding EV charging infrastructure for both public and county fleet vehicles at the Government Center.” [Fairfax County Public Works]

    In-Person Early Voting Continues Through Saturday — “Early voting for the Aug. 4 Primary Election continues at 16 locations across Fairfax County through Saturday, Aug. 1. The Fairfax County Government Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All other early voting locations are open weekdays from 1 to 7 p.m. On the final day of early voting, Saturday, Aug. 1, all locations will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.” [Fairfax County Office of Elections]

    It’s Friday — Expect sunny skies with temperatures reaching a high of 90°F, accompanied by a gentle northwest wind at 3 to 5 mph. On Friday night, the weather will be partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 70°F and light, variable winds. [NWS]