National Guard in D.C. Now Armed — “Some National Guard units patrolling the nation’s capital at the direction of President Donald Trump have started carrying firearms, an escalation of his military deployment that makes good on a directive issued late last week by his defense secretary.” [Associated Press]
Fire at Merrifield Shopping Center — Fairfax County firefighters responded to “reports of smoke coming from” the Providence Place shopping center in Merrifield around 4:15 a.m. on Friday (Aug. 22). “Arriving units located a fire in the kitchen of a restaurant in the shopping center … Smoke extended to two neighboring businesses. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries. Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.” [FCFRD/Facebook]
Algae Clears From Lake Accotink — “Lake Accotink is now clear of the reported blue-green algae. However, please remember that swimming and pets are not permitted in the lake. Algae blooms are normal and natural occurrences during the summer months depending on temperature, sunlight, and nutrient conditions. Please lookout for lakefront signs and advisories through September in the event of another bloom.” [Fairfax County Park Authority/Facebook]
FCPD Videos of Traffic Violations Go Viral — Since the Fairfax County Police Department’s communications director bought a pointer with a Mickey Mouse-like hand, “millions of people are viewing and engaging the videos with ‘Tappy,’ the pointer’s given name. In July, views reached 19 million on Facebook. The department has over 61,000 Instagram followers, a spike of over 200% since the beginning of January 2024.” [WTOP]
Regional Restaurant Week Extended — Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington’s (RAMW) annual Summer Restaurant Week was set to end yesterday (Sunday), but the organization “announced Thursday that more than 120 restaurants have opted to extend their restaurant week deals until August 31.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Virginia’s Largest-Ever Lottery Jackpot Claimed — “According to the Virginia Lottery, the winner in June 27’s Mega Millions drawing purchased one ticket that ended up being worth nearly $350 million … While we do not know their identity, the Virginia Lottery says the winner plans to buy a zero-radius riding lawn mower with their millions.” [WUSA9]
Fairfax City Man Owns World’s Largest Zelda Collection — “In July, the Guinness Book of World Records made it official, declaring software engineer Constantine Adams as the new world record holder for the largest collection of [Legend of] Zelda memorabilia, more than doubling the previous record of 1,816 held by Anne Martha Harnes of Norway.” [Patch]
It’s Monday — The weather will be sunny with a high temperature of around 83 degrees and a northwest wind blowing at 7 to 10 mph. During Monday night, conditions will be partly cloudy with a low temperature of about 61 degrees, and the northwest wind will continue at approximately 7 mph. [NWS]
