News
Urban park scene with decorative black street lamps, trees, benches, and parked cars under a cloudy sky
Trees in a plaza at Kingstowne Towne Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

‘Vienna Cloud’ Data Center Proposal Submitted to Fairfax County — “A proposal to turn two old buildings and a parking garage near Tysons into a new data center site called “Vienna Cloud” is requesting exceptions to Fairfax County, Virginia’s rules for such facilities. The parking garage and buildings are located at 7980 and 7990 Quantum Drive, and Serverfarm, the developer, aims to transform the site into a “completely modernized, architecturally refined, state-of-the-art office/data center,” according to Jill Parks, an attorney for the applicant.” [WTOP]

Fairfax City Council Approves Accessory Dwelling Unit Policy — “Accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, are smaller residences located on the same property as a primary home. Fairfax City has allowed ADUs within or attached to homes, but the newly approved amendments also permit them in separate structures.” [Patch]

Fiery Crash on North Section of GW Parkway — “The crash happened around 1 a.m. in Arlington County, reportedly near the Parkway’s second overlook. Initial reports suggest that one driver was pulled from their burning vehicle by a U.S. Park Police officer, while the other was trapped and extricated by firefighters after a rescue operation.” [ARLnow]

Several Lawmakers Call for Moratorium on New Data Centers — “The calls to stop data center growth in the data center capital of the world are getting louder as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle get behind calls for a statewide moratorium. Some lawmakers said Virginia has to stop approving new data centers altogether until the impacts on water, electricity and other issues are figured out first.” [NBC Washington]

County Releases Demographics Report — “Our population and housing inventory continued to grow during 2024, while median home values climbed over 6% between January 2024 and January 2025, according to the newly released Demographic Reports 2025.” [Fairfax County/X]

Gov. Spanberger Restores Rights to 60,000 Former Felons — “The 66,085 Virginians whose rights have been restored may now vote, serve on juries, run for public office and become notaries public. The announcement comes about seven weeks before early voting begins for the 2026 midterm elections, which include a constitutional referendum that could largely remove Virginia governors from the restoration process.” [Virginia Mercury]

Headliners for Fall for the Book Festival Announced — “Fall for the Book returns for its 28th Annual Festival with worldwide bestsellers taking the headline stage. On Thursday, October 8 at 7:30 p.m., horror icon and author of over 30 novels and collections, Stephen Graham Jones will discuss body of work including his historical vampiric novel, The Buffalo Hunter Hunter … On Friday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m., Celeste Ng will discuss her bestselling novels, Little Fires Everywhere, Everything I Never Told You, and most recently, Our Missing Hearts.” [Fall for the Book]

It’s Monday — Expect showers and thunderstorms throughout the day, with the highest likelihood between 3pm and 4pm. It will be mostly cloudy and around 86°F, with a southwest wind at 7 mph. Precipitation chance is 60%, and rainfall could be heavier in storms. Overnight, there’s a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a slight chance of showers until 1am. The low will be around 69°F, with calm winds shifting to the north at 5 mph after midnight. [NWS]


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.


    Event

    *Mamistad Groups meet IN PERSON-only the introductory Zoom call is virtual. 🙂

    Pregnancy and new mom groups are a lifesaver when it comes to normalizing those feelings we just can’t be prepared for.


    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.