See what you missed this week:
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday
Thursday, September 3
Usually, the closer we get to the end of the week, the less likely I am to leave the house after work. But I’m going to have to make an exception because The Hunger Games (aka my favorite franchise) is back in theaters and I cannot miss it. While I figure out showtimes, make sure to catch up on the latest news in NoVA and DC. — Michele Kettner, audience engagement editor
What to Know Today
🚧 Reflecting Pool Update: The government has awarded a $2.7 million contract to fix the Reflecting Pool’s algae problem.
🍿 Movie Tribute: Regal is celebrating the legacy of Dolly Parton with a special showing of her films — and proceeds benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
🚗 Holiday Travel: Labor Day travelers can expect heavy traffic on Thursday and Friday, even with VDOT suspending highway work zones and lifting lane closures.
Editor’s Picks
🏫 New Rankings: A recent ranking of the state’s top public and private high schools includes 14 in Northern Virginia. See who made the top five.
🍁 Festival Season: Celebrate September with Oktoberfests, hot air balloon rides, and other fall fun. Here are 10 festivals to add to your calendar.
🥾 Discover West Virginia: Are you looking for a weekend getaway full of outdoor adventures and scenic views? Then consider a trip to West Virginia’s New River Gorge. Here’s what you should try.
5 Open Houses in NoVA This Weekend
- 2707 First St. S., Arlington
- 39902 Thomas Mill Rd., Leesburg
- 10123 Dwight Ave., Fairfax
- 15437 Silvan Glen Dr., Dumfries
- 1102 Prince Edward St., Fredericksburg
Wednesday, September 2
I’m looking ahead to Labor Day weekend and plan to get outside and enjoy the last days of summer with family. While you finalize your three-day weekend plans, catch up on the latest NoVA news. — Michele Kettner, audience engagement editor
What to Know Today
🚫 Traffic Alert: George Washington Memorial Parkway will be closed weekdays between Spout Run Parkway and Route 123 for tree maintenance.
💰 Up for Auction: Nearly 400 pieces from Ayrshire Farm, the former estate of Cisco Systems co-founder Sandy Lerner, will be auctioned on September 22 in Alexandria.
🫧 Reader Poll: Our annual Best Salons and Spas poll is now open! Share your favorite spots that make you look and feel your best.
📊 Poll Results: In Tuesday’s poll, nearly 54% of voters said they plan to stay home over Labor Day weekend.
Editor’s Picks
🕯️ Never Forget: Ahead of the 25th anniversary, five Northern Virginians share firsthand accounts of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Read their stories.
🚸 Latest Update: Crossing guards were back today at Fairfax County high schools after a South Lakes student was hit by a car. Here’s what we know.
🧗 Coming Soon: Sportrock Climbing Center is planning to open a new NoVA location. See what it’s replacing.
🍽️ Changing Hands: Thompson Restaurants will be taking ownership of L’Auberge Chez François in Great Falls. Learn more about the move.
From the Print Issue
🎭 Setting the Stage: The area’s fall theater season is heating up with an array of plays and musicals. Explore 16 upcoming performances in the DMV.
Tuesday, September 1
It’s officially September, so break out the fall decor and pumpkin-spiced everything to celebrate. As you look ahead to fall fun, read about the latest NoVA news. — Michele Kettner, audience engagement editor
What to Know Today
🚓 On Alert: Fairfax County traffic fatalities have increased by 100% compared to the first eight months of 2025.
🚸 Pedestrian Accident: A Fairfax County School Board member is once again sounding the alarm about school crossing guard cuts after a South Lakes High School student was struck this morning.
⚫ Latest Updates: New witness reports in the Great Falls murder case are shedding light on a possible motive for the killing.
🚗 Three-Day Weekend: Still looking for something to do over Labor Day weekend? Here are five destinations that are a short drive from NoVA.
Editor’s Picks
🎖️ Dates Extended: A temporary military monument on the National Mall is extending its stay. Get the details.
🛫 Taking Flight: The Washington Manassas Airport has received FAA approval for commercial airline service. See when commercial flights are expected.
🤰 Expert Advice: Modern midwifery has become an appealing health care option for many women. Here’s what you need to know about the practice.
Poll
Create your own user feedback surveyMonday, August 31
Happy Monday! Just when you thought the summer heat had passed, Mother Nature has decided otherwise. Keep cool this week and catch up on the latest news in NoVA and DC. — Michele Kettner, audience engagement editor
What to Know Today
⚫ Flood Update: Several Northern Virginia residents remain missing following the deadly floods in Nepal.
🔦 Lights Out: Multiple Fairfax County public schools have reported power outages, but Dominion Energy said it’s unlikely the issue is connected to the region’s data centers.
💵 Looking Ahead: President Donald Trump shared his plans to freeze pay for civilian federal employees in 2027.
Editor’s Picks
📷 In the News: Opposition is growing over the use of Flock cameras by local law enforcement. Here’s what we know.
🌳 Great Outdoors: The master plan for a new 637-acre Virginia state park has been approved. See what it will include.
🍕 Take a Bite: A new jumbo slice pizzeria in Arlington is serving up 32-inch pies. Get the details.
5 Events This Week
Concerts by Canoe
September 2, 6 p.m.
Fredericksburg
DC JazzFest
September 2–6, times vary
Washington, DC
Nature Thursdays Storytime
September 3, 10:30 a.m.
Lorton
Writing in Nature
September 3, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Waterford
Clay Hand Building Mug Workshop
September 3, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Arlington
Feature image courtesy Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
