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Friday, September 25
Happy Friday (and Dolly Day)! I hope your weekend plans are filled with fall fun. Mine are still up in the air, but I have a feeling some frights might be included. While you finalize yours, make sure to catch up on the latest NoVA news. — Michele Kettner, audience engagement editor
What to Know Today
🌮 Taco Time: Loudoun County’s first Bartaco has opened in Ashburn’s One Loudoun.
🏀 Playoff Bound: The Washington Mystics finished the season with a franchise-record 28 wins. The team will face off against the Atlanta Dream in the first round of the playoffs.
🎶 Curtain Call: After 27 years, Tarara is hosting its final summer series concert Saturday night with ’80s cover band The Reflex.
Editor’s Picks
🍽️ Out of Service: El Mercat Bar de Tapas has closed its doors in National Landing after just one year. Here’s what we know.
💀 Enchanting Elixirs: Enjoy an adults-only Halloween outing at one of NoVA’s themed pop-up bars and pub crawls. Six festive events.
🏐 Serve Up: DC’s first professional volleyball team is setting up its home court at The Anthem (Yes, you read that right.) Get the details.
💛 Check it Out: Fairfax County unveiled a new memorial that honors those who died during the COVID-19 pandemic. Take a peek.
5 Most Popular Stories This Week
- 3 Virginia Colleges Rank in ‘U.S. News & World Report’ 2027 Top 100 List
- Toys R Us Is Opening a New Store in Leesburg
- Northern Virginia Real Estate Agent Shot and Killed in Loudoun County
- Virginia State Police Investigate I-66 Shooting in Fairfax County
- 19 Recent Northern Virginia Restaurant, Winery, and Brewery Closures
Thursday, September 24
How are you celebrating this beautiful fall day? I plan to treat myself to a seasonal goodie on the way home from work. While I decide where to make my afternoon pit stop, catch up on the latest NoVA news. — Michele Kettner, audience engagement editor
What to Know Today
🛜 In the News: The Prince William County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to remove the overlay that allowed data centers to build without special approval.
🚌 Budget Busted: Alexandria spent $3.7 million more than budgeted on public DASH bus operations due to a spreadsheet error.
🚓 Driver Safety: Fairfax County police issued more than 1,000 citations and warnings during the first week of its “Operation Safe Right Turn” initiative.
Editor’s Picks
🚨 Under Investigation: Virginia State Police are investigating a shooting on I-66 near Nutley Street that sent one passenger to the hospital. Here’s what we know.
🍽️ Closing Time: Diners have recently said goodbye to several restaurants, wineries, and breweries in the region. See which spots are closed for good.
🎶 Dolly Day: Celebrate Dolly Parton’s legacy with special events on 9/25. (Get it? “9 to 5”) Find an event near you.
🛫 Taking Flight: A new nonstop flight to Mexico is being added at Dulles International Airport. Find out the destination.
5 Open Houses in NoVA This Weekend
- 14708 Vint Hill Rd., Nokesville
- 3612 N. Glebe Rd., Arlington
- 9016 John S. Mosby Hwy., Upperville
- 3204 Mountain Rd., Haymarket
- 415 S. Lee St., Alexandria
Wednesday, September 23
As someone who wears sweaters throughout the summer, it sure is nice to have the weather finally reflect my clothing choices. As you enjoy the crisp autumn air, catch up on the latest NoVA news. — Michele Kettner, audience engagement editor
What to Know Today
🏫 New at GMU: George Mason University is establishing the Virginia Quantum Hub to generate intellectual property across multiple sectors.
🥧 Have a Slice: Arlington’s Livin’ The Pie Life was voted “America’s Best Pie” by Newsweek readers.
💇♀️ Beauty Finds: Enjoy a weekend full of beauty, promos, and prizes at the first Old Town Beauty Crawl this weekend.
📊 Poll Results: In Tuesday’s poll, more than 35% of voters said their favorite seasonal activity is going to fall festivals and markets.
Editor’s Picks
⚫ Under Arrest: A local real estate agent was found dead in her Aldie home as the result of a domestic shooting incident. Here’s what we know.
🍽️ Changing Hands: Chef Thomas Harvey has sold Harvey’s in Falls Church, but the restaurant isn’t planning to close. Get the details.
🧟 Run for Your Life: On Halloween, see if you can outrun the undead at the annual Shenandoah Zombie Run. See what to expect.
From the Print Issue
⛰️ Discover West Virginia: History buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and foodies can all find something to love on a trip to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Start planning your trip.
Tuesday, September 22
Happy first day of fall! I’ve personally been counting down to the new season since our first 100-degree summer day. While you make your autumn plans, read about the latest NoVA news. — Michele Kettner, audience engagement editor
What to Know Today
🚨 Under Arrest: A Spotsylvania man was charged after threatening to bomb the All Dulles Area Muslim Society Center in Sterling.
✈️ Proposed Changes: Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner’s proposed DCA Safety Act would eliminate 30 flights over the next five years at Reagan National.
🎃 Halloween Haunts: Madhaunter’s Madhouse in Purcellville is permanently closing following the death of its owner in December 2025.
Editor’s Picks
🏫 Top Colleges: Three Virginia universities ranked among the Top 100 in the latest U.S. News & World Report list. See who made the list.
📺 Tune In: Two former Washington Spirit players have traded in their cleats for a spot on the latest season of The Amazing Race. Get to know the team.
⛰️ Coming Soon: Shenandoah National Park is adding automated entry stations this fall. Here’s what we know.
Poll
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After spending a weekend without AC, I will never complain about being cold again. While I enjoy the chilly office breeze, catch up on the latest news in NoVA and DC. — Michele Kettner, audience engagement editor
What to Know Today
🚨 Pedestrian Accident: A 53-year-old woman died after being hit while crossing Route 50 in a wheelchair on Friday night.
🛜 Executive Order: Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed an executive order meant to increase data center transparency, protect from higher energy costs, and enforce environmental standards.
🚧 Arch Update: President Donald Trump says his Triumphal Arch near Arlington National Cemetery will become a “top grade military complex.”
Editor’s Picks
🧸 Making a Comeback: Toys R Us is opening a new location in Leesburg this year. Here’s what we know.
👨🍳 Behind the Scenes: Inn at Little Washington chef Patrick O’Connell discussed his new memoir, Main, Middle & Gay in DC on Friday. Get a peek inside the pages.
👻 Spooky Season: Tomorrow is the first day of fall, which means it’s time to plan a trip to Spirit Halloween for Halloween costumes and decorations. Where to find a Spirit Halloween in NoVA.
5 Events This Week
Role Model
September 22, 7:30 p.m.
Washington, DC
Venardos Circus
September 23–October 4, times vary
Ashburn
Civil War Alexandria: A Walking Tour
September 24, 9 a.m.
Alexandria
Dancing on the Waterfront
September 24, 6 p.m.
Washington, DC
Messer Chups
September 24, 8 p.m.
Falls Church
Feature image of El Mercat Bar de Tapas by Michael Butcher
