• The Kennedy Center board voted to restore Trump's name and shut the doors for two years. The move commemorates the president with physical changes and defies a federal judge's order over the institution's future. ARLnow

• The murder trial for Mamta Kafle Bhatt's husband nears, two years after she vanished. Bhatt, a Manassas Park nurse, disappeared in 2024. Prosecutors are set to make their case against her husband. WTOP

• A Reston daycare employee faces charges for assaulting a 3-year-old. Fairfax County police made the arrest this week. Investigators are asking anyone with information to call Fairfax County Police’s major crimes bureau at 703-246-7800, or submit an anonymous tip at 1-866-411-8477. WTOP

• Witnesses described the "odd" behavior of the man accused of fatally stabbing Stephanie Minter at a Hybla Valley bus stop. He boarded and exited the same bus as Minter, then doubled back and stood behind her, according to testimony. FFXnow

• Someone vandalized the World War II Memorial on the National Mall with graffiti and bubbles. The defacement hit one of the Mall's most visited landmarks. Washington Post

• Arlington's independent policing auditor will now report directly to the County Board. The board approved the new contract after nearly three hours behind closed doors. Little public discussion came before or after the vote. ARLnow

• Spanberger toured a Northern Virginia health clinic to tout progress on insulin and prescription costs. Governor Spanberger framed affordable drugs as a key part of her platform. WTOP

• Arlington locked in its voting calendar for the Nov. 3 general election. Early voting starts Sept. 18 at the Bozman Government Center. Satellite locations open Oct. 17. ARLnow

• Loudoun's long-planned Liberty at Russell Branch hotel and retail center is moving forward. New renderings show the project, first pitched back in 2023, with a hotel and two buildings that could have multiple retail tenants in them. The Burn

• The Angie brings bistro vibes and a massive bar to Ballston. The new spot leans into a lively atmosphere and a big drink program. Arlington Magazine

• Northern Virginia partners are working to spread youth suicide prevention strategies across the region. WTOP
• Reston's Gin Dance Company closes after 16 years with a final Capital One Hall show. FFXnow
• A Union soldier's remains unearthed at Manassas Battlefield will be buried in Arlington. WTOP
• Fairfax County offers free trees to community groups for planting on private property. FFXnow
• A new dental office from Siranli opens in Clarendon. Arlington Magazine

In a Fairfax courtroom this month, jurors will sort through two years of grief over Mamta Kafle Bhatt and the last minutes of Stephanie Minter's life. The quiet work of accountability grinds on, one testimony at a time, while everyone else keeps their kids close.

Stay safe out there. See you Monday.

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