5 stories to follow: Sept. 5

Here's your look at five stories to know about before the weekend:

1. Eagles' season opener: The Eagles play their first regular-season game this Sunday, facing off against Jacksonville at 1 p.m.

2. VA chief in Philly: Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald is set to visit Philadelphia's VA hospital and benefits office amid multiple controversies for the VA system. He's slated to meet with veterans, employees and other stakeholders at the facilities.

3. Muslim youth gathering: The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, a national group, is bringing its annual retreat to Chester County this weekend.

4. West Philadelphia Promise Zone: Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro is scheduled to tour parts of the new Promise Zone in West Philadelphia today.

5. Fringe Festival: The 2014 Fringe Festival starts today, with 11 shows as part of the "Presented Fringe" and more than 130 "Neighborhood Fringe" productions.