Good morning, Arlington. Dana here. It’s Wednesday, September 22: Elephant Appreciation Day and Harry Potter actor Tom Felton’s 34th birthday.

Morning Status

• Today’s Weather: ⛈ Periods of showers and storms throughout the day. Cloudy, with a high near 80. Patchy fog possible after 5 p.m.
• Tomorrow’s Weather:  ⛈ Showers and possibly a thunderstorm in the morning, with rain and storm chances continuing into the afternoon and evening. High near 74.
• Sunrise:  6:52 a.m.
• Sunset:  7:00 p.m.

What We’re Covering Today

Morning Notes

• County Mulls Immigration Policies — “The Arlington County Board unveiled a draft framework for a Commitment to Strengthening Trust with Our Immigrant Community… ‘We are sharing an updated framework and seeking community engagement on policies on the next steps on access to public services, protecting resident’s information, and making sure Arlington County resources are not used to facilitate enforcement of federal immigration laws, which are the sole responsibility of the Federal government.'” [Arlington County]
• Mixed Reaction to New County Logo — “For the Arlingtonians packed into outdoor restaurant seating on a warm night in Shirlington over the weekend, reaction to the new logo was mixed. ‘That’s what that is? That’s the river between Arlington and D.C.? I’m completely underwhelmed,’ said Lisa Peterson… But a few blocks away, Kaleb Tecleab, a 49-year-old security engineer, said he appreciated an ‘inclusive’ design that hinted at a greater sense of regionalism.” [Washington Post]
• Local Teen Earns Prestigious Scholarship — “Adie Selassie of Arlington, a senior at Sidwell Friends School, was the only Virginian to be named a 2021 Calvin Coolidge Presidential Scholar. The program, overseen by the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, is a merit-based competition that provides full tuition, room, board, books and expenses for four years at a college of the student’s choice.” [Sun Gazette]
• Crystal City Eatery Wins Award — From the National Landing Business Improvement District: “We are so lucky to have [Peruvian Brothers] as a part of our National Landing community! Congrats on the RAMMY! Well deserved!” [Twitter]
• Grumbles About Slow Library Reopening — “On Saturday, the board of Friends of the Arlington Public Library blasted the county government to its very face (electronically-speaking) at the County Board meeting. In no uncertain terms, the organization (not generally known as a group of bomb-throwers) blasted the county government for multiple failures in setting the stage for an expeditious, safe reopening.” [Sun Gazette]
• Nearby: Police Warn of Overdose Danger — “Fairfax County, Virginia, Police Chief Kevin Davis on Tuesday said six people overdosed in the predawn hours in [the Skyline area], and warned that a potentially fatal batch of cocaine laced with fentanyl might still be circulating in the area. All six victims, who ranged in age from 23 to 35, survived, although one victim is still ‘clinging to life’ in a hospital, Davis said. Three others remain hospitalized. They were found at a residence in the 5500 block of Seminary Road, near South George Mason Drive, a little after 3 a.m.” [WTOP]

The following are previews of stories we’re planning to cover later today. Note that some stories may be pushed back, depending on the day’s news. 

Fall Weather Poll: After a warm and rainy end to summer, fall is here. On the first official day of autumn, we’re polling readers about what they are looking forward to the least as we get deeper into the season: colder weather or less daylight.

Firefighters Ask For Pay Raise: Like their public safety counterparts in the police department, Arlington County firefighters are also sounding the alarm on pay. IAFF Local 2800, which represents the county’s professional firefighters and paramedics, warned that without an increase in pay or a hazard pay program, there could be “high turnover rates over the next year.” The union is asking the county manager for a 6% cost-of-living pay increase, the reinstitution of a hazard pay program, and one year of earned merit increases.

Serrano Updates: Progress continues on the deep repairs needed to improve living conditions at The Serrano Apartments. AHC Inc, which owns the building, has rolled out a system for folks to make claims on property damaged during the time of disrepair and when AHC began the repairs and inspections. Advocates approve of the progress, but say residents are still being disrespected, and that AHC staff need training in cultural competency and trauma-informed practices to better meet residents’ needs.

Virtual Learning Update: Arlington Public Schools’ Virtual Learning Program is still off to a rocky start, four weeks into school. Teachers tell ARLnow that the biggest issues are a lack of communication and support from administrators, but APS says the resources and communications lines are there and open.

And in case you missed it, here’s what we covered Tuesday but didn’t plan in advance: 

Metro Rider Falls Onto Tracks: A serious but previously unreported Metro incident in Arlington was revealed during a safety meeting Tuesday. The incident on Saturday, May 8 involved a Metro rider who ignored signs and tried to walk between railcars between the Clarendon and Courthouse stations. While between the railcars, the rider slipped and fell off the moving train, landing on the tracks, according to the commission. Somewhat miraculously, they were reportedly able to walk to the Clarendon station, avoiding the electrified third rail and passing trains