News

Morning Notes for February 3, 2026

Sun setting over a field of icy snow at Nottingham Elementary (staff photo)

Limited Trash Collection Continues — “Regular Tuesday curbside collection for Feb. 3, but trash and recycling only, plus requested cart servicing. No organics, no special pick-up for metal, e-waste or brush.” [Arlington DES/X]

Potomac River Frozen — “The Potomac River was completely frozen today between NW DC and Arlington following a >1 week stretch below freezing.” [Vortrexed/X]

Warning About Walking on River — “MPD is aware of individuals attempting to walk on the iced over Potomac River near the Georgetown waterfront. Walking on iced over DC waterways is extremely dangerous. Your putting your life, and the lives of first responders, at extreme risk!” [MPD/X]

Courthouse Library Closure — “Due to a water leak, Courthouse Library will remain closed Monday, February 2. Please continue to check the Library’s website for Courthouse Library’s status this week as repairs are evaluated.” [APL/X]

Cemetery Closed Again — “For the safety of our visitors and family pass holders, Arlington National Cemetery will remain closed through Wednesday, Feb. 4. Funeral services will continue as scheduled.” [ANC/X]

Sewage Spill Update — “More than a week after part of a major D.C. Water sewage pipeline collapsed, causing more than 200 million gallons of untreated wastewater to spill into the Potomac River, concerns are rising about the impact on wildlife and experts warn that the cleanup and emergency repair costs will likely be several million dollars.” [Washington Post]

Stratford Integration Story — “This is the part of the story that always gives me chills. A congressman, Joel Broyhill, visited the Deskins home in the Hall’s Hill neighborhood to threaten Ron’s father’s job as an @ArlingtonVaFD firefighter for being part of the school integration lawsuit. Carroll Deskins bravely showed Broyhill the door. Ron Deskins had a 34 year career as a @ffxfirerescue firefighter, retiring as a captain.” [Dave Statter/X]

Free Super Bowl Sunday Rides — “Preparing to combat that time of the year when… one-third (33%, 2023) of U.S. traffic deaths involve drunk drivers,* a local nonprofit organization announced today that free safe rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area during this weekend’s Super Bowl LX.” [Press Release]

Fairfax Conference Center? — “As he approaches his 18th anniversary as CEO of Visit Fairfax, Barry Biggar has the same item atop his to-do list as when he started on the job: a conference center. “We needed it 25 years ago, we need it today,” Biggar said during a Jan. 28 presentation to the Fairfax County Planning Commission.” [FFXnow]

Temp Rises Above Freezing — “The thermometer ticked up to 33 in D.C. at 2 p.m. It’s the first time the city has risen above 32 since January 23 at 8 p.m. That’s a streak of 233 hours at or below freezing, now done. Although we closed in on 10 straight days, based on full calendar days this will end up a nine-day streak at or below freezing. This is tied for 5th longest on record since 1872.” [CWG/X]

It’s Tuesday — A mix of rain and snow is possible in the late afternoon, with increasing clouds and a high near 39. The chance of precipitation is 20%. For Tuesday night, snow is likely mainly before 1am with a cloudy sky and a low around 27. The wind will turn calm, then shift to north around 6 mph after midnight. The chance of precipitation rises to 60%, with new snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. [NWS]

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  • Launched in January 2010, ARLnow.com is the place for the latest news, views and things to do around Arlington, Virginia. The ARLnow staff byline is used for the Morning Notes and reporting done by an editor or other member of our full-time staff.