News

Morning Notes for May 21, 2026

Stormy clouds over N. Glebe Road in Ballston (courtesy George Brazier)

Parks Stay in Top 10 — “Arlington County’s nationally recognized park system has once again earned the number seven spot in the 2026 Trust for Public Land’s ParkScore, marking 11 consecutive years in the top 10.” Arlington earned 76.1 out of 100 points across 15 measures. [Arlington County]

Argentine Festival Returns — The Argentine Festival USA returns to Kenmore Middle School auditorium on Saturday, bringing a full day of live music, Argentine food and community celebration. The indoor event runs 3:30–10:30 p.m. and features more than 39 performers. [ARLnow]

Stop the Bleed Training — “Learn to stop major bleeding using tourniquets and direct pressure.” Ready Arlington is hosting a free, hands-on “Until Help Arrives” training on Monday, May 28 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. [Ready Arlington/X]

Composted Bodies at ANC? — Retired Air Force Col. Dave Buermeyer says he plans to lobby Arlington National Cemetery to allow composted remains, following the opening of a new “human composting” facility in Howard County, Md. “Environmentally, it’s head and shoulders over any other method that I’ve ever heard of,” Buermeyer said. [Axios]

Sewage Spill Hearing — “Key officials involved in the cleanup of a massive sewage spill in the Potomac River testified Wednesday at a congressional hearing that they quickly responded after a pipe burst and that public health was never at risk.” More than 240 million gallons of sewage spilled into the river in January. [WTOP]

Most Riders Skip Fare — “Metro says about 70% of riders are not paying their fare on the bus — about twice the national average and the highest rate of bus fare evasion in the country — and it’s costing the transit agency tens of millions of dollars.” Bus operators will begin quoting the fare to riders as a reminder to pay. [NBC 4]

Spanberger Splits on ICE — Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed legislation banning law enforcement officers from covering their faces while vetoing a separate bill that would have restricted federal immigration agents from making civil arrests in courthouses, schools and health care facilities. Both bills were sponsored by Fairfax state Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim (D). [FFXnow]

Spanberger on NAEP — Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) said her administration will look further into the expanded National Assessment of Educational Progress before committing to using the additional tests. “A test for a test’s sake is not what I think does any value for kids or for educators,” she said. [Virginia Mercury]

Revenues Up, Jobs Down — Virginia has lost 41,900 jobs since the start of fiscal year 2026, but General Fund revenues are roughly $851 million ahead of forecast. “It would not be unprecedented for us to use some of this money to get past this impasse, if we needed to,” Secretary of Finance Mark Sickles told lawmakers. [Virginia Mercury]

Va. Overdose Drop — Virginia recorded one of the steepest declines in overdose deaths nationwide over the past year, according to new CDC data. Expanded naloxone access and improved treatment programs have helped drive the drop. But state officials warn that potential Medicaid spending reductions could disrupt addiction and mental health treatment programs. [WAMU]

Sunshine Bill Returns — “House Republicans will try again to extend daylight saving time, seeking to end the nation’s semiannual clock changes — and deliver on a priority for President Donald Trump.” The House Energy and Commerce Committee is expected to propose adopting the Sunshine Protection Act this week. [Washington Post]

It’s Thursday — Expect showers and thunderstorms today with a high near 67 and northeast winds of 9–13 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%, with new rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch possible. Overnight, showers and thunderstorms are likely before 11 p.m., with a low around 54. [NWS]

There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.

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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.