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.
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris at the presidential debate on Sept. 10, 2024 (via ABC)
We’re a week away from the Nov. 5 election and the culmination of a historic presidential race.
While states like Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin get the most attention as campaign battlegrounds, Virginia has also traditionally been considered a battleground state. In recent years, though, it has mostly voted Democratic in presidential contests.
This time around, Vice President Kamala Harris (D) is leading former president Donald Trump (R) in polls. According to a RealClearPolitics poll average, Harris has a nearly 6 percentage point advantage over the former president in the Commonwealth.
But that’s not stopping a bit of hopeful rhetoric from the Arlington GOP, which has been saying on social media that Trump — who is currently polling ahead in most other battleground states — has a “damn good chance” to win Virginia.
Given the current polling, what you’re seeing on the ground, and other factors, who do you think will win here next week?
Squirrel in a tree outside of Arlington Central Library (staff photo)
Another Ballston Robbery — The next day after an alleged armed robbery at a 7-Eleven in Ballston that resulted in disruptions to Metro service: “At approximately 7:17 p.m. on October 26… the male suspect entered the business, concealed merchandise and attempted to exit the business without payment. When confronted by an employee, the suspect made threatening statements towards the employee before fleeing the scene on foot with the stolen merchandise… officers located the suspect in the Ballston Metro and took him into custody.” [ACPD]
New Mural at Mall — “There is a beautiful Pentagon City-inspired mural being painted at @FashionCtrPC, along the walkway from the food court to the parking garage.” [Twitter]
Coffee Stand’s Story — “It has not been a rags-to-riches trajectory for Skyler Kelley. True, her startup business, Brij Coffee, has been buzzing ever since its debut last year just down the street from Amazon’s gleaming HQ2… But Kelley’s mission isn’t simply to keep customers happily caffeinated. Her ultimate goal is to use the business to help end homelessness.” [Arlington Magazine]
Kaine Early Voting Event — Sen. Tim Kaine, who is seeking reelection, will visit Arlington today to encourage early voting ahead of the November 5 general election. Kaine is scheduled to appear at Walter Reed Recreation Center (2909 16th Street S.) at 1:30 p.m. before heading to another nearby early voting event at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library at 5 p.m.
Forward Party Election Night Party — The Forward Party, which is supporting Madison Granger for Arlington County Board and James “Vell” Rives IV for School Board, will host an election-night watch party next Tuesday (Nov. 5) after polls close at 7 p.m. at Ireland’s Four Courts, 2051 Wilson Blvd, in support of its candidates for office in Arlington and for the Alexandria City Council. –Scott McCaffrey
Pumpkin Pumpkin Everywhere — “It’s time for everyone’s favorite fall flavor. Pumpkin spice and all things nice are popping up on menus all over town. From breakfast and coffee to ice cream or cocktails, here’s the lowdown on where to find inventive concoctions featuring that distinctly autumnal spice combo.” [Arlington Magazine]
It’s Tuesday — Expect mostly sunny skies, a high temperature near 70°F, and a south wind of 3 to 8 mph during the day. At night, anticipate partly cloudy conditions and a low temperature around 53°F. [NWS]
Expect mostly sunny skies, a high temperature near 70°F, and a south wind of 3 to 8 mph during the day. In the evening, anticipate partly cloudy conditions, a low temperature around 53°F, and a south wind of approximately 6 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Address:1600 N. Oak Street #525 Neighborhood: Rosslyn Type: 2 BR, 2 BA condo — 1,205 sq. ft. Listed: $649,900
Noteworthy: Move-in ready 2 bed, 2 bath, with an open kitchen, parking, and extra storage!
Welcome to The Belvedere #525!
This spacious condo spans over 1,200 square feet and offers incredible value with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open kitchen, a separate dining area, and a bright sunroom with treetop views.
Featuring bamboo floors throughout, the layout is ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The dining area is perfect for hosting guests, while the open kitchen is outfitted with granite countertops, generous cabinet space, and overlooks the light-filled living room. The primary bedroom boasts multiple closets, including a large walk-in, providing ample storage. The second bedroom also features abundant closet space and direct access to the sunroom, which can serve as a home office or relaxation spot with natural light pouring in.
The Belvedere is a full-service building offering top-notch amenities, including a resort-style pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis/pickleball courts, 24/7 front desk, party room, convenience store, and a car wash area. Located just a short walk from the Rosslyn Metro, Target, Starbucks, and Safeway, with easy access to Whole Foods and major highways, this home puts everything at your fingertips.
This prime condo offers quick access to D.C., and all the area has to offer!
There’s still time to register for tomorrow’s free workshop with ARLnow real estate columnist Eli Tucker.
The event runs from 6-7:30 p.m. at Arlington Central Library’s Bluemont Room, with Eli available starting at 5:30 p.m. for one-on-one questions. Food and drinks will be provided.
Halloween display on 24th Street S. in Aurora Highlands (Flickr pool photo by Jason Gooljar)
Uncertain Future for Courthouse Building — “The Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. is looking to short sell a mostly empty office building it owns in Arlington’s Courthouse, billing it as residential or hotel redevelopment opportunity. MetLife’s building at 1320 N. Courthouse Road, a block south of the Courthouse Metro station and catty-cornered to the county courthouse and jail, is currently 18% leased to three tenants.” [WBJ]
Marine Corps Marathon Recap — “Marine Major Kyle King claimed victory with a finish time of 2:25:06, outpacing 16,556 other racers. This will be King’s second time winning the men’s MCM, after his first triumph in 2022. Arlington-native Tessa Barrett, won the women’s MCM with a finish time of 2:39:36, vanquishing 6,214 other female competitors.” [Stars and Stripes]
Another Gun Stopped at DCA — “Transportation Security Administration officers prevented an Arkansas woman from bringing a loaded gun onto a plane leaving Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday. TSA officers found the 22 caliber firearm loaded with five bullets in the traveler’s carry-on items at one of the airport’s security checkpoints.” [Patch]
Local Woman’s Long Bike Journey — “Meet Miranda Baltaxe, a recent college graduate and native of Arlington, Virginia, in the midst on an incredible journey from Maine, to Key West on the East Coast Greenway route.” [Twitter, YouTube]
Thirsty Bat Rescued — From the Animal Welfare League of Arlington: “This handsome Eastern Red Bat was rescued this week after he was found a bit dehydrated. Thanks to one of our amazing rehabbers he’s getting some much-needed hydration and rest.” [Twitter]
Arlington ‘Tomb Raiders’ — “In late October 1976, police discovered a gruesome scene inside the Abbey Mausoleum, a once grand burial place next to Arlington National Cemetery. Vandals had tampered with a dozen caskets and 15 urns, placing a copy of Circus (a now-defunct music magazine) into one opened coffin. In the gray cremains from an overturned urn, someone had drawn a smiley face. It wouldn’t be the tomb’s only raid. ” [Arlington Magazine]
Funding for Ballston Tech Co. — “Interos Inc., an Arlington tech firm that helps companies monitor and respond to supply chain threats, has obtained $40 million in new funding to expand product capabilities following several executive leadership appointments.” [WBJ]
Funding for Another Local Startup — “Fixify, an Arlington startup automating IT help desk jobs for companies with up to 2,000 employees, has raised $25 million from investors and will use a chunk of the proceeds to beef up its sales team.” [WBJ]
More Arlington Tech News — “CoStar Group, the Arlington-based provider of online real estate marketplaces… said it will acquire New Jersey-based Visual Lease, the developer of a software platform for lease management… …Arlington-based FU Associates, a provider of analytic and technology services to government health clients, said it has rebranded as Inclined.” [Potomac Tech Wire]
No Charges for Fmr. F.C. Official — “The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington-Falls Church announced it is declining to… seek charges against former City of Falls Church Council member Caroline Lian. Because the instructions on the Virginia Economic Interest Disclosure are ambiguous and subject to interpretation, the Office has determined… that there is no good faith basis for criminal charges.” [Falls Church News-Press]
It’s Monday — Patchy frost will clear up by 9am, making way for sunny skies and a high of around 63°F. Expect a 5-7 mph southeast wind in the afternoon. Monday night will see partly cloudy conditions and a low near 44°F. [NWS]
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Two years ago, during a Washington-Liberty High School choral-department trip to New York City, students had the chance to tour Radio City Music Hall and even stand on its famous stage.
Expect a predominantly sunny day, as temperatures reach around 69°F accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 10-16 mph and gusts soaring up to 24 mph. The evening will continue to be mainly clear with temperatures dropping to around 40°F, and the northwest wind persisting at 7-9 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot
We hope you have a great weekend, Arlington! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋
Arrest of armed robbery suspect at the Ballston Metro station (staff photo by Dan Egitto)
Metro train traffic was halted near Ballston after an armed man reportedly fled into the tunnels.
Police were dispatched to the 7-Eleven store across Fairfax Drive from the Ballston Metro station around 2:50 p.m. for an armed robbery. Initial reports suggest that a man robbed the store of wine, and pulled out a gun when confronted.
Police car speeding to a call at night (staff photo)
A man accused of masturbating in public in view of a local pickleball court is back behind bars.
Police say 50-year-old Arlington resident Alexei Rodriguez was seen peeping into homes, exposing himself and masturbating last night on the 300 block of S. Glebe Road, near Thomas Jefferson Middle School. He was arrested after a foot chase.
The ARLnow Press Club has 120 new members and we want to sincerely extend our appreciation to those who stepped up to — and continue to — support local news.
We put out the call to email newsletter subscribers earlier this week that we needed some help, at least temporarily, to support a larger newsroom following our GazetteLeader acquisition last month. Arlington was in danger of losing the GazetteLeader’s comprehensive local government and sports coverage had the acquisition not happened.
