Author: ARLnow.com

ATC Staffing Leads to DCA Delays — “The FAA is now delaying flights into Reagan National Airport (DCA) due to low air traffic controller staffing. Day 8 of the government shutdown and staffing shortages are hitting Congress’ favorite airport.” [Pete Muntean/X]

Ballston Crash Leads to Pot Bust — “800 block of N. Randolph Street. At approximately 2:40 a.m. on October 5, police responded to the report of a single-vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the driver of the vehicle and following an investigation, he was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence. During an inventory search of the vehicle prior to towing, a distribution amount of marijuana was recovered.” [ACPD, ACPD/X]

Cherrydale Truck Traffic Complaints — “When it was built decades ago, Galdes said the rehab center was designed to be a quiet, nursing-home-type residential facility. But since then, she said, it’s evolved to handle more and more medical needs — which means more deliveries. “Locally, in the neighborhood, we call it a small hospital,” she said Tuesday.” [WTOP]

Long Bridge Construction Plan — “Video from @vapassengerrail that shows how the new Long Bridge for trains and a parallel bridge for pedestrians & bikers will be constructed over the Potomac River. Major construction work is expected to start next year, currently the projected completion date is 2030.” [Tom Roussey/X]

Flyover This Morning — From AlertDC: “The U.S. Military will conduct an aircraft flyover in the National Capital Region (NCR) over Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 9:15AM.”

New Bill for Federal Workers — “Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) introduced the Federal Employee Civil Relief Act. This legislation would protect federal workers, federal contractor employees, and their families from foreclosures, evictions, and loan defaults during a government shutdown.” [Press Release]

Arlington Food Insecurity — Arlington’s rate of food-insecure households, 22%, was lowest in the Washington region in a new report from the Capital Area Food Bank, presented Wednesday to the Council of Governments. Though down slightly from 23% last year, both the county rate and the regional rate of 36% are expected to grow in coming months due to federal downsizing and resulting economic impacts. –Scott McCaffrey

Warner on Peace Deal — From Sen. Mark Warner: “I welcome the announcement that Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement to bring about a ceasefire, secure the release of hostages, and lay the groundwork for a more durable peace following the conflict.” [Press Release]

W-L Crew Anniversary — “On October 4, 2025, the Washington-Liberty (W-L) High School Crew Boosters hosted a special event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of W-L’s s women’s rowing program.” [Press Release]

F.C. Budget Update — “A final report of the City of Falls Church budgetary performance for its FY25 fiscal year ending last June 30 showed a healthy net surplus of revenue over expenditures, but some areas signal cause for concern going forward.” [FCNP]

It’s Thursday — Expect sunny skies and a high of 63 degrees, accompanied by a northeast wind between 9 and 11 mph, gusting up to 18 mph. Thursday night will be clear, with temperatures dropping to a low of around 43 degrees. [NWS]

Virginia Reps on Fed Furlough Pay — “Today, the Democratic members of Virginia’s congressional delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to OMB Director Russ Vought clarifying that threats to withhold or cancel back pay to furloughed federal workers would be illegal.” [Press Release]

Beyer Blasts Back Pay Backtrack — “The Trump Administration is trying to frighten federal employees and their families as a negotiating tactic… Federal employees should know that these threats are hollow, and they will be paid when this shutdown ends, as the law requires.” [Press Release]

Kaine Says Suit Likely — “I was proud to work across the aisle in 2019 to pass legislation that Trump himself signed to guarantee backpay to federal workers during shutdowns. If OMB chooses thuggish intimidation tactics over following the law, it better prepare to face the American people in court.” [Sen. Tim Kaine/X]

Sens. Slam Shutdown Messages — “Virginia Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine joined 22 Senate colleagues Monday in demanding the Trump administration remove partisan political messages from federal agency websites and employee email accounts.” [ALXnow]

Gravelly Point Closed — “On an 80-degree day in October, you’d expect to see a full parking lot and picnic setups at Gravelly Point Park near Reagan National Airport, but not this time. The park, along with several others in Northern Virginia, is partially closed during the federal government shutdown.” [DC News Now]

Commission Backs Ballston Conversion — The Arlington Planning Commission on Monday voted 11-0 in support of a proposal to convert the existing office building at 4100 Fairfax Drive in Ballston to apartment use. The proposal later this month will go to the County Board for final action. —Scott McCaffrey

Flyover Planned This Morning — From AlertDC: “The U.S. Military will conduct an aircraft flyover in the National Capital Region (NCR) over Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 11:10AM.”

New Metro Elevator — “Have you heard? The new elevator from South Hayes Street to the Pentagon City station mezzanine is now OPEN on the west side! Thank you to our partners @ArlingtonVA, @fta_dot, & @VirginiaDRPT for helping us bring more accessibility to our customers!” [WMATA/X]

More on AG Race Fallout — “A scandal over resurfaced texts from Virginia Democratic attorney general candidate Jay Jones has Democrats in a catch-22. A month before Election Day, pushing Jones off the ticket could fracture Democrats’ chances in a pivotal statewide race seen as a bellwether for next year. But standing by him risks reinforcing Republican attacks.” [Axios, New York Post]

Longtime Food Critic Leaving — From Tom Sietsema: “This week, I’m saying goodbye to my high-calorie job as food critic at The Washington Post. I’ve held the position since 2000, following the legendary work of my predecessor, Phyllis C. Richman. Far from retiring, I’ve got plans to cook more, travel more and stay connected with fellow food enthusiasts.” [Washington Post]

It’s Wednesday — Expect showers before 2pm with a high temperature near 70°F. The southwest wind at 7-14 mph will shift to the north in the afternoon, gusting up to 25 mph. There is an 80% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts ranging from a quarter to half an inch. Wednesday night, the sky will be mostly clear, with a low temperature around 47°F and a north wind at about 10 mph. [NWS]

Army Ten-Miler in Jeopardy — “The Army Ten-Miler scheduled for Sunday could be canceled for the first time in its 40-year history. Due to what Race Director Matt Zimmerman termed “unforeseen circumstances,” the Army-Ten Miler organization may need to cancel the in-person event, though a virtual event would proceed.” [WBJ, Army Ten-Miler/X]

Shutdown Feeds Fed Anxieties — “More than 80 federal employees across three dozen agencies described the shutdown, and the spreading fear of layoffs, as the last straw. Some said they are using their unplanned time at home to start applying to positions in the private sector. Others would like to leave but don’t think they could find another job.” [Washington Post]

Fairfax Focused on DCA Noise — “Fairfax County leaders continue to push the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) to fund an outside analysis of aircraft noise’s impact on neighborhoods along the flight path at Reagan National Airport.” [FFXnow]

Pedestrian Safety Tips — “October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. Follow these tips to make sure you and your loved ones make it to their destinations safely… Pedestrians: -Look both ways before crossing the street. -Whenever possible, cross a street in a designated crosswalk. -If there’s no sidewalk, always walk facing oncoming traffic.” [ACPD/X]

Cart Chaos in Pentagon City — “Our neighborhood shouldn’t look like this. It’s embarrassing. (S.15th Street Between Hayes + Fern).” [CartChaos22202/X]

Latest on Va. AG Race — “President Donald Trump, like Republicans across Virginia, called for Democratic state attorney general candidate Jay Jones to quit the race over the weekend. The Republican president described Jones as a “radical left lunatic” and sought to link him to former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Virginia’s Democratic candidate for governor.” [Associated Press, Axios]

Paper Seeks Funds for Delivery — “We are announcing the imminent launch of a crowdfunding effort to restore the home delivery of the Falls Church News-Press to every household address in the City of Falls Church.” [FCNP]

Wiffenpoofs Coming to F.C. Tonight — “Singing a mixture of old Yale tunes, jazz standards, and other hits from across the decades, the Whiffenpoofs perform more than 200 concerts across six continents each year.” [Event]

It’s Tuesday — Expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 80 and a south wind at 6-11 mph, gusting up to 20 mph. Expect showers and possible thunderstorms overnight, a low around 61, and a south wind around 8 mph. Precipitation chances stand at 90%, with new rainfall amounts ranging from a quarter to half an inch. [NWS]

Safe Swiped from Clarendon Business — ” 3100 block of Clarendon Boulevard. At approximately 1:49 p.m. on October 2, police were dispatched to the late report of a larceny. It was determined at approximately 3:47 a.m. on October 2, the male suspect made entry into the closed business, stole a safe and subsequently fled the scene on foot.” [ACPD]

Cox Trial Getting Nat’l Attention — “Serial sex offender Richard Kenneth Cox appeared in Arlington, Virginia circuit court Friday facing several prurient charges, with a vulgar rap sheet going back to the George H.W. Bush administration. Cox has been described as the “poster boy” for Republican concerns about transgender ideology and permissive policies at schools and on sports teams as statewide electoral races in Virginia heat up.” [Fox News]

Allegations Against Lt. Gov. Candidate — “The Virginia Democratic Party is targeting John Reid, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, over allegations tied to a social media account. On Wednesday, the party posted a link to a report on its official X account that it says connects a Tumblr account tied to Reid to what it calls ‘racist and vile imagery.'” [WJLA]

New Va. Gov. Race Poll — “Democrat Abigail Spanberger leads Republican Winsome Earle-Sears by double digits in the contest for governor, according to a Washington Post-Schar School poll of Virginia voters, picking up strong support from independent voters as well as those who are worried about the state’s job market. But the races are much closer for lieutenant governor and attorney general, where Democratic nominees who tack harder to the left see thinner support from swing voters.” [Washington Post]

Beyer Proposes Shutdown Bill — “Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA)… today introduced the Emergency Relief for Federal Workers Act, legislation that would remove penalties for federal employees who wish to make hardship withdrawals from their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to pay bills during a protracted government shutdown.” [Press Release]

Shutdown Resource Page — “More than 72,000 of my constituents in Virginia’s Eighth Congressional District work directly for the government, and thousands more work as government contractors. Our community is home to many families who are now feeling the personal and economic strain of this shutdown… It’s my hope that the resources provided below will address your questions and concerns.” [Rep. Don Beyer]

Women’s Event Postponed — “Unfortunately, my Annual Women’s Conference will be postponed to a later date due to the ongoing government shutdown. Updated details, including the new date, will be shared once they are confirmed.” [Rep. Don Beyer/X]

ACLU Sues ICE — “The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia filed a class action lawsuit in Alexandria federal court today, alleging that Immigration and Customs Enforcement is unlawfully detaining young immigrants who have a legal pathway to citizenship — part of what the complaint describes as the Trump administration’s mass deportation strategy.” [ALXnow]

Vought’s Arlington Neighborhood — “On the quiet, residential street tucked in the Virginia suburb where [Office of Management and Budget Director Russ] Vought lives, the perception of him and his role in the shutdown is less than favorable. Several homes in the neighborhood have a yard sign in the front proudly declaring: “This house supports federal workers.” That includes the house right next door to his.” [Mother Jones]

Concern About N. Va. Nonprofits — “Nonprofits in Northern Virginia drive over $1.6 billion in economic activity, yet a new report warns that they face increasing threats from funding cuts, declining donations and growing demand.” [FFXnow]

Pike Crash Caught on Camera — “This was from a crash Tuesday at Columbia Pike and S. Glebe Road in Arlington. Injuries not reported as life threatening. Just like another collision that day… the driver of one of the cars got out quickly and forgot to put it in park.” [Dave Statter/X]

New Legal Notice — Restaurant seeks ABC license for on/off-premises wine, beer, mixed beverages. [Public Notices]

Fall Foliage Update — “Fall color increasing. Most prominent in western suburbs with general low color, per Explore Fall. If you’re up for a road trip, the mountains of nearby West Virginia are ranging from moderate to peak color.” [CWG/Bluesky]

It’s Monday — Patchy fog is expected to clear by 10am, making way for a sunny day with a high near 81 degrees and calm winds turning south at 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. The evening will be mostly clear with a low around 61 degrees. [NWS]

Today’s Morning Notes are brought to you by Industrious. ARLnow has used Industrious for years and we love the simplicity — show up, get to work, and let them handle everything else. Industrious has several Metro-accessible coworking locations in Arlington.

Latest on the Shutdown — “Senior federal officials have quietly counseled several agencies against firing employees while the government is shut down — as President Donald Trump has suggested he will — warning the strategy may violate appropriations law, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive internal deliberations.” [Washington Post, Virginia Mercury, WJLA]

Disruptions from Pike Project — “Three years of roadwork along Columbia Pike in Arlington has shifted to a new phase. Local business owners aren’t happy.” [NBC 4]

Expect Loud Booms Today — From AlertDC: “October 3, at 12PM, a total of 11 (LOUD) rounds will be fired as part of a gun salute being conducted at the Washington Navy Yard.”

Coffey to Serve as Acting Board Chair — County Board members on Thursday tapped Maureen Coffey to serve as acting Board chair from noon on Oct. 3 to noon on Oct. 12, when Board Chair Takis Karantonis will be in Germany at an Arlington Sister City Association program, and Vice Chair Matt de Ferranti is on paternity leave. Though no official actions are expected during the period, “a lot can happen in one week,” Karantonis acknowledged in the runup to the 4-0 vote. –Scott McCaffrey

Video of Carjacking — “Some distant video of Tuesday morning’s carjacking in Crystal City. It happened as a man walked across S. Eads Street to his Lincoln MKZ parked in front of Kabob Palace around 2:30 a.m. @ArlingtonVaPD reports he was approached by two men with knives who knocked him down and stole his cell phone and keys and then drove off with the car.” [Dave Statter/X]

Local GOP Fundraising Record — “And finally — the metric I usually share with you (but not the only measurement of success) — $22,722.62 raised in the 3rd Quarter, $5,629.96 more than our previous quarterly fundraising record of $17,092.66 in the 3rd Quarter of 2023.” [Arlington GOP]

Fairfax Supports Arlington, F.C. Projects — The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to support Arlington’s request for Northern Virginia Transportation Authority funding for multimodal projects on S. George Mason Drive, as well as Falls Church’s funding request for construction of a shared-use path on Haycock Road. Decisions on whether to fund the projects will come next summer. –Scott McCaffrey

Youngkin Transgender Order — “Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive directive to ‘prevent biological males from participating in organized female-only athletic teams and competitions in Virginia” and “prevent biological males from using designated female spaces where females are likely to be in a state of undress.'” [Nick Minock/X, Washington Post]

D.C. Recession Predicted — “D.C.’s top financial official predicts a “moderate recession” (escalated from a “mild” one) through the next 12 months, with more anticipated job losses than once thought… Over the next five years, 40,000 federal jobs are expected to evaporate in D.C., coinciding with lagging private sector job growth, per Lee’s office.” [Axios]

It’s Friday — Expect a mostly sunny day with a high temperature near 72°F, as calm winds shift southward at around 5 mph in the afternoon. The night will remain mostly clear, with a low temperature around 52°F. [NWS]