Author: Katie Taranto

Katie Taranto is a reporter at Local News Now, primarily covering business, public safety and the city of Falls Church. She graduated from the University of Missouri in 2024, where she previously covered K-12 education at The Columbia Missourian. She is originally from Macungie, Pennsylvania.

Around Town

New play equipment for dogs arrives in Rosslyn’s Gateway Park

By Katie Taranto
New play equipment for dogs at Gateway Park (courtesy of R-Dogs)

Dogs in Rosslyn are sure to have a ball with some new play equipment that was placed in Gateway Park’s dog park over the weekend.

Volunteers from R-Dogs, the dog park’s nonprofit sponsor, installed new ramps and a platform for four-legged friends at 1300 Langston Blvd on Sunday, bringing their pets along for an inaugural play-date.

Go to New play equipment for dogs arrives in Rosslyn’s Gateway Park Read more
News

Arlington firefighter loses home in fire, raises $35K on GoFundMe

By Katie Taranto
The Friday morning fire at the Zunigas' residence in Gaithersburg (courtesy of David Zuniga)

After an Arlington firefighter lost his home in a fire last week, a fundraiser to support his family has raised over $35,000.

Fire Capt. David Zuniga became aware of the blaze around 5:30 a.m. on Friday when his 18-year-old daughter got up to prepare for a friend’s graduation.

Go to Arlington firefighter loses home in fire, raises $35K on GoFundMe Read more
News

Paving for bike lane project brings Crystal City road closures this week

By Katie Taranto
Paving on Crystal Drive, which is also slated for bike paving work, in May 2025 (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A bike lane paving project in Crystal City is beginning tomorrow (Tuesday).

Paving on Crystal Drive and S. Clark Street, previously slated for completion today, is beginning later than expected because of last week’s storms. Motorists should expect lane closures, no street parking and a full crosswalk closure at 23rd Street S.

Go to Paving for bike lane project brings Crystal City road closures this week Read more
Around Town

Mister Days launching DIY bellini bar, brunch menu in Clarendon

By Katie Taranto
Mister Days in Clarendon (staff photo by Jared Serre)

New brunch eats and do-it-yourself bellinis are coming to Mister Days in Clarendon for the first time this weekend.

The cafe and bar at 1101 N. Highland Street is soft opening a weekend brunch menu from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday), along with discounted bellinis at its new “Bubbly Bellini Bar” through the rest of May.

Go to Mister Days launching DIY bellini bar, brunch menu in Clarendon Read more
News

Youngkin criticizes County Board for limiting ACPD interactions with ICE

By Katie Taranto
The Arlington County Board meeting on May 13, 2025 (via Arlington County)

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has voiced disapproval over the Arlington County Board’s decision this week to limit police interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The County Board voted Tuesday to bar the Arlington County Police Department from initiating contact with ICE. In a post on X yesterday (Thursday), the governor criticized the change, calling it a “dereliction of duty.”

Go to Youngkin criticizes County Board for limiting ACPD interactions with ICE Read more
Events

A traveling Latin food market is visiting Clarendon next month

By Katie Taranto
Food at a previous Sazon Latin Food Market in 2024 (via Latin City/Facebook)

The traveling Sazon Latin Food Market is making a pitstop in Clarendon this spring.

The culinary Latin American festival is planned from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, June 1, at the Arlington Beer Garden (3217 10th Street N.). Event planner Latin City promises music, drinks and food representing the Caribbean, Central and South America.

Go to A traveling Latin food market is visiting Clarendon next month Read more
News

Ballston Macy’s demolition continues with excavation expected this fall

By Katie Taranto
Macy's demolition in Ballston in May 2025 (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

In just a few more months, the Macy’s in Ballston should be completely demolished.

Excavation, the next phase of redevelopment project, is predicted to start next season, developer Insight Property Group told ARLnow. Plans call for 553 new apartments, ground-floor retail and a grocery store.

Go to Ballston Macy’s demolition continues with excavation expected this fall Read more
News

Nine-story Ballston office building is ‘a candidate’ for residential conversion, new owner says

By Katie Taranto
4350 N. Fairfax Drive (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Another office-to-residential conversion project may be on the horizon in Arlington, this time at a nine-story Ballston building.

Rooney Properties acquired The Ellipse at Ballston, located at 4350 N. Fairfax Drive, last month. The firm considers the property “a candidate for future redevelopment” and residential conversion, vice president Greg Hoffman told ARLnow.

Go to Nine-story Ballston office building is ‘a candidate’ for residential conversion, new owner says Read more
News

Weekend road closures planned ahead of Arlington Palooza and 5K races

By Katie Taranto
2025 Arlington Palooza road closures (via ACPD)

The annual Arlington Palooza and two 5K races will prompt some road closures this weekend.

Temporary closures are expected in Arlington Forest and Rock Spring to accommodate the Palooza and the Jamestown Fun Run and Walk 5K on Saturday. On Sunday, the Girls on the Run 5K will affect Pentagon City.

Go to Weekend road closures planned ahead of Arlington Palooza and 5K races Read more
Around Town

Bar Chinois to celebrate grand opening on Thursday in Crystal City

By Katie Taranto
Bar Chinois' new Crystal City restaurant (courtesy of David Madison Photography)

A lauded Chinese fusion restaurant and bar will celebrate a grand opening in Crystal City later this week.

Bar Chinois is set to open at 4 p.m. Thursday at 244 19th Court S.#105, on the ground floor of the Grace and Reva apartments. It will be restaurant’s second location, joining its acclaimed debut spot across the Potomac.

Go to Bar Chinois to celebrate grand opening on Thursday in Crystal City Read more
Around Town

King Street Oyster Bar calls off plans for Pentagon City restaurant

By Katie Taranto
Sage Apartments in Pentagon City in 2024 (staff photo by James Jarvis)

King Street Oyster Bar has cancelled longtime plans to open a Pentagon City restaurant.

The new oyster bar was reportedly on the rocks in December when Rappaport began marketing its leased space at 480 11th Street S. to prospective tenants. Now, the deal is officially off, a Rappaport representative told ARLnow in an email.

Go to King Street Oyster Bar calls off plans for Pentagon City restaurant Read more
Events

Arlington kicking off WorldPride with block party this Saturday

By Katie Taranto
Progress Pride flags (via All in Arlington Virginia/Facebook)

A full schedule of Pride-themed events is kicking off in Arlington this weekend as WorldPride commences in D.C.

The festivities begin with a light art projection and Saturday block party at the Ellen M. Bozman Government Center, followed by theatrical performances, DIY arts and crafts and more through June. Here’s a look at some upcoming Pride events across the county.

Go to Arlington kicking off WorldPride with block party this Saturday Read more
View More Stories