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.

Events

Ireland’s Four Courts celebrates one-year anniversary of reopening after fiery crash

By Katie Taranto
People gather to watch a sporting event at Ireland's Four Courts (via Ireland's Four Courts/Facebook)

Ireland’s Four Courts is celebrating its one-year anniversary of reopening after withstanding a fiery car crash in 2022.

The popular Courthouse pub at 2051 Wilson Blvd will host live music by D.C. area band Chasing Autumn, a raffle and karaoke from 5-8 p.m. tonight (Wednesday) to celebrate one year back in business. This is in addition to a $6 deal on draft beers and appetizers.

Go to Ireland’s Four Courts celebrates one-year anniversary of reopening after fiery crash Read more
Around Town

Vegan cookie shop to hold grand opening in Ballston this weekend, with giveaways

By Katie Taranto
MidnighTreats in Ballston (courtesy of MidnighTreats)

MidnighTreats, a vegan bakery serving up one-third pound “monster” size cookies, will celebrate a grand opening in Ballston this weekend.

The plant-based business, found near the entrance of the Ballston Quarter’s food hall at 4238 Wilson Blvd, will soft open from 11 a.m.-midnight on Thursday and Friday before a Saturday grand opening.

Go to Vegan cookie shop to hold grand opening in Ballston this weekend, with giveaways Read more
Events

Plays, concerts and comedy shows coming to Arlington this fall and winter

By Katie Taranto
The Arlington Players cast and crew of "The Prom" in spring 2024 (via The Arlington Players/Facebook)

A full slate of artistic performances are coming to Arlington this fall and winter.

From the D.C.-area premiere of a Pulitzer Prize winning play to a comedy show starring the actor who played Todd Packer on “The Office,” here’s a look at musicals, concerts, plays and shows that are coming to the county in coming weeks and months.

Go to Plays, concerts and comedy shows coming to Arlington this fall and winter Read more
News

Falls Church adds three all-way stops to W&OD Trail intersections

By Katie Taranto
The new all-way stop at N. Oak Street and W&OD Trail (courtesy of Falls Church)

After a few months of construction, three intersections of the Washington & Old Dominion Trail in Falls Church have new all-way stops.

These stops are now in place at the intersections of Little Falls Street, N. Oak Street and N. Spring Street. They were added in a collaboration with NOVA Parks to increase safety, according to an email announcement from the city.

Go to Falls Church adds three all-way stops to W&OD Trail intersections Read more
Around Town

Liberty Tavern slated to return in two weeks after repairs

By Katie Taranto
The Liberty Tavern (via Liberty Tavern/Facebook)

The Liberty Tavern is closed as it undergoes maintenance on the floors and ceilings, among other repairs.

The Clarendon mainstay, open for 17 years, will reopen in about two weeks — around mid-September — after floors, ceiling tiles and bathroom surfaces are updated, co-owner Stephen Fedorchak told ARLnow.

Go to Liberty Tavern slated to return in two weeks after repairs Read more
Around Town

New ‘Canine Cardio’ program in Green Valley keeps pups active with all-day services

By Katie Taranto
Snouts & Stouts in Green Valley (courtesy of Snouts & Stouts)

In America’s “fittest city,” some dogs may get the chance to match their owners’ athleticism through a new canine fitness program in Green Valley.

Snouts & Stouts, the indoor dog park and bar that opened 2709 S. Oakland Street last fall, has introduced a new program through Canine Cardio, a Northern Virginia pet care provider offering “a comprehensive range of fitness and training services” for dogs.

Go to New ‘Canine Cardio’ program in Green Valley keeps pups active with all-day services Read more
Around Town

Amid higher costs and other challenges, apps add revenue for Arlington businesses

By Katie Taranto
A delivery driver on foot in Rosslyn (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

Arlington merchants generated over $50 million in DoorDash sales in 2023 as local businesses continue to adapt to changing consumer expectations.

Hundreds of restaurants in Arlington currently turn to the third-party service to deliver food to customers’ homes, a spokesperson told ARLnow. In a marketplace that increasingly privileges convenience, DoorDash and other third-party apps have helped Arlington restaurants diversity their revenue and combat mounting costs, said Erinn Tucker-Oluwole, co-founder of DMV Black Restaurant Week.

Go to Amid higher costs and other challenges, apps add revenue for Arlington businesses Read more
Around Town

After 56 years in business, a film and camera shop in Falls Church is closing

By Katie Taranto
Dominion Camera in Falls Church (via Dominion Camera/Facebook)

After over 50 years of helping the D.C. area document and preserve memories, Dominion Camera in Falls Church will close next week.

The little camera shop and photography lab in Falls Church has been in business since 1969. After a couple attempts to resell, the shop’s last day of business is Saturday, Sept. 7.

Go to After 56 years in business, a film and camera shop in Falls Church is closing Read more
Events

Hispanic Heritage Month events kick off in Arlington next week

By Katie Taranto
Dancers during Hispanic Heritage Month (via Arlington County/Facebook)

From dance lessons to storytelling, free activities and events in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month will be held across Arlington starting next week.

The festivities kick off with the county’s third annual Hispanic Heritage Community Festival from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 at Tyrol Hill Park at 5101 7th Road S. The family-friendly festival will include music, snacks and opportunities to connect with county staff and leaders.

Go to Hispanic Heritage Month events kick off in Arlington next week Read more
Around Town

New food trucks bring unique drinks and sandwiches to Va. Square’s Oakland Park

By Katie Taranto
The Rossana coffee truck in Oakland Park (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A Virginia Square park is becoming something of a destination for local food trucks.

At least three portable establishments have set up shop at Oakland Park since 2023. Though it only takes up a single block, the green space at 3705 Wilson Blvd is becoming a destination for locals in need of a hot drink or a bite to eat.

Go to New food trucks bring unique drinks and sandwiches to Va. Square’s Oakland Park Read more
Events

Falls Church Festival, now in 48th year, returns next month

By Katie Taranto
The Beer Garden at a previous year's Falls Church Festival (courtesy City of Falls Church)

The annual Falls Church Festival is back next month, bringing the Little City a day of live entertainment, activities and food tasting with 90 vendors.

Now in its 48th year, the festival is scheduled to run from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, outside City Hall at 300 Park Avenue. Admission is free and food, drink and ride tickets can be purchased on site.

Go to Falls Church Festival, now in 48th year, returns next month Read more
News

NEW: Donald Trump makes stops at Arlington National Cemetery and Eden Center

By Katie Taranto and Dan Egitto
Donald Trump speaks at Truong Tien Restaurant in Falls Church, August 2024 (via C-SPAN)

Former President Donald Trump attended a wreath laying at Arlington National Cemetery and made a campaign stop in Falls Church earlier today (Monday).

Trump visited the cemetery to mark the three-year anniversary of a suicide bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members. He then made an appearance at Truong Tien Restaurant at the Eden Center, alongside Vietnamese-American U.S. Senate candidate Hung Cao (R).

Go to NEW: Donald Trump makes stops at Arlington National Cemetery and Eden Center Read more
View More Stories