Author: Scott McCaffrey

A Northern Virginia native, Scott McCaffrey has four decades of reporting, editing and newsroom experience in the local area plus Florida, South Carolina and the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. He spent 26 years as editor of the Sun Gazette newspaper chain. For Local News Now, he covers government and civic issues in Arlington, Fairfax County and Falls Church.

Schools

School Board considers three new categories for excused absences

By Scott McCaffrey
An Arlington Public Schools bus (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

School Board members are expected to expand options for excused absences in the upcoming school year.

To comply with changes to state law, three new categories may be added to the existing 13 qualifying for excused absences at Arlington Public Schools:

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News

Summer housing market was lukewarm in Arlington and Northern Virginia

By Scott McCaffrey
Real estate for sale sign (photo illustration by ARLnow)

Arlington’s tepid real estate market has been emblematic of Northern Virginia and the commonwealth as a whole this summer.

“We’re seeing a market where inventory is growing in some segments while remaining incredibly constrained in others,” said Ryan McLaughlin, CEO of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.

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News

Arlington’s spotted lanternflies may reach a turning point in 2028 or 2029

By Scott McCaffrey
Spotted lanternfly in Ballston (staff photo)

Arlington residents should expect a couple more seasons of spotted lanternfly infestations before the invasive species’ numbers start to decline.

Birds, bats and perhaps even a specialized type of wasp will likely help to thin the ranks of the lanternflies, which have been damaging native trees and plants since they became a common sight in Arlington around summer 2024.

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News

Independent candidate challenges Rep. Beyer, targeting ‘frustrated’ voters

By Scott McCaffrey
Smiling middle-aged man with short gray hair in a white shirt, standing in front of framed art photographs on a wall behind him.
8th District independent candidate Tim Sharman (courtesy Sharman campaign)

An independent candidate challenging U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-8) on Nov. 3 knows the odds are stacked against him, but thinks he can break through with voters.

“I’m running to win,” Tim Sharman told ARLnow after the Virginia Department of Elections certified his campaign paperwork.

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News

Falls Church advocates want affordable housing project to focus on lowest incomes

By Scott McCaffrey
Virginia Village properties on S. Maple Avenue, Shirley Street and Gibson Street (via City of Falls Church)

A key Falls Church civic group wants the Virginia Village affordable housing project to focus at least partly on low-income residents.

Citizens for a Better City (CBC) is calling for at least half of the new units in the project to go to those earning 30% or less of area median income (AMI). Advocates say this income bracket is “largely ignored” in the city’s existing affordable-housing efforts.

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News

National Chamber Ensemble celebrates 20 years of concerts and community in Arlington

By Scott McCaffrey
A quartet performing on stage: violinists/flutists and a cellist with a pianist, in front of a cityscape backdrop.
The National Chamber Ensemble's opening night 2025 (photo by Angela Anderson)

As the Arlington-based National Chamber Ensemble prepares to mark its 20th anniversary, the organization’s artistic director sees a healthy future for classical music.

The organization “has become a sustained Arlington-based cultural institution, presenting seasons year after year, working with outstanding local and international artists,” Leo Sushansky told ARLnow in an interview coinciding with announcement of the organization’s 20th-anniversary schedule.

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News

Falls Church faces slippery path to cracking down on businesses’ unplowed sidewalks

By Scott McCaffrey
Ice-covered sidewalk on W. Broad Street after January 2026 storm (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

Falls Church officials plan to concentrate outreach efforts on commercial and retail corridors in their efforts to maintain snow-free sidewalks this coming winter.

However, city leaders will have to wait for legislative approval before attempting to levy fines on those who fail to follow snow-removal guidelines.

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News

Historic Episcopal church in Glencarlyn closing after 130 years

By Scott McCaffrey
White church sign reads 'St. John's Episcopal Church' with worship details and contact info; brick church building in background.
St. John's Episcopal Church in Glencarlyn (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

A church that has been part of the Glencarlyn neighborhood for more than 130 years is about to close its doors.

St. John’s Episcopal Church will hold its last regular worship service on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 9 a.m. A final community service of thanksgiving is planned for mid-September.

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Around Town

‘Little City Sips’ returns to Falls Church this weekend, building on past success

By Scott McCaffrey
Ireland's Four Provinces in Falls Church (staff photo)

Falls Church will be hosting another sip-and-stroll program this weekend, looking to build on the success of a concept that debuted in June.

The city’s second Little City Sips event will take place on Saturday from 5-10 p.m. in an area bounded by W. Broad Street, Park Avenue, Little Falls Street and N. Washington Street.

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Schools

School Board members conflicted over proposal for shorter elementary school year

By Scott McCaffrey
Man in a navy suit and red tie speaks at a podium with a microphone, standing beside a yellow banner that reads 'Every Student Counts'.
Corey Dotson details proposed calendar changes to School Board members (screenshot via APS)

A staff proposal to remove a net of two days of instruction for Arlington elementary schoolers brought noncommittal comments from School Board members.

The proposal would rearrange instructional time in October and March to accommodate parent-teacher conferences at the elementary school level. It would result in 178 days of class, leading to some heartburn among School Board members who have pledged not to go below 180 days each year.

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Schools

New president of Arlington teachers union seeks collaboration with APS leaders

By Scott McCaffrey
Woman with shoulder-length dark hair and glasses speaks at a microphone, wearing a red blouse, beside a banner that says 'EVERY STUDENT COUNTS'.
Arlington Education Association president Danielle Jones (screenshot via APS)

The new president of the Arlington Education Association (AEA) says she hopes for a cooperative relationship with school leaders over the coming year.

“The strongest districts are built on collaboration, transparency and mutual respect,” Danielle Jones said at the Aug. 13 School Board meeting.

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Schools

Arlington elementary schoolers could get fewer than 180 days of class this year

By Scott McCaffrey
Arlington Public Schools buses (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

A late start to the school year and other logistical challenges could result in Arlington elementary schoolers getting fewer than 180 days of instruction this year.

School Board members are reviewing a proposal to alter the 2026-27 elementary school calendar to provide more opportunity for meetings between teachers and parents in October and March. This would result in just 178 instructional days for elementary-school students.

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