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.

News

Election format, climate, Melwood plan and more on County Board’s agenda

By Scott McCaffrey
Rendering of Melwood site redevelopment proposal (via Melwood and Wesley Housing)

Ranked-choice voting, a climate resolution, the contentious Melwood development proposal and the draft Fiscal Year 2026 county budget are all on the agenda for a County Board meeting slated for Saturday (Feb. 22).

Among the highlights:

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News

New Lyon Park markers aim to explore history, build community

By Scott McCaffrey
Historical marker with Lyon Park Community Center in back (courtesy Natalie Roy/Lyon Park Citizens Association)

Lyon Park residents, and those just passing through, can now learn a little more about the history of the community.

Three new historic markers celebrating the neighborhood were formally dedicated during a wintry event held Feb. 12.

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Schools

APS may consider allowing advertising signage at its sports facilities

By Scott McCaffrey
Advertising on the softballl outfield fence at McLean High School (2024 photo by Dave Facinoli)

Commercial advertising at Arlington Public Schools’ athletic facilities? It may be on the horizon.

The county school system currently bars advertising at its fields and stadiums, but a proposed policy revision could change that.

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Schools

APS reports some positive momentum in tackling chronic absenteeism

By Scott McCaffrey
Arlington Public Schools Superintendent Francisco Durán greets students at Gunston Middle School on the first day of school in 2023 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Arlington school leaders are making strides in reducing chronic student absenteeism, but the results have been uneven.

Twenty-eight county schools showed year-over-year declines in chronic-absentee rates in the second quarter of 2024-25. But 11 posted an increase, Superintendent Francisco Durán told School Board members last week.

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News

Ethiopian-American panelists take pride in heritage and in Arlington

By Scott McCaffrey
Screenshot from program on Ethiopian heritage in Arlington (screenshot via Arlington Historical Society program)

Arlington’s Ethiopian community works hard to successfully integrate into the broader community while retaining and celebrating its traditions.

That was the view of panelists as a Black History Month program convened Thursday (Feb. 13) by the Arlington Historical Society.

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News

Arlington candidates and officials of color still face hurdles, panelists say

By Scott McCaffrey
Emma Violand-Sánchez, Alfonso Lopez and Walter Tejada react to Barack Obama's 2008 victory (via emmaviolandsanchez.org)

Ongoing challenges for political candidates and elected officials of color were the topic of a recent discussion with several local leaders.

Representatives of minority groups who make it onto the ballot and into office too often are looked on as “representational symbols,” said Christian Dorsey, a former two-term Arlington County Board member.

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Sports

Organizers of Senior Olympics expect 2025 to be biggest ever

By Scott McCaffrey
Rod Hupp (third from right) in disc-golf competition (courtesy N.Va. Senior Olympics)

Arlington’s “seasoned citizens” will have more opportunities than ever to participate in the 2025 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.

The organization aims for an expansive, inclusive, record-setting 2025 when competition begins later in the year.

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Sports

Commanders fans soon may have license plate to proclaim support

By Scott McCaffrey
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels throws a touchdown pass to Zach Ertz (screenshot via Washington Commanders/NBC)

Virginia fans of the Washington Commanders soon may be able to show their love via a specialty license plate.

Legislation patroned by Del. Adele McClure (D-2) of Arlington/Alexandria is moving forward in Richmond, allowing for a license plate honoring the NFL team.

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News

Bill to give Falls Church more affordable-housing powers moves ahead

By Scott McCaffrey
Falls Church City Manager Wyatt Shields (screenshot via City of Falls Church)

Legislation to give Falls Church more tools to promote affordable-housing development is moving forward in Richmond.

Two companion bills, if approved by the legislature and signed by the governor, would add Falls Church to the list of Virginia localities allowed to craft a program related to affordable dwelling units through their zoning ordinances.

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News

‘Palestine Alphabet Book’ placed under review at Falls Church library

By Scott McCaffrey
A Falls Church Library Board of Trustees meeting (via City of Falls Church)

A children’s book about Palestine is under review at a Falls Church library following a complaint alleging antisemitic language.

“P is for Palestine: A Palestine Alphabet Book” is the work in question. Library Director Megan Dotzler said at a Feb. 5 meeting that a complaint had been lodged, leading to the review.

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News

Beyer: Arlington Democrats need to run up vote totals in November

By Scott McCaffrey
Rep. Don Beyer speaks to Arlington Democrats, February 2025 (screenshot via Arlington Democrats)

Will the Arlington electorate deliver a record-setting vote for Democrats in November’s statewide elections?

Rep. Don Beyer (D-8) proposed this goal at the Feb. 5 Arlington County Democratic Committee meeting.

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Schools

APS transgender policy faces dilemma after change in athletic league’s rules

By Scott McCaffrey and Dave Facinoli
Arlington School Board 2025 (screenshot via Arlington Public Schools)

A major policy shift by the Virginia High School League (VHSL) could impact how Arlington Public Schools approaches transgender athletes.

VHSL announced this week that it will follow an executive order from President Donald Trump that attempts to ban students born male from competing on girls teams, threatening financial sanctions if schools don’t comply.

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