Today marks the start of the state government’s new fiscal year, and brings into effect numerous new laws that won approval during the 2025 General Assembly session.
State legislators introduced just under 2,000 measures during the 2025 session. A total of 727 were enacted into law, according to state data.
Arlington County police are investigating another series of car break-ins in the area of Washington Golf and Country Club.
It happened this past Friday morning, on the 3000 block of N. Glebe Road.
Fish Die-Off in Four Mile Run — “County environmental staff have determined a noticeable fish die-off along Four Mile Run from S George Mason Dr to Shirlington Road is the result of conditions from a water main break yesterday in nearby Fairfax. Expected rains should clear the area.” [Arlington DES/X]
Meals Tax Increasing Today — “On April 9, 2025, the Arlington County Board voted to increase the Meals, Food and Beverage Tax (MEA) rate from 4% to 5%. Therefore, effective July 1, 2025, each provider collecting MEA in Arlington County is required to collect and remit 5% on the total cost of prepared food and beverage sales.” [Arlington County]
Air Defense Exercises — “The North American Aerospace Defense Command’s (NORAD) Continental US Region will conduct the routine live-fly air defense exercise Falcon Virgo in the National Capital Region during two consecutive two-hour periods on July 1 and July 2, between midnight and 2AM, and then again between 3:30AM and 5:30AM.” [PoPville]
MCM Nears Sell-Out — “The Marine Corps Marathon has hit a new registration record and is on track to sell out for the first time since 2015. This year’s record-setting field was expanded to 40,000 entries as the People’s Marathon — the nickname for the 26.2-mile race that finishes in front of the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Rosslyn — celebrates its 50th anniversary, said Alex Hetherington, director of the Marine Corps Marathon Organization. More than 36,000 slots have been claimed as of last week.” [WBJ]
Control in Richmond Up For Grabs — “Control of state government in 2026 will hinge on which political party better connects with voters’ top concerns in coming months. That’s the view of Del. Marcus Simon (D-13), speaking at a June 28 forum sponsored by NAACP’s Northern Virginia branches.” [FFXnow]
Free Fares on Night of July 4 — “Ring in the Fourth of July with Metro! Heading to a barbecue or fireworks on the National Mall? Don’t stress about holiday travel. Let Metro get you where you need to go. To mark the occasion, fares will be FREE on Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess from 5 p.m. until the system closes.” [WMATA]
Humidity Capital of the U.S. — “CONGRATULATIONS, Washington D.C.! As of this writing, you’re the MOST HUMID major city in the nation. LUCKY US! Every cubic meter of air is holding half a shot glass’ worth of water.” [Matthew Cappucci/X]
It’s July — Showers and thunderstorms are likely, with a high near 91 and southwest winds around 9 mph. Precipitation chances are 80%. For tonight, anticipate showers and thunderstorms, a low of 71, and southwest winds between 3-6 mph. Nighttime precipitation likelihood is 60%. [NWS]
Last week’s ruling that put Missing Middle zoning changes back on the books in Arlington presents a major setback for plaintiffs, experts say.
The determination in the Virginia Court of Appeals, which found last year’s circuit court ruling invalid for procedural reasons, could substantially set back the timeline for the case and require even more resources to support a privately funded lawsuit.
The ad-hoc task force studying trash collection options in Falls Church continues to refine ideas as a key deadline draws ever nearer.
With two meetings down and two more to go, the goal is to now “get closer to a path forward,” said Deputy City Manager Andy Young, who is chairing the panel.
The Arlington Chamber of Commerce saluted public safety responses to this winter’s deadly mid-air crash over the Potomac River at an event last week.
A special Excellence Award was bestowed on the Arlington County Police Department, Arlington County Fire Department, Arlington County Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for their efforts at the scene of the crash.
Local employment conditions appear to be holding up better than expected given federal-government cutbacks and their ripple effects across the broader economy.
“Is the situation as dire as we were thinking? Right now, I don’t think so,” said David Remick, executive director of the Alexandria-Arlington Regional Workforce Council.
The Arlington County Board is celebrating the commitment of Arlington’s foster parents of the year and praising the efforts of a leader in the local art world.
At a June 18 meeting, Board members also commemorated the life of a civic leader who died earlier in the month and thanked two retiring advisory commission members for their service.
Amazon Van Fire in Crystal City — “Units responded to a fully involved vehicle fire on the 2200 block of S Clark St that was extending into the bushes. E105 quickly extinguished the delivery vehicle fire. No injuries to the driver or firefighters. Fire marshals will be investigating the cause… This was a gas-powered vehicle that caught fire due to a malfunctioning engine. There was no explosion, and no packages were involved.” [ACFD/X]
Arrest After Fight on the Pike — “Columbia Pike at S. Four Mile Run Drive… The male victim and suspect were outside when they became engaged in a verbal dispute during which the suspect allegedly threatened the victim, threw a rock towards him and attempted to steal his personal belongings. Responding officers took the suspect into custody on scene.” [ACPD]
Fourth of July Road Closures — “The Arlington County Police Department, Virginia State Police, United States Park Police, and Virginia Department of Transportation will close multiple roadways on Friday, July 4th, 2025, to facilitate the safe passage of large crowds for the Independence Day events and fireworks.” [ACPD]
Dem Candidates Visit Freddie’s — “Freddie’s, you’re a blast — especially during Pride Month! Proud to visit this historic space for Virginia’s LGBTQ+ community here in Arlington.” [Abigail Spanberger/X]
Dem Candidates at Eden Center — “Eden Center in Falls Church, the center of the Vietnamese community in Fairfax County, is an example of the diversity that makes VA so great. As AG, I’ll be sure that no matter who you are or where you come from, you will have a fair shake in our justice system.” [Jay Jones/X]
It’s Monday — Showers and thunderstorms are likely after in the afternoon, with otherwise mostly sunny skies and a high near 90. Heat index values may reach up to 100, and a calm wind will become south around 6 mph in the afternoon. For Monday night, showers and potential thunderstorms are expected, with mostly cloudy conditions and a low around 76. A south wind will blow around 7 mph, and there’s a 60% chance of precipitation throughout the day. [NWS]
Today’s Morning Notes are brought to you by Industrious. ARLnow has called an Industrious workspace home for years and we appreciate the ease — you can concentrate on projects instead of brewing coffee or maintaining office equipment. Industrious has multiple Metro-accessible shared offices throughout Arlington.
The Arlington Sister City Association has major plans for its global relationships as it continues to rebuild from the pandemic.
“We have a more important role than ever,” said Daphne Lathouras, chair of the organization’s board of directors, at the group’s annual meeting on Monday.
All Metrobus routes are getting new names, some routes are changing and 19 bus stops will be eliminated this weekend in Arlington.
The redesign, dubbed the Better Bus Network, is part of the regional bus system’s first overhaul in 50 years. It aims to bring “more frequent, consistent bus service [and] enhance access across the region,” according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
By TIFFANY STANLEY Associated Press
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — They are a day away from becoming Catholic priests, rehearsing for their ordination Mass under the gothic cathedral’s arches.
