Some say requiring real-time, in-person authorization of tows from private property is a needed consumer protection.

Others, however, believe it can endanger those working in local retail outlets, apartment-management offices and other front-line businesses.


A coalition of environmental advocacy groups is hoping recent controversy over tree-clearing along the Potomac River leads to creative thinking about the future.

Leaders of nine organizations dispatched a letter to Christine Smith, acting director of the National Park Service’s George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP). While much of the letter focused on the tree-clearing matter, there also was a call for ways to atone and move forward.


Arlington residents for several years have been following the saga of Missing Middle. Now it’s a case of missing minutes.

Minutes, which give a description of the proceedings of each County Board meeting and chronicle the actions taken, haven’t been posted for public review since April.


A woman was carjacked in Pentagon City last night.

It happened shortly before 6 p.m. Thursday — on Halloween — in a parking garage on the 1200 block of S. Fern Street, near Costco. A male suspect, accompanied by a female suspect, pulled a gun and demanded the keys to the woman’s Audi A4, according to police.


CoStar Group announced a deal today (Friday) to expand its presence in a Rosslyn office building as it moves forward with relocation plans.

The company, which announced plans to move its corporate headquarters from D.C. to Arlington in February, expects to relocate in early 2025, according a press release.


A leaf-covered walking path in the morning sunshine (staff photo)

Time Change Reminder — From VDOT: “On Nov. 3 at 2 a.m., Daylight Saving Time will come to an end as we set our clocks back one hour. With dusk arriving an hour sooner, traveling in darker conditions can increase the risk of vehicle crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists. Drivers should prepare to adapt to the time change and the risks it brings.” [Press Release]

Man With Gun Cited at DCA — “An Alexandria, Va., man was cited by police after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport intercepted a firearm among his carry-on items at one of the airport checkpoints on Tuesday (October 29). The .380 caliber firearm was loaded with seven bullets.” [Press Release]

Barcroft Bridge Installed — From Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services: “A beloved footbridge connecting the Barcroft and Arlington Forest neighborhoods has been replaced over Grandma’s Creek after being destroyed in a 2022 storm. A project of DES and @arlparksrec with a land gift by @DominionEnergy.” [Twitter]

Local Jobless Rate Second Lowest in Va. — At 2.4%, Arlington’s September jobless rate was down from 2.6% in August but up from 2.3% a year ago. For September, Arlington was tied with Madison County for second lowest rate in the commonwealth, with only Highland County (2.3%) lower. [Virginia Employment Commission]

County GOP Mails Out Sample Ballot — The Arlington County Republican Committee raised $6,800 to mail out approximately 25,000 sample ballots earlier this week. “Grassroots supporters stepped up and invested,” party chair Matthew Hurtt said. While less intense than Democratic outreach efforts, it represents a more robust effort than in recent years by the local GOP. –Scott McCaffrey

GOP Encourages Election Day Filming — From the Arlington GOP: “The law permits citizens to film public interactions. If you’re a Republican poll greeter, voter, or concerned citizen, take your smart phone with you and catch these unhinged leftists losing their minds at polling locations.” [Twitter]

Early Voting Dip on Marathon Day — “It’s amusing how the Marine Corps Marathon suppressed turnout in Arlington, Virginia on the last Sunday of early voting.” [Twitter]

Election Day in Falls Church — “On Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the City of Falls Church polling places will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Registered voters waiting in line to vote at 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote. Polling places are accessible to persons with disabilities.” [City of Falls Church]

It’s Friday — There’s a 20% chance of brief showers before 2pm. Expect mostly sunny skies and a high temperature near 75°F, accompanied by southwest winds at 11 mph and gusts up to 21 mph. In the evening, the skies will remain mostly clear, with the temperature dropping to around 47°F and a north wind at 8 mph. [NWS]


Arlington County police are investigating a shooting with multiple teen victims along Columbia Pike on Halloween night.

Numerous gunshots were heard around 10:45 p.m. Thursday. Police quickly responded to the intersection of the Pike and S. Taylor Street and found three people shot, according to scanner traffic, possibly as a result of two groups of people shooting at each other from across the street.


2024 presidential election themed Halloween decorations on 2nd Street S. (courtesy Scott Winn)

Halloween Driving Safety Reminder — “Drivers should be extra cautious on Halloween. Slow down, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic, and turn on your headlights earlier in the evening to spot children from greater distances.” [ARLnow]

Local Race Fundraising Update — “As of Oct. 24, [County Board candidate JD Spain, Sr.’s] campaign committee received a total of $203,414 in donations… That’s nearly five times more in donation money than the $21,332 reported by Audrey Clement (I) By comparison, Forward Party candidate Madison F. Granger raised $11,419 and Republican Juan Carlos Fierro brought in $9,545.” [Patch]

Sen. Kaine Coming to Green Valley — From JD Spain, Sr.: “[Today], October 31, Senator Tim Kaine and I will be hosting ‘Conversations at the Barber Shop’ here in Arlington. Join us at noon.” [Mailchimp]

Jail Gets Medical Director — “The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the creation of a new county position, Chief Medical Director, that will oversee and enhance the healthcare services provided within the Arlington County Detention Facility. This new leadership role is part of Sheriff Jose Quiroz’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the highest standard of care.” [Press Release]

Unlawful Entry Arrest in Buckingham — “The male victim was entering a vacant unit in a residential building to perform maintenance when he observed the male suspect inside. The victim verbally confronted the suspect who subsequently left the building. The suspect then approached victim outside the building and allegedly attempted to strike him before fleeing the scene on foot.” [ACPD]

It’s Thursday — Expect sunshine, breezy conditions and a high temperature around 79 degrees, with a southwest wind between 7 and 11 mph, gusting up to 20 mph. Tonight, there is a slight chance of showers after 2am, with mostly cloudy skies and a low of 64 degrees. The southwest wind will continue at 11 to 14 mph, gusting as high as 22 mph, and a 20% chance of precipitation. [NWS]


Members of the Falls Church City Council appear ready to jumpstart plans for the city’s newest park.

As they determine what to do with the city government’s $5.3 million fiscal 2024 surplus, Council members seem enthusiastic to allocate $1.5 million to complete design and move forward with construction on what they call the Fellows site.


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