News

Arlington’s RTX Gets Big Contract — “The federal government has picked two companies to replace 612 radar systems nationwide that date back to the 1980s as part of a multibillion-dollar overhaul of the nation’s air traffic control system. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the Federal Aviation Administration said Monday that contractors RTX and Spanish firm Indra will replace the radar systems by the summer of 2028.” [Associated Press]

Board Candidates Plan Announcements — County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti and challenger James DeVita are expected to formally kick off their election campaigns at tonight’s Arlington County Democratic Committee meeting. The meeting will be held beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Washington-Liberty High School, and also will feature voting for party chair. –Scott McCaffrey

U.S. Attorney Order — “A federal judge ordered Trump ally Lindsey Halligan to explain why she’s identifying herself as the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia despite a court ruling that she was unlawfully appointed to the role.” [Axios]

‘Neighborhood Village’ Earns Grant — Arlington Neighborhood Village is one of 11 organizations across Virginia to share grants totaling more than $105,000 to expand efforts supporting seniors facing social isolation. The funding also will support the development of new Villages programs across the commonwealth, with an emphasis on underserved areas. Funding comes the Virginia Villages Collective and Washington Area Villages Exchange. –Scott McCaffrey

Park Corps Application Open — “Get experience in Park Services. Join the Park Corps one-week program where you will learn first-hand with permanent park employees. You’ll get real work done, all while having fun outside, building job skills and making connections with other like-minded students. This program is for ages 16-18 and participants will receive a $200 stipend.” [Arlington County]

VHC Holiday Donations — “Over the recent holiday season, more than 400 people received gifts as part of the Virginia Health Center’s Adopt a Family Gift Drive. The program provided gifts for 231 children in 66 local families plus another 100 individuals who might have otherwise gone without during the holidays.” [Patch]

Volunteer Arlington Award Winner — “Volunteer Arlington selected Camille S.A. Watkin as the fourth recipient of its Beloved Community Award and will present the award at the MLK Day of Service opening program on Monday, January 19.” [Leadership Center]

Seven Corners Development Proposal — “The longtime owner of a 3.15-acre site that borders the Seven Corners intersection has filed plans to redevelop the property with 450 apartments and 30,000 square feet of retail… The property, bounded by Arlington Boulevard, Hillwood Avenue, East Broad St. and the twin office towers formerly known as the Falls Church Corporate Center, is currently home to a New Grand Mart international supermarket and Pistone’s Italian Inn.” [WBJ, FFXnow]

Plea Possible in CEO Murder — “Loved ones of a CEO killed while asleep in his Fairfax City home are speaking out against a potential plea agreement that would allow the suspect to serve time in a mental institution instead of prison. Authorities say Gret Glyer, 32, died while he was in his bed next to his wife in June 2022. Joshua Danehower, 36, of Arlington, was accused of shooting Glyer 10 times.” [WUSA 9]

Va. In-State Tuition Case — “Virginia officials reached an agreement with the Justice Department in its effort to bar undocumented students from receiving in-state tuition, sparking criticism from advocacy groups and the incoming Democratic state attorney general. The Legal Aid Justice Center and the ACLU of Virginia filed an emergency motion to intervene in the case, saying affected students deserve a chance to be heard in court.” [Washington Post]

Federal Employment Decline — “There are 271,000 fewer federal employees than there were at the start of 2025 — about a 9% drop, per the latest tally from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The sharp decline is a result of President Trump’s efforts — initially spearheaded by Elon Musk’s DOGE — to drastically reduce the size of the federal government.” [Axios]

It’s Wednesday — Expect mostly sunny skies during the day with a high temperature of around 57°F. The northwest wind will be blowing at 6 to 11 mph, and it could gust up to 23 mph. Wednesday night, the sky will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 36°F. The northwest wind will diminish to around 6 mph by the evening. [NWS]

Last Night’s Fireworks — “Washington Monument – Freedom 250 Fireworks Display – Monday, January 5, 2026.” [DCFEMS/X]

Fantasy League for Seniors — “If you wander into Sunrise at Bluemont Park on a Sunday afternoon, you’ll likely hear it long before you see it — laughter, lively cheers, and a spirited back-and-forth… Walker and Colby first arrived at this assisted living and memory care community earlier this fall, eager to launch their community service project: a fantasy football league for seniors.” [Sunrise Senior Living]

Community Police Academy Applications — “The Arlington County Police Department is now accepting applications for its 30th Community Police Academy… The CPA is an immersive educational program that strengthens communication, collaboration and mutual understanding between the department and those we serve.” [ACPD]

Local Burial Ground Profiled — “One of Arlington’s oldest family burial grounds, the Old Ball Family Burial Ground, is the final resting place of Ballston’s namesake… The individuals buried at this cemetery are interesting enough to warrant a visit, but it’s the hidden location — behind the parking lot of an auto mechanic shop — that makes it a must see.” [Atlas Obscura]

Honoring LGBTQ+ Journalism Pioneers — A celebration of the Falls Church News-Press’ Nicholas Benton and the Washington Blade’s Lou Chibbaro, Jr., two trailblazing LGBTQ+ journalists, will be held on Thursday, Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Woman’s National Democratic Club of Washington. D.C. Both in-person and online participation options are available. —Scott McCaffrey

Traffic Deaths Down — “Traffic deaths in the D.C. region fell roughly 18 percent in 2025, continuing a trend from the previous year that is reflected across the country: A spike in fatalities during the pandemic is now on the decline.” [Washington Post]

New Starbucks Winter Menu — “Starbucks is kicking off 2026 by betting on viral Dubai chocolate-inspired beverages — alongside more protein-forward drinks. The menu push is part of the coffee giant’s broader turnaround effort to boost traffic and revive sales.” [Axios]

Sunsets Getting Later — “Sunset cracked 5 pm in DC today, for the first time since early November. Goodbye to the 57-day streak of 4-o’clock darkness… and now we’re gaining a minute of evening light daily. Onward!” [CWG/Bluesky]

It’s Tuesday — Expect patchy fog to clear by 10am, giving way to mostly cloudy skies and a high near 51°F, accompanied by a calm southeasterly wind at 6 mph in the afternoon. Tuesday night, it will remain mostly cloudy with a low around 44°F and a westerly wind at 7 mph. [NWS]