County Board members are honoring WETA’s upcoming 61st birthday and pledging to support the public-media outlet as it faces budget challenges and a hostile Trump administration.
“We are extremely proud to defend you and stand by you,” Board Chair Takis Karantonis said on Sept. 16 during the presentation of a proclamation honoring the organization’s first day on the air: Oct. 2, 1961.
Marymount Rises in Rankings — “In U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges Rankings, Marymount reached its highest-ever position among all National Universities, rising 15 spots to No. 273. For the first time, Marymount is ranked No. 1 among all Virginia private institutions.” [Press Release]
Big Raise for Arlington Startup — “Auterion LLC, an Arlington-based provider of software for military drones, said Tuesday it has raised a $130 million Series B round to expand its offerings… The company has now raised about $195 million to date. Defense and national security startups in Greater Washington are enjoying a surge of large funding rounds, thanks to new technologies and policy shifts under the Trump administration.” [WBJ]
Blower Ban Meeting — “Did you hear the news? Arlington County is considering a year-round prohibition of gas-powered leaf blowers. Don’t miss our virtual community meeting where we’ll discuss this potential change together. Thurs, Sept 25 6:30-7:30 PM.” [Arlington County/X]
Costs, Threats Worrying Va. Voters — “Christopher Newport University’s Wason Center poll, released Thursday, shows that the rising cost of living continues to dominate as the No. 1 voter issue in Virginia at 21%, mirroring multiple VCU Wilder School polls this past year. Threats to democracy came in second at 18% in the Wason Center poll.” [Axios]
It’s Wednesday — Expect partly sunny skies with an 81°F high and calm winds shifting south at 5 mph in the afternoon. For Wednesday night, there’s a 60% chance of precipitation, including potential showers and thunderstorms before 11 pm, transitioning to likely showers and maybe a thunderstorm after 2 am, with a low of 69°F. [NWS]
A woman was injured by a tree on a relatively remote section of the Pimmit Run Trail this afternoon.
The incident happened around 2 p.m. on the trail, which runs along Pimmit Run near the Arlington-Fairfax County border. Initial reports suggest the woman was struck by a large, falling tree branch, suffering potential back and neck injuries.
Work on a permanent roundabout at the intersection of Military Road and Nelly Custis Drive is moving forward, but it won’t be finished for a couple years.
The project, which follows temporary changes to the intersection in 2021, will involve widening sidewalks, upgrading utilities and installing a rain garden at the center of the roundabout.
The Mary Riley Styles Library in Falls Church isn’t bursting at the seams right now.
But without a consistent effort to keep only the most appealing materials on the shelves, the library director could see that day approaching.
By popular demand, county leaders are seeking a new title for a rather unimaginatively named park in Aurora Highlands.
An effort to improve amenities and visibility at the 900-square-foot park, currently known as “23rd Street S. and S. Eads Street Park,” is coming up. But before construction starts, county leaders need to settle on a name.
Flyover Planned Today — From AlertDC: “The United States Military will conduct a flyover in the National Capitol Region, at Arlington National Cemetery, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11:05 AM.”
Public Safety Soccer Match — “Last night, Arlington’s public safety agencies competed in a friendly soccer match against @arlingtonsoccer coaches, ending in a 3-3 tie! A great game and community building were had by all!” [ACPD/X, ACFD/X, WUSA 9]
Compass Acquires More Brokerages — “Anywhere’s brands include Century 21, Coldwell Banker, Corcoran, Sotheby’s International Realty, ERA Real Estate and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, all of which have offices in Greater Washington. In addition to being the D.C.-area’s No. 1 residential real estate company, Compass, led regionally by Kimberly Harris Campbell, also owns the @properties brand, which includes RLAH@properties and its five D.C.-area offices.” [WBJ]
RIP Jeff Clabaugh — “Jeff Clabaugh, who covered Greater Washington business for both the Washington Business Journal and WTOP for more than three decades, died Thursday. He was 63. His death came after a yearlong battle with cancer, his partner, Russ Rader, told WTOP 103.5. He did his last radio report on Tuesday.” [WBJ, WTOP]
AARP Urges Food Drives — “This year, we encourage you to take action by organizing a food drive through the groups you’re involved with — be it your neighborhood association, book club, alumni group, AARP chapter, house of worship, civic organization, or even your HOA.” [Letter to the Editor]
It’s Rosh Hashanah — “Shana Tova to all Virginians and families across the world beginning the celebration of Rosh Hashanah. As the Jewish New Year begins, may this season of reflection and renewal bring peace, joy, and prosperity to all who observe.” [Gov. Glenn Youngkin/X]
It’s Tuesday — Showers are possible in the afternoon and evening. Expect increasing clouds and a high near 85 with south winds at 6-8 mph. Precipitation chance is 30%. For Tuesday night, showers and thunderstorms may occur, mostly before 11pm. The night will be mostly cloudy, with a low of around 66 and southwest winds becoming calm in the evening. The chance of precipitation remains at 30%. [NWS]
The planned sale of a historic property in the Penrose community may be a way for the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington to find a permanent home.
An online fundraising effort is seeking to help purchase the circa-1900 home at 2312 2nd Street S. In the early 20th century, this served as the Hunter Station trolley stop, where the Fort Myer branch of the D.C., Alexandria and Falls Church commuter-rail line connected to trolley service.
A 42-year-old man is behind bars after police say he chased a woman through Rosslyn and stole her phone.
The alleged incident happened early Sunday morning along N. Lynn Street. The suspect was later spotted by police in Ballston and arrested after a foot chase, police said.
County Board members are paying tribute to Daniel Weir, who recently rotated off the Planning Commission after eight years of service.
“Being on the Planning Commission is not for the faint of heart,” Board member Maureen Coffey said at Tuesday’s meeting. “And over the past few years, it has ramped up in terms of a time commitment and a mental-space commitment.”
Pike Is ‘A Hot Mess’ — “Residents we spoke with told 7News that they’re frustrated with what they call a well-intentioned but poorly executed infrastructure project. For Melanie Jaya, the mind-boggling trifecta of noise, navigating unsafe roadways, and a confusing patchwork of incomplete sidewalks has taken a toll on her quality of life… Residents said their gravest concern is safely walking in their own neighborhood.” [WJLA]
Boost in Early Voting — “Big jump in #EarlyVoting today. 396 on 1st day in 2021 -> 865 in 2025. Check out our Dashboard updated daily at 9am to track turnout.” [Arlington Elections/X]
Trash Collection Update — “We are committed to restoring the high-quality, reliable residential collection service our community expects. Please remember to place your carts curbside no later than 6:00 a.m. on your collection day and keep them at the curb until they’ve been serviced. Our contractor is completing routes in a different sequence than residents may be used to, and pickups can occur at any time throughout the day.” [Arlington County]
Beyer Blasts EDVA Resignation — “I represent Alexandria, where the Eastern District of Virginia is based. Trump hates the rule of law and is making all of us less safe by firing seasoned professionals, to replace them with goons and yes men who will bend the law to his whim. This is corrupt as hell.” [Rep. Don Beyer/X]
New ‘Ultra-Luxury Home’ Planned — “The UAE this week acquired a 22,000-square-foot mansion on Bright Mountain Road near Langley High School for $27.5 million in an all-cash, private deal… The seller, Kakar Investments LLC, then paid $15 million for 221 Chain Bridge Road in Arlington, a teardown property, where it plans to build another ultra-luxury home, according to a source familiar with the deal.” [WBJ, WSJ]
Puzzling Crash on I-395 — “WHAT WERE THEY THINKING??? Watch this full left turn across four lanes of an interstate highway moving at speed. I would love to see one of those sports betting computers give me the odds of making this move successfully.” [Dave Statter/X]
Tax Due Date Approaching — “Arlington County vehicle taxes and second installment real estate taxes are due October 5, 2025. The Treasurer’s Office will operate temporary satellite locations at two convenient local community centers–Arlington Mill & Lubber Run.” [Arlington County/Bluesky]
New Pet Area at DCA — “Traveling with your adorable pets just got better. Our new pet relief area is now available! This spacious area is post-security and offers a clean and safe space for your favorite traveling companion to sniff and stretch before or after your flight!” [Reagan Airport/X]
Award for Arlington Prosecutor — “Congratulations to Commonwealth Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafta, winner of the 2025 Esther Georgia Irving Cooper Civil Rights Activist of the Year Award from NAACP Arlington!” [Arlington Democrats/Bluesky]
Wire Art in Courthouse — “This bit of political art I saw yesterday in Arlington (and which has been there since at least Tuesday) must have required some non-trivial effort to create and put in place.” [Rob Pegoraro/Bluesky]
It’s Monday — Expect mostly sunny skies with temperatures reaching around 80 degrees and a calm wind turning south at 6 mph in the afternoon. The night will be mostly cloudy with lows near 64 degrees and a south wind at around 6 mph. [NWS]
Today’s Morning Notes are brought to you by Industrious. ARLnow has been in an Industrious office for years and we love the convenience — you get to focus on your work rather than worrying about brewing your own coffee or keeping the copy machine stocked. Industrious has several Metro-accessible coworking locations in Arlington.
By MORGAN LEE Associated Press
The Pentagon says it will require credentialed journalists at the military headquarters to sign a pledge to refrain from reporting information that has not been authorized for release — including unclassified information.
