Gas-powered leaf blowers could soon meet their downfall in Arlington.

The County Board is considering a possible ban on the controversial contraptions, which local environmental advocates have criticized for their loud noise levels and low fuel efficiency.


Leaders are hoping to receive a key federal authorization by the end of next year to redevelop Terminal 1 at Reagan National Airport.

In an updated timeline released today (Wednesday), the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) set November 2026 as the goal for receiving environmental approval for the nine-gate project.


Former Vice President Mike Pence will be joining George Mason University’s Arlington-based Schar School of Policy and Government this fall.

Pence — the VP during President Donald Trump’s first term — has been named a professor of practice, meaning he will contribute to undergraduate courses starting in spring 2026, according to a release from GMU.


A new AI chatbot is helping residents find answers to various questions about Arlington County government operations, elections and more.

AVA” — Arlington Virtual Assistant — is connected to four county websites: the general site (arlingtonva.us) plus specialized sites for library services, elections and Arlington Transit.


Falls Church officials hope that 2026 will be the year they start making decisions about the city’s portion of the 20-acre Gordon Road Triangle.

Much of the city’s portion of the industrial area is occupied by the Robert L. Goff Operations Yard on Gordon Road. It is likely the city would work to find private partners to fund on-site renovations to — and new facilities on — the well-worn facility, rather than try to cover all those costs itself.


Rainy day in Rosslyn (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Dems Early Voting Rally — “Kick off Early Voting with Senator Mark Warner and the Arlington Democrats this Friday at 8am! We’ll rally at Courthouse Plaza, then go cast our ballots.” [Arlington Democrats/Bluesky]

GOP Endorses Rives — Arlington Republicans have endorsed the candidacy of James “Vell” Rives IV in the School Board race that also features candidates Monique “Moe” Bryant and Major Mike Webb. “I’m happy to have their endorsement — school issues go beyond party politics this year,” Rives said, adding he also hoped to get support from across the political spectrum in his fourth bid for a School Board seat. –Scott McCaffrey

Art Studio Tour Next Week — “The 2025 Arlington Visual Art Studio Tour is coming soon! The eighth annual AVAST tour will take place on September 27 and 28 at over 25 locations throughout Arlington.” [AVAST]

Coffee With a Cop Returns — “The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is proud to join communities nationwide in celebrating National Coffee with a Cop Day on Wednesday, October 1. To mark the occasion, our Community Engagement Division is hosting two informal engagement opportunities for Arlingtonians to connect with the officers that serve them.” [ACPD]

Eagle Scout Project at VHC — “A Langley High School senior’s Eagle Scout project rejuvenated a calming space at VHC Health’s Sid and Reba Dewberry Cancer Center in Arlington, where patients can find some respite as they undergo treatment.” [Patch]

It’s Wednesday — Showers and potential storms are likely throughout the day, with temperatures reaching a high near 70°F and north winds of 11 mph, gusting up to 20 mph. There is a 60% chance of precipitation, and new rainfall amounts may vary between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. The chance of showers decreases Wednesday night, with a cloudy low of 63°F and north winds of 6-8 mph. [NWS]


A rewrite of the county’s current tenant-relocation guidelines aims to provide more privacy protections to impacted renters.

County staff have tweaked some proposed changes recommended by the Tenant-Landlord Commission, which had sought more specific information about people required to move out of apartments because of redevelopment.


The Arlington County Police Department is holding a planned training in a building in Crystal City later today (Tuesday).

The closed training exercise will happen from around 6 p.m. to midnight on the 1800 block of S. Bell Street, according to an ACPD press release. An 11-story tower on this block is currently teed up for an office-to-apartment conversion project, with public hearings scheduled for later this fall.


A proposed tweak to Arlington’s two-year-old stormwater-fee program could help members of homeowners’ associations save a little money.

County Board members are considering a possible change to the county’s stormwater-credit fee in areas where homeowners’ groups have made specific stormwater improvements. The change, which Board members voted to advertise for an October public hearing, would allow for financial rebates of up to 35%.


Falls Church election officials are getting ready for the start of early voting on Friday and the general election in November.

At a meeting last week, leaders provided updates on plans to send mail-in ballots, select election officers and ensure that voting equipment is good to go.


Christmas items now on sale at Costco in Pentagon City (courtesy John Antonelli)

New Pop-up Park in Rosslyn — “There will come a time when Monday Properties’ vacant twin offices at 1401 Wilson Blvd. and 1400 Key Blvd. in Rosslyn are finally redeveloped, as has been planned for over a decade. Until then, the large site… will serve the larger neighborhood as an ambitious pop-up park featuring event spaces, a “pet relief area” and urban gardens.” [WBJ]

Senators: Release N. Va. School Funds — “U.S. Senators Tim Kaine… and Mark R. Warner (both D-VA) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon demanding the immediate reversal of the Department of Education’s decision to withhold millions of dollars in federal funding from Alexandria City Public Schools, Arlington Public Schools,” and other N. Va. school systems. [Press Release]

Gun, Drugs Found During Stop — “2400 block of S. Lowell Street. At approximately 7:06 p.m. on September 11, an officer observed an improperly registered vehicle, conducted a traffic stop and determined the driver had a suspended license. During a search of the vehicle prior to towing, a concealed firearm was recovered and, during a search of the driver, suspected narcotics were recovered.” [ACPD, ACPD/X]

ACSO Participates in Plane Pull — “Thousands gathered at Dulles International Airport over the weekend for the annual Plane Pull, where teams tested their strength to raise money for Special Olympics Virginia… Even the Virginia State Police and the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office teamed up during the event.” [WJLA]

Paper Pillories Football Fans — “How many mammoth stadiums, sole lasting monuments to our current culture, are filled to the brim with fanatics (“fans” for short) every Saturday for college games and Sundays for pro games, screaming and chanting for their favorites as players on the field, now at record levels of weight and speed, plow into each other down after down… Millions are spending their entire weekends engaged in these rituals.” [FCNP]

F.C. HS Notches Big Win — “The Meridian High School football team had three different players eclipse 100 rushing yards, and quarterback Cruz Ruoff intercepted two passes (yes, on defense) as the Mustangs beat Annandale 52-20.” [FCNP]

More on APS Reading Pilot — “The group Arlington Parents for Education, which has been advocating for a volunteer reading program, said the pilot “is a huge step forward for student literacy and a win for everyone who spoke up for more investment in reading support.” The application to volunteer is scheduled to close Sept. 26. Mann said 48 people signed up on the first day it was open.” [WTOP]

Colada Shop Landing at DCA — The local Cuban restaurant is placing roots at Reagan National Airport, with a new location expected in Terminal 2 by the end of the year. It will replace the restaurant’s Potomac location, which is closing Sunday, Sept. 28. –Katie Taranto

Fall Fest at West Falls — The new residential and retail development in Falls Church is hosting a grand opening celebration and Fall Fest on Sunday, Sept. 28, with live music, seasonal treats, family-friendly activities and giveaways from local businesses. –Katie Taranto

It’s Tuesday — Expect showers, thunderstorms and cloudy skies, with a high of 72°F, and a northeast wind of 14-17 mph, gusting up to 29 mph. There is a 60% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch. Tonight, anticipate a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, especially after 8pm. The night will be cloudy with a low of 61°F, and a northeast wind around 15 mph, gusting to 23 mph. [NWS]


View More Stories