The Capitol is illuminated at dawn in Washington, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration warned on Tuesday of no guaranteed back pay for federal workers during a government shutdown, reversing what has been long-standing policy for some 750,000 furloughed employees, according to a memo being circulated by the White House.
Trump signed into law after the longest government shutdown in 2019 legislation to ensure federal workers receive back pay during any federal funding lapse. But in the new memo, his Office of Management and Budget says back pay must be provided by Congress, if it chooses to do so, as part of any bill to fund the government.
County Board candidates at 2025 Civic Federation debate (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)
County Board candidates are split in their thoughts about a planned update to Arlington’s Comprehensive Plan.
While some fear it could be used as a back-door effort to build denser housing, incumbent Democrat Takis Karantonis argues that concerns are overblown, or at least premature.
Harvest moon over Arlington and D.C. (courtesy James Mahony)
Army Ten-Miler in Jeopardy — “The Army Ten-Miler scheduled for Sunday could be canceled for the first time in its 40-year history. Due to what Race Director Matt Zimmerman termed “unforeseen circumstances,” the Army-Ten Miler organization may need to cancel the in-person event, though a virtual event would proceed.” [WBJ, Army Ten-Miler/X]
Shutdown Feeds Fed Anxieties — “More than 80 federal employees across three dozen agencies described the shutdown, and the spreading fear of layoffs, as the last straw. Some said they are using their unplanned time at home to start applying to positions in the private sector. Others would like to leave but don’t think they could find another job.” [Washington Post]
Fairfax Focused on DCA Noise — “Fairfax County leaders continue to push the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) to fund an outside analysis of aircraft noise’s impact on neighborhoods along the flight path at Reagan National Airport.” [FFXnow]
Pedestrian Safety Tips — “October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. Follow these tips to make sure you and your loved ones make it to their destinations safely… Pedestrians: -Look both ways before crossing the street. -Whenever possible, cross a street in a designated crosswalk. -If there’s no sidewalk, always walk facing oncoming traffic.” [ACPD/X]
Cart Chaos in Pentagon City — “Our neighborhood shouldn’t look like this. It’s embarrassing. (S.15th Street Between Hayes + Fern).” [CartChaos22202/X]
Latest on Va. AG Race — “President Donald Trump, like Republicans across Virginia, called for Democratic state attorney general candidate Jay Jones to quit the race over the weekend. The Republican president described Jones as a “radical left lunatic” and sought to link him to former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Virginia’s Democratic candidate for governor.” [Associated Press, Axios]
Paper Seeks Funds for Delivery — “We are announcing the imminent launch of a crowdfunding effort to restore the home delivery of the Falls Church News-Press to every household address in the City of Falls Church.” [FCNP]
Wiffenpoofs Coming to F.C. Tonight — “Singing a mixture of old Yale tunes, jazz standards, and other hits from across the decades, the Whiffenpoofs perform more than 200 concerts across six continents each year.” [Event]
It’s Tuesday — Expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 80 and a south wind at 6-11 mph, gusting up to 20 mph. Expect showers and possible thunderstorms overnight, a low around 61, and a south wind around 8 mph. Precipitation chances stand at 90%, with new rainfall amounts ranging from a quarter to half an inch. [NWS]
Firefighters respond to an apartment fire apparently sparked by a lithium-ion battery (staff photo by Josie Sellers)
The Arlington County Fire Department is urging residents to stay vigilant and educate themselves about risks associated with lithium-ion batteries during Fire Prevention Week.
This year’s safety campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety,” focuses on the possibility of rechargeable batteries overheating, starting fires or even exploding if people treat them improperly or dispose of them the right way.
New bike lane dividers installed on Wilson Blvd near N. Manchester Street (staff photo by Dan Egitto)
A cyclist seriously injured in a crash near Bluemont Park over the weekend was issued a traffic citation.
The crash happened shortly after 3:30 p.m. Saturday, at the intersection of Wilson Blvd and N. Manchester Street, where bike lane safety improvements were installed a few months ago.
Apparent drugs and money recovered by ACPD (photo via ACPD)
The Arlington County Police Department says officers recovered cocaine, prescription pills and thousands of dollars in cash last week after a traffic stop in Douglas Park.
A 57-year-old suspect was pulled over on the 1400 block of S. Glebe Road after police observed a traffic violation just before 8:30 p.m. Thursday, ACPD said.
The U.S. Capitol is seen on the second day of the government shutdown, in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican and Democratic lawmakers have provided few public signs of meaningful negotiations to break an impasse on reopening the federal government as the shutdown entered its sixth day on Monday.
President Donald Trump, when asked on Sunday night when federal workers would be fired as he has threatened, told reporters: “It’s taking place right now, and it’s all because of the Democrats.” He declined to answer a question about which agencies are subject to the cuts.
Roll Play is among the recently opened restaurants in Falls Church (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)
Falls Church officials are breathing a sigh of relief as meals-tax revenue seems to have bounced back from declines earlier in the year.
“We did have a rebound. We’ll continue watching it,” City Manager Wyatt Shields said at the Oct. 3 meeting of the City Council’s budget and finance committee.
Nationwide, most jurisdictions that have imposed bans on gas-powered blowers have provided an interim period to educate the public and to allow professional firms and homeowners to acquire the correct equipment.
4100 Fairfax Drive is shown located behind IHOP restaurant (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)
A major office building in Ballston may be next in line for conversion to residential use.
Property owner Red Fox DC LLC is expected to come to the County Board later this month, seeking approval to convert a 13-story office building at 4100 Fairfax Drive — above Bronson Bierhall — to 296 residential units.
A woman pushing a stroller in Rosslyn (courtesy George Brazier)
Safe Swiped from Clarendon Business — ” 3100 block of Clarendon Boulevard. At approximately 1:49 p.m. on October 2, police were dispatched to the late report of a larceny. It was determined at approximately 3:47 a.m. on October 2, the male suspect made entry into the closed business, stole a safe and subsequently fled the scene on foot.” [ACPD]
Cox Trial Getting Nat’l Attention — “Serial sex offender Richard Kenneth Cox appeared in Arlington, Virginia circuit court Friday facing several prurient charges, with a vulgar rap sheet going back to the George H.W. Bush administration. Cox has been described as the “poster boy” for Republican concerns about transgender ideology and permissive policies at schools and on sports teams as statewide electoral races in Virginia heat up.” [Fox News]
Allegations Against Lt. Gov. Candidate — “The Virginia Democratic Party is targeting John Reid, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, over allegations tied to a social media account. On Wednesday, the party posted a link to a report on its official X account that it says connects a Tumblr account tied to Reid to what it calls ‘racist and vile imagery.'” [WJLA]
New Va. Gov. Race Poll — “Democrat Abigail Spanberger leads Republican Winsome Earle-Sears by double digits in the contest for governor, according to a Washington Post-Schar School poll of Virginia voters, picking up strong support from independent voters as well as those who are worried about the state’s job market. But the races are much closer for lieutenant governor and attorney general, where Democratic nominees who tack harder to the left see thinner support from swing voters.” [Washington Post]
Beyer Proposes Shutdown Bill — “Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA)… today introduced the Emergency Relief for Federal Workers Act, legislation that would remove penalties for federal employees who wish to make hardship withdrawals from their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to pay bills during a protracted government shutdown.” [Press Release]
Shutdown Resource Page — “More than 72,000 of my constituents in Virginia’s Eighth Congressional District work directly for the government, and thousands more work as government contractors. Our community is home to many families who are now feeling the personal and economic strain of this shutdown… It’s my hope that the resources provided below will address your questions and concerns.” [Rep. Don Beyer]
Women’s Event Postponed — “Unfortunately, my Annual Women’s Conference will be postponed to a later date due to the ongoing government shutdown. Updated details, including the new date, will be shared once they are confirmed.” [Rep. Don Beyer/X]
ACLU Sues ICE — “The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia filed a class action lawsuit in Alexandria federal court today, alleging that Immigration and Customs Enforcement is unlawfully detaining young immigrants who have a legal pathway to citizenship — part of what the complaint describes as the Trump administration’s mass deportation strategy.” [ALXnow]
Vought’s Arlington Neighborhood — “On the quiet, residential street tucked in the Virginia suburb where [Office of Management and Budget Director Russ] Vought lives, the perception of him and his role in the shutdown is less than favorable. Several homes in the neighborhood have a yard sign in the front proudly declaring: “This house supports federal workers.” That includes the house right next door to his.” [Mother Jones]
Concern About N. Va. Nonprofits — “Nonprofits in Northern Virginia drive over $1.6 billion in economic activity, yet a new report warns that they face increasing threats from funding cuts, declining donations and growing demand.” [FFXnow]
Pike Crash Caught on Camera — “This was from a crash Tuesday at Columbia Pike and S. Glebe Road in Arlington. Injuries not reported as life threatening. Just like another collision that day… the driver of one of the cars got out quickly and forgot to put it in park.” [Dave Statter/X]
New Legal Notice — Restaurant seeks ABC license for on/off-premises wine, beer, mixed beverages. [Public Notices]
Fall Foliage Update — “Fall color increasing. Most prominent in western suburbs with general low color, per Explore Fall. If you’re up for a road trip, the mountains of nearby West Virginia are ranging from moderate to peak color.” [CWG/Bluesky]
It’s Monday — Patchy fog is expected to clear by 10am, making way for a sunny day with a high near 81 degrees and calm winds turning south at 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. The evening will be mostly clear with a low around 61 degrees. [NWS]
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