News

As flu cases surge in Arlington, health leaders are encouraging residents to get vaccinated and practice healthy habits.

Hospitalizations for the flu surged by more than 50% in Arlington during the last week of 2025, according to Arlington Public Health. About 14% of all patients visiting emergency departments and urgent care clinics were diagnosed with the virus.


News

A plan to consolidate and then subdivide three parcels in Falls Church to build 15 townhomes is heading to the Planning Commission.

The commission will be briefed on Madison Homes’ plans for the parcels at 701, 703 and 705 Park Avenue, just north of W. Broad Street, on Wednesday.


Sponsored

For Northern Virginia residents considering their next move, Cascades at Embrey Mill offers a 55+ living option that combines convenience, connection, and low-maintenance ease—all within reach of Arlington and Washington, D.C.

Located in Stafford within the established Embrey Mill community, Cascades at Embrey Mill provides access to a wide range of parks, trails, pools, and neighborhood amenities, along with its own dedicated 55+ spaces for recreation and socializing.

At the center of the community are Brookfield Residential’s modern condominiums, starting at $399,990, offering main-level living—with kitchen, living, dining, and the primary suite all on one floor—plus private elevators. Designed with open layouts, contemporary finishes, and attached garages, the homes offer both comfort and flexibility for everyday living. (more…)


News
Fireworks over the National Mall for the Freedom 250 celebration, on Jan. 5, 2026 (staff photo)

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]


Announcement

The Rosslyn Farmers Market brings fresh, locally grown food to the heart of the neighborhood on Wednesdays from 2-6 p.m. beginning on May 6. Located at Central Place Plaza (1800 N Lynn St) and operated in partnership with FRESHFARM, this thoughtfully curated mid-week market connects the community with regional farmers and food producers offering seasonal produce, baked goods, ready-to-eat items, and other local essentials.

Just steps from the Rosslyn Metro station, the market is a convenient destination for Arlington residents, commuters, and visitors searching for a farmers market near Washington, D.C. From farm-fresh vegetables to artisanal breads, the Rosslyn Farmers Market makes it easy to restock your pantry or fridge with dinner-ready staples right in the middle of the workweek.


Around Town

Good Monday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Jan 5, 2026.

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Tuesday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

  • No events today. Have one to promote? Submit it to the calendar.

☁️ Tuesday’s forecast

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. For Tuesday night, it will remain mostly cloudy with a low around 44°F and a westerly wind at 7 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“The best revenge is massive success.”
– Frank Sinatra

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

Thanks for reading! If you have something to say about an issue of local note not covered today, feel free to post it as a letter to the editor on our new forum.


News

Median apartment rents in Arlington ended 2025 about 1% lower than they started the year, the first annual decrease in five years.

But according to one analysis, rents in the county remain among the priciest in the nation, about 19% higher than the D.C. area as a whole and 86% more expensive than the national median.


News

Another Democratic challenger is seeking to unseat longtime Rep. Don Beyer in this year’s election.

Daniel Gray, an Arlington resident and energy and sustainability program manager, announced yesterday (Sunday) that he is seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination for Virginia’s 8th Congressional district.


News

A 20-year-old man is behind bars after police say he seriously injured an employee of a business in Ballston.

The assault happened early Saturday morning on the 800 block of N. Glebe Road, according to the latest Arlington County Police Department crime report. Initial reports suggest the business was the Westin hotel and the victim was a 60-year-old employee, who was left bleeding from the head.


Around Town

Domino’s Pizza is getting ready to open in a new spot in Falls Church, about a mile and a half away from the chain’s current location in the city.

“Coming soon” signage has appeared outside 438 S. Washington Street, where Domino’s plans to relocate from its current store at 1106 W. Broad Street.


Around Town

Northern Virginia local news veteran Emily Leayman is joining ARLnow and its sister sites in the role of Senior Reporter.

Leayman was previously an editor at Patch, where she covered numerous major local news events, as well as stories of more hyperlocal interest in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County and elsewhere. Leayman’s 8+ year tenure at Patch followed a stint reporting on education policy and two years as editor-in-chief at her college newspaper in Pennsylvania.