News

Four airports serving Washington, Baltimore and Richmond halted all flights tonight (Friday) for over an hour because of a strong chemical smell that was impeding air traffic controllers, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The ground stop affected Reagan National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Baltimore-Washington International Airport and Richmond International Airport, FAA Secretary Sean Duffy said. The declaration caused flight delays to soar to roughly two hours across some of the busiest airports in the country.


Around Town

Good Friday 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 — Mar 13, 2026.

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  1. UPDATED: Portion of National Airport evacuated due to suspicious package (26746 views)
  2. UPDATED: GW Parkway closed for hours after tree falls, killing driver (26447 views)
  3. JUST IN: Candidate attacked outside of library while gathering signatures for County Board run (23906 views)
  4. Five arrested over alleged baseball bat beating and prostitution in Pentagon City (16458 views)
  5. Sprouts Farmers Market plans September opening along Langston Blvd (11366 views)
  6. Staff defend eliminating gymnastics programs as County Board weighs options (6636 views)
  7. Barley Mac closes in Rosslyn after 10 years, citing ‘leasing difficulties’ (5898 views)
  8. Another APS graduate will appear on ‘Jeopardy!’ this week (5621 views)
  9. What a possible $25 D.C. minimum wage could mean for the region’s restaurant industry (4123 views)
  10. Chelsea Market & Deli eyes new spot at former Bob & Edith’s on Langston Blvd (3912 views)
  11. Demolition begins at office building near Columbia Pike, making way for townhomes (3725 views)
  12. Unauthorized vehicles and renovation work add to parking woes at Central Library (3677 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

Here are the events planned for Sunday:

☀️ Saturday’s forecast

Expect mostly sunny skies with a high around 56 and west winds ranging from 10 to 16 mph, gusting up to 28 mph. Saturday night will be mostly cloudy, with lows near 40. The north wind will be around 5 mph before becoming light and variable. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Success is not just about making money. It’s about making a difference.”
– Kathy Ireland

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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

We hope you have a great weekend, Arlington! 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. 👋


Sponsored

Address: 2609 N Nottingham Street
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Type: 3 BR, 2 BA single-family detached (not a rental)
Open House: August 16, Sunday 2-4 pm
Listed: $1,100,000

Noteworthy: Amazing Location and Price!

Fantastic opportunity in a sought-after North Arlington location! Situated on a quiet street on a beautiful, flat 7,180-square-foot lot, this classic brick rambler offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a spacious kitchen addition, finished lower level, off-street driveway parking, and a fantastic fenced backyard—all within the highly desirable Nottingham Elementary, Williamsburg Middle, and Yorktown High School pyramid.

A welcoming brick walkway leads to the light-filled main level featuring hardwood floors and updated windows. The spacious living room offers recessed lighting and a cozy wood-burning fireplace with brick surround, while the adjoining dining room features a brushed nickel chandelier. The rear addition features the renovated kitchen, creating a spacious and functional gathering area with direct access to the deck and backyard. Highlights include quartz countertops, 42-inch paneled cabinetry, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting, ceramic tile flooring, two pantries, and a built-in table with bench seating.

The main level also includes three bedrooms and an upgraded full bath with tub. The finished lower level provides additional living space with recessed lighting, large windows, built-in shelving, and a second full bath with shower. The laundry room offers a washer and dryer, utility sink, storage, and walkout access to the backyard, plus a large unfinished storage area.

Enjoy the rear deck overlooking the flat, fenced backyard with plenty of room for entertaining, gardening, or play. Conveniently located near schools, parks, shopping, Metro, and commuter routes—a fantastic combination of location, lot, schools, and living space!

Listed by:
Rob Ferguson – RE/MAX Allegiance
[email protected]
(703) 926-6139


Announcement

ConnectJew LIVE! is a social discovery night where 20+ local Jewish organizations, clubs, dinners, and communities come together so you can explore the DMV young adult Jewish scene in one evening. A mixer for Jewish life, friends, and community — meet people, discover social clubs, find Shabbat dinners, and plug in at whatever level feels right. Tickets required; exact address sent 24 hours before the event (Metro Center / Chinatown area).


News

Virginia flags will fly at half-staff tomorrow (Saturday) in honor of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, the ROTC instructor killed in a shooting at Old Dominion University on Thursday that the FBI is investigating as an act of terrorism.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger ordered flags on all state and local buildings lowered from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, citing Shah’s “decades of devoted and selfless service to his community, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the United States of America.”


Event

Join us for Pike Fest, Columbia Pike’s signature fall festival, on Saturday, October 10!

Celebrate everything that makes Columbia Pike one of Arlington’s most vibrant and diverse communities with an afternoon full of live music, delicious food, family fun, and local shopping. From incredible restaurants and food vendors to artisan makers, community organizations, and small businesses, Pike Fest is your chance to experience the very best of the Pike all in one place.


Around Town

A husband-and-wife duo known for their work on the silver screen plan to release their second children’s book together after resettling in Arlington.

Brittany Scott Smith, an Emmy-winning director who has worked on “Sesame Street,” and her husband, actor Arjay Smith, release books together under the name “A.B. Smith.” Their latest book, “Wes and Morris Meet Passport Pat,” comes out on March 27.


News

A recent County Board work session touched on the question of who should be responsible for assessing Arlington real estate values.

Officials briefly considered the possibility of moving assessments from the government’s Department of Real Estate Assessments to Commissioner of Revenue Kim Klingler’s independent office. However, they put off any more serious discussion until later.


Events

As the first spring flowers bloom and warmer weather gradually returns, Pentagon City is welcoming back the Easter Bunny beginning next week.

Photos with the beloved rabbit begin at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City on Thursday, March 19 and continue through Easter Sunday on April 5. He will be in Nordstrom Court on the mall’s first level.


News

The Falls Church city registrar is advising against using the Postal Service to send mail-in ballots in Virginia’s statewide redistricting referendum.

Especially when it gets close to the April 21 vote, city registrar David Bjerke warned that mailing ballots back to the city’s election office too close to the deadline could result in their invalidation.


Announcement

Looking to get your car squeaky clean? We bring premium mobile detailing straight to your home or office. Skip the wait and drive something that feels brand new again. We provide interior deep cleans, exterior washes, paint shine, stain removal, and attention to every detail. Reliable, convenient, and built around your schedule.

Book your detail today and let us do all the work!