Opinion

With spring just around the corner, Arlington’s beloved running events are returning to the calendar.

Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a casual 5K participant, the county hosts a variety of races that showcase scenic routes, strong community spirit and causes worth running for.

Here are the nominees for “Best Race for Runners in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your favorite event? Write it in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for Best Orthopaedist is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Dermatologist in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. Virginia Square Dermatology
  2. Arlington Dermatology
  3. Forefront Dermatology

Around Town

A fitness studio near the Courthouse Metro has changed hands and brands.

The Xtend Barre at 2008 Wilson Blvd has rebranded to Studio B under new owners Dana Wilson and Elaine Broughan, both of whom have worked at the studio for several years.


News

Arlington’s two main political parties are driving opposing messages as early voting on Virginia’s congressional redistricting referendum began this morning (Friday).

The Arlington County Democratic Committee’s rank and file voted to support the redrawing of the commonwealth’s 11 congressional districts at a Wednesday meeting.


Schools

Arlington Democrats have officially endorsed School Board Chair Bethany Zecher Sutton’s bid for a second term.

Zecher Sutton was the lone candidate to seek the party’s endorsement prior to the Feb. 27 filing deadline. As a result, the planned May caucus was canceled, and party members unanimously voted to support her on Wednesday.


News
Mushrooms in Lubber Run Park (Flickr pool photo by ksrjghkegkdhgkk)

Metro Funding Advances — Maryland and Virginia lawmakers are advancing funding proposals supporting the DMVMoves plan, which calls for $460 million in new annual capital funding for Metro starting in fiscal 2028, according to Metro. [WMATA/X]

Peak Bloom Predicted — The National Park Service projects cherry blossom peak bloom will arrive between March 29 and April 1 this year. [National Mall NPS/X]

Jones Sues Over Tariffs — “These illegal tariffs are nothing more than a tax on Virginia families and when a President tries to impose them without legal authority, it is our responsibility to step in and defend the rule of law,” Attorney General Jay Jones said. The coalition suit challenges tariffs of up to 15% imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. [Press Release]

Median Signs Debate — In a letter to the County Board, Dave Schutz argues against banning political signs from road medians, saying the move would disadvantage apartment dwellers. “In areas dominated by apartments, median signs are often one of the primary ways residents know an election is happening.” [Letter to the Editor]

It’s Friday — Foggy conditions clear up before 11am, then showers are possible in the late afternoon. Expect mostly cloudy skies with a high near 54 degrees and an east wind blowing at 5 to 8 mph. For Friday night, there’s a 30% chance of showers, with a low temperature around 45 degrees under mostly cloudy skies. [NWS]

Flickr pool photo by ksrjghkegkdhgkk


News

Update at 10:25 p.m. — The bridge and the lanes have reopened.

Earlier: Northbound S. George Mason Drive is closed between S. Columbus Street and Four Mile Run Drive due to an outside fire.


Around Town

Good Thursday 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 5, 2026.

📅 Upcoming events

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

🌥️ Friday’s forecast

Showers may occur after 4pm, with foggy conditions clearing up before 11am. Expect a mostly cloudy sky with a high near 54 degrees and an east wind blowing at 5 to 8 mph. The chance of precipitation stands at 20%. For Friday night, showers could occur after 7pm, and a low temperature around 45 degrees under a mostly cloudy sky with east winds at 5 to 8 mph and a 30% chance of precipitation. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me…. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing

🌅 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.


Around Town

After 26 years of serving customers at Silver Diner in Arlington, Dorothy Johnson — known to regulars as “Mama D” — is hanging up her uniform.

Johnson will wait on customers for the last time this Saturday (March 7) at the Ballston restaurant, located at 750 N. Glebe Road. Silver Diner will hold a going away party at the restaurant at 1:30 p.m. so coworkers and customers can say their goodbyes, according to a press release.


News

Arlington County’s firefighter union is speaking out against a proposal to remove four vacant firefighter positions from the payroll.

The current county budget draft proposes to consolidate the Arlington County Fire Department’s two heavy rescue companies, relocating them under a single roof at Fire Station 1 (500 S. Glebe Road). This would reduce ACFD’s total authorized staffing by four full-time employees.


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).