A United Airlines flight is stopped on a runway at Reagan National Airport (screenshot via Fox 5)
All flights were grounded at Reagan National Airport midday Tuesday while a United Airlines jet was evacuated over a reported security threat.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wrote on social media that a United Airlines flight “received a bomb threat,” resulting in passengers being evacuated and law enforcement conducting a full search of the aircraft.
This combo image shows Virginia Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears, left, and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, right. (AP Photo)
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia voters are deciding a history-making race for governor Tuesday that will serve as a barometer of attitudes toward President Donald Trump and Democrats’ attempts to regain their footing on the national stage.
Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, a staunch conservative who serves as Virginia’s lieutenant governor, and Democrat Abigail Spanberger, a center-left Democrat and former CIA case officer who helped her party win a House majority during Trump’s first presidency, are vying to become the first-ever woman to lead the commonwealth. Earle-Sears also would make history as the first Black woman elected governor in any state.
Welcome to Kami’s Korner where we’ll take a deep dive into Arlington’s condominium market by focusing on what’s coming next. From emerging developments to shifting trends, this space will spotlight the opportunities and insights shaping the future of condo living in Arlington.
Many of you have asked about best practices when it comes to buying a new condominium. Some of us only want new and are willing to pay a premium for the best in current design. There are several recommendations and insights here that will help you get what you want.
First decide what type of condominium you need… size, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, parking needs, or separate office, followed by a list of wants such as level of building service, amenities on-site, space for dining for six, balcony, open floor plan, and natural light. (Here she goes again.) Not to be sexist about it, but females generally are better shoppers and come with a preconceived set of non-negotiables.
Identify the areas you would consider living, such as Arlington or Old Town… but not wanting to go as far as Tysons, Reston, or DC. People don’t buy condominiums in places they aren’t familiar with or already spend time in, unless relocating entirely. Many upcoming communities put up signage and a website first which makes early interest hyperlocal. Register as a VIP on the website early and you will get regular communication, time to consider the offering, and learn when pre-sale will begin.
Once open, come early in pre-sale. You’ll get the pick of the litter. This is particularly important if you want something larger and are interested in the best views. Prospects are smart and pick the best floorplans first. If you have some idea of your ideal size and price point it makes good use of everyone’s time. Once you make a selection, expect to leave a 10% deposit as this is pretty standard in the industry. The developer generally has their own contract and it’s written much in their favor but not unreasonably so. Pricing this early is usually not negotiable… the price is the price. But you can purchase with some confidence since all buyers are getting the same terms and the developer has a shared interest in protecting values through delivery while sales are ongoing.
You do not need to be fully qualified for financing to come out and look but it’s wise to have some idea of what you can afford. Most builders give incentives for paying cash or using their title company and lenders. Often your contract might even offer a short financing contingency in exchange for considering them.
Once firmly under contract, a buyer might have 12- 18 months to prepare for the move. How blissful. This is one of the best parts of buying early in pre-sale. Moving is daunting, especially if you have been in your current homes for 30 years and the thought of moving seems excruciating. Decide what to take, sell/donate, and hire a proper interior designer to space plan and create a unique home that reflects your tastes. All with the time to do it properly.
Something to note. Finishes have gotten more high end, brands carry weight, and there is less customization offered these days. Gone are the days of going to a design center. If you know you are getting a Sub Zero refrigerator included you probably won’t ask if there are other options available. (more…)
The polling place at The Jefferson in Ballston on Nov. 4, 2025 (staff photo by Jared Serre)
Election Day is off to a smooth start in Arlington, with about 8% voter turnout as of 9 a.m. following strong in-person early voting.
About 32,000 Arlington voters cast early in-person ballots this year, compared to 27,800 during the last gubernatorial election. However, mail-in ballots are down compared to 2021, a pandemic year: around 9,800 were cast this year compared to 14,800 in 2021.
Home for sale locally (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)
Despite the federal-government shutdown, Arlington and much of Northern Virginia are seeing robust interest among potential home-buyers, something unusual this time of year.
The county recorded 728 home showings for the week ending Nov. 2, according to figures reported by the Bright MLS multiple-listing service.
Join Jadin O’Brien, Olympic athlete, 3x NCAA pentathlon champion and 10x All-American (heptathlon) winner for this in-person and virtual 5K. This event is sponsored by The Alex Manfull Fund to raise awareness and advance research on debilitating infection-associated neuroimmune disorders (including PANS and PANDAS) that affect young people. The 5K is part of the organization’s 36 Hours for PANS and PANDAS Advocacy in Motion event. Runners will receive a Finisher’s Medal, Technical (Drifit) Event Shirt and A Chip Timed Event. The event commemorates the life of Alex Manfull, who died at age 26 due to PANDAS. Susan and William Manfull established the Fund in their daughter’s name with the vision that no life ever again be cut short—or interrupted—by these illnesses. Learn more at TheAlexManfullFund.org.
Signage announces changes to Falls Church trash collection (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)
A majority of Falls Church households are willing to give the city’s new organics disposal program a try.
Slightly more than 70% of city households eligible for the program were opting to get an organics bin from the government, based on preliminary statistics reported by City Manager Wyatt Shields at the Oct. 27 City Council meeting.
The Reeves Farmhouse at 400 N. Manchester Street (via HomeAid National Capital Region/Flickr)
The construction phase of a project bringing a new group home for adults with intellectual disabilities to the Reeves Farmhouse is expected to begin soon.
A year after the local Habitat for Humanity chapter and HomeAid National Capital Region broke ground on the historic structure at 400 N. Manchester Street in October last year, HomeAid and the construction company Toll Brothers announced that they’re ready to start work on the next stage.
Feds, Prosecutor Spar Over Investigation — “The investigation centers on Ms. Wien, 65, a retired academic who, along with others, has protested outside the home in northern Arlington where [White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen] Miller lived with his family at the time. The police say she has circulated leaflets in the neighborhood denouncing Mr. Miller and his hard-line policies, including on immigration. One of those leaflets featured Mr. Miller’s photograph and address.” [NYT]
Bomb Squad Investigation — “The all clear was just given after Arlington’s bomb squad was called to investigate something deemed suspicious at the U.S. State Dept. facility on N. Lynn Street in Rosslyn, per scanner. ACFD and ACPD on scene.” [ARLnow/X]
New Turf at Yorktown HS — “Starting the week of November 17, the Greenbrier Park field will be closed for construction to replace the synthetic turf, update the infill, and repaint/restripe the field. The Greenbrier Park track is expected to remain open for the public during this time. Staff estimate the turf replacement will be complete in February 2026.” [Arlington County]
Car Wheel Theft Story — “I’ve had the car less than 2 weeks, and this happened the first night I parked in my apartment building’s garage [in Shirlington, within a 4 hour window.” [Reddit]
New Road Safety Campaign — “Daylight Saving Time ended early on Sunday, Nov. 2, leading to an hour of darker conditions during the evening commute time. Pedestrian crashes are 20% more likely in the darker months, so it’s important to be extra vigilant while traveling. Keep safety in mind when traveling around Arlington, whether driving, biking, scootering or walking to usual destinations or a packed calendar of seasonal activities.” [Arlington County]
Early Voting Up Statewide — “Virginia voters this year are casting their ballots early at a higher rate than in the 2021 election, as both Democrats and Republicans have sought to drive early turnout in their bids to win the governorship and a majority in the House of Delegates.” [Washington Post]
Another Low Snow Prediction — “Don’t expect loads of the white stuff this winter, say long-range forecasting experts from four private companies. They lean toward a mild-ish winter with less snow than normal.” [CWG]
It’s Tuesday — Expect sunshine and a high temperature of around 62, accompanied by west winds blowing at 8-11 mph and gusts up to 21 mph. Tonight there will be mostly clear skies with lows close to 41. [NWS]
Expect sunshine and a high temperature of around 62, accompanied by west winds blowing at 8-11 mph and gusts up to 21 mph. As night falls on Tuesday, there will be mostly clear skies with lows close to 41, with west winds gradually calming at around 5 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.” – Albert Einstein
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Fmr. President Joe Biden at Carbonara in Virginia Square (via @carbonara_va/IG)
Former President Joe Biden had dinner Sunday night at Carbonara in Virginia Square, according to the restaurant’s Instagram account.
Stories posted by Carbonara (3865 Wilson Blvd) show Biden dining with a man who appears to be former defense secretary Lloyd Austin, though the dining companion is not identified by name in the videos.