A recent forum quizzed Falls Church City Council candidates on what local governments can do to blunt ever-increasing costs of child care and preschool services in Northern Virginia.
It was, one incumbent noted, the first time the issue had been raised during a candidate forum in her memory.
Lost and Found Closed at DCA — “The ongoing federal government shutdown is starting to impact travelers at Reagan National Airport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that its Lost and Found office at the airport is now closed until further notice. A sign posted outside the office on Wednesday said to travelers that all inquiries must now be submitted online.” [DC News Now]
Beyer Blasts White House Work — “The White House belongs to the American people, not to one person. Past presidents rightly consulted with Congress before construction projects. Donald Trump taking a wrecking ball to one of America’s greatest symbols is awful and illegal, and sadly also an accurate metaphor.” [Rep. Don Beyer/X, Axios]
Book Sale Starts Today — “Our Fall 2025 Book Sale will take place – October 23 to 26, 2025… The sale is held in the garage of the Central Library located at 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22201. The specialty books room is in the Quincy Room (first floor of the library by the Quincy Park entrance).” [FOAL]
F.C. School Board Debate — “The one and only actual debate among the five candidates seeking election to the Falls Church School Board was held on the Learning Stairs at the new Meridian High School last week, and while there was little of substance that the five women disagreed upon, the biggest matter may turn out to be not issues at all so much as basic qualifications. That would go to the question of whether or not concrete experience as an educator would be grounds for whether or not someone should be elected to the board.” [FCNP]
Lower Pet Adoption Fees — “The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) is lowering its adoption fees for adult cats and dogs to help potential adopters find their boo this weekend. From Oct. 24 to Oct. 26, adoption fees will be lowered to $70 for all adult dogs and cats.” [DC News Now]
Postal Drug Bust — “On October 22, 2025, the Postal Inspection Service Washington Division – Contraband Interdiction and Investigations Task Force seized approximately 10,000 pills containing fentanyl that were destined for Washington, DC.” [USPIS/X]
Lt. Gov. Race Fake Debate — “After his Democratic opponent declined all of his debate requests in the Virginia lieutenant governor race, Republican John Reid decided he’d hold a 40-minute one anyway — against a version of her generated by artificial intelligence. The fake voice of state Sen. Ghazala F. Hashmi (D-Richmond) got to make the first opening statement.” [Washington Post]
New Legal Notice — Restaurant seeks license for beer, wine, mixed beverages on/off-premises. [Public Notices]
It’s Thursday — Expect a sunny day with a high around 62 degrees, accompanied by a west wind blowing at 7 to 14 mph and gusts reaching up to 23 mph. On Thursday night, the skies will be mostly clear with the temperature dropping to around 41 degrees, and a northwest wind blowing at 5 to 7 mph. [NWS]
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…)
Good Wednesday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Oct 22, 2025.
Here is what’s going on Thursday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
Expect a sunny day with a high around 62 degrees, accompanied by a west wind blowing at 7 to 14 mph and gusts reaching up to 23 mph. For Thursday night, the skies will be mostly clear with the temperature dropping to around 41 degrees, and a northwest wind blowing at 5 to 7 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
“Peace begins with a smile.”
– Mother Teresa
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.
County Board members have taken the first steps in considering changes to the community’s 93-year-old governance structure.
The action marks “the beginning of a long discussion, a very long path,” Board Chair Takis Karantonis said at a meeting yesterday (Tuesday).
We’re excited to announce the opening of our second location in Arlington, VA! ❤️
📍 Opening June 1st
For the past two years, Marymount University has been among a small but growing group of higher education institutions leading the charge in offering degrees in AI.
The private university based in the Old Dominion neighborhood, which launched its AI program in fall 2023, currently offers a Bachelor of Science degree in the subject and an accompanying minor and graduate certificate.
Virginia is for lovers, and so is a new public art installation near Falls Church City Hall.
The art piece, which plays into the commonwealth’s iconic slogan while promoting the Little City as “a unique travel destination,” consists of a set of steel letters spelling out LOVE.
Numerous music, comedy and theater performances are coming to Arlington and Falls Church in the coming months.
Whether it’s live jazz, a stage adaptation of “Frankenstein” or a pre-Halloween production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” upcoming arts events this fall and winter cater to a wide range of tastes.
An open house about a planned expansion to Green Valley’s Drew Park is happening next week.
Part of a long-anticipated project to create a new Drew Park Master Plan, the event will let community members provide input and learn more about the future of the recreation area at 2310 S. Kenmore Street, between John Robinson, Jr. Town Square and Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School.
The effort to memorialize people enslaved in Arlington is receiving an additional push over the coming month before it takes a winter break.
Six “stumbling stone” ceremonies have been planned through mid-November at locations across the county. They began Saturday in the Arlington View neighborhood with the unveiling of three new bronze markers embedded into the sidewalk.
