News

All charges against a professional rugby player accused of rape in Clarendon were either dropped or dismissed this week.

A judge in Arlington County’s General District Court on Wednesday found no probable cause to advance the felony charges against Brady Gilliland-Daniel, according to online court records.


News

The Arlington Historical Society has launched a new initiative designed to capture present-day voices for future study and understanding.

In preparation for pilot projects — including discussions with those involved in development in the Shirlington area as well as the Crystal City Underground — co-chairs Sean Denniston and Marty Suydam recently completed a five-week training session on oral histories courtesy of the Office of Historic Alexandria.


Sponsored

No matter your age, having a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family. A properly prepared will ensures your wishes are carried out, helps reduce family disputes, and can make the estate administration process much smoother.

Unfortunately, many Virginians make avoidable mistakes that can create unnecessary stress and expense for their loved ones. Here are five of the most common.

1. Trying to Write a Will Without Legal Guidance

Online templates and DIY wills may seem like an easy way to save money, but they often create bigger problems later. Virginia law has specific requirements for a valid will, including proper signatures and witness requirements. Even small mistakes can leave a will open to challenges or delay the administration of an estate.

2. Forgetting to Update Your Will

A will shouldn’t be something you create once and forget. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, buying a home, or losing a loved one can all affect your estate plan.

Reviewing your will every few years—or after a major life event—helps ensure it still reflects your wishes and keeps your loved ones protected.

3. Overlooking Federal Estate Tax Planning

Virginia no longer has a state estate tax, but federal estate taxes may still affect larger estates. As home values and investments continue to grow, more families may find themselves closer to the federal exemption than they expected.

Planning ahead can help minimize tax consequences and preserve more of your estate for your beneficiaries.

4. Not Planning for Minor Children

For parents, a will does more than distribute assets—it allows you to name a guardian for your minor children. Without that designation, a court may ultimately decide who will care for them.

Many families also choose to establish a trust so inherited assets can be managed responsibly until children reach an age or milestone they determine is appropriate.

5. Choosing the Wrong Executor—or Not Naming One at All

Your executor is responsible for carrying out your wishes, paying debts, and distributing your assets. Selecting someone who is organized, trustworthy, and capable of handling those responsibilities is just as important as deciding who inherits your property.

It’s also essential to clearly identify your beneficiaries. Vague language or outdated information can create confusion and, in some cases, disputes among family members.

Don’t Forget the Rest of Your Estate Plan

A will is only one part of a comprehensive estate plan. Depending on your circumstances, you may also benefit from:

  • A revocable living trust
  • A durable power of attorney
  • An advance medical directive
  • A transfer-on-death deed for your home

Together, these documents can help protect your finances, outline your healthcare wishes, and simplify matters for your family if you’re ever unable to make decisions yourself.

The Bottom Line

A well-prepared estate plan provides peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. By avoiding these common mistakes and keeping your documents up to date, you can help ensure your wishes are honored while reducing stress for your family in the future.

If it’s been several years since you’ve reviewed your will—or you’ve never created one—it may be time to speak with an experienced Virginia estate planning attorney about your options.

PJI Law, PLC: Estate Planning Attorneys in Fairfax, VA

At PJI Law, PLC, we work with clients across Fairfax and Northern Virginia to build estate plans that reflect their intentions and align with Virginia law. Our estate planning attorneys take the time to review your assets, beneficiary designations, business interests, and family structure so your plan works as intended.

Whether you’re creating your first will or revisiting an existing one, our team will help you avoid the mistakes that can undermine your entire estate plan.

Call (703) 865-6100 or contact us online to schedule your complimentary consultation today.

PJI Law, PLC
3900 Jermantown Rd, 2nd Floor
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
(703) 865-6100
https://pjilaw.com


News

Construction on a new art space next to Jennie Dean Park is entering its final stages as the county plans for a public debut next year.

Work on the recreation area at 2700 S. Nelson Street — between the Arlington Food Assistance Center warehouse and the Cultural Affairs building in Green Valley — is expected to wrap up next month, county spokesperson Alyson Jordan Tomaszewski told ARLnow.


Announcement

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Around Town

Quite a few well-known comics are coming to the Arlington Drafthouse through mid-2026, including two former “Saturday Night Live” cast members and other TV stars.

Joining former SNL performers Kevin Nealon and Tim Meadows on the lineup are David Koechner (who played Todd Packer on “The Office”), “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” actress Caroline Rhea,”Last Comic Standing” winner Alonzo Bodden and other top talent.


Opinion

Whether you’re planning drinks for a Thanksgiving meal or selecting a holiday gift for the beer or wine lover in your life, Arlington has plenty of options for picking out the perfect splash of cheer.

Here are the nominees for “Best Wine/Beer Shop in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your favorite spot? Write it in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for Best Thai Restaurant in Arlington 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 Family Dinner Spot in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. Ruthie’s All-Day
  2. Lost Dog Cafe
  3. Pie-Tanza

Opinion

Yesterday, Arlington County Board member Maureen Coffey sparked a debate on Bluesky.

“Among my most important and treasured duties as a board member is making sure everyone knows: a) they can submit names for our snow plows and b) we are having more fun than our neighbors in Alexandria,” Coffey wrote on the social network, while linking to our article about Arlington’s snowplow naming contest.


News

Regional airport leaders are budgeting for a moderate rebound in passenger numbers after a decline in 2025.

The calendar year 2026 budget for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) anticipates about 12.8 million enplanements next year, up from a projected 12.6 million in 2025 but down from the record 13.1 million enplanements in 2024.


News
Brown leaves in a big pile, waiting for the vacuum truck (staff photo)

Rosslyn Panera Closing — “Office workers in Rosslyn are about to lose one of their go-to lunch spots. Panera Bread at 1700 N. Moore St. is closing its doors at 4 p.m. on Nov. 25 after more than a dozen years in the location, the Washington Business Journal has learned. A Panera spokesperson confirmed the store’s closing, adding that no additional store closures are planned ‘at this time.'” [WBJ]

Arlington Man on Jeopardy! —  “Jeopardy host just introduced a contestant who is a ‘stay at home dog dad from Arlington, Virginia.'” [Daniella Diaz/X, The Jeopardy! Fan, LinkedIn]

Holiday Bread Options — “Pick up spiced, seasoned and fruited holiday loaves, plus classic baguettes, boules, challah and other leavened goodies from these Northern Virginia bakeries.” [Arlington Magazine]

Right-to-Work Repeal Bill — “Virginia state Sen. Jennifer Carroll Foy, D-Woodbridge, has filed legislation to repeal the state’s longstanding right-to-work law — something Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger, also a Democrat, has said she does not support.” [WBJ, Virginia Scope]

Beyer Censure Reform Bill — “The Beyer bill would require a 60% majority to censure a House member, per text obtained by @axios
GOP Rep. Don Bacon co-leading. “We believe this is a sensible reform that would fix a broken process and raise the level of sanity in the House,” they wrote to colleagues.” [Andrew Solender/X]

It’s Friday — Expect mostly cloudy skies and a high temperature of 56°F. The wind will shift to the south, blowing at around 5 mph. Friday evening will bring rainfall, with temperatures around 49°F and the wind turning north at 6 mph after midnight. There is a 90% chance of precipitation, with potential accumulation between a quarter and half an inch. [NWS]