News
Pigeon overseeing diners in Rosslyn (courtesy George Brazier)

Investigation: DCA Too Busy — “Now the FAA’s failure to act on warnings that too many planes were being squeezed into the airport has emerged as a crucial focus of investigations into the crash, which killed 67 people. The crescendo of arriving and departing planes during the busiest periods — including a scheduled peak around the time of the crash — reduced the margin of error for air traffic controllers and pilots to dangerous levels.” [Washington Post]

Va. Sens. Calls for Fewer Flights — “What do you tell 67 families who have lost their loved ones? What do you tell America’s flying public? We have fought against adding more flights at DCA for years because safety has to be the first and top priority. While many risk factors must be reevaluated, Congress needs to start by rolling back the additional flight slots it forcibly crammed into last year’s FAA Reauthorization Act.” [Press Release]

Another Robbery in Ballston — “At approximately 10:48 p.m. on September 16, police were dispatched to the report of a robbery by force. Upon arrival, it was determined the male suspect entered the business, grabbed cigarettes from behind the counter and walked towards the exit of the store without payment. When confronted by an employee, the suspect struck the employee before fleeing the scene on foot with the merchandise.” [ACPD]

Award for Parks Department — “Arlington County’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has won the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation Management. This win celebrates not only DPR’s dedication and innovation, but also the staff, partners, and community members who make Arlington’s parks a place where everyone can thrive.” [Arlington County]

Va. Dems Outraise GOP — “Spanberger raised $14 million during July and August and has $12.2 million left in the bank, compared with $5.2 million raised by Earle-Sears, who has $4.9 million in cash… Democrats out-raised Republicans overall on a Nov. 4 ballot that also includes lieutenant governor, attorney general and all 100 seats in the House of Delegates.” [Washington Post]

Arlington > LA Weather — “Los Angeles more humid than DC this month! It’s been a great September — even with yesterday’s… dreariness.” [CWG/X]

It’s Thursday — Expect a mostly cloudy day to eventually clear up and become sunny, with temperatures reaching a high near 82°F and a mild north wind at about 5 mph. As for Thursday night, the skies will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to a low around 62°F. A gentle west wind of around 5 mph will begin after midnight. [NWS]


Around Town

Good Wednesday 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 — Sep 17, 2025.

📅 Upcoming events

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

☀️ Thursday’s forecast

Expect a mostly cloudy day to eventually clear up and become sunny, with temperatures reaching a high near 82°F and a mild north wind at about 5 mph. As for Thursday night, the skies will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to a low around 62°F. A gentle west wind of around 5 mph will begin after midnight. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Nothing happens unless first a dream.”
– Carl Sandburg

🌅 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.


News

Gas-powered leaf blowers could soon meet their downfall in Arlington.

The County Board is considering a possible ban on the controversial contraptions, which local environmental advocates have criticized for their loud noise levels and low fuel efficiency.


Event

Join Kaiser Permanente for Healthy at the Harbor, a free community health and wellness event taking place Saturday, June 6, from 11 am to 4 pm at National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Bring your family and friends for free full day of fun, fitness, and preventive care along the waterfront.

Throughout the day, Kaiser Permanente nurses and physicians will offer no-cost health screenings, alongside a health and wellness expo focused on preventive care education. A lively Kids’ Zone will keep children active and entertained with spin-art bikes, face painting, balloon art, games, and more.


News

Leaders are hoping to receive a key federal authorization by the end of next year to redevelop Terminal 1 at Reagan National Airport.

In an updated timeline released today (Wednesday), the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) set November 2026 as the goal for receiving environmental approval for the nine-gate project.


News

Former Vice President Mike Pence will be joining George Mason University’s Arlington-based Schar School of Policy and Government this fall.

Pence — the VP during President Donald Trump’s first term — has been named a professor of practice, meaning he will contribute to undergraduate courses starting in spring 2026, according to a release from GMU.


Events

Clarendon’s annual street festival returns in less than two weeks, promising a lively day of music, local vendors and food.

Over 150 local artisans, businesses, nonprofits and restaurants are expected to participate in this year’s Clarendon Day on Saturday, Sept. 27. The event will run from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. in the blocks surrounding the Clarendon Metro station.


News

A new AI chatbot is helping residents find answers to various questions about Arlington County government operations, elections and more.

AVA” — Arlington Virtual Assistant — is connected to four county websites: the general site (arlingtonva.us) plus specialized sites for library services, elections and Arlington Transit.


Sports

All finally was well for the Bishop O’Connell Knights, and the result was the team’s first victory of the football season.

In the third week of the high-school campaign, host O’Connell (1-2) defeated the winless St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes Saints, 38-12, the afternoon of Sept. 13 in non-conference private-school action.