News

The Mary Riley Styles Library in Falls Church isn’t bursting at the seams right now.

But without a consistent effort to keep only the most appealing materials on the shelves, the library director could see that day approaching.


Events

A new dining promotion is bringing autumnal dishes including pumpkin-flavored pancakes, pasta and cocktails to Ballston starting next week.

At least 13 restaurants are participating in Pumpkin Palooza, a new dining punch card program hosted by the Ballston Business Improvement District. Participants must try six eligible menu items at Ballston restaurants by Nov. 6 to qualify for a fall mug giveaway.


Sponsored

This regularly scheduled column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at [email protected].

On Friday, I learned that the house fire at the Hyde Park condominium in Ballston was the home of my friend, Greg, his wife Caroline, and their beloved dog, Maisie. I’m sure you saw it in Wednesday’s ARLnow news cycle.

Greg and Caroline were not home when the fire occurred, but they tragically lost their dog Maisie, a loss that overshadows the loss of their personal belongings.

A Bit About Maisie

Maisie lived in the Ballston neighborhood since she was born almost six years ago. She loved meeting old friends and new, between her walks at home and her frequent training walks in Old Town, she had more than either of her parents did. She loved every dog and cat and person she ever met, but she never got over her mistrust of squirrels.  She will be missed as much as she was loved.

Support Lost Dog Rescue in Honor of Maisie

Please consider donating to Arlington’s Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation in Maisie’s memory.

Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and is an exemplary nonprofit that helps homeless pets find their way to loving homes through rescue and adoption.

There is nothing Greg and Caroline would appreciate more than knowing that Maisie’s memory is helping support the well-being of other dogs and cats.

Leave a Kind Word for Greg and Caroline

If you would like to share well wishes with Greg and Caroline, please leave a comment, and I’ll make sure it gets back to them.


Sports

For two seasons now, the Bishop O’Connell Knights have won little during the early portion of their high-school football campaigns.

Through four contests this fall, the private-school squad owns a 1-3 mark, losing to the Washington Patriots (2-2) of Charles Town, W.Va., by a 29-14 score in its most recent contest, played the night of Sept. 19 in non-conference action.


Announcement

Wine & Food Tasting Event at Arrowine, Saturday, August 15, 1- 4 p.m.

Summer adventures are calling — whether you’re packing up for the Beach, escaping to the Shenandoah Mountains, planning a picnic, or heading out for a romantic night of music at Wolf Trap. And if you want those moments to be stress‑free, delicious, and perfectly paired, we’ve got just the tasting for you.


Around Town

A new orchard at Dr. Charles Drew Elementary School is already producing fruit after surviving an unusually dry August.

All the saplings planted in the spring survived the summer, making it likely they will have long-term viability, said Mary Glass of the Arlington Tree Connection advocacy group.


Event

Dreaming about your next vacation? Join Cruise Planners Beth Borrego and Rod Rodriguez for an inspiring day devoted to ocean and river cruises, guided tours, luxury travel and unforgettable destinations!

Meet representatives from AmaWaterways, Collette, Oceania Cruises and Premier World Discovery. Hear informative presentations, ask questions, explore exciting vacation possibilities and discover which travel experience may be the perfect fit for you.


News

By popular demand, county leaders are seeking a new title for a rather unimaginatively named park in Aurora Highlands.

An effort to improve amenities and visibility at the 900-square-foot park, currently known as “23rd Street S. and S. Eads Street Park,” is coming up. But before construction starts, county leaders need to settle on a name.


Schools

Arlington Public Schools was near the top of the pack in both the state and in Northern Virginia in its test scores for the 2024-25 school year.

APS trailed the Loudoun school system in the five broad Standards of Learning categories last school year, but outperformed Fairfax and Prince William counties and the city of Alexandria. It topped the averages statewide in each category.


Sports

A football season of resurgence continued for the Wakefield Warriors with their most recent victory during the early portion of the 2025 high-school campaign.

The host Warriors defeated the Justice Wolves, 33-12, the night of Sept. 19 to improve to 3-1 with a third straight win.


News
Fallen leaves starting to accumulate on a north Arlington sidewalk (staff photo)

Flyover Planned Today — From AlertDC: “The United States Military will conduct a flyover in the National Capitol Region, at Arlington National Cemetery, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11:05 AM.”

Public Safety Soccer Match — “Last night, Arlington’s public safety agencies competed in a friendly soccer match against @arlingtonsoccer coaches, ending in a 3-3 tie! A great game and community building were had by all!” [ACPD/X, ACFD/X, WUSA 9]

Compass Acquires More Brokerages — “Anywhere’s brands include Century 21, Coldwell Banker, Corcoran, Sotheby’s International Realty, ERA Real Estate and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, all of which have offices in Greater Washington. In addition to being the D.C.-area’s No. 1 residential real estate company, Compass, led regionally by Kimberly Harris Campbell, also owns the @properties brand, which includes RLAH@properties and its five D.C.-area offices.” [WBJ]

RIP Jeff Clabaugh — “Jeff Clabaugh, who covered Greater Washington business for both the Washington Business Journal and WTOP for more than three decades, died Thursday. He was 63. His death came after a yearlong battle with cancer, his partner, Russ Rader, told WTOP 103.5. He did his last radio report on Tuesday.” [WBJ, WTOP]

AARP Urges Food Drives — “This year, we encourage you to take action by organizing a food drive through the groups you’re involved with — be it your neighborhood association, book club, alumni group, AARP chapter, house of worship, civic organization, or even your HOA.” [Letter to the Editor]

It’s Rosh Hashanah — “Shana Tova to all Virginians and families across the world beginning the celebration of Rosh Hashanah. As the Jewish New Year begins, may this season of reflection and renewal bring peace, joy, and prosperity to all who observe.” [Gov. Glenn Youngkin/X]

It’s Tuesday — Showers are possible in the afternoon and evening. Expect increasing clouds and a high near 85 with south winds at 6-8 mph. Precipitation chance is 30%. For Tuesday night, showers and thunderstorms may occur, mostly before 11pm. The night will be mostly cloudy, with a low of around 66 and southwest winds becoming calm in the evening. The chance of precipitation remains at 30%. [NWS]


Around Town

Good Monday 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 22, 2025.

📅 Upcoming events

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

⛈️ Tuesday’s forecast

Showers are possible between 4pm and 5pm, followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Expect increasing clouds and a high near 85 with south winds at 6-8 mph. Precipitation chance is 30%. For Tuesday night, showers and thunderstorms may occur before 11pm, with a slight chance of showers from 11pm to 2am. The night will be mostly cloudy, with a low of around 66 and southwest winds becoming calm in the evening. The chance of precipitation remains at 30%. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Creativity is the greatest rebellion in existence.”
– Osho

🌅 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.