News

Google’s self-driving taxi arm, Waymo, is coming to D.C. — but making some pit stops in Arlington along the way.

The company announced in March that it would start operating in the District in 2026. Before it starts picking up ride-hailing passengers, however, Waymo has been conducting tests on D.C. streets.


News

Leaders of the NAACP Arlington branch acknowledge they are walking a fine line in the era of Donald Trump.

The group will continue to press its values while refraining from direct political activity, the Rev. DeLishia Davis, president of the Arlington NAACP, said at a Monday meeting.


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
Basketball court at Rocky Run Park (courtesy George Brazier)

New Food Distribution Site — “The Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC), in collaboration with True Ground Housing Partners and Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC), has opened a new public food distribution site in Arlington’s Westover neighborhood to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. This initiative enables access to free, supplemental groceries for Arlington residents in an area where access to food assistance is limited.” [Press Release]

Flyover This Morning — From AlertDC: “The U.S. Military will conduct a flyover in the NCR over Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at approximately 9:04AM.”

Brandishing in East Falls Church — “At approximately 1:00 p.m. on August 21, the male victim and male suspect became involved in a dispute while they were driving their vehicles in the area of N. Sycamore Street and 17th Street N. When the vehicles subsequently came to a stop on N. Roosevelt Street, the suspect exited his vehicle, brandished what appeared to be a firearm at the victim, reentered his vehicle and fled the scene.” [ACPD]

Beyer Blasts Fed Firing — “Prices are rising because of Trump’s tariffs. Now Trump is trying to illegally fire Fed leaders to stop them from using interest rates to fight inflation. If Trump gets his way, confidence in our economy will fall, the value of your dollars will go down, and prices will go up.” [Rep. Don Beyer/X]

Trump Wants Apology from GMU — “George Mason University’s efforts to diversify its workforce violate a civil rights law intended to end segregation, according to the Trump administration… To resolve the alleged violation, the department has proposed an agreement that would require Mason President Gregory Washington to issue a statement and ‘personal apology.'” [FFXnow]

Governor’s Race Ad Battle — “The candidates in Virginia’s 2025 governor’s race are staking out new and unusual ground for their parties as voters start to narrow their focus on the election this November. In their campaign events and new television ads, on the air as of Tuesday morning, their contrasting strategies are becoming clear.” [NBC 4]

Nearby: New Tysons Stores — “A busy August at Tysons Corner Center is expected to spill over into the fall with a slew of store openings… Newcomers slated to open in this year’s third quarter include the electric vehicle maker Rivian, artisan cookie shop Chip City and the shoe retailer Kizik.” [FFXnow]

GSA Looking for New NSF Home — “The General Services Administration has launched an official search for office space in Alexandria to relocate the National Science Foundation after the agency was displaced from its Eisenhower Avenue headquarters. In a presolicitation notice posted to the federal contracting website SAM.gov on Thursday, GSA is seeking between 240,000 and 280,000 square feet of Class A office space for a 48-month lease term.” [ALXnow, WBJ]

Dry Weather Continues — “Through Monday, D.C. had tallied only 8 percent of average rainfall to date in August. The monthly total of 0.20 inches will probably set a record for the driest August on record. The current low point is 0.55 inches of rain in August 1962.” [CWG]

It’s Wednesday — Expect sunny skies and a high of 77°F, accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 7 to 10 mph, with gusts reaching up to 20 mph. As night falls on Wednesday, clouds will increase, and the temperature will drop to around 59°F. [NWS]


Around Town

Good Tuesday 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 — Aug 26, 2025.

📅 Upcoming events

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

☀️ Wednesday’s forecast

Expect sunny skies and a high of 77°F, accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 7 to 10 mph, with gusts reaching up to 20 mph. As night falls on Wednesday, clouds will increase, and the temperature will drop to around 59°F. The northwest wind will slow to about 6 mph, becoming calm as evening progresses. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible.”
– Arthur C. Clarke

🌅 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! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.


Event

Join the Rosslyn BID and Arlington Arts at the 34th Rosslyn Jazz Fest 2026 featuring live jazz, food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly activities in the heart of Rosslyn! This year’s lineup is bringing a diverse mix of performers and bands redefining the jazz music genre including Plena Libre, Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars, Parlor Greens, and Dogo du Togo & the Alagaa Beat Band.


News

The Arlington Historical Society is calling on local writers to bring key aspects of the county’s history to life as the nation’s 250th birthday approaches next year.

The new writing project, “250 by 2026,” aims to round up 250 stories that may not be in the public consciousness.


News

Efforts to provide more funding for Arlington’s Affordable Housing Investment Fund (AHIF) will require buy-in from elected officials, the development industry, the General Assembly, activists and the broader community to be viable, an advisory panel believes.

“We should take the time and get it right,” said Joe Ventrone, a member of the Housing Commission’s working group on revisions to the government’s affordable-housing ordinance.


News

One in every 280 apartments set for completion in 2025 nationally will be in Arlington, a rate higher than last year, according to new data.

The expected 1,806 new rental units to become available countywide before the end of the year represents 0.36% of the national total of about 506,300 new apartments, according to recent estimates from RentCafe.com’s annual apartment construction report.


News

Police are seeking a suspect accused of peeping at a woman using a restroom at the Aurora Hills Library.

A male suspect in his 40s is accused of entering the restroom and looking under the woman’s stall around 11:43 a.m. on Aug. 19, according to a press release from the Arlington County Police Department.


News

Members of the Falls Church Library Board of Trustees will take more time to review staff budget proposals before they go to the city manager and City Council this year.

The process will take place in two steps, library leaders said at the board’s Aug. 20 meeting.