News

Transportation planning and funding emerged as key issues when two incumbent House of Delegates members faced off against challengers at an Arlington debate this week.

Democratic incumbents touted the value of seniority, while Republican challengers pressed the need for new thinking.


News
Rainbow over football practice at Washington-Liberty High School (courtesy Sophie Collins)

Cuts at Crystal City-Based PBS — “PBS is cutting 100 positions, or roughly 15 percent of its staff, as a result of the major federal funding cuts to public broadcasting. Paula Kerger, the chief executive of PBS, said in an email to station managers on Thursday that the staff reductions were a last resort. The organization had already frozen hiring, restricted travel and paused pay increases.” [NYT]

Weekend Road Closures for D.C. Event — “The course also runs over the Potomac River Freeway, Whitehurst Freeway and the 14th Street Bridge HOV lanes, which will all be closed during the ride. Ramp closures on I-395 near Pentagon City, Maine Avenue SW and the 12th Street Expressway will also be in effect through the morning.” [WTOP]

Vivid Rainbow After Storm — “A low hanging rainbow fading right now over I-395, Boeing Fields at Long Bridge Park, and Gravelly Point in Arlington.” [Dave Statter/X, MyRadar/X]

New CivFed Panel — The Arlington County Civic Federation has established a new Well-Being Subcommittee that will first meet online on Monday, Sept. 29. The subcommittee will serve as “an avenue to sponsor conversation and advocacy,” said its chair, Allan Gajadhar. —Scott McCaffrey

It’s Friday — Expect sunny skies and a high of 88 today, with light southwest winds picking up to 5-10 mph in the morning. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 71 and south winds around 6 mph. [NWS]


Around Town

Good Thursday 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 4, 2025.

📅 Upcoming events

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

☀️ Friday’s forecast

Expect sunny skies and a high of 88 today, with light southwest winds picking up to 5-10 mph in the morning. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 71 and south winds at around 6 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
– Albert Schweitzer

🌅 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.


Announcement

There’s something a little bit magical about picking up a foil for the first time — or drawing back a bow and watching your arrow fly true. It’s why fencing and archery have such a hold on kids and adults alike: real focus, real skill, and a thrill you don’t get from the usual sports lineup.

This fall, Nova Fencing & Archery Club in Bailey’s Crossroads is opening registration for both, with beginner classes for every age starting the week of September 12th. Fencing welcomes ages 7 to 12 and teens and adults 13 and up. Explore Archery, coached by USA Archery certified instructors, welcomes ages 8 to 12 and meets Tuesdays or Saturdays. And for our youngest fencers, ages 4 to 6, ABC’s of Fencing meets on Saturdays. All classes run eight sessions for $195, equipment provided, no experience needed — yes, even for grown-ups who’ve never held a sword or a bow before.


News

By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN and CHRIS MEGERIAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order Friday to rebrand the Department of Defense as the Department of War, his latest effort to project an image of toughness for America’s military.


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

Arlington’s former solid waste contractor is lobbying the County Board to consider bringing them back on board following a bumpy start to a new trash service.

American Disposal Services, which collected trash and recycling in Arlington for 10 years, sent the County Board a letter last week referencing problems with missed collections after Bates Trucking and Trash Removal took over service on Aug. 1.


Around Town

The wait is over in Crystal City for Toastique, a D.C.-based “gourmet toast” eatery opening this weekend.

Grand opening festivities begin this Saturday at 244 19th Court S., on the ground floor of Reva apartments. The new cafe serves a variety of sweet and savory loaded toasts, plant-based breakfasts, smoothies and coffee.


Schools

Candidates seeking an open School Board seat are focusing on student achievement, the school system’s budget and the impact of the Trump administration.

“We deserve to get our money’s worth” from funds that support schools, said James “Vell” Rives IV at a Tuesday candidate forum sponsored by the Arlington County Civic Federation.


Around Town

Under the wing of a dedicated veteran chef, a smash burger joint in Cherrydale is aspiring to regional stardom since opening last spring.

Equipped with heated food lockers and contactless ordering screens, Burger Billy’s Joint opened last April at 3800 Langston Blvd, primarily as a takeout and delivery option for its smash patty creations.