News
A TV news crew and a “vote” sign at Courthouse Plaza (courtesy George Brazier)

Weekend Fire in Ballston — A generator atop an office building at 4350 Fairfax Drive caught fire Saturday morning, prompting a large fire department response. The blaze was quickly extinguished. A power outage was also reported around the scene in Ballston that morning. [Twitter]

Coffey Reacts to EHO Verdict — From Arlington County Board member Maureen Coffey: “I’m incredibly disappointed by today’s ruling & firmly believe we must appeal it. I am proud to be a pro-housing elected official, the only renter on the Arlington County Board, & represent those who wonder whether they have a future in our community after living here for years.” [Twitter]

Library Celebrates Banned Books — “Banned Books Week, an annual, national observance established in 1982 in response to frequent attempts to have books banned, highlights the value of free and open access to information and runs through September 28. The Arlington Public Library is celebrating its own version: Freedom to Read Week.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Talking to the Cheese Lady — “So, in the middle of 2023, my husband Jeff and I said, let’s do something new. There’s more competition. There’s a Harris Teeter there [which includes a Murray’s Cheese counter]. Now, there may have been a time where you could support two Cheesetiques within two miles of each other. We don’t think that’s the case anymore, so let’s do a new concept. And moving in an Italian direction felt very comfortable because it was a world in which we already lived so much.” [Washington Business Journal]

F.C. Art Festival Extended — “‘Due to the serious nature of Hurricane Helene,’ Falls Church Arts’ ‘Scenes in the City’ Plein Air Festival – one of the City of Falls Church’s prized annual art shows – has been moved up to Oct. 12, from its earlier date of Sept. 28, giving outdoor artists in the prize-competition ‘additional time to paint,’ and, hopefully, better weather to complete their submissions.” [Falls Church Independent]

It’s Monday — Expect showers with a high near 70 and a northeast wind at 10 mph, with a 90% chance of precipitation and possible new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch. Monday night will see continued showers, a low around 62, northeast wind at 10 mph, 80% chance of precipitation, and potential new rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. [NWS]

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News

A three-month-old pilot program to divert food scraps from Arlington’s waste stream is paying dividends, the county government said Sept. 23.

More than 11,000 pounds of food waste has been collected since the launch of the Solid Waste Bureau’s pilot program in early July, officials said. Over 1,000 pounds of food scraps and food-soiled paper are being composted in a typical week.


News

Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) Director Chad Dotson announced today that for the 11th straight year, Virginia has achieved one of the lowest recidivism rates for re-incarceration in the nation.

Data from the VADOC shows that the Commonwealth’s 19% three-year re-incarceration rate for State Responsible (SR) inmates among the FY2019 cohort is tied for the second-lowest in the United States with Minnesota.


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

Is a county-government task force the way to advance the ball down the field on proposed changes to the governance structure that has been in place in Arlington for nearly a century?

That’s a request being made by the Arlington County Civic Federation. Whether county officials take the group up on its proposal remains to be seen.


Events

It’s the political equivalent of speed dating – called “candi-dating” or “candidating” (take your pick) – and the League of Women Voters of Arlington & Alexandria City is hosting a chance for Arlington residents to get to know candidates for local office without the long-term commitment of a full-blown candidate forum.

The event will be held on Sunday, Oct. 6 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Walter Reed Community Center.


Events

The Arlington County Police Department will mark “National Coffee with a Cop Day” with two happenings on Wednesday, Oct. 2.

“These morning and afternoon events are welcome to all and are a great informal engagement opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, get to know neighbors and meet officers from different sections of the department,” police officials said.


Around Town

The Arlington Department of Parks and Recreation is accepting requests for up to 500 young native trees that will be provided free, one per household, next month.

“The trees you plant are part of our mission to expand and enhance Arlington’s urban-tree canopy,” county officials said. “This annual program is very popular and has yielded many beautiful trees and benefited our community.”


Events

“Ruff the Runway,” a dog fashion show and fundraiser to support Jane Franklin Dance, will be held on Monday, Oct. 14 at 4 p.m. at Snouts & Stouts Indoor Dog Park and Bar, 2709 S. Oakland St.

“Strut your mutt down the runway and compete for fantastic prizes,” organizers said. “Whether your pooch is polished, pampered or just plain adorable, this is their time to shine!”