Missing Middle construction projects that halted after a court decision last month received permission to move forward today.
Despite declaring Arlington’s Expanded Housing Options unlawful and preventing the county from issuing any more EHO permits last month — a decision the county now intends to appeal — Circuit Court Judge David Schell presented a path forward for some developers Friday morning.
A man accused of masturbating in public in view of a local pickleball court is back behind bars.
Police say 50-year-old Arlington resident Alexei Rodriguez was seen peeping into homes, exposing himself and masturbating last night on the 300 block of S. Glebe Road, near Thomas Jefferson Middle School. He was arrested after a foot chase.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Carl Williams, PhD, LCADC
For families in Arlington and nearby Northern Virginia communities, the search for addiction treatment often begins with a practical question: What kind of help is actually appropriate?
The answer isn’t always obvious. A person may be working full time, caring for children or maintaining a household while substance use becomes increasingly difficult to control. Another person may need a more structured level of care because of medical, psychological or safety concerns.
Recent local data show progress in reducing opioid overdose deaths, but they also show why access to treatment remains important.
Arlington County recorded 29 opioid overdoses in 2025, including three fatal overdoses. That was a substantial decline from 53 total opioid overdoses and 10 fatal overdoses in 2024, according to Arlington County’s opioid incident data.
The numbers represent meaningful progress. Arlington’s Addiction Recovery Initiative, or AARI, continues to coordinate prevention, treatment access, harm reduction and overdose-response efforts across the county. Arlington also provides a substance-use resource line to help people connect with treatment, support groups and other services.
The broader Northern Virginia picture shows a similar direction. In the Fairfax Health District, there were 56 opioid overdose fatalities in 2025, down 22% from 72 in 2024 and 52% from the record high of 117 in 2023. Fairfax County reported the figures in June 2026.
Fairfax-specific figures shouldn’t be read as Arlington statistics. They do, however, provide useful regional context for families in Arlington, Falls Church and neighboring communities who may be comparing treatment options across Northern Virginia.
Several factors can influence overdose trends, including wider access to naloxone, treatment services, medications for opioid use disorder, public education and changes in the illicit drug supply. Local prevention and response systems can also make it easier for people to receive help after an overdose or other substance-related crisis.
But overdose statistics capture only one part of substance use. A person doesn’t have to experience an overdose to have a substance use disorder, and someone can struggle for years without entering formal treatment.
Fairfax County’s treatment numbers illustrate the continuing need. More than 2,105 people with opioid use disorder received assessment and treatment services through the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board in fiscal year 2025.
For families trying to decide whether treatment is necessary, the question is therefore broader than whether an overdose has occurred.
Substance use can be difficult to recognize when a person continues meeting visible responsibilities.
A professional may continue showing up for work while drinking or using drugs in private. A parent may continue managing school schedules and household responsibilities while relying increasingly on substances to cope with stress. Someone can appear successful to friends and colleagues while privately experiencing cravings, loss of control or repeated attempts to cut back.
By MATTHEW BARAKAT Associated Press
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — A federal judge on Friday ordered Virginia to restore more than 1,600 voter registrations that she said were illegally purged in the last two months in an effort to stop noncitizens from voting.
Please join us in congratulating Benny Mirpuri, owner of Fast-Fix Jewelry and Watch Repair at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, on reaching an incredible 35 years in business.
For three and a half decades, Benny has proudly served the Pentagon City and surrounding communities, providing quality jewelry and watch repair services along with the exceptional customer service that has made Fast-Fix a trusted local business.
The ARLnow Press Club has 120 new members and we want to sincerely extend our appreciation to those who stepped up to — and continue to — support local news.
We put out the call to email newsletter subscribers earlier this week that we needed some help, at least temporarily, to support a larger newsroom following our GazetteLeader acquisition last month. Arlington was in danger of losing the GazetteLeader’s comprehensive local government and sports coverage had the acquisition not happened.
Whether autumn means sipping local ciders, decorating pumpkins with the kids, or enjoying live music, Fall Fest is packed with festive fun for all ages and the perfect way to spend a crisp October afternoon in Rosslyn!
An Arlington School Board candidate and a local LGBTQ+ advocacy group are locking horns over questions of support and inclusion for transgender students.
Equality Arlington issued a statement earlier this week taking aim at Forward Party-endorsed candidate James “Vell” Rives’ stance on Arlington Public Schools’ nondiscrimination policy for transgender students.
Arlington’s real estate market reflects the broader community — it’s diverse, dynamic, and never boring.
This weekend’s local open houses offer a snapshot of Arlington’s wide variety real estate offerings, from affordable condos to multi-million dollar homes. One highlight: a $3 million house on a 18,583 sq. ft. lot featuring a screened porch with ceiling heaters.
As the seasons change we say goodbye to warm weather, shorts and outdoor activities. But Arlington has plenty of indoor activities for every age.
We have the top picks for “Best Indoor Activities in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards, based on a mix of ARLnow article views and online reviews. Feel free to write in your favorite if it’s not already on the list.
Don’t delay — voting will close in two weeks.
Voting for Best Burger Spot in Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.
Two weeks ago, we voted on Arlington’s best brewery near Arlington. The results are now official:
U.S. Rep. Don Beyer says he does not, at present, desire to see a federal investigation into conditions at the Arlington County Detention Facility.
But speaking at a Monday (Oct. 21) candidate forum hosted by the Arlington NAACP, Beyer (D-Va.) did seek more interaction between local officials and their federal counterparts on the issue.
Free rides home will be available in Arlington and elsewhere in the D.C. area this weekend.
The regional SoberRide program, provided through a partnership between Lyft and the Washington Regional Alcohol Program, will offer one free ride of up to $15 per customer.
Fall registration is filling up at MoCA! Classes begin in just a couple of weeks so sign up today! From pottery and printmaking to drawing and collage, you and your young artists are sure to find a class or workshop that excites!
Can’t commit to an 8-week class? Check out our 1, 2, or 3 day workshops here at MoCA! These are great introductions to what MoCA has to offer. Whether you are a practiced hobbyist or a complete novice, we are excited to have you join a workshop or class this fall. Programs are already filling up so sign up today!
