News

(Updated at 10:30 p.m.) Police responded to a bomb threat at an Arlington synagogue tonight.

Arlington County police were dispatched to Congregation Etz Hayim, along Route 50 in the Arlington Heights neighborhood, around 5:30 p.m. Initial reports suggest that someone texted a crisis hotline that they had placed a bomb at the synagogue and were also planning to stab people inside.


Around Town

The holiday season is here and you’re probably wondering what to get those special Arlingtonians in your life. Lucky for you, the ARLnow Shop has plenty of gift options for savvy locals.

Among the offerings are some new, notable additions since the store launched in August, including:


Sponsored

The wait is almost over! This weekend, the heart of Clarendon transforms into an open-air gallery for the 12th Annual Arlington Festival of the Arts and Craft Marketplace.

Whether you’re hunting for the perfect piece to complete your living room, looking for unique handmade jewelry, or just wanting to enjoy a beautiful spring weekend surrounded by creativity, this is the place to be.

Stroll through booths featuring stunning, handmade-in-the-USA artwork—all rigorously vetted by HAE to ensure top-tier quality. Their artists have traveled from near and far to showcase a breathtaking variety of mediums, including:

  • Bespoke Jewelry & Wearable Art
  • Stunning Paintings & Mixed-Media
  • Intricate Pottery & Sculptures
  • Breathtaking Photography… and so much more!

(more…)


News

Swanson Middle School was put in “secure the school” mode this morning (Friday) due to a threat.

Initial reports suggest the school’s office received a shooting threat via email. Police responded to investigate around 10 a.m. and the security status was lifted about an hour and a half later.


Weather

Update at 7:35 p.m. — Arlington County’s Chief Fire Marshal has issued a “fire ban” through midnight Sunday due to the wildfire risk, according to a social media post by the fire department.

Based on current and expected weather conditions, no open burning of any type will be allowed. This includes burning of yard debris, the use of permanent or portable outdoor fireplaces and pits, chimenea, open flame cooking devices, etc.


Event

The morning will begin with a panel discussion featuring professionals working directly with survivors, legal experts engaged in shaping policy, trauma-informed psychologists, and pastoral care specialists. Together, they will help us consider how to respond faithfully and responsibly to the realities of sexual exploitation.

Following the panel, we will offer breakout sessions that allow participants to engage more deeply with these topics. We will conclude with a closing prayer liturgy centered on a call to action.


Obituary

Charlie Clark, a dogged chronicler of local life in Arlington, has died at the age of 70.

He was known locally as the author of “Our Man in Arlington,” a weekly column in the Falls Church News-Press, and as the author of several books on local history.


News

Drones could soon figure into the future of public safety in Arlington.

Arlington’s police and fire departments, the Sheriff’s Office and the Dept. of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management are developing a joint program to use drones when responding to public safety and emergency incidents.


News

Trial Date for Missing Middle Suit — From the anti-Missing Middle group Neighbors for Neighborhoods: “Today, Judge David Schell set the date for a five-day trial, commencing July 8, 2024 trial date in the case against the Arlington County Board seeking to invalidate Missing Middle Housing/Expanded Housing Options (EHO) zoning.” [Press Release]

YHS Playoff Game Tonight — “With one upset already achieved, the seventh-seeded Yorktown Patriots will attempt to continue their Cinderella story in the semifinals of the 6D North Region high-school football tournament. Yorktown (7-4) faces the host and six-seed Westfield Bulldogs (8-3) in that semifinal Friday night, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.” [Gazette Leader]


Announcement

The League of Women Voters of Arlington and Alexandria City, in partnership with Arlington County Public Library, invites you to an open discussion on managing local government in a changing environment.

Join Arlington County Manager Mark Schwartz and Alexandria City Manager Jim Parajon for a conversation about how local governments are adapting to shifts in federal funding and changes at the state level. The discussion will explore how these evolving conditions may impact local priorities, services, and decision-making in our communities.