Virginia’s attorney general plans to challenge an executive order by President Donald Trump that would add more restrictions and federal oversight to mail voting.
Attorney General Jay Jones (D) has indicated plans to join top elections officials in states like Oregon and Arizona, who pledged to mount legal opposition to the executive order within minutes of Trump signing it — arguing that the president was illegally encroaching on the right of states to run elections.
Athletes for the Wakefield Warriors boys and Washington-Liberty girls track-and-field teams endured cold and wind during an early-season outdoor meet to win the Arlington County championships.
The high-school meet took place March 28 at Bishop O’Connell in weather conditions more suitable for the winter’s indoor season.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A will is only one part of a comprehensive estate plan. Depending on your circumstances, you may also benefit from:
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.
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.
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
The Arlington Civitan Open Air Flea Market is launching its 40th anniversary season on Saturday, with high hopes of drawing more than 10,000 shoppers during 2026.
“The opening event is consistently the busiest of the year, with early-bird shoppers lining up in the dark and many high-demand items selling within the first hour,” said officials with the Arlington Civitan Club.
Local entrepreneur MaryBeth Powers is being featured on an episode of Women in Power, a series that highlights inspiring women whose passion, perseverance, and purpose have made a meaningful impact in their communities.
The episode shares the remarkable story behind Teddy’s Turmeric Tamer®, an all-natural daily wellness topper for dogs that was born from love and determination. After MaryBeth’s beloved dog, Teddy, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and given just 2–4 weeks to live, she refused to give up hope. Through extensive research and a commitment to natural wellness, she created a unique blend of premium ingredients to support Teddy’s health. Teddy went on to enjoy three more years filled with love, comfort and quality of life.
Preparedness Month Begins — “Arlington Preparedness Month, held every April, highlights the importance of preparing for disasters, emergencies, and the unexpected.” The county encourages residents to sign up for Arlington Alert and build an emergency kit. Weekly themes cover flooding, family preparedness, volunteer training and low-cost preparedness. [Arlington County]
WWII Ace Laid to Rest — Brig. Gen. Clarence “Bud” Anderson, the last surviving triple-ace pilot from World War II, received full military funeral honors at Arlington National Cemetery on Sunday. Anderson died in May 2024 at 102 after flying 116 combat missions in his P-51 Mustang “Old Crow.” [U.S. Air Force]
Beyer on DHS Funding — “I’m glad to see Speaker Johnson and House Republican leadership accept reality and decide to bring the Senate-passed bill to fund the law-abiding parts of DHS and pay our public servants to the floor. They should bring it up for a vote without delay.” [Rep. Don Beyer/X]
Warner on Iran — “President Trump’s address tonight did little to answer the most basic questions the American people deserve when our nation is engaged in a costly and dangerous conflict with Iran,” U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D) said. [Press Release]
Spanberger Signs First Bills — “No Virginian should ever have to choose between seeing their doctor, paying their rent or mortgage, or keeping their lights on,” Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) said in signing the first set of bills from the 2026 General Assembly. The bills address housing, health care and energy affordability. [ALXnow]
Vape Crackdown Begins — “Vape shops have been allowed to get away with selling unregulated products, with documented negative health impacts not only to adults, but to minors without penalty,” Attorney General Jay Jones (D) said as enforcement of Virginia’s vape product directory begins today. Retailers selling unlisted products face a $1,000 fine per product per day. [Virginia Scope]
It’s Thursday — Patchy fog this morning gives way to mostly cloudy skies with a chance of rain showers and a high near 63 degrees. East winds at 2–9 mph. Tonight, a chance of showers continues with a low around 50. [NWS]
There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.
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.
Good Wednesday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Apr 1, 2026.
Here is what’s going on Thursday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
Expect a chance of showers and thunderstorms primarily after 3 PM, with patchy fog clearing before 11 AM. The day will be partly sunny, reaching a high of about 76°F, with an east wind at 5 to 8 mph. There is a 30% chance of precipitation. Thursday night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 54°F and east winds between 7 to 10 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”
– Jimmy Dean
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.
A public messaging brawl over Virginia’s upcoming redistricting referendum has gotten even messier with new mailers prominently displaying out-of-context quotes from former President Barack Obama.
The front of the mailers, which some Arlington households received last week, urges residents to vote against redistricting and quotes Obama as saying, “Let voters decide, not politicians.” Obama actually supports redistricting, and his quote is taken from a pro-redistricting ad released a few weeks ago.
Renovations are underway at a fire-damaged pupuseria in the Ashton Heights neighborhood, with the goal of reopening this summer.
Pupuseria Doña Azucena has been shuttered at 71 N. Glebe Road since August 2024, when a fire at the strip mall ravaged the space, requiring structural repairs. An exact reopening date has not been set, but “we’re aiming for the second week of June,” owner Heriberto Hernandez said.
Total employment at HQ2 has increased slightly since 2024, despite multiple rounds of corporate layoffs at Amazon in recent months.
Around 8,500 employees currently work out of Amazon’s headquarters in Pentagon City, the company announced in a blog post this afternoon. That’s a modest increase from 8,330 employees reported at the end of 2024.
A Brazilian and Lebanese-inspired charcoal chicken shop is now open for business on Langston Blvd.
Tio Pelé celebrated its grand opening last week at 3110 Langston Blvd in Lyon Village, slinging whole and half chickens, sandwiches, bowls and fresh juice. Customers lined up around the property to get a taste of the family-owned spot, located at the former site of The Block Oven, a Mediterranean restaurant and hookah lounge.
At Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS), one of the region’s largest and most established human services nonprofits, we believe every child deserves to walk into the classroom on the first day of school feeling confident, prepared, and ready to learn. But for many local families, the excitement of a new school year is overshadowed by the financial stress of buying school supplies. By helping families meet this essential need, we can ease financial pressure and give students the tools they need to succeed from day one.
This summer, NVFS is bringing together individuals, businesses, and community partners from across Northern Virginia, to provide new backpacks and essential school supplies to more than 1,500 local students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
