The Arlington County Democratic Committee handed its 2026 Distinguished Democrat awards to two organizers who spent years in the trenches of local politics.
Mary Detweiler and Jack Kinkaid both have fulfilled largely behind-the-scenes duties, mobilizing local efforts and coordinating campaign activities such as distributing median signs and overseeing precinct operations.
Arlington’s third annual community health fair brought crowds to Carlin Springs Elementary School over the weekend.
From flu shots and eye exams to bike giveaways and tips for healthier eating, the event hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Arlington and VHC Health offered a one-stop shop for families.
Looking for inspiration this weekend? Arlington County has numerous opportunities to connect with creativity, culture, and community through experiences that celebrate artistic expression, cultural heritage, and Arlington’s unique sense of place.
On Saturday morning, join former Arlington Poet Laureate Courtney LeBlanc for The Nature of Poetry, a guided walk of Lubber Run Park that explores the connection between poetry and the natural world. Participants will stop along the trail to read nature-themed works, reflect on the landscape, and create poetry inspired by their surroundings. The program offers a chance to experience one of Arlington’s treasured green spaces through a creative lens while discovering how art can deepen our understanding of place and environment.
Later that day, celebrate the rich traditions of Latin America with Arlington Parks and Recreation’s Festival Latinoamericano, one of the region’s premier cultural festivals. The annual event brings together music, dance, art, food, and family-friendly activities that showcase the diversity and vibrancy of Latin American cultures. Featuring live performances, artisan vendors, and opportunities to experience traditions from across Latin America, the festival offers a day of cultural discovery and community celebration.
On Sunday, head to 2700 Art Space for a special Halloween-themed YIKES! at SPARK! This festive edition of Arlington Arts’ monthly community art market invites visitors to celebrate the season through creativity, community, and a touch of spooky fun. Featuring local artists, makers, food vendors, and engaging activities, YIKES! at SPARK! transforms 2700 Art Space into a vibrant gathering place where neighbors can connect, discover unique artwork, and enjoy arts experiences for all ages. Drawing on the spirit of SPARK!, the event offers a welcoming opportunity to meet local artists, support small creative businesses, and experience the energy of Arlington’s growing arts community.
And while you’re out exploring Arlington this weekend, take a detour to Columbia Pike to watch a new public artwork come to life. Artist Rowan Bathurst is currently creating a large-scale mural on the Goodwill building at 4714 Columbia Pike, offering a rare opportunity to experience the creative process in real time. Inspired by the diversity, culture, and spirit of the Columbia Pike community, the mural is transforming an everyday space into a vibrant visual landmark. Whether you live, work, or spend time along the Pike, it’s worth stopping by to see the artwork taking shape and witness firsthand how public art can bring new energy and identity to a neighborhood.
From poetry and cultural celebration to public art and community gathering, this weekend’s events showcase the many ways creativity enriches Arlington’s neighborhoods and public spaces. Whether you’re looking to make art, experience a new culture, meet local artists, or simply enjoy time with friends and family, Arlington County offers something for everyone.
Learn more about these and other upcoming events through Arlington County.
Arlington’s Office of Human Rights could receive a revamp next year, potentially dividing into two separate offices with additional staffing.
A proposal, set to be included in County Manager Mark Schwartz’s fiscal year 2028 budget proposal early next year, would expand resources allocated to human rights cases and Equal Employment Opportunity complaints.
While our Fall 1 season is in swing, we have some terrific opportunities for making art coming up soon. Our Fall 2 season runs late October through December, with six-week and three-week classes you’ll love. We have some new themes in the mix, including Acrylic Painting Fundamentals (adults) and Sculpting with Nature and Found Objects (4th-6th graders). Explore the wheel together at our parent-child ceramics class. And our perennials always shine: painting, drawing, ceramics, sewing, sculpture, and printmaking. Take a look now!
Fall 2 Session, Oct. 27-Dec. 20
Cox Pleads No Contest — “Richard Cox, a convicted sex offender accused of indecent exposure in an Arlington Public Schools (APS) locker room, pleaded no contest to 12 felony loitering charges ahead of a January trial…” Cox faces up to 60 years in prison on those counts, according to prosecutors. [WJLA]
New Speed Camera Going Live — Drivers caught speeding by the new school zone camera in the southbound 1700 block of N. Veitch Street, near Courthouse, will start getting $100 tickets on Wednesday, according to the county. The camera, one of 35 in the PhotoSPEED program, has been issuing warnings since it was installed. [Arlington County]
Chip City Crumbles Nationwide — Chip City, which closed its Clarendon and Shirlington shops, has now shut down entirely. “Our 22 remaining stores will permanently close at close of business today,” the company’s president wrote in a Thursday email to employees. [QSR Magazine, NY Post]
Deputies Take the Pitch — “On Saturday, the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office took on Arlington Soccer in an annual soccer match. The event raises money for local cancer patients.” [WUSA9]
Plate Reader Led to Murder Arrest — The suspect in a July homicide in Alexandria’s West End, extradited from North Carolina on Thursday, was tracked down with the help of automatic license plate readers, according to police. “The vehicle was located on that camera approximately four minutes after this violent crime occurred,” Police Chief Tarrick McGuire said. [ALXnow]
Automatic Record Sealing Begins — “Virginia’s Clean Slate law took effect July 1, and Oct. 1 marks the beginning of the state’s process for identifying certain qualifying records for automatic sealing… Among the misdemeanors that can qualify for automatic petition sealing are petit larceny, shoplifting, certain trespassing offenses and disorderly conduct.” [WJLA]
Va. Energy Costs Projected to Rise — Federal policy changes since President Donald Trump returned to office will cost households an average of $6,500 more for energy through 2040, according to a think tank analysis. “In five states, households will pay roughly $9,000 more: Oregon, Mississippi, South Dakota, Virginia and Wyoming.” The White House called the think tank partisan. [Associated Press]
Beyer Seeks Khashoggi Transcript — Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) and five other Virginia Democrats in Congress marked the eighth anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi’s murder on Friday by calling on President Trump to release the transcript of his 2019 call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. “Eight years is far too long to wait for answers,” the lawmakers said. [Press Release]
Get Outside Advisory — Following rain Friday into Saturday that left most of the area with a third to three-quarters of an inch of rainfall, Capital Weather is forecasting a sunny, comfortable week ahead: “We’re issuing a ‘get outside as much as you can’ advisory!” [Capital Weather]
It’s Monday — Areas of fog early will give way to mostly sunny skies today, with a high near 71 and northwest winds of 3–12 mph gusting as high as 21 mph. Expect clear skies tonight with a low around 47. [NWS]
New Legal Notice — Board hearing permits, encroachments, zoning, EV charging fees, assessment changes. [Public Notices]
New Legal Notice — ABC distillery license application; objections due within 30 days. [Public Notices]
New Legal Notice — Applicant seeks ABC license: restaurant, beer/wine/mixed beverages, on/off-premises. [Public Notices]
Today’s Morning Notes are brought to you by Industrious. ARLnow has been in an Industrious office for years and we love the convenience — you get to focus on your work rather than worrying about brewing your own coffee or keeping the copy machine stocked. Industrious has several Metro-accessible coworking locations in Arlington.
Join us for a 5k (~3 mile) fun run/walk around the neighborhood followed by an outdoor yoga session next to Reclining Liberty!
The artist behind Reclining Liberty made a shirt for this day only. It comes with every run and yoga ticket — or take one on its own for $25.
Good Friday 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 — Oct 2, 2026.
Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.
Here is what’s going on Saturday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
Here are the events planned for Sunday:
Showers are possible this afternoon, mainly between 1 PM and 3 PM, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 69°F. There will be a north wind at 5 to 8 mph, and the chance of precipitation is 30%. Saturday night may see more showers after 2 AM, with increasing clouds and a low around 59°F. Winds will be light from the east, with a 30% chance of precipitation. See more from Weather.gov.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
– Steve Jobs
The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.
We hope you have a great weekend, Arlington! If you have something to say about an issue of local note not covered today, feel free to discuss it on our new Disqus-powered community message board. 👋
A vandalism incident at Wakefield High School caused damage to school property ahead of tonight’s homecoming football game, authorities say.
A sidewalk, rock and sign at the school were all spray-painted sometime last night or early this morning, according to a preliminary incident report from the Arlington County Police Department.
County Board members last week honored major milestones for a South Arlington church and North Arlington civic association.
Board members on Sept. 22 saluted Green Valley’s Mount Zion Baptist Church, which this year is marking its 160th anniversary.
A spot for fried chicken and other Southern-style food and drink has closed after 11 years in the Rosslyn area.
Tupelo Honey permanently closed at 1616 N. Troy Street on Monday as its lease expired, according to a storefront notice.
Police are searching for a man who pulled a knife on a store employee in Courthouse before escaping into the Metro.
The robbery happened yesterday morning (Thursday) around 7:30 a.m. at a business — the CVS, according to initial reports — on the 2100 block of 15th Street N., near the Courthouse Metro entrance.
ATB tryouts begin Monday, October 5, and there is still time to register.
Please review the image above and updated schedule below and make sure your player is registered before arriving. Registration is required.
