Business is going well enough at a new Afghan restaurant on Columbia Pike that the owner just might skip the grand opening.
Helal Habibi, who hosted a soft opening for Ziafat in August, told ARLnow that he has been off to a successful start at 3400 Columbia Pike, serving up an array of kebabs and other traditional dishes, including a breakfast menu, with an emphasis on hospitality.
The Arlington County Civic Federation may renew its push for General Assembly legislation giving the county powers to change its 95-year-old governance structure.
A draft resolution is set to be presented next week and voted on in November, calling for action from the county’s legislative delegation. Desired legislation could grant Arlington the power to modify the size of the County Board and School Board; change the election schedule; allow for a move to district representation; and separately elect a Board chair.
Steeped in history yet thoughtfully reimagined for modern living, this exceptional detached residence, originally built in the 1880s, seamlessly blends timeless architecture with sophisticated luxury. Following an extensive renovation and expansion completed between 2022 and 2025, every detail has been meticulously curated to honor the home’s historic character while introducing today’s finest finishes and amenities. Spanning nearly 3,200 finished square feet, the home offers four to five spacious bedrooms, three full and one half baths, and beautifully proportioned living spaces with soaring ceilings, oversized windows, and an abundance of natural light.
The striking rear addition is defined by a dramatic wall of rare floor-to-ceiling black Marvin windows and doors, creating a stunning architectural statement while seamlessly connecting the interior living spaces to the private rear courtyard. The expanded kitchen and family room serve as the heart of the home, thoughtfully designed for both everyday living and effortless entertaining. The chef’s kitchen showcases custom inset cabinetry, Honed Danby marble countertops and full-height backsplash, herringbone hardwood flooring, high-end hardware and fixtures, and a premium suite of Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, including a paneled refrigerator and dishwasher, built-in espresso/coffee maker, and wine refrigerator.
Almost two dozen positions have been removed from the Arlington Public Schools budget after the school system’s enrollment hit its lowest point since 2021.
APS school enrollment is more than 600 students below a projection made just last spring, school leaders reported on Oct. 8. As a result, the school system has cut 23.5 full-time-equivalent positions from its fiscal 2027 budget, Superintendent Francisco Durán said.
Pumpkin spice season is here, but winter is closer than you think.
When winter weather arrives, some of our most vulnerable neighbors can’t clear snow from their sidewalks and driveways, limiting their ability to travel safely and access essential services.
Arlington Democrats are now targeting a third state in their “Beyond Arlington” get-out-the-vote effort.
Local Democrats yesterday (Sunday) spent three hours writing postcards to Iowa voters, encouraging them to vote for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek over Republican Ashley Hinson.
Join Equality Arlington and the NAACP Arlington Branch for a Rally for Marriage Equality on Saturday, October 17 at 1 PM at Courthouse Plaza by the fountains (2250 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201)! All are welcome to rally for the marriage equality constitutional amendment as we get-out-the-vote on the first day of early Saturday voting in Arlington. Hear stories from Arlington couples on the importance of the marriage equality amendment and learn more about supporting the “YES on Constitutional Amendment Question 2” campaign!
Please RSVP to attend the rally at: https://forms.gle/KMYPsX1ggUBVH27x9
Ex-Teacher Sues School Board — “A former Wakefield High School teacher is suing the Arlington County School Board, claiming he was subjected to religious discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation before being assigned to a warehouse where Black employees were allegedly forced to perform hazardous manual labor.” [Patch]
Bystanders Rush to I-66 Rollover — On Saturday, “everyone came running after a car slid on its roof down the shoulder of I-66W after Sycamore… Nice to see the spirit, but scary to see so many people on the interstate with traffic still moving. The driver got out of the car.” [Dave Statter/X]
Truck Blocks Ten-Miler Winner — Edward Buck won the rain-soaked Army Ten-Miler yesterday in 48:40, but only after “the lead media truck carrying race photographers stopped directly in his path, forcing him to squeeze between the vehicle and a support structure holding the finish-line signage.” [Stars and Stripes]
E-CARE Returns Saturday — Arlington’s fall E-CARE event, offering residents free drop-off of old electronics and household hazardous materials, is Saturday (Oct. 17) from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, at 1425 N. Quincy Street. Gently used Halloween costumes will also be accepted. [Arlington County]
Founders Bank Branching Out — “Two years after opening a loan office in Arlington, Founders Bank in D.C. is converting the office at 3865 Wilson Blvd. into a full-service branch where it can now accept deposits.” The Ballston conversion is expected to be complete by the end of the year. [WBJ]
Bishop Decries Execution Livestream — “Capital punishment, at a minimum, in instances where nations and states still lamentably practice it, should never be made into an occasion for public spectacle,” Arlington Diocese Bishop Michael F. Burbidge said of the Department of War’s plan to livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan. [Arlington Diocese]
Murder Mystery Meets Escape Room — The Gaslight, from a brother-sister duo, “hosts events that are a mashup of a murder mystery dinner theater meets an escape room meets a group-style board game.” It’s currently popping up at the Lyon Village Community House, with hopes for a permanent spot early next year. [Axios]
Nightlife Arrest in Clarendon — “One lucky customer of O’Sullivan’s got the VIP treatment with her own special armed security for the rest of the night. I’m sure it was a sight that turned heads.” [Dave Statter/X]
East Potomac Tree Clearing — The National Park Service began removing up to 529 trees Saturday at East Potomac Golf Links, where President Trump wants a “championship-level” course. The agency said the work would happen regardless of those plans; preservationists said it should trigger a new public review. [New York Times, NBC 4]
Felony Voting Ban Narrowed — Following a federal court ruling, Virginia now only bars voting for people convicted of murder, voluntary manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter. Others with felony records who are out of prison or jail can simply register to vote; the deadline is Oct. 23. [Washington Post]
Beyer Slams Russian Diesel Move — “Infuriating—but this is what we warned anyone who would listen: Trump isn’t the slightest bit trustworthy when it comes to Russia… Now he’s lifting sanctions on Russian fossil fuels,” Rep. Don Beyer (D) said after the Treasury Department cleared Russian diesel for the global market. [Rep. Don Beyer/X]
It’s Monday — Rain showers and patchy fog are likely before 9 a.m., followed by mostly cloudy skies and a high near 73. Northwest winds of 7–13 mph could gust as high as 23 mph. Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low around 58. [NWS]
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.
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Thirty-three years before John F. Kennedy received his final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery, another, lesser-known presidential interment took place on the grounds.
Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day are on Monday, bringing changes to some local services but not others.
Arlington Public Schools students have off, and it is a professional learning day for staff. Additionally, in Falls Church, the Mary Riley Styles Public Library, City Hall and all government offices will be closed.
The Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic has joined an international calendar of racing events for 2027, adding an expanded route that extends into Arlington.
The men’s Pro/1 Capitol Cup has been approved as a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Category 1.2 race, placing it alongside events like the Philly Cycling Classic and the Tour of the Gila, organizers announced yesterday.
Whether you’re after a burger with toppings like juicy tomatoes and lettuce or a simple patty with cheese, Arlington has no shortage of spots to satisfy any craving.
Here are the nominees for “Best Burger Spot in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.
Did we miss your favorite place? Write it in!
Voting will close on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Voting for Best Brewery Near Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Wednesday at 11:59 p.m.
Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Place to Hike Near Arlington. The full results are now official:
With a total of 601 votes cast, Theodore Roosevelt Island came out on top again — the same as our last vote in 2024. While technically in D.C., the island just east of Rosslyn offers a quiet escape into the woods, with views of the Potomac and a memorial to its namesake president.
See every ARLnow Readers’ Choice winner, past and present, here.
Golden Hour Tans, an Arlington-based, woman-owned spray tan company known for bringing custom airbrush tans directly to clients across Arlington and Washington, D.C., will open its first studio on Monday, October 12, at 3865 Wilson Blvd., Suite 22, inside Salons by JC in Ballston. The new studio is located just steps from the Ballston and Virginia Square Metro stations.
No booths, no presets, no orange. Golden Hour takes a personalized approach to sunless tanning, with every tan individually color-matched to the client’s skin tone and applied by a professionally trained spray tan artist in a private studio. Evening and weekend appointments are available, making the experience easier to fit around work, events, travel, and everyday schedules.
