The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as seen from the Washington Monument, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
WASHINGTON (AP) — The board of the Kennedy Center voted Tuesday to close the facility amid financial issues and a dispute over putting President Donald Trump’s name on the iconic performing arts venue, according to people familiar with the matter.
Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick participated in the board meeting, according to one of the people. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a private meeting. Lutnick’s wife, Allison, is a member of the Trump-appointed board.
Rep. Don Beyer, D-8, and Republican challenger Tony Sabio (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)
Northern Virginia congressional candidates are facing off on the future of immigration enforcement, a proposed triumphal arch and the role of AI and data centers.
The issues all took center stage in a Sept. 8 candidate forum sponsored by the Arlington County Civic Federation, where Rep. Don Beyer (D-8) faced three challengers.
Tucked away in the coveted Whistling Pines neighborhood of Falls Church, this extraordinary custom residence offers over 5,800 square feet across four beautifully finished levels, with 6 bedrooms, 6 full baths, and 2 half baths – all less than a mile from the East Falls Church Metro, W&OD Trail, and Benjamin Banneker Park.
Collaboratively designed by Architect Luther Weber, who spent 12 years working under renowned architect Hugh Newell Jacobsen, and award-winning builder GN Contracting Inc., the home pairs architectural pedigree with exceptional custom craftsmanship. Wide-plank select white oak flooring, custom millwork, architectural trim, Baldwin hardware, Grohe and Hansgrohe fixtures, custom steel rails, smart wired for home audio and carefully curated stone and tile finishes carry throughout. The home is also wired for Verizon, while hidden ceiling speakers in the dining room preserve the clean architectural aesthetic.
A former youth minister in Falls Church has been indicted on federal charges related to child sex abuse.
Jeffrey Taylor, who served as youth minister at The Falls Church from 1990 to 2002, is accused of sexually abusing multiple boys that he allegedly groomed “under the guise of spiritual guidance,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced in a press release today (Tuesday).
Arlington’s young actors, designers, and theatre-loving families have a big Saturday ahead! Encore Stage & Studio is kicking off its fall season on Saturday, September 12 with two opportunities for kids to jump into the world of theatre: a FREE Fall Open House and a special Pre-Audition Workshop for Madeline’s Christmas.
Encore’s Fall Open House invites families with children from preschool through 8th grade to get a firsthand look at what’s coming this season.
Real estate for sale sign (photo illustration by ARLnow)
Sales and average prices were relatively flat in August across the Arlington real estate market, with similar conditions expected through the rest of 2026.
A total of 193 properties went to closing during the month, comparable to 192 reported in August 2025, according to figures reported Sept. 10 by MarketStats by ShowingTime.
Delivery robots in Ballston (staff photo by Dan Egitto)
Roaming fleets of delivery robots have been expanding throughout the D.C. area in recent months, including in Arlington.
In the three months since the company Avride began having robots carry Uber Eats orders in Arlington, the company says it has added more bots in response to market demand.
GMU’s new FUSE building in Virginia Square (courtesy Gale Harris)
Ballston Office Price Doubles — Piedmont Realty Trust bought 4075 Wilson Blvd for $56.25 million, double the $27.6 million a joint venture paid for the 189,000-square-foot building in 2024. The seller called it the region’s first “round trip” institutional office sale since the pandemic. [WBJ]
Kennedy Center Closure Vote Today — Trustees meet today to consider closing the main building immediately and adding President Donald Trump’s name to the facade, which officials say may be the only way to avoid “certain fiscal collapse within weeks.” [New York Times, Washington Post]
Bishop Urges ‘No’ Votes — Arlington Bishop Michael Burbidge instructed Catholics to vote no on ballot questions 1 and 2, citing “serious legal threats to the sacredness of human life and the sanctity of marriage.” The amendments’ patrons called the bishops’ letter a “scare tactic.” [Arlington Diocese, Cardinal News]
Potomac Yard Rollover Crash — Two people were hospitalized after a two-vehicle rollover crash Sunday at Richmond Highway and E. Reed Avenue in Alexandria. One had life-threatening injuries. First responders extricated the driver of a Honda that landed on its side. [ALXnow]
FCPS Braces for Cuts — “Early indications suggest that fiscal ’28 will be a difficult budget year,” Fairfax County Public Schools finance chief Leigh Burden said. Officials expect to cut closer to $153.9 million next year, more than the $117.6 million trimmed this year. [FFXnow]
Lawmakers Can Stall Court Cases — A century-old statute lets legislators who practice law postpone court proceedings around General Assembly sessions. One Bristol attorney said a litigant can “delay the resolution of a legal dispute by hiring a member of the legislature.” [Virginia Mercury]
More 90-Degree Days Ahead — The District has logged 50 days at or above 90 degrees this year, 10 more than normal. Models give Friday a 56% chance of another and Sunday a 58% chance, though odds are lower in the suburbs. A cooler early-autumn pattern may follow next week. [Capital Weather]
It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny skies today with a high near 78 and an east wind around 6 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 59. [NWS]
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Sunny with a high of around 79°F, light and variable winds shifting southeast around 6 mph in the morning. Tuesday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to about 59°F. The southeast wind will be around 5 mph before becoming calm in the evening. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
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The Virginia Hurricanes Girls Basketball program is holding tryouts for its 3rd Grade and 5th Grade travel teams, competing in a full schedule this Fall and Winter season. Join a competitive, supportive program built to develop skilled, confident players on and off the court.
Registration is required at: https://www.virginiahurricanes.net/basketball/aau-teams
