Around Town

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Sep 11, 2026

By ARLnow.com
ARL Now: Daily Debrief for Sep 11, 2026 displayed over a red Arlington County fire truck and crew on a bridge

Good Friday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Sep 11, 2026.

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  1. N. Va. congressional candidate retweets Hitler video after antisemitism allegations (24428 views)
  2. Arlington housing nonprofit says the math doesn’t work for the poorest renters (9098 views)
  3. New bakery selling bread, pastries and coffee planned in Westover (8842 views)
  4. Families of wage earners detained by ICE to receive up to $2K from Arlington County (7825 views)
  5. Contract awarded for rehab of I-395 bridge over Potomac River (6387 views)
  6. Solace Outpost opens in Ballston, dethroning El Rey taqueria (4356 views)
  7. NOW: Big backups on I-395 due to six-vehicle crash (4776 views)
  8. D.C. Bike Ride brings Arlington road closures this weekend (3870 views)
  9. APS enrollment is down 1.6% from the start of school last year (3601 views)
  10. Clarendon Day returns this month with vendors, live music and more (3529 views)
  11. Nash & Smashed opens at Buckingham Center, serving fried chicken and burgers (3514 views)
  12. Falls Church hosts runners in 485-mile relay remembering 9/11 (2932 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Saturday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

Here are the events planned for Sunday:

🌧️ Saturday’s forecast

Expect a slight chance of showers before 10 a.m. and a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m., with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 84°F. Southeast winds will be about 5 to 8 mph, with a 40% chance of rain. Saturday night will likely bring showers and thunderstorms, continuing after midnight. The low will be around 70°F, with southeast winds of 3 to 6 mph and an 80% chance of rain, possibly bringing between a quarter and half an inch of new rainfall. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
– Theodore Roosevelt

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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. 👋

Sponsored

Arts Focus: Global Sounds, Great Music and Community Spirit Return to Rosslyn Jazz Fest

By Sponsor
Plena Libre
Three men pose against a green backdrop: a man in a red patterned traditional outfit seated in a chair, flanked by two men standing behind him.
Dogo du Togo
Sally Baby's Silver Dollars
1/4

One of Arlington’s favorite traditions returns this September as the 34th annual Rosslyn Jazz Fest brings an international lineup of music, culture, and community celebration to Gateway Park.

Taking place Saturday, Sept. 12, from 1-7 p.m., Rosslyn Jazz Fest has grown into Arlington’s largest free outdoor music festival, drawing audiences from across the region for an afternoon of world-class performances, food, activities, and dancing under the Rosslyn skyline. This year’s lineup showcases artists whose music spans continents and traditions, reflecting the diversity and vibrancy that define Arlington’s arts scene.

Headlining the festival is Grammy-nominated Plena Libre, one of Puerto Rico’s most celebrated musical groups and a driving force in contemporary plena and bomba music.

For more than three decades, the internationally acclaimed ensemble has captivated audiences with infectious rhythms, masterful musicianship, and high-energy performances that have made them ambassadors of Puerto Rican music around the world.

The full lineup offers an exciting mix of styles and influences:

  • Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars brings the joyful spirit of New Orleans, blending jazz, blues, and vintage swing. 2024 Tiny Desk Contest Finalist
  • Parlor Greens delivers soul jazz, funk, and groove-driven improvisation in the classic organ trio format.
  • Dogo du Togo & The Alagaa Beat Band, a regional favorite, combines Afrobeat, psychedelic rock, and traditional West African influences into a sound uniquely their own.

Returning as emcee is local media personality Tommy McFly, whose enthusiasm and connection to the community have made him a longtime festival favorite.

More than a music festival, Rosslyn Jazz Fest is a celebration of creativity, cultural exchange, and community connection. Festival attendees can enjoy food trucks, outdoor bars, family-friendly activities, lawn games, and plenty of opportunities to relax or dance while experiencing music from around the globe. Set in Gateway Park, the festival offers the perfect blend of urban energy and outdoor gathering space in the heart of Arlington.

Events like Rosslyn Jazz Fest help showcase Arlington’s reputation as one of the nation’s most vibrant arts communities. Through partnerships between Arlington Arts and organizations such as the Rosslyn Business Improvement District, residents and visitors alike have opportunities to experience outstanding performances free of charge while exploring Arlington’s neighborhoods and public spaces.

So bring a blanket, gather some friends, and spend an afternoon discovering new sounds from Puerto Rico, New Orleans, West Africa, and beyond. Rosslyn Jazz Fest returns Saturday, Sept. 12, offering a celebration of music and culture that is uniquely Arlington.

For more information and free registration, visit the Rosslyn Jazz Fest website.

News

Del. Lopez ‘incredibly grateful’ as protections for Salvadoran immigrants hold fast

By Dan Egitto and The Associated Press
Two men in discussion on stage under a large AMERICAS backdrop, with flags nearby and DORAL 2025 visible behind them.
FILE - President Donald Trump greets El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, left, at the Shield of the Americas Summit, March 7, 2026, at Trump National Doral Miami in Doral, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

Silence from the Trump administration on protections for immigrants from El Salvador has at least one Northern Virginia lawmaker breathing a sigh of relief.

A deadline to decide whether over 170,000 immigrants from El Salvador can remain protected from deportation passed this week without any public announcement. The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement saying it would make an announcement “at an appropriate time” and that Temporary Protected Status for El Salvador would stay in effect until then.

Go to Del. Lopez ‘incredibly grateful’ as protections for Salvadoran immigrants hold fast Read more
Announcement

Next Week: Free Martial Arts Classes for Kids and Adults, All Under One Roof

By EvolveAll
Four men in athletic rash guards and belts stand with arms around each other in a gym, in front of a bright 'evolveall' sign and equipment in the background.

Starting September 14, EvolveAll is opening its Columbia Pike studio for a full week of free trial classes — and this time, the whole family is invited to show up.

The studio’s Intro Week returns with no-strings-attached access to its complete class lineup. Kids ages 5-15 can join Youth Martial Arts classes built around discipline, focus, and age-appropriate self-defense skills. Adults have the run of the full adult program — Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Striking, Boxing, Capoeira, Tai Chi Chuan, Self-Defense, Women’s Only Jiu Jitsu, MOTR Pilates, Yoga, and Fitness Bootcamp.

Go to Next Week: Free Martial Arts Classes for Kids and Adults, All Under One Roof Read more
News

Arlington treasurer candidates square off on visions for office’s future

By Scott McCaffrey
Two panelists sit behind a table with microphones during a conference; a smiling woman on the left and a man on the right, with an AC banner draped over the front of the table.
Treasurer Kim Rucker and challenger Aasim Rawoot (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

Arlington’s two candidates for treasurer are both Arlington natives. Beyond that, their stories diverge significantly.

Kim Rucker joined the treasurer’s office immediately out of high school, rising through the ranks over the course of three decades and spending the last 12 years as chief deputy to Treasurer Carla de la Pava.

Go to Arlington treasurer candidates square off on visions for office’s future Read more
Event

Saint Ann Fall Festival

Saint Ann Fall Festival flyer: open to all, free admission, Saturday, September 26, Saint Ann Catholic School grounds, Arlington VA (family fun, games, bingo).

Event location

Saint Ann Catholic School

980 N. Frederick Street

Arlington, Virginia 22205

Add to Calendar

Join us for the Saint Ann Fall Festival on Saturday, September 26! Start the day with our Fun Run at 9:30 AM, followed by the Fall Festival beginning at 10:00 AM.
This family friendly celebration is open to the entire Arlington community and offers something for everyone! Enjoy rides and inflatables, live entertainment, family friendly Bingo, raffles, a Beer Garden, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to gather with the community.
The festival is also a celebration of Saint Ann’s diverse Catholic community, featuring food and entertainment representing our Filipino, Latino, and Peruvian communities, along with some local favorites.
This year’s entertainment includes a live band in the Beer Garden, and exciting Bolivian and Peruvian dance performances. Admission is free, and tickets for food, rides, and activities can be purchased at the festival.
Come celebrate with us and experience the warm, welcoming spirit of Saint Ann! We look forward to welcoming the greater Arlington community for a fun-filled day together.
The Fall Festival will take place rain or shine! Come join the fun!

Go to Saint Ann Fall Festival Read more
Sports

Yorktown’s golf and field hockey teams are enjoying strong starts

By Dave Facinoli
Teenage sports team in matching light blue polo shirts poses on a sunny grassy field, with one member holding a tall trophy in front center.
Some members of Yorktown High School's golf team (courtesy Yorktown golf program)

The success of Yorktown High School’s co-ed golf team has been a highlight of the school’s athletic program at the start of the fall sports season.

The Patriots have already won two tournament championships, the latest being the annual three-team Arlington County match. Prior to that, Yorktown won a multi-team tourney hosted by Madison High School.

Go to Yorktown’s golf and field hockey teams are enjoying strong starts Read more
Opinion

Poll: The best park in Arlington

By ARLnow.com
Urban park with a winding path and shrubs, city skyline in the background, and a large circular logo overlay reading 'Reader AR Now Choice' on the right.

Arlington’s parks are one of its most popular assets, attracting visitors year-round to every corner of the county.

Here are the nominees for “Best Park in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your favorite new spot? Write it in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for Best New Restaurant in Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Mechanic in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. Pham’s Car Care Center
  2. Cherrydale Motors
  3. Baird Automotive
News

Arlington County remembers 25 years since 9/11 terrorist attacks

By Dan Egitto and The Associated Press
An American flag drapes over the Pentagon in remembrance of those killed on 9/11 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Today (Friday) marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, that left nearly 3,000 dead and altered the face of Arlington and the entire country.

Across the nation, the milestone anniversary brings memorial rituals — wreath-laying, flag-flying, moments of silence, vigils and readings of victims’ names — and volunteer projects in tribute to a day that about half of U.S. adults remember as the most historic event of their lifetime, according to a new poll.

Go to Arlington County remembers 25 years since 9/11 terrorist attacks Read more
Around Town

Penrose assisted-living facility marks 15th anniversary with ‘Candyland’ party

By Scott McCaffrey
Three smiling women wearing tiaras pose with oversized candy props at a pink-streamer party backdrop.
Candyland was the theme of the 15th-anniversary celebration at Mary Marshall Senior Assisted Living (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

The Mary Marshall Senior Assisted Living Residence celebrated its 15th anniversary with a carnival atmosphere.

“Candyland” was the theme of the Aug. 27 festivities at the 52-bed Penrose facility that supports 55+ residents with disabilities.

Go to Penrose assisted-living facility marks 15th anniversary with ‘Candyland’ party Read more
Schools

School Board candidates debate APS safety and support for teachers

By Scott McCaffrey
Two panelists sit at a long table with microphones during a discussion; woman on left speaks, man on right listens, blue and white banner in front.
School Board candidates Bethany Zecher Sutton and James "Vell" Rives IV (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

School Board candidates faced off this week on the question of whether front-line educators are getting enough support in Arlington.

“We are not supporting our teachers [and] they are burning out,” said James “Vell” Rives IV, a Forward Party-endorsed independent challenging Democratic incumbent Bethany Zecher Sutton.

Go to School Board candidates debate APS safety and support for teachers Read more
Announcement

Tryouts for 3rd and 5th Grade Girls Basketball Teams

By Virginia Hurricanes Girls Basketball Club
Virginia Hurricanes girls basketball fall/winter team poster for 3rd & 5th grade, with a QR code to register and schedule details

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

Go to Tryouts for 3rd and 5th Grade Girls Basketball Teams Read more
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