February 7, 2013 | ARLnow.com

Published February 7, 2013 at 5:05PM | Updated January 16, 2018 at 2:43PM

A redistricting effort by Republicans in the Virginia Senate, which would have resulted in Arlington losing much of its legislative clout in that body, has been defeated.

The state Senate passed the surprise redistricting plan on Jan. 21 by a party-line vote of 20-19, thanks to the absence of Democratic Senator Henry Marsh, a civil rights lawyer who was attending President Obama’s inauguration that day. The unexpected vote drew strong criticism from Democrats and Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling.

Schools

LaHood to Attend School Bus Event At Tuckahoe

ARLnow.com

Published February 7, 2013 at 3:45PM

The event, on Feb. 12, is being organized by the American School Bus Council for its Love the Bus campaign. The campaign is intended to “raise awareness and appreciation for the hundreds of thousands of school bus drivers who safely transport children to and from school.”

The American School Bus Council is supported in part by school bus manufacturers.

News

Police Respond to Ballston Mall for Fighting Security Guards

ARLnow.com

Published February 7, 2013 at 2:40PM

The incident happened just before 4:00 p.m. The security guards, who were employed by the mall itself, both suffered facial lacerations in the fight but no serious injuries, according to police radio traffic.

Though bruised and bloodied, there are no reports of the men being transported to the hospital or being arrested. No police report was filed, according to Arlington County Police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck.

News

BREAKING: Car Plows into Pizza Hut

ARLnow.com

Published February 7, 2013 at 1:05PM | Updated February 7, 2013 at 2:30PM

(Updated at 2:30 p.m.) A car has plowed into the front of a Pizza Hut restaurant on Lee Highway.

Arlington County police and firefighters responded to the Lee Centre shops on the 3300 block of Lee Highway just before 1:00 p.m. for a report of a car into a building. Upon arrival, they found a Honda Fit hatchback that had driven through the front door of the Pizza Hut. Half of the car was in the restaurant, stopped only by the order counter.

News

Crime Report: Bungling Burglars Strike Out

ARLnow.com

Published February 7, 2013 at 12:05PM | Updated January 9, 2018 at 3:33PM

Last week a trio of burglars went to a Columbia Pike apartment building looking for big score. They did not find what they were looking for.

On the night of Thursday, Jan. 31, the burglars broke into an apartment only to encounter two residents in the bedroom. They ordered the residents into a bathroom, looked around the apartment, but ended up leaving without taking anything. One of the suspects falsely identified himself as a police officer, according to this week’s Arlington County crime report.

Opinion

The Right Note: All That’s Right and Wrong in Arlington

ARLnow.com

Published February 7, 2013 at 11:00AM

The Right Note is a weekly opinion column by published on Thursdays. The views and opinions expressed in the column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARLnow.com.

Former Republican Senator John Warner was escorted into the room by Democratic Congressman Jim Moran. Warner, who will celebrate his 86th birthday later this month, recalled the events of 9-11 and received a standing ovation from those in attendance.

News

Morning Notes

ARLnow.com

Published February 7, 2013 at 9:45AM | Updated February 7, 2013 at 11:00AM

Board Members Want More Capital Projects — Arlington County Board members don’t want to stop new capital spending projects, saying that “now is not the time to stop investing in the future of the community.” Board members say that interest rates are low and the construction market is competitive making new building projects cheaper than they might be in the future. [Sun Gazette]

Reporter Peeved About FOIA Fees — Connection Newspapers reporter Michael Lee Pope is continuing his crusade against public records practices at the Arlington County Police Department. This time around, Pope notes that the police department has charged or threaten to charge between $31.16 and $573.25 for his Freedom of Information Act requests. Pope writes that “Arlington County’s system of nickel-and-diming the public and the press serves as a barrier to public access.” [Arlington Connection]

Events

Today’s Featured Event

ARLnow.com

Published February 7, 2013 at 8:50AM | Updated February 7, 2013 at 11:03AM

Whether you’re single or attached, let Whole Foods Market, Arlington inspire your inner cupid! Join us this Thursday for a “Food for the Mood” themed event. Enjoy 5 plates of food, 5 sips of wine for only $5 at this pre-Valentin’s Day event.

This week’s pairing list includes food like avocado sushi and sugar dipped strawberries.