(Updated 10:30 a.m. on 12/28/21) Between now and New Year’s Eve, as in years past, ARLnow will count down to 2022 with the most-read articles this year.
Although the pandemic continued to affect our daily lives in numerous ways, COVID-19 stories didn’t break into our top 25. Instead, Arlingtonians will remember 2021 for, among other stories, the storming of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, the rise and fall of Brood X cicadas, and the phenomenon that was a local TikTok personality’s legal travails.
The countdown begins below.
25. NEW: Authorities investigating reports of dead and sick birds around Arlington, region (May 26 | 15,772 views)
This spring, dead birds became an eerily common sight along local roads and sidewalks and a hot topic among residents and local and state authorities. ARLnow had one of the earliest news accounts of the phenomenon. Officials investigated different theories for the deaths last summer, but as of our last report, the cause was still a mystery.
24. UPDATED: Wakefield HS football players called racial slurs during recent game (March 18 | 16,044 views)
Wakefield and Marshall high school football players were suspended from three games for fighting that Wakefield students say broke out after they were called racial slurs. Wakefield athletes and parents protested the suspensions and demanded accountability for what they said was the latest example in a pattern of game officials and schools tolerating such behavior. Marshall parents and coaches denied these accusations.
23. UPDATED: Police investigating after two people found dead in apartment (Dec. 22 | 16,552 views)
Last week, we reported that Arlington County police launched an investigation after two people were found dead in an apartment in the Ashton Heights neighborhood near Ballston.
22. JUST IN: Whitlow’s says it will close in June, but may reopen elsewhere (March 24 | 16,663 views)
Longtime local watering hole Whitlow’s on Wilson poured its last drink this summer. The space is set to be filled with a Five Guys and a restaurant and bar called “B Live,” details of which are not known except its association with local nightlife entrepreneur Michael Bramson.
21. Two hurt in morning robbery of local pharmacy (Aug. 18 | 16,934 views)
Two people were hurt in an armed robbery of Preston’s Pharmacy on Route 29 one August morning. The pair brandished guns at employees, sprayed pepper spray, and stole medicine, cash and a witness’s wallet.
20. Local TikTok personality to face trial, but notches partial court victory (Aug. 12 | 18,374 views)
This summer, TikTok personality and Arlington resident Coco Briscoe was arrested for allegedly ignoring a court order not to discuss on social media an employee of a Columbia Pike bar and restaurant. A judge dismissed that order, which some legal experts said violated her constitutional rights, and charges against her were dropped the following month.
19. La Tingeria in Falls Church may be forced to close due to neighbor parking complaints (Dec. 6 | 18,383 views)
Three weeks after the owner of a popular taco truck in Arlington moved into a brick-and-mortar spot in Falls Church, the city threatened to revoke its certificate of occupancy over parking complaints from neighbors. After our report, the city committed to working with the owner to solve the problems.
18. BREAKING: Governor declares curfew starting at 6 p.m. (Jan. 6 | 20,877 views)
This year got off to a riotous start with the insurrection on Jan. 6, when supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol after President Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election. Officials in Arlington and Richmond were on high alert, placing the county on a curfew and urging residents to stay inside and stay safe.
17. Amazon unveils plans for futuristic, nature-inspired phase 2 of HQ2 (Feb. 2 | 22,316 views)
Amazon released plans for the second phase of its second headquarters in Pentagon City, anchored by a twisting, glassy and lush building dubbed “The Helix.” Since then, plans for this phase of the campus have undergone a few revisions after input from locals.
16. UPDATED: W-L evacuated, school cancelled over shooter claim (Oct. 6 | 22,374 views)
Washington-Liberty High School was placed on lockdown and school was cancelled over claims that a school shooter was inside. Roads were closed and students described a confusing evacuation as police investigated and determined there was no threat.
Our top stories countdown will continue tomorrow.