News

Morning Notes for August 8, 2025

Cyclist takes a break at the Bluemont Park picnic shelter (Flickr pool photo by Dennis Dimick)

Tesla Cybertruck Vandalized — “What began as a festive Fourth of July celebration on the water at the Columbia Island Marina ended in shock for Michael Sobhi. By the morning, his 2021 Tesla Cybertruck had been vandalized. When he went to the parking lot the next day, he noticed both side view mirrors had been ripped off his vehicle, and a note had been left behind that read: ‘How do you live with yourself and your small penis?'” [WTOP]

TV Broadcast in Pentagon City — “Your FOX 5 favorites will be at National Landing in Arlington, Virginia Friday morning! Join in on the fun at 1330 S Fair Street Arlington, VA 22202.” [Fox 5]

County Has New CTO — “Holly Hartell has been selected as Arlington County’s new Chief Information Officer and Director of the Department of Technology Services (DTS), County Manager Mark Schwartz announced this week. She will begin in the permanent role on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, after being appointed as acting director of DTS in January 2025.” [Arlington County]

Local Restaurant Struggles — “At a recent lunch hour, the long-time manager of a highly regarded, somewhat upscale restaurant in downtown Falls Church turned and looked to the barren tables and empty chairs in the well-appointed room. There was not a single other person there to eat. “Where is everybody?” she asked, exasperated. Sadly, this is an increasingly common scenario.” [FCNP]

Va. Sens. Blast Solar Cut — “As Virginians continue to struggle to pay their rising electricity bills, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) are pushing back against the Trump administration’s plans to terminate a program designed to lower energy costs and support the deployment of affordable solar power to communities hardest hit by skyrocketing costs.” [Press Release]

It’s Friday — Expect mostly sunny skies with temperatures reaching about 83°F, accompanied by a gentle northeast breeze at 6 to 8 mph. As night falls, the skies will remain mostly clear, with the temperature dropping to around 64°F. [NWS]

Flickr pool photo by Dennis Dimick

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  • Launched in January 2010, ARLnow.com is the place for the latest news, views and things to do around Arlington, Virginia. The ARLnow staff byline is used for the Morning Notes and reporting done by an editor or other member of our full-time staff.