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.
Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel, adding a new bathroom, or tackling a whole-house renovation, finding a reliable and skilled contractor is crucial to bringing your vision to life.
The 7-Eleven next to H-B Woodlawn in Rosslyn (Flickr pool photo by Jeff Vincent)
Police are looking for a man who robbed a store in Rosslyn and stole an employee’s car.
The robbery happened shortly before 5:30 a.m. on the 1600 block of Wilson Blvd, where there’s a 7-Eleven store next to the H-B Woodlawn Secondary School.
Snow falling on a food truck at the corner of Wilson Blvd and N. Randolph Street in Ballston (staff photo)
Record Temperature Plunge — Temperatures plunged more than 50 degrees in 24 hours across the D.C. region, with National Airport dropping from a record high of 86 on Wednesday to 33 with snow by Thursday afternoon. The swing ties the largest 24-hour temperature drop in D.C. history, and the 0.1 inches of snow that fell made it the most improbable snowfall on record at DCA. [CWG/X, Mike Thomas/X, Andrew Markowitz/X]
Area 2 Farms Goes Franchise — Arlington indoor farming startup Area 2 Farms is pursuing franchise deals for a national rollout, with startup costs between $308,000 and $471,000. CEO Oren Falkowitz said demand from real estate firms offering vacant urban space and individuals seeking alternatives to corporate life accelerated the plan. [WBJ]
Bike Lane Blocked Again — “Fear not, even in the snow, the Quincy ‘protected’ bike lane is blocked. Never forget that Arlington DES chose this, and they could choose safety any day.” [Bike Gillian/Bluesky]
Unplug This Weekend — The Arlington Diocese’s Diocesan Days of Unplugging start today and run through Sunday. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge expanded the initiative to three days this year, encouraging Catholics to fast from screens and reconnect with prayer and community. [Catholic Herald]
Passover Dining Options — Arlington Magazine rounded up local spots offering Passover meals and dishes for the holiday, which runs April 1–9. Options include Celebrity Delly in Falls Church, Call Your Mother in McLean and Balducci’s. [Arlington Magazine]
Eaves Fairfax Towers Infill — Arlington-based AvalonBay Communities filed a rezoning application to add 478 multifamily units and 115–140 townhomes around the existing 415-unit tower at 2251 Pimmit Drive in Falls Church. The 17-acre redevelopment would replace surface parking lots and preserve 100 or more affordable units. [WBJ]
‘Don’t Want to Be Rosslyn’ — D.C. mayoral candidate Kenyan McDuffie said he supports relaxing the Height Act “in certain parts of the city” but added, “we certainly don’t want to be Rosslyn.” [Axios]
Senate Passes Housing Bill — “Everywhere I go in Virginia, I hear from working families struggling with the high cost of living,” Sen. Mark Warner (D) said after the Senate passed the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act. The bill includes more than 40 housing provisions, including Warner’s RESIDE Act to convert vacant buildings into affordable homes. [Press Release]
It’s Friday — Clouds will thicken throughout the day as temperatures reach a high near 54°F and breezy conditions move in. Expect winds to pick up from the south, ranging from 7 to 22 mph and gusting up to 38 mph. For Friday night, skies will clear, leaving a low temperature around 42°F. Southwest winds will blow between 10 and 17 mph, with gusts reaching up to 31 mph. [NWS]
Clouds will thicken throughout the day as temperatures reach a high near 54°F. Expect winds to pick up from the south, ranging from 7 to 22 mph and gusting up to 38 mph. For Friday night, skies will clear, leaving a low temperature around 42°F. Southwest winds will blow between 10 and 17 mph, with gusts reaching up to 31 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” – Mark Twain
Thanks for reading! If you have something to say about an issue of local note not covered today, feel free to post it as a letter to the editor on our new forum.
Address:1621 S Taylor Street Neighborhood: Douglas Park Type: 4 BR, 3 (+1 half) BA single-family detached – 3800 sq. ft. Listed: $1,339,000
Noteworthy: Exceptionally well maintained and extensively upgraded
Meticulous standards are on full display at this exceptional Douglas Park home featuring over $200,000 in mechanical, cosmetic, and exterior improvements. Offering 3,800 finished square feet along with a two-car garage, this four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath residence is truly move-in ready. Major systems are all recently updated including AC (2024), water heater (2022), roof (2020), and furnace (2019). The main level of the home features 9′ ceilings, solid oak hardwood floors, spacious living and dining areas, a gas fireplace, and an upgraded white kitchen with granite counters, center island, stainless steel appliances, and a custom ELFA walk-in pantry. Upstairs, the oversized owner’s suite offers dual custom walk-in closets and a bright ensuite bath with many recent upgrades. Two additional bedrooms, a full hall bath, and a convenient upper-level laundry room complete the top floor. The finished lower level includes a large recreation room, legal fourth bedroom with added egress window, full bath, and access to the spotless two-car garage with EV charger. Outside, enjoy a beautifully redesigned backyard oasis with extensive landscaping, patios, stone walkways, custom lighting, irrigation system, and over 100 plantings. In addition to the seemingly endless list of interior features, this home is Ideally located near the Village at Shirlington as well as multiple area trails while offering easy access to 395 and Washington, DC.
While the past 24 hours might be particularly extreme — National Airport recorded a record high of 86 yesterday, and now it’s 33 degrees in North Arlington and snowing — the temperature roller coaster isn’t done.
Monday’s expected high temperature of 70 will be followed by a predicted low of 28 on Tuesday, according to forecasts.
That brings us to our poll question: What do you think about the snow today? Given the following two poll options, which one are you choosing?
Remaining “snowcrete” in Courthouse on a warm March day (courtesy Peter Roof)
County Defends Rescue Merger — Arlington County pushed back on what it called “incorrect information circulating” about the proposed FY27 budget, clarifying that Fire Stations 2 and 9 will remain open. The proposal consolidates ACFD’s two heavy rescue companies into a single unit at Fire Station 1 (500 S. Glebe Road), boosting per-shift staffing from four to six. The County Board work session on the fire department budget is set for March 19. [Arlington County/X, Arlington County]
Pepper Spray Road Rage — A man, 46, of Arlington was charged with attempted malicious wounding by caustic substance after he allegedly rear-ended another vehicle near Arlington Blvd and S. George Mason Drive, then attempted to pepper spray the other driver before fleeing. He was later located on Columbia Pike, according to police. [ACPD]
Three Seasons in One Day — After record highs of 85–86 degrees Wednesday, evening thunderstorms and tornado warnings, the D.C. area faces a 45–50 degree temperature plunge today as a strong cold front barrels through. Rain showers will change to a brief rain-snow mix this afternoon before ending, though accumulation should be minimal given the warm ground. [CWG/X, WWG/X]
Metro Grout Pad Work — Metro crews replaced grout pads — which elevate the tracks and hold them in place — between Pentagon City and Braddock Road on the Yellow and Blue lines this past weekend. [WMATA/X]
Arlington Restaurant Churn — An AI-assisted analysis of closure data found the county has about 700 restaurants, with roughly 25 closing over the past year — a rate of about 4%, below the national average. The median closed restaurant was about 5 years old, and an estimated 25–30% of current restaurants are 10+ years old. [ARLnow/X]
McAuliffe Eyes Congress — Former Va. first lady Dorothy McAuliffe announced she will run for the proposed 7th Congressional District, which would stretch from Arlington to western Augusta County. She joins Del. Dan Helmer and former federal prosecutor J.P. Cooney, who served as a deputy to special counsel Jack Smith, in a crowded Democratic primary. [FFXnow]
N. Va. Leads Job Losses — The D.C. metro area lost more jobs on a percentage basis than any other U.S. metro with 1 million+ residents last year, shedding around 56,000 positions — 96% from federal layoffs, according to the Brookings Institution. The UVA Weldon Cooper Center now forecasts Virginia employment will shrink by 0.2% in 2026. [Cardinal News]
It’s Thursday — Rain showers will transition to a mix of rain and snow by 2pm, with temperatures dropping to around 40°F. Expect breezy conditions with northwest winds at 14-21 mph and gusts up to 38 mph. Precipitation chances are at 90%, but snow accumulation should be minimal. Thursday night will be mostly clear with a low of 33°F, northwest winds at 5-9 mph becoming calm after midnight, and gusts up to 18 mph. [NWS]
There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.
Rain showers will transition to a mix of rain and snow by 2pm, with temperatures dropping to around 40°F. Expect breezy conditions with northwest winds at 14-21 mph and gusts up to 38 mph. Precipitation chances are at 90%, but snow accumulation should be minimal. Thursday night will be mostly clear with a low of 33°F, northwest winds at 5-9 mph becoming calm after midnight, and gusts up to 18 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop
Thanks for reading! If you have something to say about an issue of local note not covered today, feel free to post it as a letter to the editor on our new forum.
Address:5206 Little Falls Road Neighborhood: Shirley Woods Type: 5 BR, 4 (+1 half) BA single-family detached – 4708 sq. ft. Listed: $1,899,900
Noteworthy: Stunning Home in Prime North Arlington Location!
Elegant all-brick Colonial offering 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths in a prime North Arlington location across from the Knights of Columbus, just two blocks to Yorktown High School and moments to parks, shopping, and dining. A welcoming exposed aggregate walkway leads to brick front steps and a covered entry, while mature landscaping frames the home. An updated paver driveway leads to a side-load two-car garage with built-in shelving and extra storage. The private backyard backs to woods, creating peaceful views and wonderful outdoor living spaces including a deck, stone aggregate patio, and flagstone patio.
Inside, the foyer features crown molding and updated lighting, with hardwood floors throughout the main and upper levels. The formal living room includes a wood-burning fireplace with marble surround, recessed art lighting, and custom draperies, while the dining room features crown molding, chair rail, and a new chandelier. The open kitchen offers granite countertops, 42-inch white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar seating, and built-in desk, flowing into a cozy family room with brick fireplace, built-ins, wet bar, and French doors to the deck. A private office and updated powder room complete the main level.
Upstairs, the spacious primary suite features cathedral ceilings, fireplace, dual walk-in closets, and a luxurious spa bath. The finished walk-out lower level includes a recreation room with fireplace, guest bedroom, full bath, and updated utilities including Carrier HVAC (2023). A rare opportunity in one of North Arlington’s most desirable neighborhoods.
Early voting at the Bozman Government Center in Courthouse (courtesy George Brazier)
Beyer Hosting Resource Fair — Rep. Don Beyer (D) is hosting a resource fair for federal workers, contractors and economically impacted individuals on March 21 at Wakefield High School. “Come meet with local partners who can connect you with housing assistance, food banks, resources for small businesses, and more,” Beyer said. [Rep. Don Beyer/X]
Rowers Return to Potomac — “Rowers have returned to the Potomac River after the lifting of restrictions that were put in place due to a sewage spill in Maryland two months ago.” The Virginia Department of Health lifted its recreational water advisory last week, though it continues to advise against contact with a 4.7-mile stretch between the American Legion Bridge and Chain Bridge. [Andrew Leyden/X]
School Choice Celebration — More than 100 people gathered at the Leadership Institute in Clarendon on Saturday for EdReform Virginia’s 4th Annual School Choice Celebration. Former Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears headlined the event, offering “a robust defense of educational freedom.” [EdNews Virginia]
SER Makes Eater List — SER Restaurant (1110 N. Glebe Road), which has served tapas in Ballston for 10 years, was included on DC Eater’s 38 Best Restaurants Around D.C. list. “It’s hard to go wrong with any of the 12-plus tapas on the list, but the tomato bread, croquetas, and deep-fried eggplant are not to miss,” according to Eater. [Patch]
Boater Sues Over Sewage Spill — A Great Falls resident has filed a class action lawsuit against DC Water over the January sewer collapse that dumped more than 200 million gallons of wastewater into the Potomac River. The plaintiff’s boat is moored at Columbia Island Marina on the Pentagon Lagoon, where waters were “directly contaminated” by the spill. Meanwhile, the Potomac Riverkeeper Network says sewage may still be leaking into the river. [FFXnow]
Five Guys BOGO Take Two — “We screwed the first one up so bad, we’re trying to redo it,” Five Guys CEO Jerry Murrell told WTOP. The Alexandria-based burger chain is rolling out another buy-one, get-one free offer this week after its initial 40th anniversary BOGO led to long lines and stores running out of stock. The chain is also giving $1.5 million in bonuses to employees who bore the brunt. [WTOP]
FCPD Encrypting Radios — The Fairfax County Police Department is moving forward with plans to encrypt its main dispatch radio channels. Once in effect, FCPD will join numerous regional agencies — including ACPD, Prince William County Police, Virginia State Police and D.C.’s Metropolitan Police — that have partially or fully encrypted their transmissions. [FFXnow]
Assault Weapons Ban Advances — A bill that would ban the import, sale, manufacture, purchase or transfer of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines (more than 15 rounds) in Virginia is heading to Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D). The bill does not make it illegal to possess assault weapons or magazines already owned. If signed, it takes effect July 1. [Tyler Englander/X, DC News Now]
Lucas Grades Spanberger B– — Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) gave Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) a B– for her work with the Senate. Lucas is pushing to eliminate an estimated $1.6 billion-a-year tax break for data centers, an idea opposed by business groups. Spanberger and House Speaker Don Scott (D-Portsmouth) have been tepid on changing the tax provision. [Radio IQ, Virginia Scope, WBJ]
Lawmakers Slam Deceptive Mailers —Members of Virginia’s congressional delegation, including Rep. Don Beyer (D), are condemning mailers from a PAC that invoke Jim Crow imagery to oppose the April 21 redistricting referendum. The PAC is linked to a former Hampton GOP delegate, according to the Virginian-Pilot. [Press Release, Virginian-Pilot]
W&OD Rail Line Eyed — Transit advocates have revived a 60-year-old proposal to add rail service along the W&OD Trail right-of-way from Purcellville to the East Falls Church Metro station. The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission has received more than 60 requests to study the concept. [FFXnow]
March Warmth — “Temperatures climbed into the mid-80s in the D.C. area Tuesday afternoon, the warmest weather for March 10 since 2016. WTOP Meteorologist Mike Stinneford reported high temperatures climbed to 84 degrees at all three airports in the D.C. region by 3 p.m.” [WTOP]
It’s Wednesday — Partly sunny skies tomorrow with a high near 82 and a chance of rain after 9 a.m. Strong storms are possible in the afternoon and evening as a cold front clashes with unseasonably warm air — the Storm Prediction Center has the region at a Level 2 (of 5) severe risk, with potential for downpours, gusty winds and hail. Overnight lows drop to around 51 with rain likely. [NWS, CWG/X]
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