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.
The newest Adoptable Pet of the Week is a shy princess waiting to find her forever home!
Meet Drizella, a beautiful cat up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington.
The westbound lanes of Langston Blvd were blocked during the morning commute today due to a potentially serious crash.
A preliminary investigation indicates that a garbage truck struck an adult pedestrian around 8:48 a.m., while turning onto Langston Blvd along the busy artery at N. Ottawa Street, according to Arlington County police spokeswoman Ashley Savage.
Brittany O’Grady Profiled — “O’Grady credits her parents with shaping her ambivert personality. She says her father, who works in higher education financial aid, imbued her with compassion. Her mother, a communications professional who used to chair the Arlington County School Board, sparked her drive and ambition. These days, O’Grady lives in Atlanta, where she shot ‘Star’ from 2016 to 2019, but regularly returns to Arlington to sleep in her childhood bedroom, get her caffeine fix at Northside Social and enjoy the odd boat ride on the Potomac River.” [Washington Post]
Education Co. Moves to Arlington — “Separately, 2U relocated its headquarters last month from Lanham to Crystal City, the source confirmed. Mention of the one-time 309,000-square-foot office it occupied in Prince George’s is gone from its website. The only U.S. location is listed as 2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 1100 in Arlington. All this comes after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy — a process it completed last month, emerging as a private company after a decade as a Nasdaq-listed public company.” [WBJ]
Flyover Planned Today — From Arlington Alert: “A United States military aircraft flyover is scheduled for Monday, October 7, at 3:10 PM at @ArlingtonNatl. While there will be an increase in air traffic noise, there is no cause for alarm.”
Crystal City Sports Pub Anniversary — “On Aug. 20, Crystal City Sports Pub celebrated its 30th anniversary. Offering new specials every day, more than 100 TVs, including an 18-foot tall video wall where guests can watch all NFL and most NCAA football games, it’s difficult to pin down what has led to the sports pub’s longevity.” [Patch]
N.Va. Unemployment Rate Rises — Northern Virginia’s jobless rate of 3.1% in August was up from 2.8% a year before, according to new state data, with 1.68 million employed and 54,500 seeking jobs. [Virginia Employment Commission]
County Democrats Phone-Bank to Florida — The Arlington County Democratic Committee plans to phone-bank into Florida on Oct. 22 in support of a ballot initiative guaranteeing abortion access. —Scott McCaffrey
MU Student at D.C. Fashion Week — “While at Marymount, [Caroline] MacDonald founded Allons•y Designs, a label that creates runway-worthy, ready-to-wear fashion. Now a fourth-year student and business owner, she took on a new challenge — DC Fashion Week. She was one of only nine local designers accepted into the DC Metropolitan Emerging Designers Showcase, alongside a former Marymount student, Annie Pacious.” [Marymount University]
Sentencing for Double Slaying — “Francis Deonte Rose was sentenced today to 58 years in prison for the 2022 shooting deaths of two construction workers in the West End… Rose was released from jail in Arlington just three months before the incident occurred. He was indicted on weapons and drug charges and was in prison from Oct. 18, 2020 until Feb. 23, 2022, but was freed when the court determined that police conducted an illegal search prior to his arrest, according to ARLnow.” [ALXnow]
Cold Case Guilty Plea — “An ex-Army soldier has pleaded guilty to killing a woman at her West Springfield home in 1994, Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano announced today (Friday). Stephan Smerk, 52, could face up to 70 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for stabbing and killing Robin Lawrence, a stranger, while he was stationed at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington.” [FFXnow]
It’s Monday — Expect sunny weather with temperatures reaching up to 70°F. Northwest winds will be blowing at 8-13 mph, gusting up to 20 mph. As for Monday night, the sky will be mostly clear, and the temperature will drop to around 50°F, accompanied by a northwest wind of 6-8 mph. [NWS]
Today’s Morning Notes are brought to you by Industrious. Looking for a coworking space that fosters productivity, creativity and collaboration? Industrious offers a professional environment with flexible workspaces, fast Wi-Fi, and multiple conference rooms. With multiple Metro-accessible locations in Arlington, it’s easy to find a space that fits your needs.
One month later, it happened again.
The Tourneau luxury watch store at the Pentagon City mall is the scene of another dramatic smash-and-grab robbery involving a group of thieves armed with a hammer and fire extinguishers. It follows a nearly identical robbery on Sept. 1 that prompted ultimately unfounded fears of an active shooter and an evacuation of the mall.
Good Friday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Oct 4, 2024.
Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.
Here is what’s going on Saturday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
Here are the events planned for Sunday:
Expect a transition from mostly cloudy to sunny skies, with a high temperature near 77°F and a north wind at 6 to 8 mph. Saturday night will be clear, with temperatures dropping to around 56°F and a north wind blowing at 3 to 5 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
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! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋
Address: 5415 18th Street N.
Neighborhood: Tara
Type: 4 BR, 3 (+1 half) BA single-family detached — 3,100 sq. ft.
Listed: $1,850,000
Noteworthy: Brimming with character, expanded colonial on 12,500 sf level lot
Located in the most desirable area within the leafy Tara neighborhood, the home is well-sited on a level lot graced by tall trees and mature landscaping. Light steams through the large windows highlighting the many recent updates — roof, windows, wood floors, renovated powder room and lower level bathroom, exterior paint, and refurbished rec room.
Traditional living room flows into sunroom, to gracious dining room, eat in kitchen to yard with fire pit. A powder room is tucked off the foyer along with a bedroom.
Upstairs, the primary bedroom has vaulted ceilings, a loft above for office and storage, a Juliet balcony overlooking the gorgeous yard, a dressing area and bathroom. Two more bedrooms and a hall bath are on this level. The lower level rec room provides areas for media, play, and hobbies. With a full bathroom, the space doubles as a private spot for a guest. The laundry room and storage complete this level.
Walk to neighborhood parks, Westover Village’s library, shops, restaurants and Sunday farmer’s market as well as the larger Lee-Harrison Center for groceries, and a variety of shops and restaurants.
A home filled with character and style in a fantastic location.
Listed by:
Betsy Twigg — McEnearney Associates
[email protected]
(703) 967-4391
Arlington high schools have a full week of sports ahead.
Key events include Friday night football games as well as field hockey matches, and cross country meets, as well as volleyball and soccer competitions. Teams from Washington-Liberty, Yorktown, Wakefield, and Bishop O’Connell will be in action throughout the week.
Arlington’s real estate market reflects the broader community — it’s diverse, dynamic, and never boring.
This weekend’s local open houses offer a snapshot of Arlington’s wide variety real estate offerings, from affordable condos to multi-million dollar homes. One highlight: a $2 million brick colonial with 7,200 sq. ft. of luxury living that includes dual staircases and landscaped yards.
Arlington and its surrounding areas offer a surprising variety of scenic hiking trails, from urban paths to lush wooded areas.
No matter if you’re looking for a challenging workout, beautiful views of the Potomac or just a peaceful nature walk, the trails in and around Arlington have something for every preference.
We’ve rounded up the top places for “Best Place to Hike Near Arlington” as part of our new ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.
In two weeks voting will close, so don’t wait and help showcase your favorite hiking path!
Don’t forget voting for Best Ramen Spot in Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote — or write in your own — before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.
Two weeks ago, we voted on Arlington’s best park. The results are now official:
County Unemployment Rate Rises – Arlington’s jobless rate rose to 2.6% in August, up from 2.3% a year before, standing second lowest behind Highland County in Va. [Virginia Employment Commission]
Diesel Spill in Stream — From Arlington DES: “County staff are investigating a diesel fuel contamination of 10-15 gallons, being contained in South Four Mile Run near Bailey’s Branch Park. @ArlingtonVaFD is on the scene.” [Twitter]
Pentagon Officers Hospitalized — From Dave Statter: “@PFPAOfficial officers stopped a car heading from the Pentagon reservation on S. Fern Street to Army Navy Drive. Two officers who searched the car became lightheaded and @ArlingtonVaFD was dispatched. The initial thought was that their symptoms possibly were caused by drugs inside the car. The officers went to the hospital to be checked out.” [Twitter]
Pentagon City Foot Chase — Also from Statter: “A police foot chase and a tussle on the ground between parked cars this afternoon on S. Joyce Street at Westpost (the old Pentagon Row). @ArlingtonVaPD backup officers rushed in to help. Both the officer doing the chasing and the person arrested apparently had some minor injuries. Not clear what the initial charges were but eight out of ten times you’d be right if you guessed theft/shoplifting in that area.” [Twitter]
Police Holding Donation Drive — “ACPD’s second 2024 Essentials Drive collection event is [today] from 11AM-3PM at the Police Department (1425 N. Courthouse Road)! Drop off new, unopened toiletries and cold weather clothing items to benefit unsheltered individuals in our community as well as engage with our officers.” [Facebook]
Flyover Planned Today — From Arlington Alert: “A United States military aircraft flyover is scheduled for Friday, October 4, at 11:55 AM at @ArlingtonNatl.” [Twitter]
Flyover This Weekend — From Arlington Alert: “A United States military aircraft flyover is scheduled for Sunday, October 6, at 12:58 PM at @ArlingtonNatl.” [Twitter]
Reminder: E-CARE This Weekend — “Arlington residents can drop off old electronics, household hazardous materials and small metal items… at a biannual collection event. The Environmental Collection and Recycling Event (E-CARE) will take place from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Wakefield High School (1325 S. Dinwiddie Street).” [ARLnow, Arlington County]
F.C. Development Study — Next spring, the Urban Land Institute will assess development potential in Falls Church’s Gordons Road Triangle, near the West Falls Church Metro. Their study will explore public-private partnerships and strategies to integrate the area with nearby properties. [Falls Church News-Press]
It’s Friday — Expect mostly cloudy skies with a high of around 76 accompanied by a gentle south wind at 3-6 mph. As the night sets in, the skies will continue to stay cloudy, with temperatures dipping to a low of about 62. [NWS]
Good Thursday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Oct 3, 2024.
Here is what’s going on Friday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
Expect mostly cloudy skies with a high of around 76 accompanied by a gentle south wind at 3-6 mph. As the night sets in, the skies will continue to stay cloudy, with temperatures dipping to a low of about 62 and a mild south wind. See more from Weather.gov.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
– Maya Angelou
The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.
Address: 3830 30th Road North
Neighborhood: Bellevue Forest
Type: 6 BR, 6 (+1 half) BA single-family detached — 7,007 sq. ft.
Listed: $3,069,000
Noteworthy: Newly built Bellevue Forest home brings together modern luxury & prime location
Welcome to your dream home in Arlington’s coveted Bellevue Forest neighborhood!
This breathtaking contemporary residence by HR Developers seamlessly combines modern design, luxurious finishes, and an unbeatable location. Positioned just moments from parks like Zachary Taylor and Donaldson Run and within easy reach of Washington Golf & Country Club, this home provides the ideal setting for those seeking both tranquility and convenience. The home’s grand entrance sets the stage with its soaring 10-foot ceilings, impeccable white oak flooring, and abundant natural light.
The expansive main level includes a private bedroom suite, perfect for guests or multi-generational living, while an elevator shaft adds flexibility for future accessibility. A chef’s dream, the gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances opens to the family room, creating an inviting space for entertaining. Step outside to the screened-in porch with a cozy gas fireplace for year-round enjoyment.
Upstairs, retreat to the primary suite, where a private balcony offers a serene view of the lush backyard. The luxurious spa-like bathroom features dual vanities, a glass-enclosed shower, and a freestanding soaking tub, creating a true oasis. The lower level is designed for entertainment and recreation, boasting a large rec room, a wet bar, and a media room that could be converted into the ultimate golf simulator space.
Situated just minutes from Marymount University and Arlington’s best shops, dining, and entertainment, and with easy access to GW Parkway and downtown D.C., this home offers unparalleled convenience and is zoned to top-rated schools — Jamestown Elementary, Williamsburg Middle, and Yorktown High.
Listed by:
James Corry — KW Metro Center
[email protected]
(561) 389-3111
