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 round-the-clock, pro-Palestinian protest started in January of this year along the 400 block of N. Chain Bridge Road in Arlington. It featured protesters holding signs, waving flags and — occasionally — dumping fake blood on the street in front of a motorcade.
Mattie and Eddie's at Westpost in Pentagon City (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Irish pub Mattie and Eddie’s is expected to close next week at Westpost in Pentagon City.
The food-focused pub — which opened in 2021 and replaced Siné, another Irish pub — was a labor of love for chef, restaurateur and Dublin native Cathal Armstrong, who named the new establishment after his grandparents.
ARLnow on a mobile phone (photo illustration by ARLnow)
The main theme of ARLnow’s promotion of our email newsletter is that it allows you to get all of the headlines, without intermediation by algorithms.
Large online platforms like social networks and search engines are great, but they will generally only surface a fraction of the local stories you might be interested in reading, unless you actively seek them out. And many of us have settled into being more passive scrollers than active seekers when it comes to news.
Sunset in Clarendon over Joyce Motors (Flickr pool photo by Brian Gannon)
Pushback on APS Phone Proposal — “Efforts by Arlington school leaders to put in place for the start of the school year a temporary, district-wide policy on student phone use brought criticism before it even had been formally unveiled. School Board members on July 18 heard criticism of the nascent proposal from representatives of both the County Council of PTAs (CCPTA) and Special Education Parent-Teacher Association of Arlington.” [Gazette Leader]
Best Egg Sandwiches in Arlington — According to Washington Post food critic Tim Carman, some of the best egg sandwiches in the D.C. area can be found in Arlington at Taco Bamba, Ruthie’s All-Day, Colada Shop, and Hog Haven Farm stands at local farmers markets. [Washington Post]
Uncertainty About Quincy Site — “The county manager said he planned to do everything he could to avoid using the Quincy Street site for the bus fleet over the long haul. But, he added, ‘I’m not going to make a promise to that. I’m not saying [a future electric bus parking lot is] going to be on Quincy, but it has to be somewhere.'” [Gazette Leader]
Beyer Expected at Union Picket — “Representative Don Beyer, who represents Arlington County in the U.S. House, has pledged support for the workers of the Hyatt Regency Crystal City. Congressman Beyer is expected to speak in support of the Hyatt workers ahead of the picket this Saturday, July 27.” [Press Release]
New Amazon Fresh Now Open — “Amazon Fresh opened in the Potomac Yard Shopping Center today at 3801 Richmond Highway — four years since the former Shoppers Food Warehouse closed.” [ALXnow]
More Speed Cameras in Fairfax — “Get ready for more speed cameras in Fairfax County school zones. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors gave its support this week for the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) to move ahead with the installation of 50 additional speed cameras in school zones following the success of its speed camera pilot program.” [FFXnow]
Silver Line Anniversary — “On this day 10 years ago, Metrorail arrived in Tysons and Reston, connecting two growing communities in Fairfax County to D.C. by train for the first time… While ridership remains below even 2014 levels, usage of the Silver Line Phase 1 stations has steadily increased since 2022, reaching an average of 7,405 weekday riders so far this year, as of July 17.” [FFXnow]
It’s Friday — Expect mostly sunny skies today with a high close to 85 degrees and a northeast breeze around 7 mph. Overnight, the sky will remain mostly clear, as the temperature drops to around 67 degrees. [NWS]
Address:5029 27th Street N. Neighborhood: Shirley Woods Type: 5 BR, 4 BA single-family detached — 3,000 sq. ft. Listed: $1,749,000
Noteworthy: Expanded renovated front porch colonial in Discovery Williamsburg Yorktown
Located on a wide, tree-lined street in the pretty Shirley Woods neighborhood, this home offers large rooms and exceptional space for both indoor and outdoor living and entertaining.
Traditional living room flows into the dining room with wainscoting and cabinetry by renowned Arlington craftsman, Ira Crowe. The room opens into the expansive kitchen with center island and adjoining breakfast space with doors to the large deck. A walk-in pantry provides space for an extra fridge and freezer. Just off the family room is a screened in porch leading to the front porch — ideal for gatherings. A deep closet and accessible bathroom off the family room allow the space to be used as a sixth bedroom.
Upstairs, the primary bedroom has double closets, a private bath with soaking tub and big shower and storage. Three more upstairs bedrooms are served by a recently renovated hall bath with double vanity and storage. The laundry room has cabinets, folding area and another linen closet. The just remodeled rec room has new drywall, recessed lighting, luxury vinyl plank flooring over cork backing. The fifth bedroom has an en suite bath making it perfect for an au pair or pampered guest. The utility room has additional storage, a sink, and door with steps to the side yard.
A deep paver driveway leads to the one car garage and accommodates several cars. Enjoy the beauty and seasonal variety of the lushly landscaped yard enhanced by stone garden walls and large lawn areas for play.
Expect mostly sunny skies today with the temperature reaching a high close to 85 degrees and a northeast breeze around 7 mph. Overnight, the sky will remain mostly clear, and as the temperature drops to around 67 degrees, the wind will reduce to about 5 mph before calming in the evening. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“The starting point of all achievement is desire.” – Napoleon Hill
Regal Ballston Quarter theater (Flickr pool photo by Jason Gooljar)
Board Declines Gaza Resolution — “It’s now 0-for-4 (at least) for those asking the Arlington County Board to pass a resolution in support of a Gaza ceasefire or take other steps to intervene in the ongoing Mideast conflict between Israel and Hamas. Until they take a stand, county leaders are guilty of ‘material complicity,’ said Aasim Rawoot, who led a delegation to push for a ceasefire resolution at the July 22 County Board meeting.” [Gazette Leader]
Beyer Skips Israeli Leader’s Speech — From Rep. Don Beyer: “Amid the backdrop of American elections, Republicans in Congress have again turned to PM Netanyahu for assistance, which he is happily providing. I will not be a prop for their political theater, and I will not attend his address today.” [Twitter]
New County Auditor — “At the July 2024 Recessed Board meeting, the Arlington County Board appointed Mr. Wayne Scott as County Auditor. The County Auditor conducts independent performance and operational audits of County departments, programs, and services.” [Arlington County]
New County Board Clerk — “The Arlington County Board appointed Mr. Mason Kushnir to serve as its Clerk. He will act as the Board’s official record keeper, managing all Board meetings, work sessions, and changes to the County Code.” [Arlington County]
Arlington Couple Arrested in Md. — “In the early hours of July 21, 2024, Calvert County Sheriff’s deputies arrested two individuals outside the Tiki Bar located on Solomons Island following a disturbance that escalated into a confrontation with law enforcement officers.” [Southern Maryland News Net]
Photos from Iwo Jima Event — “Marines from Marine Barracks Washington performed Tuesday in a sunset parade at the Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington, Va. This 45-minute performance… is an annual summer series, performed each week. This year’s series started June 11 and will run through Aug. 13.” [Stars and Stripes]
Dunkin Scholarship Recipients — “Five students in Arlington County are among the winners of the 2024 Dunkin’ Regional Scholarships. Dunkin’ and its DC area franchisees awarded $125,000 in academic scholarships to 50 high school and college students.” [Patch]
It’s Thursday — Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms, increasing in likelihood after 5pm, with otherwise cloudy skies and a high near 85. Precipitation chances are 60%, with new rainfall between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, with potential for higher amounts in thunderstorms. For Thursday night, shower chances dwindle after 11pm, with skies turning from cloudy to partly cloudy and a low of 69. [NWS]
Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms, increasing in likelihood after 5pm, under cloudy skies with a high near 85. Winds will be light, shifting from variable to west at 6 mph in the morning. Precipitation chances are at 60%, with new rainfall between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, with potential for higher amounts in thunderstorms. For Thursday night, shower chances dwindle after 11pm, with skies turning from cloudy to partly cloudy and a low of 69. A southwest wind of 6 mph will shift north after midnight. Precipitation chances remain at 60%, with new accumulations less than a tenth of an inch, though greater amounts are possible in thunderstorms. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Success is not counted by how high you have climbed but by how many people you brought with you.” – Wil Rose
Planes at Reagan National Airport (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Overturned Vehicle in Ballston — “A crash on N. Randolph Street in Ballston this evening appears to have damaged at least three cars, including one that overturned in the middle of the road.” [Twitter, Twitter]
Local Man Arrested for DUI Crash — “An Arlington man is in custody following an early-morning crash on Interstate 66 in Fauquier County Sunday… Initial investigation found a white 2009 Hyundai struck the rear of a tractor trailer, and a third vehicle struck debris from the crash.” [Rappahannock News]
Early Voting Location Added — “Arlington County Board members on July 22 approved a third satellite-voting option leading up to November’s election. Ratifying a request of the Arlington Electoral Board, local leaders endorsed a proposal to add the Long Bridge Park aquatics center in Crystal City as an early-voting satellite site. It will join Madison and Walter Reed community centers in hosting early voting starting in mid-October.” [Gazette Leader]
Beyer Introduces Nurse Bill — ” Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) today introduced the National Urgent Recruitment for Skilled Employees (NURSE) Visa Act, legislation that would address the nationwide nursing shortage by making visas available to foreign nurses working in areas where the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has determined there is a nursing workforce shortage.” [Press Release]
Reevesland Farmhouse Vote — “Arlington County Board members on July 22 formally transferred ownership of the historic Reevesland farmhouse, a move that will allow for the Boulevard Manor-area property to be converted into a group home for individuals with intellectual challenges.” [Gazette Leader]
Clarendon Road Closure This Weekend — “The Arlington County Police Department will close N. Irving Street, between Wilson Boulevard and 12th Street N. from approximately 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 27 to 2 a.m. on Sunday, July 28 to accommodate the Ballroom on the Block Festival.” [ACPD]
Potomac Yard Dog Death Investigation — “In an investigation update issued on Friday evening, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) said a third dog owner has come forward and said their pet died shortly after a stay at the Potomac Yard PetSmart boarding facility.” [ALXnow]
It’s Wednesday — Expect scattered showers before 8am, transitioning to possible showers and thunderstorms later in the morning and afternoon. The day will otherwise be mostly cloudy, reaching a high near 85 and with a southwest wind around 5 mph. Precipitation chance is 70%. Wednesday night, more showers and possible thunderstorms are expected. The night will remain mostly cloudy with a low around 74, a south wind of 3 to 5 mph, and a 60% chance of precipitation. [NWS]
Expect scattered showers before 8am, transitioning to possible showers and thunderstorms between 8am and 2pm, with a likelihood of showers and potential thunderstorms after 2pm. The day will be mostly cloudy, reaching a high near 85 and with a southwest wind around 5 mph. Precipitation chance is 70% with new rainfall amounts generally under a tenth of an inch, but higher in thunderstorms. Wednesday night, showers and possible thunderstorms are expected before 8pm, continuing with a chance afterward. The night will remain mostly cloudy with a low around 74, a south wind of 3 to 5 mph, and a 60% chance of precipitation. Similar rainfall amounts carry over from the day. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions.” – Dalai Lama
Heavy rain along Four Mile Run Drive near Shirlington (file photo by Jay Westcott)
Arlington County is under a Flood Watch tonight (Tuesday) due to the threat of flash flooding.
Rain that’s heavy at times could cause local streams and roadways to flood, forecasters say. The watch is in effect until 11 p.m. for Arlington, Alexandria, D.C., Fairfax County, Falls Church, and other parts of the Washington region.
