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.
Response to shooting in front of the Westin hotel (courtesy Ryan Gavin)
A man was shot and critically injured in Ballston this morning.
Police were dispatched around 6:15 a.m. Sunday for a report of shots fired in front of the Westin hotel. They found a man in his 20s shot in the lower body and several witnesses to the shooting, who said the suspects drove off in the direction of I-66, according to scanner traffic.
The weather will transition from mostly cloudy to gradually sunny with temperatures reaching a high of 84°F. An east wind will blow at 6 to 9 mph. As for Saturday night, expect mostly clear skies and a low temperature of around 62°F, accompanied by an east wind at 5 to 7 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“It’s not how much you have that makes people look up to you, it’s who you are.” – Elvis Presley
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:1808 N. Veitch Street Neighborhood: Lyon Village Type: 5 BR, 3 (+1 half) BA single-family detached — 3,234 sq. ft. Listed: $1,950,000
Noteworthy: Three blocks to Metro, two-car attached garage, solar panels, and au pair suite.
This stunning 1999 Colonial in Lyon Village seamlessly blends modern updates with timeless elegance, offering five bedrooms and 3.5 baths across 3,234 square feet of meticulously maintained living space.
Set on a 5,249 square foot lot, this home exudes warmth and sophistication. Sun-drenched living and dining rooms boast high ceilings and gleaming hardwood floors, setting a welcoming tone throughout. The inviting family room, anchored by a cozy gas fireplace, flows into a gourmet chef’s kitchen, complete with an oversized quartz island, top-of-the-line appliances, abundant storage, and an impressive range hood, all with views of the private, serene garden. The second floor features a luxurious primary suite with a spa-inspired bath, three additional generously sized bedrooms, and another beautifully renovated full bath.
The lower level offers an au pair suite with a private entrance, including a fifth bedroom, full bath, and a convenient kitchenette, ideal for guests or extended family. Enjoy outdoor living with beautifully landscaped gardens, whether from the deck or the stone patio, perfect for entertaining or relaxing. Incorporating modern eco-friendly features, the home is equipped with solar panels, contributing to energy efficiency and sustainability.
The two-car garage provides ample parking, and the home’s prime location is just a short walk to the Metro, shops, dining, and grocery options in Clarendon and Courthouse. This home truly offers an unmatched combination of style, convenience, and comfort in one of the area’s most desirable neighborhoods.
The most important meal of the day is… all of them. Breakfast, lunch and dinner — Arlington’s food scene is bursting with tasty new spots.
From neighborhood burger joints to authentic international dining, these fresh establishments have added vibrant flavors and experiences to our community.
Below are top newcomers for “Best New Restaurant in Arlington” as part of our new ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards, selected from a list of openings over the past year by weighing a combination of article views and online reviews.
Consider taste, variety, service and overall atmosphere when choosing your favorite. Don’t see your favorite spot listed? Write it in.
Voting will close in two weeks and then we’ll officially announce the top three vote-getters. So don’t wait and select the spot you can’t stop thinking about.
Early Halloween decorations outside of a home in Rock Spring (staff photo)
Another Chase Ends at the Pentagon — From Dave Statter: “For the second time in less than two weeks police pursued suspected car thieves at the Pentagon… you can see the Accord hit the wall on the left side of I-395N, north of Glebe Rd. Speeds reached 130 mph plus at times. The chase then went onto Washington Blvd and eventually across Pentagon’s South Parking where the car came to a stop.” [Twitter]
Gateway Park for the Dogs? — “The jury is still out on whether a dedicated area for man’s best friends will be part of the amenities as the Arlington County government plans a major renovation at Gateway Park in Rosslyn… numerous respondents said the county government needed to provide more space for dogs and less for a proposed 4,000-person outdoor-events space on the site.” [Gazette Leader]
Local Autumn Festivals — “Paint pumpkins (or your face), sip cider and enjoy live music at these autumnal street fairs and celebrations.” [Arlington Magazine]
Remembering 9/11 in Arlington — “Worry and uncertainty mounted as news trickled into Randy McKnight’s school, H-B Woodlawn in Arlington, about planes crashing into New York skyscrapers and later at the Pentagon on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. Some of the English teacher’s students had parents at the Pentagon. Another girl’s father was a pilot. ‘I just remember it so vividly. They couldn’t get in touch,’ McKnight said in an interview.” [Washington Post]
First Responders Remember — “Arlington County Fire Battalion ChiefJustin Tirelli… was new to the Arlington County Fire Department at the time, having only been on the job for about six months. ‘My first day driving the ladder truck was September 11, 2001,’ he told 7News. ‘That’s burned into my memory.'” [WJLA]
Vote on Library Agreement — “They have been partners for decades, but the relationship between the Arlington County library system and Friends of the Arlington County Library is set to be memorialized on paper. Arlington County Board members on Sept. 14 are slated to approve a memorandum of understanding between the two bodies.” [Gazette Leader]
History of W&OD Trail — “The first ride took place on September 7, 1974 in The Little City, where the first segment of the trail purchased and opened by NVRPA was located (the rest was purchased in sections between then and its eventual completion in 1988). Today’s W&OD is a 45-mile long, 100-foot wide park and paved trail (with a 32-mile adjacent gravel horse trail) stretching from Shirlington to Purcellville.” [Falls Church News-Press]
It’s Friday — Expect mostly cloudy skies with a high of around 82 and a northeast wind at 5 to 8 mph. Friday night is anticipated to be partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to a low of 64. [NWS]
Expect mostly cloudy skies with a high of around 82 and a northeast wind at 5 to 8 mph. Friday night is anticipated to be partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to a low of approximately 64. The east wind at 5 to 8 mph will become calm as the evening progresses. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Confucius
Power outage in Ballston on Sept. 12, 2024 (via Dominion)
Update at 8:55 p.m. — Dominion is still reporting 663 customers without power in the area, with an updated restoration time range between 11 p.m.-4 a.m. According to an email shared with ARLnow by a local resident, the outage involves burned underground power lines that need to be replaced and tested.
Earlier: Hundreds are without power this morning in the Ballston and Virginia Square area.
Metrorail track along I-66 near East Falls Church (courtesy Eric Dunham)
Biden, Harris Visit Pentagon — From President Joe Biden: “Arlington, Virginia. It was here that civilians and service members at the Pentagon rushed into the fiery breach to rescue their colleagues, showing the world what Americans are made of. When faced with evil – and an enemy that sought to tear us apart – we endured.” [Associated Press, Twitter]
Change for Military 9/11 Responders — “Based on new authority from Congress, today the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program has expanded enrollment to include additional responders who served on 9/11 and in the following weeks at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania… research shows it is possible that up to 8,500 people may have responded at the Pentagon site.” [Press Release]
NYC Eatery Coming to Clarendon — “A popular, New York City-based restaurant chain is coming to Greater Washington. Westville, so named for its original location in New York’s West Village, has signed a lease for nearly 4,000 square feet at Crossing Clarendon, Regency Centers’ Whole Foods-anchored retail center by Clarendon Boulevard and Edgewood Street in Arlington. It aims to open next year in space previously occupied by Ann Taylor and Jos. A Bank.” [Washington Business Journal]
Driveway Closure for Pike Work — From Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services: “The Harris Teeter and Centro Apts. garage will close on Columbia Pike 9/12-13 for lane paving on the Pike. Stores will remain accessible from S. George Mason Dr.” [Twitter]
Alexandria Dems Beat Arlington Dems — “Perhaps not since its twice-in-2014 defeat at the hands of independent County Board candidate John Vihstadt has the Arlington County Democratic Committee faced such an unhappy local competitive result. This time, however, it was on the athletic field, as the Arlington Democrats were bested by the Alexandria City Democratic Committee in a Sept. 7 kickball competition.” [Gazette Leader]
More on Mall 9/11 Exhibit — “With Wednesday marking 23 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, a mall in Northern Virginia has an exhibit that includes never-before-seen images and video from the attack at the Pentagon. The new exhibit at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City runs through the end of September.” [WTOP]
New F.C. Tourism Website — “The City of Falls Church is excited to announce the launch of its new tourism website, visitfallschurch.com, designed to provide an enhanced and comprehensive resource for visitors and residents alike. The new website serves as a dynamic platform to showcase the rich history, vibrant culture, and unique attractions that make the City of Falls Church a must-visit destination.” [City of Falls Church]
Flyover Planned Today — From AlertDC: “The U.S. Naval Air Force will conduct a flyover in the National Capital Region over Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 3:15PM.”
It’s Thursday — Patchy fog will clear by 9am, making way for a mostly sunny day and a high near 81, accompanied by an east wind of 3 to 8 mph. Thursday night will be partly cloudy as temperatures drop to around 63. [NWS]
Patchy fog will clear by 9am, making way for a mostly sunny day and a high near 81, accompanied by an east wind of 3 to 8 mph. Thursday night will be partly cloudy as temperatures drop to around 63, with the southeast wind blowing at 3 to 6 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln
Address:1805 Crystal Drive #1106S Neighborhood: Crystal City Type: 3 BR, 2 BA condo — 1,515 sq. ft. Listed: $915,000
Noteworthy: Rarely available 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom penthouse condo with soaring D.C. views!
Welcome to this stunning and rarely available 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom penthouse condo in the prestigious Crystal Park Condominiums, located in the heart of Crystal City.
This sunlit corner unit spans 1,515 square feet of beautifully updated living space, offering both luxury and convenience. Upon entering, you’re greeted by sweeping, one-of-a-kind views of Washington, D.C., the Potomac River, the U.S. Capitol, and Reagan National Airport.
The spacious floor plan is filled with natural light from the east-facing windows. This home features all-new luxury vinyl plank flooring, fresh paint, updated light fixtures, new outlets and light switches, and newly installed toilets. The kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, including a new oven and built-in microwave, along with custom shelving and a large pantry. The adjacent formal dining room comfortably seats 8+ guests and offers scenic views.
The primary suite is a peaceful retreat, featuring large windows, a walk-in closet, and an ensuite bathroom. The two additional bedrooms provide flexibility as a home office, den, or guest room, with one featuring built-in bookcases. Step outside to the expansive, covered balcony with panoramic views of the pool and cityscape.
Crystal Park Condominiums offers exceptional amenities, including 24/7 concierge service, a fitness center, sauna, club room, and a large outdoor pool with a newly renovated deck. The unit comes with a dedicated garage parking space and a storage unit. With Amazon’s HQ2, the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, and some of the best dining and shopping options just minutes away, this prime location offers endless opportunities for urban living.
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris at the presidential debate on Sept. 10, 2024 (via ABC)
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump took the debate stage for the first time together last night in Philadelphia.
The debate quickly turned contentious. As reported by the Associated Press:
Sparring on politics and personality, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump showcased their starkly different visions for the country on abortion, immigration and American democracy as they met for the first time Tuesday for perhaps their only debate before November’s presidential election.
The Democratic vice president moved repeatedly to get under the skin of the former Republican president, provoking him with reminders about the 2020 election loss that he still denies and derisive asides at his other false claims.
Harris not only tried to make the case that Trump is unfit for office but tried to use her answers in a way that seemed designed to provoke him into launching into one of the personal attacks that his advisers and supporters have tried to steer him away from.
Arlington, as a place well within the Beltway, is likely to have a higher than average proportion of viewership for the debate. But just how high was it — and did the debate change any minds here that were not already made up?
