Author: ARLnow.com

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.

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Feb 16, 2026

By ARLnow.com

Good Monday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Feb 16, 2026.

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Tuesday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

🌤️ Tuesday’s forecast

Expect patchy fog to clear by 8am, giving way to partly sunny skies and a high near 55 with light southwest winds. As for Tuesday night, it’ll turn cloudy with a low around 43. The calm wind will gradually pick up from the south at around 5 mph after midnight. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self.”
– Cyril Connolly

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

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.

Introducing WSHnow, a curated feed of D.C. area local news stories

By ARLnow.com
WSHnow screenshot on Feb. 16, 2026

Local news is alive and well in the D.C. area.

The layoffs at the Washington Post earlier this month were a major blow to coverage of sports, courts, transportation and other topics for which the Post was one of the few outlets (or only outlet) to have dedicated local beat reporters. But it was not a death blow to local news in the region, despite the proclamations of some prominent commentators.

In fact, a small army of reporters is still on the beat, covering our communities.

There are dozens working for local TV and radio stations, like NBC 4, Fox 5, WTOP and WAMU. In Rosslyn, the Washington Business Journal continues to closely cover the local business community. The Washington Post reportedly still has around a dozen experienced local journalists — far diminished from its heyday, but not nothing. The Washington Times is somehow still putting general local coverage out in print. The Washington City Paper often punches above its weight. There are more recent online local news startups, like The 51st in D.C. and, now, the Baltimore Banner, which is expanding into suburban Maryland and D.C. sports. Seven full-time local news reporters and editors and several freelancers work for ARLnow and our sister sites, ALXnow and FFXnow, and more work for our partner sites PoPville, MoCoShow and Potomac Local. That’s not to mention longtime outlets like the Washington Informer, Afro, Metro Weekly and the Washington Blade.

We could go on, but you get the idea. Reports of the death of local news in the D.C. area are greatly exaggerated.

Then again, if you were to only scroll your favorite social media feed, or open up your phone’s news app, you might start believing that there’s not much local news left. That’s because day-to-day local news doesn’t give them the engagement or, in some cases, prestige they optimize for. Sure, you might encounter some local stories from legitimate outlets, but you’ll encounter a whole lot more national stories and viral slop.

Which brings us to WSHnow, ARLnow’s newest sister site.

We built WSHnow to surface a wide variety of stories from across the D.C. area, highlighting the reporting being done by hard-working local journalists on our sites and those of our competitors. We check 45 outlets several times an hour, and publish direct links to more than 100 stories over the course of a typical day.

The goal is simple: to give locals a place to find quality local news coverage. We hope you bookmark WSHnow, make it part of your daily routine, and discover great local news sources you weren’t already following and never encountered amid the social algos.

Local news isn’t going to save itself — it needs readers who show up. And the best way to support the reporters still on the beat is to actually read, share and subscribe to their work.

Visit WSHnow
News

ACFD investigating gas explosion in Pentagon City apartment

By ARLnow.com
File photo

A gas appliance reportedly exploded in an apartment in Pentagon City, blowing out windows but causing no major damage.

The incident happened around 1 p.m. at the RiverHouse Ashley building at 1600 S. Joyce Street. Initial reports suggest that a person inside the apartment at the time was thrown against a wall by the blast.

Go to ACFD investigating gas explosion in Pentagon City apartment Read more

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Feb 13, 2026

By ARLnow.com

Good Friday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Feb 13, 2026.

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  1. North Arlington kids use ‘snowcrete’ blocks to build sturdy winter hideout (26018 views)
  2. JUST IN: Rhodeside Grill to close after three decades in business (16229 views)
  3. JUST IN: Police on scene of unsuccessful bank robbery in Ballston (15236 views)
  4. NOW: Procession of monks arrives in Arlington, bringing road closures and crowds (14670 views)
  5. Arlington ultramarathoner, 51, shatters world record in extreme globe-trotting race (14480 views)
  6. Starbucks exits Pentagon City mall, closing two locations (10005 views)
  7. JUST IN: Judge William Newman, Arlington’s first Black County Board member, has died (9220 views)
  8. Arlington attorney who prosecuted Trump announces campaign for Congress (8919 views)
  9. Proposed towers at Key Bridge Marriott site would reshape Rosslyn’s skyline, public space (7368 views)
  10. Closure of Roosevelt Bridge ramp from Route 50 goes into effect next week (7192 views)
  11. APS superintendent defends snow day decisions, but acknowledges communication issues (6659 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Saturday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

Here are the events planned for Sunday:

☀️ Saturday’s forecast

Expect sunshine and a high near 53 degrees, along with a west wind at 5 to 8 mph. The evening will be mostly cloudy with temperatures dropping to a low around 32 degrees and calm winds. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Every moment is a fresh beginning.”
– T.S. Eliot

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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! 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. 👋

News

NEW: Avoid contact with Potomac River, Va. Dept. of Health says

By ARLnow.com
A view of Rosslyn over the frozen Potomac River on Feb. 3, 2026 (staff photo by Dan Egitto)

Avoid contact with the Potomac River.

That’s the message from the Virginia Dept. of Health, which just issued a recreational water advisory, three weeks after a large sewage pipe ruptured along the Clara Barton Parkway.

Go to NEW: Avoid contact with Potomac River, Va. Dept. of Health says Read more

Poll: The best eye doctor in Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Arlington is home to numerous skilled optometrists and ophthalmologists who provide comprehensive eye care with personalized attention.

Here are the nominees for “The Best Eye Doctor in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your favorite eye doctor? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for Best Dentist is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on Best OBGYN in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. VHC Women’s Health Center
  2. Northern Virginia Physicians to Women
  3. Physicians & Midwives

Morning Notes for February 13, 2026

By ARLnow.com
Large chunks of dirty snow around a sidewalk bench in Rosslyn (courtesy George Brazier)

Crystal City Metro Ridership — “Crystal City has seen massive amounts of redevelopment as well as the building of Amazon’s HQ2 campus in the area. Furthermore, the area seems to have tons of office buildings, hotels, and restaurants, and it offers VRE service just blocks from the Metro station. Despite all the nearby amenities, Crystal City has among the lowest recovery rates on the system at a meager 55.03% of 2019 ridership.” [GGW]

Fairfax Wants Flight Path Tweaks — “Fairfax County supervisors went on record at their Feb. 3 meeting asking the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to move forward on recommendations dispersing air traffic south of Reagan National Airport.” [FFXnow]

Sewage Spill Caution — “Virginia residents are urged to use caution on the Virginia shoreline of the Potomac River between Swainson Island (overflow site) and Fletcher’s Boathouse. The results of DC Water’s bacteria samples indicate bacteria concentrations about 5.25 miles down-river from the sewage release site, at Fletcher’s Boathouse location, do not pose an imminent public health risk.” [VDH, PoPville, Fox 5]

Beyer’s Bill for Older Workers — “U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today introduced legislation to establish an Older Workers’ Bureau within the Department of Labor. The Bureau would be responsible for identifying the challenges faced by workers aged 55 and older, developing policies to improve their employment conditions, and expanding access to employment opportunities.” [Press Release]

State Biosolids Bills — “House Bill 1443, patroned by Del. Alfonso Lopez, D-Arlington, sets the limits at the 50 parts per billion for PFOS or PFOA separately on a rolling 12 month average; if those limits are exceeded, biosolids spreading would have to stop. The bill also includes a reduced rate of spreading if either chemical reaches 25-50 parts per billion.  Lopez told the Virginia Mercury that there are continued negotiations with stakeholders to find the best path forward for all parties.” [Virginia Mercury]

Snow Cover Hangs On — “Thursday marked the 19th day with snow cover in and around D.C. That ties for the 11th-longest streak with snow cover for the city. It’s the longest run since one that ended Feb. 8, 2000, at 20 days.” [CWG/X]

New Legal Notice — Restaurant seeks ABC wine/beer on/off license; 30-day objections. [Public Notices]

It’s Friday — Expect sunshine and a high of 39°F accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 7 to 10 mph, gusting up to 20 mph. For Friday night, the skies will be mostly clear, and temperatures will drop to a low of around 28°F, with a gentle southwest breeze. [NWS]

Support local journalism. Join the ARLnow Press Club to boost our reporting and to get upgraded newsletters.

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Feb 12, 2026

By ARLnow.com

Good Thursday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Feb 12, 2026.

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Friday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

☀️ Friday’s forecast

Expect sunshine and a high of 39°F accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 7 to 10 mph, gusting up to 20 mph. For Friday night, the skies will be mostly clear, and temperatures will drop to a low of around 28°F, with a gentle southwest breeze. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
– Albert Schweitzer

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

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.

News

JUST IN: Rhodeside Grill to close after three decades in business

By ARLnow.com
Rhodeside Grill covered in snow on Jan. 19, 2024 (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Long-time Arlington watering hole Rhodeside Grill will be closing its doors next week.

The restaurant, bar and event venue at 1836 Wilson Blvd — around the halfway point between Rosslyn and Courthouse — will serve its last customers on Saturday, Feb. 21, co-owner Chris Lefbom confirmed to ARLnow.

Go to JUST IN: Rhodeside Grill to close after three decades in business Read more
Obituary

Obituary: Richard Edelin Crouch (1940-2025)

By ARLnow.com

Richard Edelin Crouch, 85, of Arlington, Virginia, died peacefully of advanced Parkinson’s Disease on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, 2025, with his family by his side, in his room at Sunrise at Bluemont Park in Arlington. Richard was born December 3, 1940, in Washington, D.C. Richard is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Crouch, son John Crouch (wife Laura), grandchildren Jack, Griffin and Fiona Crouch of Arlington, sister Stephanie Crouch Burgess, brother J. Douglas Crouch, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter Virginia (Ginny) Crouch, brother Howard Rodney Crouch, and his parents.

Richard was dedicated to preserving knowledge and physical reminders of our history. He served on the Boards of Frying Pan Farm Park, the Fairfax Historical Society, and many other local historical organizations. He led the rebuilding and preservation of his thrice-great grandfather Jesse Crouch’s home in Boones Creek, Tennessee. He was the author of Brandy Station: A Battle Like None Other; Rough-Riding Scout: The story of John W. Mobberly, Loudoun’s Own Civil War Guerrilla; and The Virginia Gentleman: A Field Guide, an Owner’s Manual, a History, and a Way of Life.

Go to Obituary: Richard Edelin Crouch (1940-2025) Read more

Morning Notes for February 12, 2026

By ARLnow.com
Snow slowly melting at Courthouse Plaza (courtesy George Brazier)

Sewage Situation Update — “Pumping challenges continue at the damaged Potomac Interceptor. Two pumps clogged w/non-disposable wipes Monday night, causing an overflow & contained on-site. E. coli levels remain elevated at collapse site, downstream levels remain below EPA standards.” [PoPville, Washingtonian, Fox 5]

Registration for Police Camps — “The Arlington County Police Department is excited to kick off Summer 2026 with fun, engaging and educational camp experiences for Arlington youth! Through hands-on activities and positive connections, we’re committed to building skills, confidence and lasting relationships with school-aged members of our community.” [ACPD]

Fairfax Casino Bill Update — “Senate Bill 756, championed by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-34), was advanced on a 10-5 vote yesterday (Tuesday) by the chamber’s Finance and Appropriations Committee with a key revision — criteria that limited potential casino sites to Tysons have now been dropped.” [FFXnow]

Inside Compass Coffee’s Failure — “How did a D.C. feel-good story — a company started by two Marines who redirected their military discipline into the coffee business — wind up here, with a mountain of debt, an uncertain future and a contentious legal battle between founders?” [Washington Post]

Dems Tout Affordability Bills — “Lawmakers highlighted House Bill 834 and House Bill 837 by Del. Adele McClure, D-Arlington. The first would require landlords to coordinate with tenants after fire or damages to properties before terminating any leases, preventing residents from abruptly losing housing.” [Virginia Mercury]

Cannabis ER Visits Rise — “Emergency department visits linked to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) have increased nearly 29% over a five-year period in Virginia. According to the VHHA Data Analytics Teams, the annual adult emergency department visits for cases of cannabis abuse, dependence, poisoning diagnoses and CHS rose during the period from 2020-2024.” [WAVY]

Snow Cover Hangs On — “Wednesday morning report of 2 inches snow on the ground at DCA makes 18 straight days of cover. At this depth, it’s now tied for 7th longest streak on record. Longer lasting than snow remnants after historic February 2010 snowstorms!” [CWG/X, NWS/X]

It’s Thursday — Expect to see mostly sunny skies and a high temperature near 38 degrees. The northwest wind will be blowing at a speed of 11 to 15 mph, alongside gusts reaching up to 26 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear, with the temperature dropping to around 24 degrees, and a northwest wind blowing at roughly 10 mph. [NWS]

Want more local news? Check out our newest sister site, WSHnow, for the latest happenings across the region.

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Feb 11, 2026

By ARLnow.com

Good Wednesday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Feb 11, 2026.

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Thursday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

☀️ Thursday’s forecast

Expect to see mostly sunny skies and a high temperature near 38 degrees. The northwest wind will be blowing at a speed of 11 to 15 mph, alongside gusts reaching up to 26 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear, with the temperature dropping to around 24 degrees, and a northwest wind blowing at roughly 10 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”
– Henry David Thoreau

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

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.

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