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.
Rainbow seen Tuesday from a Ballston area condo building (photo courtesy Melissa P.)
NAACP Considering Legal Options — “Arlington’s NAACP branch is upping in the ante in its efforts to gather more information about inmate deaths at the Arlington County Detention Facility. Members of the civil-rights group voted May 20 to hire an attorney to provide advice and take court action, if necessary, to force the Sheriff’s Office and county government to provide more information about the deaths.” [Gazette Leader]
APS Mulls LGBTQ Policy — “The issue of LGBTQ students drew differing views during public feedback and discussion among a steering committee set up as part of the strategic-plan effort. Some argued that the group requires more protections and services, while others contend that the school system’s focus should be the well-being of all students. There also were concerns raised that the school system’s focus on emotional health could be to the detriment of overall academic rigor.” [Gazette Leader]
TSA Nabs More Guns at DCA — “TSA officers at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, [intercepted] two loaded guns within two days last week in passengers’ carry on bags. On Thursday, May 23, officers found a 40 caliber handgun with 14 rounds, including one in the chamber. The next day a .380 caliber handgun with seven rounds, including one in the chamber, was found in the bag of a Florida man.” [WTOP]
ART Ridership Rising — “For the first three months of 2024, ridership on the ART system totaled 593,291, up 19 percent from a year before and with all three months posting year-over-year increases. The 218,570 passengers in March (the latest month for which figures had been reported at the meeting) was the highest monthly figure since the onset of COVID in March 2020.” [Gazette Leader]
List of Longtime Local Eateries — “Sometimes we diners are so busy looking for the hot and new that we forget about the tried and true — restaurants that have been providing consistent, homey cooking out of the spotlight’s glare… Here are some treasured dining spots that have been serving hungry locals for 25 years or more.” [Arlington Magazine]
Solar Power Event Tonight — “Thursday, 6:30pm, Central Library: Raise your power game and explore the world of solar technology, its economics and financing options.” [Twitter, Solar United Neighbors]
It’s Thursday — Expect sunny skies and a high near 74 with a north wind around 10 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear, with a low around 53 and a northwest wind at approximately 7 mph. [NWS]
Expect sunny skies and a high near 74 with a north wind around 10 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear, with a low around 53 and a northwest wind at approximately 7 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela
ACPD on scene of incident at Carlyn Place condos (staff photo)
There was a large police presence at a North Arlington condo building this evening.
ARLnow saw a number of Arlington County police cruisers outside of the Carlyn Place condo building at 4390 Lorcom Lane, near the Lee Heights Shops, around 5:15 p.m. Wednesday. It followed what was described as a “domestic” incident earlier in the afternoon, involving someone tossing items out of one of the units, hitting cars below.
Arlington County is no longer trying to take a home on Columbia Pike by eminent domain.
The effort — part of a planned road safety project — sparked a controversy that led to criticism from the family of the elderly, disabled homeowner, as well as from the local NAACP and several candidates for County Board.
Map showing portions of Gulf Branch that should be avoided on 5/29/24 (via Arlington DES)
Avoid the waters of Gulf Branch downstream from N. Utah Street, county officials say.
That includes the portion of the stream that runs past the Gulf Branch Nature Center. The reason: a blocked sewage line that’s potentially overflowing into the creek.
Monday night’s storm exits Arlington, giving way to a clear sunset (staff photo)
More Calls for More Speakers — “Arlington County Board members are sticking with their rules for the public-comment sessions that open each month’s board meeting. ‘We do have reasons’ for the process that is followed, County Board Chairman Libby Garvey said when the procedure was questioned during the May 18 board meeting… [A local resident] proposed multiple speakers be allowed per topic” [Gazette Leader]
D.C. Bank Opening Arlington Branch — “D.C.-based Founders Bank has opened its first Northern Virginia office, a move its CEO said was driven by a desire to be closer to existing and potential customers while reducing the commute times of many employees. The loan production office at 3865 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington is only the second location for four-year-old Founders beyond its main office and full-service branch.” [Washington Business Journal]
Another Win for YHS Girls Lax — “The host Yorktown Patriots girls lacrosse team extended its winning streak to 16 games and progressed to the upcoming Class 6 state tournament after a dominant 17-5 victory over the South Lakes Seahawks in the championship game of the 6D North Region tournament… Yorktown begins play in the Class 6 state tournament on May 31.” [Gazette Leader]
Marymount Teams Racking Up Rings — “Marymount’s total of 12 Atlantic East Conference championships in 2023-24 are the most any league school has won in a single year since it was formed, surpassing the Saints’ own mark of winning 10 the previous school year.” [Gazette Leader]
BBQ Advice from Local Pitmaster — “Now that summer is unofficially underway, it’s the time of year for backyard barbecues and grilling. But how do you make great ribs? What about succulent beef brisket? Even something as simple as grilling the perfect burger? ‘There’s a lot to know about backyard, patio cooking,’ said Andrew Darneille, owner and pitmaster at Smokecraft Modern Barbecue.” [WTOP]
Anniversary for Senior Support Group — “In early May, more than 250 members, volunteers, staff, board and supporters gathered to commemorate a decade of neighbors helping neighbors age in place by marking the 10th anniversary of Arlington Neighborhood Village.” [Gazette Leader]
It’s Wednesday — Expect showers and potential thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm, with increasing clouds and a high of 78°F, accompanied by a west wind at 5-7 mph. There’s a 70% chance of precipitation. For Wednesday night, showers and possible thunderstorms are likely before 8pm, followed by scattered showers between 8pm and 11pm. Skies will be partly cloudy with a low of 57°F and a northwest wind at 7 mph. The precipitation chance tonight is 60%. [NWS]
Expect showers and potential thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm, with increasing clouds and a high of 78°F, accompanied by a west wind at 5-7 mph. There’s a 70% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts under a tenth of an inch, though higher in thunderstorms. For Wednesday night, showers and possible thunderstorms are likely before 8pm, followed by scattered showers between 8pm and 11pm. Skies will be partly cloudy with a low of 57°F and a northwest wind at 7 mph. Precipitation chance is 60%, with new amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, and higher in thunderstorms. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” – Albert Einstein