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.
Protest flyer distributed near Stephen Miller's home (via court filing)
A new court filing alleges that federal investigators may have violated a court order shielding records from the cellphone of an activist who distributed flyers about Stephen Miller in his Arlington neighborhood last year.
The filing was submitted Tuesday by Arlington Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti. At more than 80 pages, it formally closes her office’s investigation of activist Barbara Wien without charges.
Train leaving the Ballston Metro station (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Ballston Hotel Redo Funded — “The team behind a long-planned development at the Holiday Inn site in Ballston has assembled a $195 million financing stack and could get work underway as soon as this summer.” The shuttered hotel and adjacent office building will be replaced by a 420-unit residential development. [WBJ]
Housing Holds Despite DOGE — “The Northern Virginia housing market is not going to fall off the cliff… What we’re seeing right now is basically price stability, probably through this year,” GMU economist Keith Waters said. Arlington’s median single-family sale price was $1.3 million in 2025, up from $1.29 million the year prior. [Arlington Magazine]
Free Wash for Teachers, Nurses — Mr Wash is offering free exterior car washes to teachers and nurses with valid work IDs at all 11 of its locations through Friday, May 8. [Press Release]
Bike to Work Day Nears — “Bike to Work Day 2026 is coming up on Friday, May 15.” Arlington has five morning and two afternoon pit stops where registered riders can pick up a 2026 T-shirt, giveaways and refreshments. [BikeArlington]
Fairfax Prosecutor Under Federal Probe — “The Trump administration has launched an investigation into the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office over its handling of cases involving undocumented immigrants as defendants.” Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano serves on a multi-prosecutor task force with Arlington’s Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, who was subpoenaed by a House committee earlier this year. [FFXnow]
Defense CEO Paydays Climb — “Top executive pay at four of Greater Washington’s five largest defense contractors rose in 2025 during the first year of the second Trump administration.” Arlington-based Boeing and RTX both saw their CEO pay packages rise, to $23.5 million and $24.8 million respectively, as Pentagon spending grew 17% year-over-year to $1.01 trillion. [WBJ]
Memorial for Crash Victims — “Alexandria leaders will install a memorial bench next month at Rivergate City Park honoring the 67 people who died in last year’s mid-air collision over the Potomac River.” The memorial includes the bench, newly planted trees and a plaque with the victims’ names. [ALXnow]
F.C. Eyes Affordable Housing — “By a 5-1 vote late Monday night, the Falls Church City Council acted to retain a consultant to begin what will be the Little City’s next arduous voyage into the fretfully-choppy waters of potentially significant affordable housing.” The consultant will help redevelop the four-acre Virginia Village site on S. Maple Avenue. [FCNP]
FBI Raids Sen. Lucas’s Office — “The FBI on Wednesday raided the Portsmouth offices and a cannabis retail business co-owned by state Sen. L. Louise Lucas, the president pro tempore of the Virginia Senate and one of the most powerful Democrats in the state, as part of an ongoing corruption investigation.” Lucas was not arrested. [Washington Post, AP]
It’s Thursday — Expect mostly cloudy skies today with a chance of rain showers after 8 a.m. and a high near 66. Northwest winds will be around 7 mph. Skies clear overnight with a low around 48. [NWS]
There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.
Heather Bruen Mapes Hurlock died on April 12, 2026, in Virginia Hospital Center. She was born in Manhattan, New York City, on March 1, 1938. She was a tenth-generation New Yorker, a direct descendant of Thomas Mapes, one of the founders (about 1647) of Southold, Long Island, NY. She was the daughter of the late Col. Douglas Stewart Mapes of New York City and Cathleen Hourigan Mapes of Buffalo, New York.
Heather first came to Alexandria, VA, in 1946, when her father was stationed here at the Pentagon as a staff officer of the Military District of Washington. After her father’s untimely death in June 1947, her mother took her and her sister, Rosemary, to Europe for schooling. Heather attended high schools in Geneva, Beirut, and Munich. Her freshman year of college was at the University of Maryland (now Global Campus) in Munich.
There is a 30% chance of showers in the afternoon, with cloudy skies transitioning to mostly sunny and a high near 65°F. Expect a north wind at 5 to 8 mph. Thursday night will see mostly cloudy conditions clearing to a low around 48°F, with light and variable winds shifting northwest at 5 to 7 mph after midnight. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan
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Address:414 N Monroe Street Neighborhood: Ashton Heights Type: 5 BR, 5 (+1 half) BA single-family detached Listed: $2,695,000
Noteworthy: Better-Than-New Custom Craftsman: Ashton Heights Dream Home
Exceptional quality meets like-new condition in this 2023 custom-built Craftsman in Ashton Heights. This meticulously maintained home is in flawless, move-in-ready condition with virtually no wear, offering the rare combination of custom construction & a home that feels brand new. A 10-minute walk to Virginia Square & just 15–20 minutes to Clarendon & Ballston puts Arlington’s best restaurants, shops & parks right at your doorstep. Spanning 5,370 sqft across 3 finished levels, the home was thoughtfully designed for everyday living & entertaining — enhanced after completion with an automated irrigation system, wrap-around paver walkways, a spacious patio & a custom shed with electricity. The main level sets an the tone of quality with wide-plank white oak floors & elegant wainscoting. A chef’s kitchen anchors the heart of the home, featuring a 6-burner gas range, dual sinks, a generous island & a breakfast area that flows naturally into a grand living room. A dining room, private office & mudroom with built-in storage — leading to an oversized 2-car garage. Step outside to a screened-in porch overlooking a serene, fully fenced backyard & patio. Upstairs, 4 generous bedrooms each offer en-suite baths. The primary suite features vaulted ceilings, dual walk-in closets & a spa-caliber bath with a soaking tub & oversized walk-in shower. A well-appointed laundry room completes the level. The light-filled walkout lower level features a spacious rec room with wet bar, a bonus room , a guest suite, a full bath & ample storage. Rare opportunity: 2023 custom construction in an A+ Arlington location. No punch-list, no projects — just move in.
Composite image showing what man whose remains were found might have looked like (via ACPD)
Police have released composite sketches of a man whose remains were found in a vacant Ballston home more than two years ago, hoping the public can help identify him.
The remains were discovered on Feb. 26, 2024 by the new owners of an abandoned property on the 1300 block of N. Taylor Street. The owners came across the remains in the basement during a walkthrough of the recently purchased home. Police were dispatched just before 5 p.m. and immediately launched a death investigation.
A school bus stop sign (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Two LGBTQ+ advocacy groups are calling on Arlington Public Schools to address the disproportionate mental health and safety outcomes negatively affecting its LGBTQ+ student population.
In a new joint letter to APS leaders, the groups, Equality Arlington and the Arlington Gender Identity Alliance (AGIA), are asking the school system to implement a more targeted response to the mental health challenges, violence, discrimination and bullying that its LGBTQ+ students experience at elevated rates when compared to fellow students.
Rain glistening on leaves in Courthouse (courtesy George Brazier)
No Charges for Miller Activist — A Virginia woman who distributed leaflets disclosing the home address of top White House aide Stephen Miller will not face state criminal charges, according to court documents filed Tuesday by Arlington County’s top prosecutor. Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti (D) said proceeding could risk having a “chilling effect on others wishing to engage in peaceful political protest.” [Washington Post, CBS News]
Rosslyn Dome Makeover — Boston-based Beacon Capital Partners has renovated the former Artisphere and Newseum theater dome at 1101 Wilson Blvd as part of a broader repositioning of the 24-story office building, where occupancy fell to 46% after the Spaces coworking offices closed. The renovated 220-seat venue will serve as a tenant amenity, but Beacon is open to a long-term lease for the right tenant. [WBJ]
Organics Pickup Help on Way — Arlington County has hired American Disposal Services to perform all curbside organics collections beginning Monday, May 11. The county said the additional contractor will help restore reliable performance after recent service issues. Yard waste and food scraps should continue to be placed out on regular collection days. [Arlington County]
Punch at Joint Base Gate — A former soldier was scheduled to appear in federal court Monday following his arrest for allegedly punching a military police officer in the face during a security stop at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall last week. The man fled on foot during a marijuana inspection at the Hatfield Access Control Point in Arlington. Officers later allegedly recovered a loaded handgun from his waistband. [Patch]
Click It or Ticket Returns — Arlington police are urging drivers to buckle up ahead of a national high-visibility seat belt enforcement campaign that runs from May 11 to May 31, coinciding with the Memorial Day holiday. NHTSA reports that nearly 50% of the 22,713 passenger vehicle occupants killed nationwide in 2024 were not buckled. [ACPD]
Marymount Wins Flag Football Title — The Marymount Saints captured the first-ever Jets ECAC Women’s Flag Football Championship with a 37-26 win over the Franciscan Barons in Sunday’s title game at the Jets training facility. Saints QB Jesenia Velez was named tournament MVP after amassing 253 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns. [New York Jets]
Buzz Over Beekeeping Rules — A new proposal to regulate beekeeping in Alexandria, which would limit the number of hives allowed on properties and create setbacks of 5 to 10 feet, has drawn criticism from local beekeepers. “Honeybees are pollinators and beneficial to the landscaping of our city,” wrote former beekeeper Alex Crawford-Batt. [ALXnow]
Toxic Metals in East Wing Debris — Debris from the demolition of the White House East Wing that was dumped at the nearby East Potomac golf course has tested positive for lead, chromium and other toxic metals, according to an interim report by a Virginia engineering firm. More than 30,000 cubic yards of excavated soil had been transported to the site as of last month. [WTOP]
Potomac Testing Expands — Months of water quality testing has shown E. coli levels in the Potomac River are back to normal after January’s massive sewage spill, but advocates say continued monitoring is critical. The Potomac Riverkeeper Network’s monitoring program is expanding from 28 sites to 37 this season. [WTOP]
It’s Wednesday — Expect rain showers most of the day, with a high near 78 and southwest winds of 15 mph gusting to 30 mph. Showers and thunderstorms are likely in the evening and overnight, with a low around 55. [NWS]
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Expect showers and possible thunderstorms after 5 pm, with a high near 77°F, and south winds at 15 mph, gusting up to 30 mph. There’s an 80% chance of rain, with rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch. Wednesday night, showers and possibly thunderstorms will continue, especially after 11 pm. The low will be around 55°F, with winds shifting from west to north at 8 mph. The chance of rain remains at 80%, with precipitation between a tenth and quarter of an inch, potentially higher during thunderstorms. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau
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.
The veterans memorial in Clarendon (courtesy Gale Harris)
Four Courts Celebration Video — Video captures the celebration after Ireland’s Four Courts, the Courthouse pub, was named America’s Best Soccer Bar by Men in Blazers. The soccer media network said it was “a joy to celebrate the beautiful story” of the Courthouse pub, and its reopening after a devastating crash and fire, with USMNT legend Clint Dempsey. [Men in Blazers/X]
Judge Halts Golf Course Cuts — A federal judge told the Trump administration Monday not to cut down more than 10 trees at D.C.’s historic East Potomac Golf Course without first providing notice. The course, which the president plans to renovate into a championship layout, will stay open for now amid an emergency lawsuit from the DC Preservation League. [AP, Washington Post]
Data Center Fight to High Court — The fight over a planned complex of up to 37 data centers near the Manassas National Battlefield is headed to the Virginia Supreme Court. Developer QTS said it will appeal a Court of Appeals ruling that voided the Digital Gateway Project on procedural grounds. The second developer, Compass Datacenters, dropped out of the project this week. [Washington Post]
Spanberger Weighs Class Action Bill — Gov. Abigail Spanberger is weighing whether to sign or veto legislation that would, for the first time, allow Virginians to file class action lawsuits in state courts. The measure is sponsored by Sen. Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax). Virginia is one of only two states, along with Mississippi, without a formal class action procedure. Spanberger has until May 23 to act. [Virginia Mercury]
Chilly May Ahead — After D.C. matched its fourth-warmest April on record, the Capital Weather Gang projects May will average 2 to 5 degrees below normal. “A much chillier weather pattern is taking hold,” wrote meteorologist Jason Samenow, with first-half-of-month highs expected to land more often in the 60s than the typical 70s. [Washington Post]
It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny skies and a high near 84, with southwest winds 9–20 mph and gusts up to 33 mph. Overnight will be mostly cloudy with a low around 64 and a slight chance of rain showers after 2 a.m. [NWS]
Want more local news from around the region? Check out our newest sister site, WSHnow.
Expect sunny conditions with a high near 84°F, accompanied by breezy southwest winds at 10 to 20 mph and gusts reaching up to 33 mph. Tuesday night will bring increasing clouds, a low around 64°F, and a 30% chance of showers after 2 a.m. South winds will blow at 13 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible.” – Charles Kingsleigh
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.
Fountain and play equipment at The Crossing Clarendon (courtesy George Brazier)
Columbia Pike Robbery — Police are investigating a robbery in the 4800 block of Columbia Pike on Thursday night. “The suspects then assaulted the victim while stealing his cash and cards,” the daily crime report said. One suspect brandished what appeared to be a box cutter before all three fled the scene on foot. No injuries were reported. [ACPD]
New Arlington Eats — Four new Arlington restaurants are featured in a roundup of recent Northern Virginia openings. Tio Pelé brings Brazilian flair to Langston Blvd, while Monstera Burrito and bubble tea shop Spot of Tea have both opened in Crystal City. A new outpost of sports bar Wood & Iron has also opened along Fairfax Drive. [N. Va. Magazine]
