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.
Whether you’re leaving for a weekend getaway or just looking to give your pet some company, Arlington has no shortage of boarding options for your furry friend.
A towering cloud behind a North Arlington home, as storms build to the west Thursday night (staff photo)
Temporary Uses Eyed for PenPlace — Amazon is in early talks on temporary uses for the vacant 11-acre PenPlace block, where the next phase of HQ2, including the landmark Helix, remains on hold. “It’s not ideal to have a big vacant fenced site sitting there,” Amazon community engagement lead Patrick Phillippi said. Ideas include open space, art installations and a dog park. [WBJ]
‘Amazon Now’ Eyes Clarendon — Amazon is expected to bring its Amazon Now 30-minute delivery service to Clarendon and Tysons. Prime Now LLC has filed for a license to sell alcohol from 2701 Wilson Blvd, the former home of Arlington Independent Media. The service promises fresh groceries and household essentials in 30 minutes or less. [WBJ]
Pride With the Police Returns — ACPD hosts its sixth annual Pride with the Police on Thursday, June 25 from 5-7 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant (555 23rd Street S.). The informal event, which marks 20 years of the department’s LGBTQ+ Liaison Team, features light refreshments and LGBTQ+ bingo. [ACPD]
Longtime Taylor Teacher Retiring — Ann Heidig is retiring at the end of the school year after 40 years at Taylor Elementary, where she is known for gifting each of her students a handmade sock monkey. “If you attended or worked at Taylor during the past 40 years, it’s a good bet that you know the name Ann Heidig,” the school wrote. [APS]
ACPD Corporal Retires — ACPD celebrated the retirement of Cpl. Tuomey after 25 years with the department. “During his career, Cpl. Tuomey served faithfully as a patrol officer, school resource officer, K9 handler and as a court liaison,” the department said. [ACPD/X]
Croatia Trains in Alexandria — The Croatia national soccer team is using Episcopal High School in Alexandria as its training base for the 2026 World Cup, staying at a nearby Old Town hotel. “We could not be more honored to be the home for this team for the next month,” Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins said. The squad finished second in 2018 and third in 2022. [ALXnow, WBJ]
River Closures Worry Boaters — D.C.’s expanded July 4 fireworks show could bring unprecedented Potomac River closures, worrying local boaters and paddlers. Early planning documents show fireworks launching from eight barges on the river. “Having the river closed for July 4 is the boat-world equivalent of Tysons being closed on Black Friday,” Sea Suite Cruises founder Jack Maher told Axios. [Axios]
DOJ Sues Over Mask Ban — The U.S. Justice Department is suing Virginia over its new law barring federal enforcement officials from wearing masks, according to Courthouse News reporter Joe Dodson. [Joe Dodson/X, Press Release]
It’s Friday — Today brings mostly sunny skies and a high near 96, with a heat index as high as 102. A heat advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Showers and thunderstorms are likely after 4 p.m., some possibly severe, before an overnight low around 67. [NWS]
Power outages in Aurora Highlands and Long Branch Creek (via Dominion)
Update at 11:15 a.m. — Nearly 650 homes and businesses are without power in Arlington after last night’s storms, including Ireland’s Four Courts in Courthouse, which is hoping to reopen in time for the World Cup games later today.
Four Courts is still without power after last night's storms, but the pub is hoping to reopen in time for today's World Cup games https://t.co/0T3RkzeIPj
Expect showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5 PM, with some severe storms possible. The high will be near 95, and the heat index could reach 103, with west winds at 3 to 8 mph. There’s an 80% chance of rain, with new rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, higher in thunderstorms. In the evening, showers and thunderstorms will continue until about 8 PM, with lows around 67 and west winds at 6 to 8 mph. The chance of rain remains at 80%, with similar rainfall amounts expected. 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
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Military helicopter flyover above Clarendon (staff photo by Jordan Ciminelli)
Expect more low-flying military aircraft over the next few days.
A number of flyovers are planned through Sunday, June 14, as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump celebrates his 80th birthday with a UFC cage match on the White House grounds.
Address:1600 N Oak Street #1119 Neighborhood: Rosslyn Type: 3 BR, 3 BA condo – 2000 sq. ft. Open House: Sunday, June 14th 1 pm – 3 pm Listed: $1,325,000
Noteworthy: Rare 3-bedroom floor plan with over 2,000 square feet and Potomac River Views
Three-bedroom condos at The Belvedere don’t come along often, and even fewer offer this combination of space, updates, and Potomac River views. Spanning over 2,000 square feet, this renovated residence features three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, an enclosed sunroom, two garage parking spaces, and a storage unit.
The kitchen has been thoughtfully reconfigured to better suit modern living. By opening the wall between the kitchen and dining room, the kitchen now feels brighter and more connected. A large peninsula and a walk-in pantry provide exceptional storage, while relocating the electrical panel created even more cabinet space.
Wide-plank flooring, updated bathrooms, modern finishes, and generous room sizes make this home truly move-in ready. Large windows and the enclosed sunroom showcase the Potomac River views and provide an ideal setting for morning coffee, evening relaxation, or entertaining guests.
Whether you are downsizing from a single-family home, upsizing from a smaller condominium, or simply searching for space that’s increasingly difficult to find in Rosslyn, this home offers a rare blend of size, convenience, and lifestyle.
The Belvedere is a full-service building with an extensive amenity package including a large outdoor pool, fitness center, tennis courts (lined for pickleball), 24-hour front desk, party room, convenience store, car wash area and more. Located just a short walk to the Rosslyn Metro, Target, Starbucks, and Safeway, and minutes to Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Washington, D.C., the location offers unbeatable convenience.
The sun and clouds on a hot day (staff photo by James Jarvis)
As if it wasn’t humid enough already, Thursday will be even more sweltering as temperatures rise this afternoon.
A Heat Advisory has been issued for Arlington. That means hazardous conditions for those working outside and no outdoor recess for Arlington Public Schools students.
Rendering of proposed arch near Memorial Bridge (via Commission of Fine Arts)
Construction of the 250-foot-high triumphal arch that President Donald Trump wants built near Memorial Bridge could occur 20 hours per day, year-round, as officials push to complete the project within three years.
That’s according to a preliminary assessment by the National Park Service.
Car wash at the Exxon along N. Rhodes Street in Rosslyn (courtesy George Brazier)
Four Courts Braces for Crowds — Ireland’s Four Courts is preparing for World Cup crowds after being voted America’s best soccer bar by the Men in Blazers podcast. Staff are pulling furniture to pack in more fans and stocking up on chicken wings and Guinness. “Once the World Cup starts, it’s going to be like a Saturday every single day,” managing partner David Cahill said. [WTOP]
Flyover This Morning — From AlertDC: “The U.S. Military will conduct an Aircraft Flyover in the NCR over the Lincoln Memorial Thursday, June 11, at approximately 11 a.m.”
Pop-Ups Touch Down at DCA — “The Market at DCA is bringing together local pop-up finds from Blondies Bakery Box and MelanBrand Skin … baked goods and natural skincare.” The pop-ups run through June 30. [Reagan National/X]
Pentagon City Car Carrier Drama — “Car Carrier Gate got very interesting during the noon hour. One driver who apparently didn’t get the word that deliveries and pickups are now to be done on mall property soon had a visitor from Arlington County. That was followed by three others. Their message was apparently pretty strong, considering they wouldn’t even let the driver enter the mall through the exit with his last car.” [Dave Statter/X]
UFC Card Closes Major Roads — A UFC event at the White House will bring a string of road closures and parking restrictions across downtown D.C. from Thursday through Monday. Memorial Bridge closes Friday evening, and stretches of I-395 and I-66 will be affected. D.C. police said all closures and times are subject to change. [WTOP]
Emergency Sewer Repairs Set — D.C. Water will begin emergency repairs Monday on 1,700 feet of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line in Maryland, work meant to protect drinking water intakes downstream. “Inspections found structural deterioration, including significant corrosion and exposed rebar that requires immediate attention,” according to D.C. Water. The repairs follow a January spill of roughly 240 million gallons. [WTOP]
Kaine Targets Teacher Shortage — Sen. Tim Kaine (D) introduced a bill creating a grant program to address the national teacher shortage and support early-career educators through mentoring. “It’s both an educational effectiveness program, but also a teacher retention program,” Kaine said. He is championing the Better Education Through Mentoring Act with Rep. Jahana Hayes of Connecticut. [Virginia Mercury]
It’s Thursday — Expect mostly sunny skies today with a high near 96 and heat index values as high as 104. There’s a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m., with west winds 3–7 mph. Overnight lows drop to around 73, with thunderstorms possible before 1 a.m. [NWS]
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