Author: ARLnow.com

Amazon Layoffs and Loan — “Amazon Inc.’s layoffs will affect more than 18,000 employees, the highest reduction tally revealed in the past year at a major technology company as the industry pares back amid economic uncertainty. The Seattle-based company in November said that it was beginning layoffs among its corporate workforce, with cuts concentrated on its devices business, recruiting and retail operations.” [Wall Street Journal, TechCrunch]

Arlington Impact Unclear — “Later in November, Amazon began laying off… employees, according to reports, including at its Alexa division, which is supposed to have a large presence at its HQ2 in Arlington… At HQ2, Amazon is wrapping up construction on its two-tower first phase, Metropolitan Park, set to open later this year. The company has yet to break ground on the second phase, PenPlace.” [Washington Business Journal]

Local Mass for Late Pope — From the Catholic Diocese of Arlington: “Bishop Burbidge will celebrate a special Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI this Thursday, January 5 at 12:05 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More. May we continue to offer prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul.” [Twitter]

Suspicious Incident in Green Valley — “17th Road S. at S. Edgewood Street. At approximately 2:29 p.m. on January 1, police were dispatched to the report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, it was determined the two juvenile female victims were walking in the area when the unknown male suspect parked his vehicle, rolled down the window and made a statement about them needing a ride home. As the victims continued walking, they observed the suspect exit his vehicle and begin walking in the area.” [ACPD]

County Board Organization Meeting Tonight — “The County Board of Arlington Co., Va., will meet on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as matters may be heard, at 2100 Clarendon Boulevard… for its Annual Organizational Meeting.” [Arlington County]

Covid Outbreak at Homeless Shelter — “Each night, as the temperature plummets and dozens seek refuge inside Arlington County’s largest homeless shelter, the staff runs through the same drill it has for the past three years: Before anyone is given a bed, they are tested for the coronavirus. On Wednesday, the shelter’s usual one or two coronavirus cases landed early. As more people arrived, more cases followed. By the end of the night, the staff said, a dozen people had tested positive. All needed to be isolated. The shelter had an outbreak.” [Washington Post]