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.
Arlene Evans and Barry Dewberry Outpatient Pavilion signage (courtesy VHC Health)
A $17.5 million donation to VHC Health, the largest philanthropic gift in the organization’s history, is supporting a new cancer center expected to open in 2028.
VHC Health is renaming its outpatient pavilion the “Arlene Evans and Barry Dewberry Outpatient Pavilion” in honor of the donors, who previously contributed $3 million to the hospital that helped establish a simulation center on the hospital’s main Arlington campus.
Power outage from falling tree, around 11:45 a.m. (via Dominion)
Several northern Arlington neighborhoods lost power late Wednesday morning after a tree fell.
The tree fell across power and other utility lines shortly before 11 a.m., on Little Falls Road near the intersection with N. George Mason Drive, according to scanner traffic.
Misters at a playground at Long Bridge Park near Crystal City (staff photo by Ryan Cole)
Assault Reported on the Pike — A malicious wounding incident was reported four days after the alleged Aug. 5 attack, on the 4900 block of Columbia Pike. The suspect followed the man on foot, then assaulted him and fled, according to ACPD. The victim’s injuries were not life threatening and he later self-reported to a hospital. [ACPD]
Sweetgreen Drive-Thru in McLean — The chain is expected to open its first East Coast drive-thru, dubbed a “Sweetlane,” next week on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 6220 Old Dominion Drive in McLean. Customers order in the app, then pull through to pick up. [Axios]
Bus Drivers Buck Fare Order — Some Metro bus operators are ignoring a May policy requiring them to tell boarding riders, “Hello, the fare is $2.25,” saying it invites assaults. ATU Local 689 flyered garages yesterday urging noncompliance, saying most operator assaults stem from fare disputes. [Washington Post, Press Release]
Spanberger Talks Dominion Deal — Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) appeared on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” to explain why she’s intervening in NextEra’s $67 billion acquisition of Dominion Energy, making her the first Virginia governor to become a party to a State Corporation Commission case. She also discussed data centers’ effect on power bills. [CNBC]
Reproductive Rights on Ballot — VPM’s “Amending Virginia” video series takes up the proposed constitutional amendment that would establish a fundamental right to reproductive freedom. Amy McInerny of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington said the measure is “much more extreme than Roe v. Wade.” Virginians vote on it this fall. [VPM]
McMahon Presses Va. Colleges — Education Secretary Linda McMahon wrote to Virginia’s college presidents and governing boards asking them to publicly commit to reforms on free speech, admissions, affordability and academic rigor, saying public trust in higher education has “reached record lows.” Governing board leaders stressed institutional independence. [Virginia Mercury]
Jackpot Tops $1 Billion — No one won Monday’s $905 million Powerball prize, pushing tonight’s estimated jackpot to at least $1 billion — the eighth-largest in the game’s history and the biggest lottery prize of 2026. The estimated cash value is at least $433.1 million. [CBS News]
Wildfire Haze Returns — Smoke from new British Columbia fires is drifting east, with meteorologist Ben Noll forecasting “a steady stream of wildfire haze for the East Coast.” Most of it should stay high in the atmosphere, with minimal effect on air quality, though small amounts may reach the ground. [Ben Noll/X, Washington Post]
Busy Day for Skywatchers — A partial solar eclipse crosses the D.C. area between 1:18 and 2:27 p.m. today, though just 3.5% of the sun will be covered at maximum. The Perseid meteor shower peaks overnight, with up to 50 meteors per hour visible from dark locations. [Capital Weather]
It’s Wednesday — Partly sunny today with a high near 88 and northwest winds around 6 mph. Skies stay partly cloudy overnight with a low around 71 and a slight chance of showers between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. [NWS]
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Overturned vehicle on Columbia Pike (courtesy Jenn)
Several lanes of Columbia Pike were blocked tonight after a crash that led to a car flipping on its roof.
The crash happened around 8 p.m. on the Pike near the intersection with S. Highland Street. Initial reports suggested that two people were trapped in the overturned vehicle, but everyone was out by the time firefighters arrived on scene.
Expect partly sunny skies with a high near 87°F, accompanied by a northwest wind at 3 to 6 mph. Wednesday night will have a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m., followed by a small chance of showers until 2 a.m. Skies will be mostly cloudy before clearing, with temperatures dropping to around 70°F and light winds from the west. The chance of precipitation is 20%. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Where there is love there is life.” – Mahatma Gandhi
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Lightning seen striking in the distance beyond a telecommunications building near Columbia Pike (staff photo)
Grand Prix to Halt DCA Flights — “FAA says it expects to temporarily pause flight operations at DCA from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Aug. 23 to support the Grand Prix event in DC.” Airlines have already trimmed dozens of departures that day. [Kris Van Cleave/X, David Shepardson/X, Washington Post]
County Fair Turns 50 — The Arlington County Fair, which launched as a community project 50 years ago, returns tomorrow through Sunday at Thomas Jefferson Community Center and Park. New this year are a D.C. Sports Zone, digital ride cards and a free ART bus shuttle from the Ballston Mall Garage. [Arlington County]
Fund Honors Dance Director — A GoFundMe for Susannah Keefe, the Go Bananas Dancing founder found dead in the Potomac River last week, had raised more than $27,000 as of last night. “Contributions will be dedicated to educational opportunities for her sons,” organizers said. [GoFundMe]
Boeing Offloads Flying Taxis — Arlington-based Boeing is handing its Wisk Aero air-taxi venture, software firm SkyGrid and drone maker Insitu to California’s Archer Aviation in exchange for a roughly 20% stake in Archer. [WBJ]
Rosslyn Hotel Taps New Chef — Le Méridien Arlington has named Francecil Ponte its executive chef as the Rosslyn hotel prepares to reveal a renovation. Ponte, previously at The Westin Arlington Gateway, will lead the dining program at the hotel’s new Noble Fox Bar & Terrace. [Patch]
Trail Vies for Hall of Fame — The 18.5-mile Mount Vernon Trail, which starts at Theodore Roosevelt Island, is “vying for the Rails to Trails Conservancy’s 2026 Trail Hall of Fame” and needs public votes. Online voting closes Aug. 16. [ALXnow]
Army Buys Caisson Horse Farm — The U.S. Army has purchased the Middleburg Training Center in Loudoun County for $8.6 million to house the Old Guard’s Caisson Platoon, which “provides horse-drawn funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery.” The Army takes operational control of the 149-acre property Nov. 1. [WBJ]
Home Price Growth Slows — The D.C. metro area’s median sales price rose 0.9% year-over-year from April through June, about half the national rate of 1.5%, according to the National Association of Realtors. Zillow pegged the region’s typical home value at $581,129 in July. [FFXnow]
Governor Seeks Prison Advisers — Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) is taking applications through Sept. 4 for an 18-member corrections council of formerly incarcerated people, corrections officers and reform advocates. She said she wants input on “additional steps we can take to improve safety and transparency within VADOC facilities.” [Virginia Mercury]
It’s Tuesday — Expect a mostly sunny morning with a high near 91, then a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms starting mid-afternoon. Storms are likely to continue into the evening, with an overnight low around 72. [NWS]
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Expect a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms today, especially after 5 PM, with a high near 90°F and a northwest wind at 5 to 8 mph. Rainfall may reach up to a quarter of an inch, more during thunderstorms. Tonight, showers and thunderstorms are likely before 1 AM, with a low around 72°F. It will be mostly cloudy, with winds shifting to the northwest after midnight, and similar rainfall amounts. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Life is a flower of which love is the honey.” – Victor Hugo
Thanks for reading! If you have something to say about an issue of local note not covered today, feel free to discuss it on our new Disqus-powered community message board.
Inside the Arlington County jail facility (file photo, courtesy of ACSO)
A man who had been held at the Arlington County jail for nearly a year on an attempted robbery charge died today (Monday) after an apparent medical emergency in his cell.
Tyrone Hines, 62, was pronounced dead in the emergency department at Virginia Hospital Center, the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office and Arlington County Police Department said in a joint press release this evening.
Address:3512 N Pocomoke Street Neighborhood: Minor Hill Type: 5 BR, 5 (+1 half) BA single-family detached – 6430 sq. ft. Listed: $2,399,000
Noteworthy: Luxury cul-de-sac home with heated pool in sought-after Minor Hill
Welcome to this exceptional custom home tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in sought-after Minor Hill. Offering over 6,400 finished square feet, 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and a private 0.29-acre lot with a heated pool, this beautifully appointed residence combines timeless design with modern luxury in the Yorktown/Williamsburg/Discovery school pyramid.
A welcoming front porch overlooks neighborhood green space, while inside, a dramatic two-story foyer with a Currey & Company chandelier sets the tone. Rich wood floors, detailed millwork, and oversized windows enhance the main level, which features formal living and dining rooms, a private office with French doors, and a spacious family room anchored by a floor-to-ceiling stacked stone fireplace.
The chef’s kitchen is designed for entertaining with an oversized quartz island, Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf double ovens and six-burner cooktop, two dishwashers, farmhouse sink, walk-in pantry with a second refrigerator, butler’s pantry, and secondary staircase.
Upstairs, the luxurious primary suite offers a sitting area, dual walk-in closets, and a spa-inspired bath. Three additional bedrooms each include walk-in closets, with ensuite baths providing comfort and privacy.
The finished lower level features a large recreation room, fitness room, fifth bedroom, full bath, and an unfinished bonus space ready for future expansion.
Outside, enjoy a heated pool with automatic cover, expansive stone patio, professionally designed retaining wall with planter beds, low-maintenance turf, and an upper terrace. Additional highlights include a two-car garage with dual EV charging stations and an unbeatable location near shopping, parks, Metro, and major commuter routes.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning and radar as of 5:15 p.m.
Update at 6:35 p.m. — A possible lightning strike caused a minor house fire on the 400 block of N. Bryan Street in Lyon Park, according to scanner traffic.
Update at 6 p.m. — Throughout Arlington nearly 2,500 homes and businesses are without power, according to Dominion’s website. In addition to the outage along Wilson Blvd, there are outages reported in the Arlington Mill and Forest Glen neighborhoods, as well as the Cherrydale, Maywood, Woodmont, Riverwood, and Dover Crystal neighborhoods.
