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Progress on New Cafe, Bowling Alley in Crystal City Amid Coronavirus Turmoil

Published April 2, 2020 at 9:45AM | Updated April 2, 2020 at 10:23AM

The Freshman in Crystal City, prior to opening, in March 2020 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated at 10:20 a.m.) Signs are up for a pair of new businesses in Crystal City, even as the coronavirus outbreak has left others closed and fighting for survival.

Bowlero — a bowling alley, arcade and restaurant — was hoping to roll into an empty retail space at 320 23rd Street S. in June. It’s not clear whether the opening will be further delayed amid ongoing social distancing measures; Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s new stay-at-home order is tentatively set to expire on June 10.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published April 2, 2020 at 7:30AM

More Coronavirus-Related Dispatches — ARLnow is starting to hear the Arlington County Fire Department responding to more suspected COVID-19 cases. Medics were just dispatched to assist a 44-year-old woman with severe trouble breathing and other symptoms consistent with the disease.

May Could Be Worse Than April — “It could still be weeks before the worst of the coronavirus crisis hits Virginia. State officials are preparing for a surge in the number of people who test positive between late April and late May, Gov. Ralph Northam said Wednesday that analysis of the latest models shows. Northam told residents he was planning for the worst and hoping for the best.” [NBC 4]

Feature

Small Business Shoutout: Classic Cottages

By ARLnow.com

Published April 1, 2020 at 9:00PM | Updated April 22, 2020 at 2:01PM

ARLnow is continuing a series of articles to highlight the local businesses that advertise with us and help keep the community informed during these trying times.

Today we’re recognizing our sponsor Classic Cottages. The company, which focuses on Northern Virginia, will celebrate its 10th anniversary in June.

Around Town

Local Music and Dance Studio Goes Online-Only During Outbreak

By ARLnow.com

Published April 1, 2020 at 4:05PM

Editor’s note: In lieu of Chris Slatt’s Modern Mobility column today, ARLnow is running an edited version of a press release issued today by the small, Arlington-based business he and his wife run.

Perfect Pointe Music & Dance Studios, with locations in the Lee-Harrison Shopping Center in North Arlington and the Saratoga Shopping Center in Springfield/Fort Belvoir has acted quickly to respond to the needs of its community amidst COVID-19 closures and concerns, moving all of its over 250 weekly classes, lessons and rehearsals to an online platform, plus offering bonus content to keep students and families active and engaged while social distancing, and offering full scholarships to those whose finances have been adversely affected by the crisis.

News

Gas Leak Near Columbia Pike Shuts Down Portion of Walter Reed Drive

By ARLnow.com

Published April 1, 2020 at 2:50PM | Updated April 2, 2020 at 10:10PM

Road closed for gas leak along Walter Reed Drive

Update on 4/2/20 — The repairs were completed and the roadway is back open.

Update at 4:50 p.m. — Walter Reed Drive is now closed in both directions while crews work to stop the leak and repair the line.

Feature

Arlington Pet of the Week: Steven

By ARLnow.com

Published April 1, 2020 at 1:30PM

Arlington Pet of the Week Steven (photo courtesy of Melissa)

Arlington’s newest Pet of the Week is Steven, an igneous rock that was rescued from a gravel mine.

Here is what Steven’s owner had to say on his behalf:

Schools

Barrett Elementary Teachers Star in Music Video: “We’re Still Standing”

By ARLnow.com

Published April 1, 2020 at 12:30PM | Updated April 1, 2020 at 12:53PM

Virginia schools may be closed for the rest of the academic year, but Barrett Elementary staff members haven’t gone anywhere.

News

County Holding Twitter Town Hall As Part of ‘Census Day’ Push

By ARLnow.com

Published April 1, 2020 at 11:55AM

It’s Census Day and Arlington County will be holding a Twitter town hall as it encourages all residents to get counted.

Top local officials have been pushing for more Census participation, to help Arlington achieve greater congressional representation and receive more federal aid.

News

Reported Coronavirus Cases in Arlington Continue Upward Trajectory

By ARLnow.com

Published April 1, 2020 at 11:10AM | Updated September 23, 2020 at 11:10AM

With COVID-19, there’s a lag between when social distancing measures are put in place and when the pace of reported infections starts slowing down.

Arlington, it seems, has not yet hit the point at which the curve starts flattening.

Around Town

Clarendon’s Bracket Room Is Back Open for Takeout

By ARLnow.com

Published April 1, 2020 at 10:30AM

Bracket Room in Clarendon (photo via Facebook)

The death of Bracket Room in Clarendon, as announced by Bracket Room itself, was greatly exaggerated.

The briefly-closed sports bar is back open and offering takeout cuisine, according to a new Instagram post on Monday. The post comes less than a week after a now-deleted post announcing Bracket Room’s permanent closure amid the coronavirus outbreak.

News

Store Owner Goes on Fox News to Blast Decision to Charge Employee for Shooting

By ARLnow.com

Published April 1, 2020 at 9:45AM | Updated April 24, 2020 at 11:24AM

The owner of a local store went on Fox News’ Tucker Carlson Tonight last night to discuss the arrest of a store employee for shooting a would-be robber.

Jowan Zuber, owner of Arlington Smoke Shop in the Green Valley neighborhood, said 33-year-old Hamzeh Abushariah was sleeping in the store’s back office when he was awoken by loud noises. He encountered three masked suspects breaking in and fired three shots to scare them off, Zuber claimed.

News

Clarendon Trader Joe’s Closed After Employee Tests Positive for Coronavirus

By ARLnow.com

Published April 1, 2020 at 9:25AM | Updated September 23, 2020 at 11:10AM

Trader Joe's in Clarendon closed after employee tests positive for COVID-19 (photo courtesy Peter G.)

The ever-busy Trader Joe’s store in Clarendon was closed this morning, with a sign on the door saying an employee had tested positive for COVID-19.

The store is now closed for a thorough cleaning and restocking, according to the sign, after which it plans to reopen.