Author: ARLnow.com

Crash Families Fault Army — “The Army has avoided accountability and shirked oversight months after the deadly midair collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter in Washington, dozens of family members said in a letter to the Army’s top official, calling for action and greater transparency.” [Washington Post]

Va. Falls in CNBC Ranking — “Virginia, last year’s No. 1 state and a top three finisher in each of the last five years, slips to fourth place in 2025 — its worst showing since 2018 — and cedes the No. 1 spot to North Carolina. A major reason is a drop in the state’s Economy ranking, to No. 14 in 2025 from No. 11 last year.” [CNBC]

Dems Blast Falling Ranking — “Virginia used to be #1. But Trump’s attacks on the Federal government ravaged Virginia’s economy. Glenn Youngkin and Winsome Earle-Sears stood by cheering. These are the consequences.” [Arlington Democrats/X, Abigail Spanberger/X, Rep. Don Beyer/X]

Youngkin Blames CNBC — “Gov. Glenn Youngkin isn’t taking the demotion in stride. The Republican on Thursday blamed new methodology from CNBC this year that includes “a new subjective metric that mistakenly ascribes substantial risk to Virginia from the federal government’s presence in the Commonwealth,” Youngkin wrote on social media.” [WBJ, Gov. Glenn Youngkin/X]

Local GOP Club Leader Dies — “I write to you with a heavy heart to announce the untimely passing of Rebecca (Becky) Ault, Acting President of the Arlington Republican Women’s Club (ARWC), on the morning of Tuesday, July 1st.” [Arlington GOP]

New Metro Cars Coming — “Metro ordered 256 8000-Series railcars from @Hitachi Rail USA, with options for more to replace the 3000-Series. Pilot car delivery is now expected in June 2027. The design of the 8000-Series includes open gangways, digital displays, and more handholds! ADA compliance, improved seating, wider walkways, and multi-purpose areas are key.” [WMATA/X]

It’s Friday — Expect patchy fog until 9am, followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 89 with light, variable winds. There is a 30% chance of precipitation. For Friday night, showers and thunderstorms are possible mainly before 7pm, transitioning to partly cloudy skies and a Low around 73 with calm winds. [NWS]

Feds and Economists Worried — “The Supreme Court’s decision Tuesday to allow the Trump administration to continue with mass firings of federal workers could finally trigger the economic downturn economists and business leaders have been warning of since January. Higher rates of unemployment and an economic contraction are looking increasingly likely, economists say.” [WBJ, Washington Post, Associated Press]

Lightning Strikes Homes — “These storms [Wednesday evening] had lots of lightning. ACFD responded to at least two reports of homes damaged by lightning strikes: 100 block of S. Park Drive and 5400 block of 36th Road N.” [ARLnow/X]

Burglar Bares All — “At approximately 3:18 a.m. on July 9, police were dispatched to the report of a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, it was determined the reporting party located the male suspect inside their home allegedly exposing himself. Responding officers located the suspect at the scene and took him into custody without incident.” [ACPD]

Plaudits for Local Pizzeria — “One of the best pizzas in the country can be found in Virginia, according to the new 50 Top Pizza guide based on the findings of a team of inspectors who anonymously evaluate pizzerias around the world… According to their list, one of the best pizzas in the country can be found at A Modo Mio Pizzeria Napoletana & Bar, located at 5555 Langston Blvd.” [Patch]

Jazz Fest Announcement — “The Rosslyn Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with Arlington Arts, is excited to announce the dynamic lineup for the 2025 Rosslyn Jazz Fest, taking place on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 1–7 p.m. at Gateway Park (1300 Langston Blvd., Arlington, VA). Headlining this year’s festival is Grammy-nominated Southern Avenue, the high-voltage, Memphis-based group known for their electrifying blend of blues, soul, and gospel.” [Arlington County]

TR Bridge Work Nears — “Starts next week: The Theodore Roosevelt Bridge goes from four lanes to three eastbound through early next year as TR gets a rehab to soothe all that rough riding.” [Arlington DES/X]

It’s Thursday — Showers and thunderstorms are possible throughout much of the day. Otherwise, expect mostly cloudy skies, with a high temperature near 85 and a southwest wind at 3 to 5 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. Tonight, chances of showers and thunderstorms decrease before 11pm, with a light south wind and a low temperature around 72. [NWS]

Beyer Highlights Research Cuts — “Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) joined scientists from across the nation on Capitol Hill [on Tuesday] to showcase research that has been halted due to grant cancellations by the Trump administration.” [ALXnow]

Local Singles Turning to AI? — “Last year, Match reported that AI in dating was still in the early phases, with 6% of single daters using it in some capacity. This year, 18% of single Virginians have had a romantic AI companion. The number is even higher in D.C. (28%).” [Axios]

Adult Sites Slow to ID in Va. — “Virginia was among the first states to require age verification for adult sites, but an Axios review found progress has been slow. Of the top 57 active [adult video] sites listed… Only four asked Virginians for age verification with a government-issued ID, as the 2023 law mandates.” [Axios]

Another Flood Watch Today — “Numerous showers and thunderstorms capable of producing very heavy rainfall are expected again Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday evening. A Flood Watch has been issued for locations to the east of the Blue Ridge for Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday evening.” [NWS Baltimore-Washington/X]

It’s Wednesday — Expect showers and thunderstorms mainly after 4pm, with otherwise mostly sunny conditions and a high near 91. Wednesday night, showers and thunderstorms are likely. The night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 72, and a 60% chance of precipitation. [NWS]