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.
N. Glebe Road blocked by downed wires (staff photo by Vernon Miles)
A busy stretch of N. Glebe Road just north of Ballston was completely blocked Tuesday afternoon.
A moving van took down a utility pole and live wires near 15th Street N. just before 2 p.m. The road was closed in both directions while police and fire personnel awaited utility crews to start cleaning up the mess.
A family eating dinner and watching college baseball at the Whole Foods in Clarendon (courtesy George Brazier)
Arlington Home Sales Down — Arlington home sales dropped 9.5% year-over-year to 219 transactions in April, with pending sales also trending downward, according to figures from Bright MLS. The average per-square-foot sales price for properties that sold in Arlington last month was $521, down from $524 a year before. Year-to-date, the 673 sales countywide represent a decline of 5.9% from 715 for the same four-month period in 2024. –Scott McCaffrey
Burglar Knifes Resident — “The female victim was inside her residence when the female suspect, who is known to the victim, allegedly forced entry into her home and they became involved in a verbal dispute that escalated into a physical altercation. The victim asked the suspect to leave, and the suspect refused. The victim subsequently struck the suspect with a knife, resulting in a laceration. Responding officers located the suspect on scene and took her into custody.” [ACPD, Matthew Young/X]
Wrong-Way Driver Stopped — “Where’s a cop when you need one? In this case, an @ArlingtonVaPD
officer was right in front of the Fashion Centre in Pentagon City to intercept a driver going the wrong way on S. Hayes Street from 15th.” [Dave Statter/X]
Aggressive Driving on Langston Blvd — “Road rage? Someone was not happy along Langston Boulevard from George Mason to Glebe. This happened Friday evening just before 7:00. Dash-cam video sent to STATter911.” [Dave Statter/X]
It’s Tuesday — Expect showers and possible thunderstorms, with a high near 69°F, accompanied by southeast winds at 10-14 mph and gusts up to 24 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100%, with rainfall of three quarters to one inch. For Tuesday night, showers and potential thunderstorms continue, a low around 63°F, southeast winds at 9-14 mph, and gusts up to 23 mph. Precipitation remains at 100%, with an additional half to three-quarters of an inch of rainfall expected. [NWS]
Expect showers and possible thunderstorms after 5pm, with a high near 69°F, accompanied by southeast winds at 10-14 mph and gusts up to 24 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100%, with new rainfall of three quarters to one inch. For Tuesday night, showers and potential thunderstorms continue, a low around 63°F, southeast winds at 9-14 mph, and gusts up to 23 mph. Precipitation remains at 100%, with an additional half to three-quarters of an inch of rainfall expected. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” – Alan Kay
Thunderstorms and heavy rain in Westover in 2021 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Arlington County and areas west will be under a Flood Watch tomorrow.
The National Weather Service expects 2-4 inches of rain to fall Tuesday in Northern Virginia, potentially flooding “creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.”
Letters being moved at Gateway Park in Rosslyn (courtesy Elaine Furlow)
Mass for New Pope — “As Bishop of Arlington, I invite all the faithful to join me for a Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV, which will take place at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More on Monday, May 12 at 12:05PM. This Mass of Thanksgiving will also be available via livestream, for those unable to attend in person.” [Diocese of Arlington, Northern Virginia Magazine]
Arrests in Front of Mall — “Police with guns drawn in the driveway at the main entrance to the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City during this morning’s rush hour. Two people were cuffed and taken away by @ArlingtonVaPD. This started when an officer spotted the car. Early word is that it was stolen from Prince George’s County.” [Dave Statter/X]
Water Worries for Area — “Fairfax and Prince William counties have a backup supply in Occoquan Reservoir, and Montgomery and Prince George’s counties draw a large portion of their water from the Patuxent River. These reservoirs can — and do — release their water into the Potomac River during drought conditions. However, if the Potomac River were to become contaminated, there is no backup water supply for D.C., Arlington County and the City of Falls Church.” [WTOP]
Tariff Woes for Local Company — “Shares in Fluence are down more than 73% year to date. Its share price took a steep dive in February after Trump announced plans to hike steel and aluminum tariffs as well as reciprocal tariffs to match the tax rates other countries charge on imports… It went public later that year. It’s headquartered at 4601 Fairfax Drive in Ballston with 18 other offices worldwide.” [WBJ]
Remembering ‘Nature Boy’ — “What’s in a name? I enjoy walking along the wooded trail in the Zachary Taylor Nature Area (which runs from Military Road, up to the Marymount campus). On a recent stroll, passing the sign into the trail, I asked myself this question: why the heck is a nature area named for Zachary Taylor? … I hereby suggest that it would be wonderful to call it the Tom Richards Nature Area.” [FCNP]
Townhouse Proposal in F.C. — “A proposal to rezone the properties at 106 and 108 South Lee Street is currently under consideration by the City of Falls Church, and it’s generating significant discussion within the community… The core of Madison Homes’ proposal is to replace the two existing single-family detached dwellings with a twelve (12) unit townhome development.” [Falls Church Pulse, Falls Church Pulse]
It’s Monday — Expect mostly cloudy skies and a high near 76, accompanied by a south wind at 5 to 8 mph, and showers starting in the afternoon. For Monday night, showers are predicted with possible thunderstorms overnight. Low temperature will be around 64, and southeast wind around 7 mph. Precipitation likelihood rises to 90%. [NWS]
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Expect sunny skies and a high around 72 degrees with northwest winds at 10-13 mph, gusting up to 21 mph. For Saturday night, it will be partly cloudy with a low of approximately 56 degrees. The west wind at 5 mph will become calm during the evening. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” – Albert Einstein
We hope you have a great weekend, Arlington! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋
After a wet start to Friday, things are looking up for Mother’s Day weekend.
Meteorologist Jackie Layer of DC News Now breaks down the forecast specifically for Arlington — including vital info for your Mother’s Day brunch plans — in the video below. She also previews what might be a rainy stretch next week.
Warmer weather outside calls for a refreshing sweet treat. Whether you prefer it in a cone or a cup, ice cream shops across Arlington offer a variety of handmade, sugary confections.
Raindrops on flowers in Virginia Square (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Arlington Bishop on American Pope — From Bishop Michael F. Burbidge: “With profound gratitude to Almighty God, I join the universal Church in thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV. As the Bishop of Rome and Successor of Saint Peter, our Holy Father is for the entire world the visible principle of Christian unity. I encourage everyone in our families, parishes and schools to offer prayers, sacrifices, and works of charity for Pope Leo XIV and his intentions.” [Diocese of Arlington]
Car Fire on I-395 — “Units have extinguished a fully involved car fire on 395 north by exit 8A. Expect delays on 395 NB. Fire Marshals will be investigating the cause.” [ACFD/X]
Car Fire at Gravelly Point — “Units are on scene of a fully involved vehicle fire at gravely point. Expect a large fire department response and possible delays on GW pkwy. FM’s office will be investigating the cause.” [ACFD/X, ARLnow/X]
Tariffs Hit Roses — “Mother’s Day bouquet orders keep coming at Company Flowers in Arlington for their busiest holiday of the year. “Before the tariffs, Ecuador, which is where we get most of our roses, had a 6.8% tariff on all the roses, and now you add that 10% tariff to it, so you’re talking about a 16.8% tariff on roses coming out of Ecuador,” said Nicholson. Nicholson worries she will have to pass the higher costs onto consumers.” [DC News Now]
Beyer Watching Tariff Impact — “This morning I was in a hearing with small business owners, including Northern Virginians I represent, who were talking about the existential threat Trump’s tariffs pose to their businesses. Higher prices. Layoffs. The threat of closure.” [Rep. Don Beyer/X]
Cheap Eats Around Arlington — “Food costs are rising and economic conditions are tenuous, leaving many of us in a budget-conscious state of mind. But there’s more to life than eating in. Our restaurant critic hit up 10 casual eateries for terrific meals that come in around $25 or less.” [Arlington Magazine]
AI Recommends Arlington Cocktails — “For gazing at the Arlington skyline at Rooftop Recess, try an Aperol Spritz—light, bubbly, and perfect for a warm May evening. A classic Margarita, on the rocks or frozen, would also suit the vibe.” [Grok/X]
Tesla Protest This Saturday — “As millions of families around the country prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day, Tesla Takedown will shine a spotlight on DOGE’s war on mothers and children. Since February, Elon Musk and his so-called Department of Government Efficiency have slashed billions in funding for pregnant and nursing mothers and their children.” [Action Network]
LGBT Priorities in Budget — “Equality Arlington, an LGBTQ+ advocacy nonprofit, applauds the Arlington County Board for reaffirming its commitment to LGBTQ+ residents through key investments in public health and fair housing protections in the FY 2026 budget.” [Press Release]
It’s Friday — Expect showers and possibly a thunderstorm through early evening. The day will otherwise be cool and mostly cloudy with a high near 64, accompanied by a northwest wind at 6-10 mph. There is a 70% chance of precipitation. Mostly clear skies are on tap for Friday night, with a low around 50, and northwest wind around 9 mph. [NWS]
Expect showers, possibly a thunderstorm before 2pm, followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. The day will be mostly cloudy with a high near 64, accompanied by a northwest wind at 6-10 mph. Precipitation is 70% likely, with rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch and higher amounts in thunderstorms. Friday night brings a chance of showers up until 8pm, then mostly clear skies with a low around 50, and northwest wind around 9 mph. There is a 30% chance of precipitation. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Don’t count the days, make the days count.” – Muhammad Ali
Address:3929 Vacation Lane Neighborhood: Lee Heights Type: 3 BR, 3 (+1 half) BA single-family detached – 3400 sq. ft. Listed: $1,725,000
Noteworthy: Large brick home in Taylor/Dorothy Hamm/Yorktown school pyramid
Abundant light and expansive space in this classic Arlington home with a patio off the family room and second private patio set among trees. Living room has high ceilings, tall windows and flows into the dining room that accommodates large gatherings. The kitchen offers abundant light wood cabinets, walk-in pantry, granite tops, and gas cooking. A gas fireplace anchors the family room and doors lead to yard.
Upstairs, the primary suite has a sitting area with gas fireplace flanked by built-ins, two walk-in closets, and double vanity and soaking tub in bathroom. Two more bedrooms, hall bathroom, and laundry room complete the upper level. The lower level features a big rec room with area for media, play, and workouts. With a full bathroom on this level, the large den can be used as a fourth bedroom by expanding the window for egress. A walk-in closet is in place. A mudroom opens to the oversized two-car garage.
Near Cherrydale library, shops, groceries, and restaurants along Langston Blvd, and the Lee Heights Shops. Easy commute to Washington, government, business, military centers, and National Airport. Reverse commute to Tysons, Dulles Airport, and tech corridor. A home in pristine move-in condition for those who value condition, space, and tranquility.