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.
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.
Signs posted on a light pole along Washington Blvd in Ballston (staff photo)
Fundraiser for Firefighter — “On May 5, 2025, we lost Firefighter Lloyd Edwards a dear friend, brother and overall great person. To know Lloyd was to know a gentle and kind soul. He leaves behind to grieve, his family, fitness community, and fire service family… Now it’s our turn to show up for him.” [GoFundMe]
Small Earthquake Felt Locally — “A magnitude 3.0 earthquake rattled the Farmville area Tuesday afternoon, with people as far away as Leesburg, Culpeper and Arlington reporting they felt it, too, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake occurred at 1:08 p.m. in Buckingham County, about 12 miles from Farmville and about 40 miles from Charlottesville.” [InsideNoVa/WTOP]
Big New Office Tenant — “Jamestown, a design-focused real estate investment and management firm, today announced Gilbane Building, one of the largest privately owned construction companies in the world, signed a lease for a 27,000-square-foot office at Ballston Exchange, a mixed-use retail, dining, and office development in Arlington’s Ballston neighborhood.” [Press Release]
Fentanyl Supplier Sentenced — “A Maryland man was sentenced today to seven years in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents, Mamud Sesay, 36, of Bowie, was a source of supply for fentanyl… On November 27, 2023, Sesay met Mosby and distributed the pills to him. Mosby redistributed the pills in Arlington County later that day.” [Press Release]
Pentagon City Crash on Camera — “Another one at Army Navy, S. Hayes and the I-395 ramp in Pentagon City, VA. There is a very lucky motorcyclist in the video who then stopped to help. Make note of the car making the left turn. It didn’t come from the only left turn lane on that ramp. The red car was in the left turn lane. That’s a common issue.” [Dave Statter/X]
Ruling in Khan Suri Case — “A federal judge has ruled that Dr. Badar Khan Suri’s habeas case will stay in Virginia. The case, which alleges violations of his constitutional rights, will be heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.” [ALXnow]
Today is VE Day — An local event is planned tonight: “The Arlington Sister City Association (ASCA) presents an engaging educational panel discussion on Victory Day in Europe. Panelists will highlight the role that our sister cities of Aachen, Germany; Reims, France; and, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine played at this significant moment in world history.” [Event Calendar]
New Marymount Provost — “Since stepping into the role of Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs in February, Dr. Pamela Slaven-Lee has wasted no time charting a strategic path forward… Under her leadership, Marymount has also launched new academic offerings such as its Master of Social Work degree, increased both research grant submissions and external grant funding by 10 percent and is trending toward an increase in first-year student retention.” [Marymount University]
It’s Thursday — Expect partly sunny skies and a high near 78 with calm winds turning southeast at 5 mph. Showers are possible after 2pm, with a 50% chance of precipitation. Thursday night brings likely showers and a potential thunderstorm, with otherwise mostly cloudy skies, a low around 58, and a northeast wind at 3-6 mph. Precipitation probability is 70%. [NWS]
Expect showers after 2pm, partly sunny skies, and a high near 78 with calm winds turning southeast at 5 mph; there’s a 50% chance of precipitation. Thursday night brings likely showers and a potential thunderstorm before 2am, followed by a chance of showers and storms later, mostly cloudy skies, a low around 58, and a northeast wind at 3-6 mph. Precipitation probability is 70%, with new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch possible. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Address:507 S Adams St Neighborhood: Penrose Type: 5 BR, 5 (+1 half) BA single-family detached – 4363 sq. ft. Listed: $2,600,000
Noteworthy: Modern Elegance in the Heart of Penrose – A Custom Masterpiece by William Andrew
Welcome to your dream home—where bold modern architecture meets the warmth of timeless design in one of Arlington’s most cherished neighborhoods. Set on a beautifully landscaped corner lot in the vibrant and close-knit Penrose community, this brand-new custom residence offers a harmonious blend of luxury, comfort, and sophistication. Designed to impress from the very first glance, the home’s striking exterior features a bold black metal roof, crisp white façade, natural wood accents, and dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interior with light.
Inside, a thoughtfully crafted open-concept layout spans multiple levels, creating spaces that are both cozy for everyday living and expansive for effortless entertaining. Elegant details abound—from hardwood floors and designer lighting to refined architectural touches that elevate every corner. The heart of the home is a chef-worthy kitchen outfitted with premium Thermador appliances, custom cabinetry, and a show-stopping oversized island. Enjoy peaceful mornings on your private primary suite balcony or unwind in the lush, landscaped yard—with Penrose Park just beyond your back gate. This seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living enhances the overall sense of tranquility and flow throughout the home.
Tucked into a charming neighborhood with tree-lined streets, this location offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful residential setting with easy access to Clarendon, Columbia Pike, local parks, restaurants, and more. Located within the Penrose Historic District, a neighborhood celebrated for its character and strong community spirit, this home offers not just a beautiful space—but a lifestyle rooted in connection and charm.
FBI on scene of standoff in Old Glebe neighborhood (staff photo)
A large contingent of FBI personnel and unmarked vehicles have blocked off a street in an otherwise quiet north Arlington neighborhood.
An armed standoff involving someone inside a house on the 3600 block of N. Abingdon Street, in the Old Glebe neighborhood, started early Wednesday morning.
Boundary stone in Benjamin Banneker Park on the Arlington-Falls Church border (staff photo)
ACFD Firefighter Remembered — “The Arlington County Fire Department is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Firefighter Lloyd Edwards, who died May 5, 2025. Firefighter Edwards joined the department on 11/18/2002 as a member of Recruit Class 58. Throughout his career, he served with dedication and distinction, most recently assigned to Fire Station 4 in Clarendon.” [ACFD/Facebook]
Video of Machete Arrest — “This is video of a man being arrested who police say had a machete at N. Kirkwood Road and Washington Blvd. on Sunday. According to @ArlingtonVaPD, people had seen him and the machete inside a nearby apartment building.” [Dave Statter/X]
ACPD Preps for Police Week — “Ahead of #PoliceWeek, members of ACPD’s Honor Guard proudly attended the 31st annual Blue Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral to honor those who have died in the line of duty while praying for the continued protection of police officers and first responders.” [ACPD/Facebook]
Beyer Blasts Pentagon Flights — “This is ridiculous, the Secretary of Transportation shouldn’t have to go on FoxNews to get answers from @SecDef about a safety issue at our airports when we just lost 67 people in a collision in January. My constituents need @DeptofDefense to fix this immediately.” [Rep. Don Beyer/X]
It’s Wednesday — Expect mostly sunny skies and a high temperature near 76 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind at 6 to 9 mph. Moving into Wednesday night, the skies will turn partly cloudy and the temperature will drop to around 59 degrees, with calm winds. [NWS]
The Arlington County Fire Department responds to a call in Shirlington in Oct. 2019 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
A house fire in Westover sent one person to the hospital Thursday night.
The blaze was reported around 7:30 p.m., in the basement of a home on the 5900 block of 16th Street N., about two blocks away from Westover’s shops and restaurants.
Expect mostly sunny skies and a high temperature near 76 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind at 6 to 9 mph. Moving into Wednesday night, the skies will turn partly cloudy and the temperature will drop to around 59 degrees, with calm winds. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Confucius