Author: Dan Egitto

Dan Egitto is an editor and reporter at ARLnow. Originally from Central Florida, he graduated from Duke University and previously reported at the Palatka Daily News in Florida and the Vallejo Times-Herald in California. Dan joined ARLnow in January 2024.

News

Long Bridge project breaks ground, promising smoother rail commutes over Potomac

By Dan Egitto
Rep. Abigail Spanberger (left), Rep. Gerry Connolly, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Tim Kaine break ground on Long Bridge VPRA project (staff photo by James Jarvis)

A groundbreaking ceremony for a new two-track railroad bridge over the Potomac River took place yesterday (Tuesday) with several federal officials in attendance.

Attending the formal construction kickoff for the Long Bridge Project — part of a $729 million effort to reduce bottlenecks and improve reliability for commuters — were U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and other Northern Virginia congressional representatives.

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News

Recent pedestrian crashes on Langston Blvd underscore years of concerns

By Dan Egitto
"See me" flags at the intersection of Langston Blvd and John Marshall Drive in October 2024 (staff photo by Dan Egitto)

Two recent crashes involving pedestrians have underlined longstanding concerns about traffic safety along Langston Blvd.

Both incidents — one involving a teenager and one involving a garbage truck that reportedly knocked a man unconscious — occurred along a 0.7-mile stretch of the highway that lacks traffic signals.

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News

New restorative justice program for survivors of abuse launches in Arlington

By Dan Egitto
Doorways' new Community Services Center in Ballston Tower (staff photo by Dan Egitto)

A new restorative justice program is focusing on the needs of people who have suffered domestic and sexual violence in Arlington.

The pilot initiative, launched by the nonprofits Restorative Arlington and Doorways through a $1.5 million federal grant, offers more pathways to justice for survivors of intimate partner violence, stalking and dating violence.

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News

Jennie Dean Park expansion plan calls for another tennis court and more green space

By Dan Egitto
Renderings of the proposed expansion to Jennie Dean Park (via Arlington County/YouTube)

A second tennis court, a new lawn and additional greenery are all included in Arlington’s latest plans for improvements to Jennie Dean Park.

Respondents have until Thursday, Oct. 31 to submit feedback on the expansion proposal, which follows a $15.5 million renovation of the 80-year-old Green Valley park in 2022.

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News

Police union: Crime is up in Arlington and officers are being attacked

By Dan Egitto
Police response to theft and shot fired on N. Vermont Street near Ballston (staff photo)

Arlington’s police union is calling for better pay following increases in some violent crimes and two incidents where suspects allegedly fought police.

As of last week, the Arlington County Police Department has 61 vacancies or a 16.2% vacancy rate, Randall Mason, president of the Arlington Coalition of Police, told ARLnow.

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Around Town

#FlakeNews: Snowplow naming contest kicks off in Arlington

By Dan Egitto
Plows clearing snow on Cherry Hill Road (staff photo by James Jarvis)

From “Snowy-Wan Kenobi” to “#FlakeNews,” Arlington is seeking suggestions on whimsical names for this year’s fleet of snowplows.

Members of the public have until Monday, Oct. 21 to submit “the most clever and pun-filled (yet appropriate) names” for the plows that will clear the county’s streets in the event of at least two inches of snowfall.

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News

Demolition begins on old Harris Teeter as Ballston redevelopment project advances

By Dan Egitto
Demolition of the former Harris Teeter at 600 N. Glebe Road (staff photo by Dan Egitto)

Demolition has begun on the former Harris Teeter at 600 N. Glebe Road in Ballston.

The grocery store that relocated across the street this spring is now in the process of getting converted into temporary surface parking, Mary Senn, vice president of Southeastern Development Associates, confirmed.

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News

New Gateway Park design released, with bigger dog parks and more trees

By Dan Egitto
The proposed new design for Gateway Park in Rosslyn (via Arlington County/YouTube)

Arlington has released the final design for a proposed overhaul of Gateway Park, featuring expanded dog parks, more tree cover and a new bridge.

Other elements include two play areas, “social groves” surrounded by natural landscaping and a large lawn with an event pavilion.

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News

DCA pedestrian bridge and road upgrades get go-ahead from Park Service

By Dan Egitto
The departures lanes at Reagan National Airport (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Two major transportation upgrades at Reagan National Airport have gotten the greenlight from the National Park Service.

The agency gave its blessing to a planned pedestrian bridge connecting Crystal City to the airport as well as proposed improvements to the airport’s roads.

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News

Bias, deepfakes and “Skynet”-style risks are among Beyer’s AI priorities

By Dan Egitto
U.S. Rep. Don Beyer discusses Congress's AI task force at the Embassy of France (staff photo by Dan Egitto)

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer sees a vast potential for AI to transform society for the better — and also a slight chance it could doom us all.

The wide-ranging implications of ongoing advances in AI — and the recent efforts of a bipartisan AI task force of which Beyer (D-Va.) is a member — were the topic of a keynote presentation the congressman delivered Thursday.

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News

JUST IN: Man sentenced to life in prison for 2023 Va. Square murder

By Dan Egitto
Police response to homicide and convicted murderer Alimamy Fornah (photos via Dave Statter/Twitter and Arlington County Sheriff's Office)

A man was sentenced to life in prison today (Thursday) for the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend in a Virginia Square apartment building.

Alimamy Fornah was convicted earlier this year for the first-degree murder of Shontae Crawford, following a three-day trial and one day of jury deliberations.

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Schools

Arlington Public Schools ranked No. 2 best school district in Virginia

By Dan Egitto
Yorktown High School (staff photo)

The best public schools in Virginia are in Arlington and Falls Church, according to new 2025 rankings.

Arlington Public Schools rank No. 2, right behind Falls Church City Public Schools at No. 1, the education research firm Niche found. Only one other school district in the state received an overall A+ rating.

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