Author: Jared Serre

Jared Serre covers local business, public safety and breaking news across Local News Now's websites. Originally from Northeast Ohio, he is a graduate of West Virginia University. He previously worked with Law360 before joining LNN in May 2024.

Schools

Yorktown crowned state champs in girls lacrosse

By Jared Serre
The 2024 Yorktown High School state champion girls lacrosse team (via @yhssports/Twitter)

After narrowly missing out on an undefeated season, the Yorktown High School girls lacrosse team can claim a higher title: state champions.

The team defeated Fairfax County’s Robinson Secondary School in Richmond on Saturday, earning the school’s second title in three seasons.

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Around Town

UPDATED: Van Leeuwen ice cream shop set to open in Crystal City

By Jared Serre
The exterior of Van Leeuwen in Crystal City (staff photo by Jared Serre)

Update on 6/10/24 — Van Leeuwen will open on Tuesday, June 11, after all, a PR rep says. The shop will offer $1 scoops from 3-5 p.m. as originally planned

Earlier: Popular New York-based ice cream parlor chain Van Leeuwen is expected to open its doors soon in Crystal City.

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News

BREAKING: Man killed in Arlington house explosion likely caused the blast himself, authorities say

By Dan Egitto and Jared Serre
Dashcam video of house explosion (via Arlington County/YouTube)

An Arlington man likely caused the explosion that killed him and leveled his house during a standoff with police in December, authorities have concluded.

James Yoo, 56, appears to have poured gasoline throughout the basement where the blast — which engulfed the house in a fireball, hurled debris for three blocks and could be heard and felt for miles around — originated. Investigators concluded that Yoo himself likely sparked the blast by striking an ignition source such as a match, lighter, flare or gun.

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Around Town

Mediterranean restaurant opens at former Bar Ivy space in Clarendon

By Jared Serre
Some of the food offerings at Layli (courtesy of Albert Ting)

Clarendon’s newest spot for Mediterranean cuisine is now serving diners.

Láylí Mediterranean opened its doors on Thursday at 3033 Wilson Blvd — the former site of Bar Ivy, which closed last year.

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Events

Music series among new summer events at GMU’s Virginia Square campus

By Jared Serre
Mason Square Plaza after revamping (Staff photo by Savannah Taffe)

It will be a busy summer at George Mason University’s Virginia Square campus.

Joining the slate of events held at The Plaza at Mason Square — located at 3351 Fairfax Drive — this year is an outdoor music series, as well as a reading series and weekly tai chi.

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Around Town

Here’s an updated list of new restaurants expected to open in Arlington

By Jared Serre
Bobby Lee and Cindy Mascia hold a sign announcing return of Mister Days in Clarendon (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Arlington’s food scene never stops evolving.

In recent weeks and months, plans have been made to not only revive a once-popular local watering hole but also to welcome new outposts of some national and local restaurant groups.

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Around Town

Family influence helps to drive success at Green Valley soul food spot

By Jared Serre
First Impression in Green Valley (staff photo by Jared Serre)

Being in the kitchen is in Aaron Green’s blood.

Green’s grandfather once ran a carry-out in Arlington, so it’s no surprise to see Green behind one of his own. That family pedigree is the foundation for First Impression Soul & Seafood, which Green opened last year in Arlington’s Green Valley neighborhood.

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Events

‘Meat In The Street’ event in Shirlington to feature Taco Bamba, ChiKo chefs

By Jared Serre
ChiKo chef Scott Drewno and Taco Bamba chef Victor Albisu (courtesy LeadingDC)

Two local chefs will compare “giant meat sticks” this weekend.

Chefs from ChiKo and Taco Bamba will battle in a “fried faceoff” to determine whose oversized eggroll reigns supreme. The event, dubbed “Meat in the Street,” will be held at The Village at Shirlington during the day on Sunday, June 9.

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Around Town

‘New Mexico style’ restaurant to open in Virginia Square

By Jared Serre
The future home of Anita's in Virginia Square (staff photo by Jared Serre)

A local chain of New Mexico-inspired restaurants has set its sights on Arlington.

Anita’s, which has served New Mexican cuisine across Northern Virginia for nearly 50 years, intends to open a fast-casual location in Virginia Square later this year, Vice President of Operations Tommy Tellez told ARLnow.

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News

Gun buyback planned this weekend for Arlington, Falls Church residents

By Jared Serre
A handgun (Photo by Thomas Tucker on Unsplash)

Local residents will be able to receive upwards of $250 in gift cards as part of a gun buyback this weekend.

The drive-thru event, held at Arlington Assembly of God church at 4501 N. Pershing Drive in Buckingham, will run from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday, June 8.

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News

Arlington woman warning others after being targeted by realistic-sounding fraud

By Jared Serre
A woman on her phone (Photo by Chad Madden on Unsplash)

Her daughter had been in a car accident, and the situation was much worse than a simple fender bender. At least, that’s what the mother was led to believe.

“All I knew is that she was potentially in a serious amount of trouble,” the mother said.

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