All Metrobus routes are getting new names, some routes are changing and 19 bus stops will be eliminated this weekend in Arlington.
The redesign, dubbed the Better Bus Network, is part of the regional bus system’s first overhaul in 50 years. It aims to bring “more frequent, consistent bus service [and] enhance access across the region,” according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
By TIFFANY STANLEY Associated Press
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — They are a day away from becoming Catholic priests, rehearsing for their ordination Mass under the gothic cathedral’s arches.
Arlington’s top elected official is embracing a this-too-shall-pass view of the impacts of Trump-era government cuts on the local community.
“We will weather this storm and come out stronger,” County Board Chair Takis Karantonis said at the annual Arlington Chamber of Commerce “State of the County” event yesterday (Thursday).
Rep. Don Beyer is pursuing another term in office, promising to keep fighting “abuses of power” while his party plots strategies to take back Congress.
The Democrat representing Virginia’s 8th Congressional District, which includes all of Arlington, acknowledged to ARLnow that his party has struggled to resist dramatic policy changes under President Donald Trump while Republicans control the legislature.
Date Set for Library Wedding — “On Valentine’s Day, Arlington Public Library selected a local couple to win a free wedding—announced in a special video by Bridgerton author Julia Quinn. This summer, wedding bells will chime for Katie and Vincent on Sat., July 12, 2025. The whole community is invited to “share the love” and bear witness to their wedding ceremony.” [Arlington County]
History of Arlington Protests — “We certainly have had many citizens crossing the Potomac River to take part in protests, dating back at least as far as the suffragist fight for voting rights over 100 years ago. One of our most remarkable citizens was Mary Morris Hall Lockwood, who was arrested for picketing the White House in 1917. She became the founding organizer of the Arlington Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1920.” [FCNP]
Pride With the Police — “We value every opportunity like this one to connect with our LGBTQ+ neighbors and reaffirm our commitment to fostering a community where everyone feels safe, seen and respected. We’d also like to give a special shoutout to our public safety and community partners for joining us this evening and showing their unwavering support! Happy Pride!” [ACPD/X]
It’s Friday — Showers and thunderstorms are expected mainly after 1pm, accompanied by mostly cloudy skies and a high near 81. An east wind will blow around 8 mph, with a 40% chance of precipitation. For Friday night, showers and thunderstorms are likely before 8pm, with lows around 71 and an east wind of 3 to 7 mph. The chance of precipitation increases to 60%. [NWS]
Arlington County staff hope to leverage strengths in the county’s location and workforce as advances in AI bring shake-ups to the nature of work.
Despite recent forecasts that AI will lead to corporate layoffs at Amazon in coming years, Ryan Touhill, director of Arlington Economic Development, told ARLnow that he believes the county has the potential to come out on top amid rapid technological changes.
Immigration officers say they have arrested an undocumented man previously convicted of killing a pedestrian with his car just south of Arlington.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced yesterday (Wednesday) that it had detained Alvaro Alejandro Pacheco Ramos, described by ICE as “an illegally present Salvadoran alien.”
Some of Arlington’s non-Democrat candidates for County Board see potential opportunities in the county’s ranked-choice voting system this November.
But so does incumbent County Board Chair Takis Karantonis.
More Phone Rules at High Schools — “Starting this fall, Arlington Public Schools is expanding the pouch program to more high school campuses. Wakefield, Washington-Liberty, Yorktown, H-B Woodlawn and the Arlington Career Center will use the storage program, the division announced. Langston and Arlington Community High School will adopt a ‘limited-use model.'” [WTOP]
Water Main Break on Wednesday — “Crews are repairing an 8-inch water main break at S Walter Reed Dr between S Wakefield St & Leesburg Pike (Rt. 7). The NB lanes are closed, with traffic being detoured.” [Arlington DES/X]
Crash on Williamsburg Blvd — “An SUV has been driven into the drainage median along Williamsburg Blvd near Old Dominion Drive. ACPD and ACFD on the scene.” [ARLnow/Bluesky]
Layoffs at Crystal City Contractor — “The Nakupuna Cos., a group of Native Hawaiian Organization-owned entities of varying sizes, is laying off 103 employees in its Arlington office after one of its federal customers declined to renew a contract task order… The layoffs are effective June 30.” [WBJ]
HUD Moving to Alexandria — “The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will relocate its headquarters to the National Science Foundation (NSF) building in Alexandria, displacing approximately 1,800 NSF employees over the next two years, officials announced Wednesday.” [ALXnow]
NSF Looking for New Home — “Michael Peters, the GSA’s commissioner of the Public Buildings Service, said Wednesday the GSA is still working to find a solution for NSF, but if he were a “betting man,” the agency would land in Virginia. That opens the door to other jurisdictions to make a play, including Arlington and Fairfax counties, both of which have copious amounts of empty offices to fill.” [WBJ]
Lease Renewal in Courthouse — “Carr Properties, a leading owner, operator, and developer of premium quality office and residential properties, today announced that the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, the national trade association representing the HVACR and water heating industry, has signed an early 12-year lease renewal at 2311 Wilson in Arlington.” [Press Release]
Retiring Feds Selling Homes — “D.C. saw a higher share of retired sellers this spring compared to the mid-Atlantic region at large. 15% of Washington’s spring home sales were due to the seller retiring, compared to less than 10% across the mid-Atlantic, per Bright MLS. And a chunk of these sellers were former feds with paid-off homes and higher paychecks, allowing them to list their digs and leave the area.” [Axios]
Police Tout Nightlife Patrols — “Over the past 10 years, the Arlington County Police Department’s weekend Clarendon Nightlife Detail has played a vital role in maintaining public safety for patrons, residents and businesses alike.” [ACPD/X]
It’s Thursday — Expect mostly sunny skies, then showers and thunderstorms later in the day, with a high near 96, and heat index values up to 106. Winds will become south around 5 mph in the afternoon, and there’s a 60% chance of precipitation. Thursday night, showers and thunderstorms are likely, with a low around 72 and east winds around 5 mph. [NWS]
The Arlington County Board has once again pushed back the deadline for a Rosslyn development project by three years.
The Board last week unanimously approved a three-year extension of development plans at Penzance’s One Rosslyn site, which date back to 2012.
Barring an appeal from one candidate who failed to qualify, Arlington’s County Board field for November is set at five.
County election officials have confirmed to ARLnow that a prospective sixth candidate narrowly missed meeting the 125-signature threshold for ballot access.
Arlington’s Missing Middle zoning ordinance is back on the books, at least for the time being, following a ruling in the Virginia Court of Appeals.
In the latest development in the dramatic legal battle over the county’s Expanded Housing Options (EHO), three appeals court judges issued a ruling yesterday (Tuesday) that reverses a circuit court decision declaring the zoning change void.
