A U.K.-based quantum computing company is establishing a new U.S. headquarters in Arlington.
Phasecraft, which develops algorithms for quantum computers with a focus on industrial applications, plans to create 19 jobs in Ballston, Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s office announced in a press release today (Monday).
Becky Meiers speaks to County Board members (screenshot via Arlington County)
Boosters of a resurrected community radio station acknowledge they will have to build trust before establishing deep bonds with the county government.
Given the county government’s past experiences with Arlington Independent Media (AIM), “we know [a relationship] will take time to build,” Becky Meiers, who with Ted Schneider cofounded Radio Arlington, told the County Board.
Clouds and sun over Rosslyn and the 14th Street Bridge (staff photo)
Langston Blvd Project Approved — County Board members on Saturday voted 5-0 to permit razing of the former Air & Space Force Association building at 1501 Langston Blvd, replacing it with a residential project totaling 88 condominium units plus a ground-floor museum and underground parking. —Scott McCaffrey
FAA Clears Trump’s Arch — The Federal Aviation Administration has determined the proposed 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery poses no hazard to aircraft. Designers must add an “eternal flame” at the top and floodlights around the base to keep it visible to pilots. [Fox 5]
AI Tool Debuts at DCA — A new Federal Aviation Administration artificial intelligence system launches today at Reagan National, Dulles and BWI, crunching schedule and weather data to predict delays and recommend alternate routes. Officials said the tool, called SMART, will advise controllers rather than replace them. [NYT, Politico]
More Flock Talk Tuesday — County Board members at their Tuesday meeting will have a more robust discussion on last week’s decision to eliminate the county’s use of Flock cameras while also tackling the issue of license-plate readers generally, Board Chair Matt de Ferranti said over the weekend. “Your concern, I think, is fair and well-placed,” he said in response to those who turned up at Saturday’s board meeting to press for more restrictions on the future use of such surveillance equipment. —Scott McCaffrey
Collages Honor Black Neighborhoods — Artist Zane Killgo, a fifth-generation Arlingtonian, will present three oversize digital collages of Green Valley, Johnson’s Hill and Hall’s Hill on Thursday, Sept. 24 at the Langston Boulevard Alliance office. The free reception includes a panel discussion with residents of all three neighborhoods. [WTOP]
Kiwanis Honors Longtime Educator — Meg Tuccillo, who spent three decades with Arlington Public Schools including 17 years as assistant superintendent for administrative services, has received the Kiwanis Club of South Arlington’s Harro & Janie Wulf Legendary Service Award. Past honorees include former Rep. Jim Moran. [Kiwanis]
Human Chain at Kennedy Center — Thousands gathered outside the Kennedy Center on Friday evening to protest President Donald Trump’s plans for the building, at one point linking hands around it. A federal judge has ordered the center to give 30 days’ notice before any major physical changes, including demolition. [Associated Press, WTOP]
Community Service in Fatal Crash — A driver who jumped a curb on a Leesburg Pike service road near Seven Corners and killed Sean King, 38, in June left court Thursday after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor and completing 20 hours of community service. Fairfax County police said the driver was distracted. [NBC 4]
Beyer Blasts Press Ban — “Yes Trump’s ban on news media outlets is unconstitutional, illegal, un-American, and authoritarian, and yes it will be struck down in court,” Rep. Don Beyer (D) said of the president barring outlets from the White House. “It’s also extreme loser behavior.” [Rep. Don Beyer/X]
Blame the September Shock — D.C.-area traffic feels worse right now not because there are more cars, but because school and office schedules squeeze trips back into traditional rush hours, WTOP traffic expert Dave Dildine told Axios. Fall congestion also shifts inside the Beltway, including Arlington. [Axios]
Data Center Crackdown — Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed an executive order establishing what her office calls the nation’s most aggressive data center accountability framework, banning state nondisclosure agreements, ending by-right approvals for projects generating more than 25 megawatts and requiring the centers to pay a larger share of electric costs. [FFXnow, Washington Post]
It’s Monday — Mostly cloudy today with a high near 75 and a 40% chance of rain showers after noon. Northeast winds around 9 mph. Showers and thunderstorms move in overnight, with a low around 62 and a 90% chance of rain. [NWS]
Today’s Morning Notes are brought to you by Industrious. ARLnow has been in an Industrious office for years and we love the convenience — you get to focus on your work rather than worrying about brewing your own coffee or keeping the copy machine stocked. Industrious has several Metro-accessible coworking locations in Arlington.
A rendering of the proposed triumphal arch in Memorial Circle (via NPS)
President Donald Trump said Sunday that the massive arch he wants to build between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery would become a “top grade military complex” able to host drones and snipers while storing ammunition.
It is one more example of how Trump is insisting that his initiatives to beautify the White House and the city are also serving a defensive purpose. Trump has been calling the new White House ballroom a “military complex” and arguing it is necessary for national security purposes.
Police car at night (file photo courtesy Kevin Wolf)
A 31-year-old Arlington woman is behind bars after an unusual home break-in in the Cherrydale neighborhood last night.
Police received a 911 call just before 11 p.m. for a report of a woman wearing nothing but a bra and underwear shattering the back door of a house and going to its top floor. A man inside the home saw the woman expose herself, police said. Responding officers were told that he was sheltering inside with his wife and child.
Karen Foust receives the flag flown over the USS Arlington from Kevin Reardon and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. David Walt (photo courtesy USS Arlington Community Alliance)
The U.S. Navy recently honored the memory of Cpl. Barry Foust, an Arlington police officer who died from cancer related to his response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The USS Arlington, a San Antonio-class amphibious assault ship named in honor of the county’s response to the attack on the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, flew a U.S. flag over the ship in honor of Foust.
Thursday sunset over Arlington and the Potomac, as seen from the Wharf in D.C. (courtesy photo)
Arch Harms ‘Cannot Be Avoided’ — “Federal officials acknowledge that President Donald Trump’s planned triumphal arch will unavoidably harm historic sites if built as planned, but they say the project must move forward.” The Park Service wants local preservationists to sign an agreement on the Memorial Circle project by Monday. [Washington Post]
Drone Halts DCA Flights — “Airline pilots reported seeing a drone flying over the runway and taxiway of Reagan National Airport, prompting delays for travelers.” A traveler posted about a ground stop just after 8 p.m. Wednesday. [ABC News, Justin Wolffing/X]
Yellow Line Down This Weekend — “Metro announced Yellow Line service will be shut down Saturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20. That’s due to planned bridge and track rehabilitation, according to the transit agency.” No stations will close, and the shutdown repeats next weekend. [ALXnow]
Silver Status for EV Charging — Arlington received Silver designation from the national Charging Smart program for adopting policies that expand EV infrastructure. The county now has 51 Level 2 charging ports at nine locations. [Arlington County]
Judge Blocks Surprise Demolition — “A federal judge on Thursday ordered the Kennedy Center to provide 30 days’ notice before making any major physical changes to the building, including demolishing it as President Donald Trump has threatened.” The order followed photos of Trump examining a printout seemingly headed “Kennedy Center DEMOLISHED.” [Associated Press, Washington Post]
Anguish Over Kennedy Center — From arts critic Philip Kennicott: “Trump hasn’t just destroyed a building, or an arts center. He has dispersed a community… multiple communities who discovered each other every night, when the big modernist marble box came alive with lights, people, bustle and art.” [Washington Post]
Merger Sweetened for Virginia — Dominion Energy and NextEra, seeking approval to merge, have pledged 600 new jobs and a doubling of residential bill credits in Virginia. “Both companies share the mindset that data centers need to pay their own way,” NextEra CEO John Ketchum said. [FFXnow]
Top Democrat Blasts Data Centers — Virginia Senate President Pro Tem Louise Lucas (D) said she will push sweeping new regulations on data centers. “For God’s sake, this is unconscionable. I don’t know how we let it get this far out of hand,” Lucas said. [NBC 4]
Drought Watch Resumes — The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin restarted daily drought monitoring this week after river flows at Point of Rocks, Md., fell as low as 1,506 cubic feet per second, the lowest reading in more than a month. [Capital Weather]
It’s Friday — Expect partly sunny skies today with a high near 85 and a north wind around 8 mph. Tonight will be mostly cloudy with a low around 64. [NWS]
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The Metroway bus rapid transit line is operational in Arlington and Alexandria, the first of what regional officials hope will be an interconnected network of BRT routes (file photo by Matt Blitz)
A blueprint for an expanded network of bus rapid transit (BRT) in Northern Virginia includes three lines passing through Falls Church.
The city was the last stop on a three-month tour for Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) CEO Monica Backmon, where she has been explaining the BRT master plan and how area governments can support it.
Anti-ICE protesters at a recent demonstration in Courthouse (staff photo by Dan Egitto)
Anti-ICE protesters are planning a demonstration near the South Arlington home of a top federal official tomorrow (Saturday).
A vigil and procession taking aim at ICE tactics, federal immigration policy and the actions of Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, are expected to take place in Alcova Heights.