A stricter policy on banning riders from the Metro system has some leaders optimistic about better safety in Northern Virginia.
Beginning June 2, the policy will allow the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to impose longer bans on people arrested for sex crimes or assaults on Metro employees and customers.
Recently constructed apartments in Arlington are among the smallest in the country — and they’ve been getting smaller over time, a new report finds.
The average new Arlington apartment has shrunk by 70 square feet over the past decade, according to data from the real estate site RentCafe. At an average of 809 square feet, the county’s apartments rank as the 20th smallest out of 100 U.S. localities analyzed.
Animal-loving filmmakers have tales to tell at a pair of upcoming dog- and cat-themed film festivals on Columbia Pike.
The 2025 New York Cat & Dog Film Festivals are coming to the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse at 2903 Columbia Pike. It’s a two-night event on Tuesday, May 6 and Wednesday, May 7 “celebrating the love, charm, and companionship of our feline and canine friends.”
Add another type of gold medal to Torri Huske’s swimming accomplishments.
The Arlington resident and 2021 Yorktown High School graduate recently won her initial individual first-place medal in the NCAA women’s national championships in this year’s Division I meet.
County Unemployment Rate Up — Arlington’s jobless rate was 2.7% in February, according to new Virginia Employment Commission data. That’s up from 2.5% in January and 2.1% a year before. In February, Arlington had 150,037 employed in the civilian workforce. The number looking for jobs was 4,189, an increase from 3,814 a month before and 3,413 a year ago. –Scott McCaffrey
Violent Bike Theft Near Rosslyn — “The juvenile male victim was outside on his bike when he was assaulted by four known juvenile suspects. Following the assault, two suspects stole the victim’s bike and subsequently fled the scene. The victim sustained serious, non-life threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital and subsequently released following medical treatment. During the course of the investigation, officers identified the four juvenile male suspects in their teens and obtained petitions.” [ACPD]
Another Rainy I-395 Crash — “It happened again: When it rains, watch out for I-395S near the Arlington Ridge Rd overpass. The latest crash at this spot was around 11:45. There have been so many crashes there on wet roads I am convinced there’s standing water or something else going on with the left side of the road at that point.” [Dave Statter/X]
It’s Monday — Expect a mostly cloudy day with temperatures reaching near 69°F, and a calm wind turning south at 5-7 mph in the morning. Monday night will likely bring showers and possibly a thunderstorm, with a low temperature around 58°F. There is a 60% chance of precipitation at night. [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.
Flickr pool photo by ksrjghkegkdhgkk
A former Arlington School Board member has published a new memoir about her work in education, politics and activism.
“Dreams and Shadows: An Immigrant’s Journey” recounts Emma Violand-Sánchez’s extensive career in Arlington Public Schools after traveling from Bolivia to the United States. From reliving the loss of her first husband to exploring her advocacy for immigrant students in Arlington, the 336-page book, co-written with David Bearinger, is full of both triumph and tragedy.
The Columbia Pike Partnership has a new look meant to reflect leaders’ goals for economic growth and cultural vibrancy on the South Arlington road.
The new logo, consisting of a stylized rendition of the words “The Pike,” includes nods to several elements that organizers hope will steer the highway’s future.
A former coach accused of sexually assaulting one of his players at Washington-Liberty High School may avoid any jail time.
George Porcha, 54, was recently acquitted of two sex crime charges involving a former girls basketball player about 25 years ago. He still faces other charges, including carnal knowledge of a 13 to 15-year-old, for alleged acts involving a second player.
One of the safest neighborhoods in Arlington is getting additional security patrols for the next few months.
The Rosslyn BID is deploying new personnel to conduct patrols, support law enforcement and otherwise assist local residents and visitors.
The Arlington Historical Society Museum is preparing to reopen after months of renovation and restoration work.
The museum at 1805 S. Arlington Ridge Road, which closed last summer for repairs, is hosting a grand reopening event on Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Another DCA Aircraft Incident — “More than half a dozen members of Congress from the New York metro area were ushered off a flight Thursday after another plane clipped its wing while taxiing at Washington Reagan National Airport.” [Axios, NBC 4]
Home Sales Flat in March — Arlington home sales in March totaled 171, down from 176 a year before, according to new data from Bright MLS. Average sales prices were $1,481,119 for single-family homes (up 9.3%), $559,030 for townhouses (down 11.4%) and $491,149 for condominiums (down 17.3%). –Scott McCaffrey
Booze Burgled in Shirlington — “On April 9, police were dispatched to the late report of a larceny. It was reported during the early morning hours of March 28 and March 30, two suspects made entry into the closed business, stole bottles of alcohol and subsequently fled the scene.” [ACPD]
Sheriff’s Office Taps Medical Director — The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office has named Dr. Richard Malish, M.D., as its first chief medical director. Malish earned his medical degree degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Science, and served 30 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a colonel. [ACSO]
Arcades in Arlington — “Looking for fun and games, and maybe a good dose of nostalgia? Gather some friends or pack up the kids and visit these area restaurants, bars and game parlors for old-school pinball, vintage video games, ping pong, billiards, Skee-Ball and more.” [Arlington Magazine]
Regional Cooperation Sought — “Regional leaders seem to agree that they must cooperate and coordinate in an effort to blunt impacts of Trump administration’s gutting of the federal workforce. But that may not be so simple in a region where jurisdictions across the D.C. metropolitan area typically have competed, rather than collaborated, to achieve economic development goals.” [FFXnow]
It’s Friday — Expect showers with a high near 54, a northeast wind of 8 to 10 mph, and a 90% chance of precipitation bringing three quarters to one inch of rain. Friday night will also have showers, a low around 44, a north wind of 11 mph with gusts up to 21 mph, and a 100% chance of precipitation with half to three quarters of an inch of rain possible. [NWS]
Arlington County’s meals tax is increasing but property taxes are staying the same following a unanimous County Board vote last night (Wednesday).
Starting July 1, the county’s meals tax is increasing from 4% to 5% — the first time the rate has gone up since its inception in 1991. The increase, expected to bring in about $13.3 million in the coming fiscal year, comes despite the protests of some local restaurant owners and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.
