News

Runways Reopened at DCA — “Two runways were reopened at Reagan National Airport and a section of the Potomac River was restored Tuesday following a deadly midair collision last month, according to officials… In addition to the reopening of Runways 4/22 and 15/33, the Federal Aviation Administration has increased the hourly arrival rate to 28 aircraft for DCA. The regular maximum hourly arrival rate for Reagan Airport is 32.” [WTOP]

Beyer Laments Calls Spurred by Groups — “Members of the Steering and Policy Committee — with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) in the room — on Monday complained activist groups like MoveOn and Indivisible have facilitated thousands of phone calls to members’ offices… Some Democrats see the callers as barking up the wrong tree given their limited power as the minority party in Congress: “It’s been a constant theme of us saying, ‘Please call the Republicans,'” said Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.).” [Axios]

Governance-Change Measure Passes Senate — The Virginia Senate on Wednesday by a 21-18 vote passed a bill patroned by Del. Patrick Hope providing for referendums to change Arlington’s governance structure. But the Senate also attached a provision requiring the bill to again be passed in Richmond next year to become effective. That amendment now goes to the House of Delegates for consideration. —Scott McCaffrey

Spanish Immersion Daycare Opens — Tierra Encantada opened Monday, Feb. 10 at 131 Haycock Road in Falls Church and is accepting enrollments for its bilingual daycare and preschool programs. The organization has other locations nearby, in Ashton Heights and Alexandria. –Katie Taranto

‘Bridgerton’ Author Speaking Tonight — The Arlington Public Library will host New York Times-bestselling author Julia Quinn for a romance-themed conversation and audience Q&A tonight (Thursday). The TV adaptation of her Bridgerton novel series “remains one of the most-watched English television series in Netflix history,” an event description notes. The first-come, first-serve event starts at 5:30 p.m. at Kenmore Middle School. [Event]

Reminder: Valentine’s Day Ideas — “From fancy date nights to couple’s painting, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Arlington and Falls Church. Whether you plan to celebrate solo or over a candlelit dinner for two, here are some ways to enjoy the day of love with local food, drink and events.” [ARLnow]

Arlington, F.C. Tots Options — “Tater tots are a great happy hour snack, an inventive side at dinner, and can be dolled up with sauces and toppings for a nacho-style dish. Here are a few of the best must-try tater tots in Northern Virginia — some classic and some with a twist!” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

License Plate Reader Bill — “As lawmakers seek to regulate use of automated license plate readers in Virginia, debates continue about how best to do so. Legislation faced a brief defeat in a Senate committee on Monday before being revived for further deliberation.” [Virginia Mercury]

It’s Thursday — Expect rain to subside before 10am, followed by increasingly sunny skies and a high of 52. South wind shifting to northwest at 6-13 mph and gusts up to 23 mph. 60% chance of precipitation, with under a tenth of an inch possible. For Thursday night, mostly clear, lows around 26, and northwest winds of 11-14 mph along with gusts up to 23 mph. [NWS]

Planning Comm. Backs Melwood Plan — Arlington Planning Commission members voted unanimously Monday night to support Melwood’s plan, opposed by some local residents, for redevelopment of its parcel at 750 23rd Street S. that would add affordable housing to the site. The proposal later this month will be considered by the County Board. –Scott McCaffrey

Furloughs at Local USAID Contractor — “The Management Science for Health — an Arlington-based nonprofit that receives funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development — has furloughed 118 U.S.-based employees as the Trump administration moves to shutter USAID.” [WBJ]

Seeking Victims of Exposure Suspect — “The Arlington County Police Department’s Special Victims Unit is investigating a suspect charged in an indecent exposure investigation and is seeking possible additional victims.” [ACPD]

AG Takes Aim at Sex Offender Case — “Virginia’s attorney general is apparently seeking to revive a Fairfax indecent exposure case against a person who was subsequently charged with allegedly exposing himself in a girls’ locker room at Washington-Liberty High School in Arlington.” [FFXnow]

Lawmakers Want Crash Answers — Local members of Congress have “requested answers and commitments from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on its plans to protect the flying public in the wake of the January 29 collision between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines airplane.” [Press Release]

Gravelly Point Still Closed — “The closure of Gravelly Point has been extended to February 12th at the request of NTSB.” [Bluesky]

Another Gun Seized at DCA — “Transportation Security Administration officers prevented a Bowie, Maryland man from bringing a loaded firearm onto a flight leaving Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Monday.” [Patch]

Arlington Man Nabbed in Sting — “A recent online operation conducted by child exploitation detectives resulted in seven arrests,” including a 48-year-old Arlington man. [FFXnow, FCPD]

Illnesses on the Rise in Va. — “It’s that time of year again, where everyone is catching different viruses. ‘As of February 1, the level of respiratory illnesses across Virginia is high and trending upward,’ said Heather Harmon-Sloan, Virginia Department of Health’s respiratory communications coordinator. COVID-19, RSV, pneumonia, and influenza cases are skyrocketing throughout Virginia.” [WVIR]

Towing May Get Costlier — “Virginia drivers could soon see higher towing fees under legislation that’s advancing toward the governor’s desk, but the decision to raise rates will remain in the hands of local governments… The bill proposes increasing the maximum initial towing and hookup fee for passenger vehicles from $150 to $210 — a rate that a recent state study deemed ‘reasonable.'” [Virginia Mercury]

It’s Wednesday — Snow, freezing rain, and sleet are expected in the morning, transitioning to rain, snow, and sleet after 1pm, then just rain after 4pm. The day will be cloudy with a high near 36, and an east wind of 6-8 mph. Precipitation probability is 70%, with minimal ice and less than half an inch of snow and sleet accumulation. For Wednesday night, rain will persist mainly before 4am, with a low around 34 and a 100% chance of precipitation. New precipitation amounts ranging from a quarter to half an inch are possible. [NWS]

Key Bridge Marriott Demo Underway — “The Key Bridge Marriott is being taken down before it can crumble away on its own. The Rosslyn property, declared a public nuisance last spring by Arlington County after it shuttered during the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequently fell into disrepair, was returned to its owner last week for demolition… Celtic Demolition is now on site as work has begun.” [WBJ]

Hope Bill Wins Committee Passage — After first voting 9-5 to kill it, members of the Virginia Senate Committee on Local Government on Monday reversed course, voting 8-7 on a party-line vote to move Del. Patrick Hope’s measure on Arlington governance changes forward. The action came despite total opposition by Republicans and concerns from some Democratic lawmakers about facets of the bill. —Scott McCaffrey

Rec Activities, Libraries Closing Early — Arlington libraries and activities at Dept. of Parks and Recreation facilities are among the closures starting at 3 p.m. due to the winter storm. Schools are also dismissing early. [Arlington DPR/X, Arlington Public Library/X]

Parking Plants at DCA — “A new plan to expand Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport’s parking garage will add about 1,400 parking spaces.” [NBC 4]

Valentine’s Day Events at HQ 2 — “Love is in the air at Amazon HQ2, and we are excited to invite you and your readers to a day of family-friendly festivities for the whole community. On Friday, February 14th, come to Met Park and enjoy giveaways, tasty food, creative crafts, and great photo opportunities.” [Press Release]

It’s Tuesday — Snow is expected mainly after 1pm with a high near 34, while the calm wind will transition into a southeast breeze around 6 mph in the afternoon. Precipitation chances are at 90% with a potential 1-3 inches of new snow. By Tuesday night, the low will be around 31, and the east wind will become northeast after midnight at about 6 mph. There’s a 100% chance of precipitation with an additional 2-4 inches of snow accumulation possible. [NWS]