A sizeable portion of Reagan National Airport’s economy parking lot will be closed for construction starting next week.
Beginning Monday, about 850 of the parking lot’s 2,680 spaces will be unavailable, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said in a press release. Construction is expected to continue into 2026, and at its peak, up to 1,100 of the lot’s spaces will be displaced.
A children’s book about Palestine is under review at a Falls Church library following a complaint alleging antisemitic language.
“P is for Palestine: A Palestine Alphabet Book” is the work in question. Library Director Megan Dotzler said at a Feb. 5 meeting that a complaint had been lodged, leading to the review.
Gravelly Point Back Open — “Update: Gravelly Point and the Mount Vernon Trail have reopened.” The trail and popular plane watching spot closed in the aftermath of last month’s deadly midair crash, to allow first responders and recovery operations to stage in the Gravelly Point parking lot. [U.S. Park Police/X]
Local Funding Freeze Impact — “Public safety programs that work to reduce recidivism and help victims of violence will be threatened by the Trump Administration’s efforts to freeze federal grants and loans, according to Arlington’s top prosecutor.” [Patch]
Bus Picks Up Dogs for Fitness Sessions — “Two local entrepreneurs have joined forces on a new venture that’s really for the dogs—Club Canine Cardio at Snouts & Stouts. The doggie daycare program brings fitness sessions for furry friends to the lower level of Snouts & Stouts, an 11,000-square-foot indoor dog park with a restaurant and bar in Shirlington.” [Arlington Magazine]
New Recognition for Marymount — “Marymount University has reached a significant milestone in its Strategic Plan trajectory as it has been designated a Research University for 2025 by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation. This recognition reflects the institution’s commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation and addressing pressing societal challenges through impactful research initiatives.” [Press Release]
Police Hosting Summer Camps — “The Arlington County Police Department is committed to working proactively with Arlington youth and is excited to offer fun and educational youth camp opportunities during Summer 2025. Applications for the following camps close on Sunday, May 4 at 11:59 p.m. The application to each of these camps may close earlier if all spots are filled before the deadline.” [ACPD]
GW Parkway Bill Fails — “A bill in Virginia that would allow state and local police departments to enforce traffic laws on the federally owned George Washington Memorial Parkway failed to advance in Richmond. Senate Bill 776, introduced by Sen. Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax County) passed the Senate before it crossed over to the House.” [WUSA 9]
F.C. Paper Takes on Trump — “Just like the City of Falls Church, this newspaper is unapologetically both “woke,” pro-DEI, and resolved to remain vigilant in the protection of the values those terms represent as we stare at the menacing forces that are now emanating from across the Potomac.” [FCNP]
No Tysons Casino for Now — “Lawmakers deciding on a controversial bill to develop a casino and entertainment complex in Tysons Corner tabled a decision Wednesday… Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell’s Senate Bill 982 would have added Fairfax County to the list of Virginia localities eligible to develop a casino that backers say would bring jobs and revenue for the county and commonwealth.” [FFXnow]
Snow Possible Next Week — “Models… are fairly consistent in showing the potential for a more wintry storm around Wednesday or Thursday next week. Most models show some key ingredients for a snowstorm in our region.” [CWG]
It’s Friday — Expect sunny skies and a high around 38 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind ranging from 8 to 13 mph, and gusts reaching up to 21 mph. On Friday night clouds will increase as temperatures drop to around 27 degrees, with initially calm winds picking up to 5 mph from the southeast after midnight. [NWS]
Arlington Independent Media has paid a visit to the county’s radio room, but the organization’s FM station isn’t back on the air just yet.
The county allowed the struggling nonprofit to access its transmission room — with supervision — today (Thursday), county spokesperson David Barrera told ARLnow this afternoon.
The suspect in a fatal New Year’s Day crash on GW Parkway was illegally behind the wheel of his pickup truck, authorities say.
Carlos Jose Hernandez Romero did not have a driver’s license when he fatally struck a woman in an SUV while apparently speeding and driving the wrong way on the Parkway, according to a sworn U.S. Park Police affidavit.
Demolition is getting underway at the former Key Bridge Marriott, raising questions about what happens next at the Rosslyn property.
Current plans for 1401 Langston Blvd, approved back in March 2020, call for hundreds of new apartments and a renovated hotel. Property owner KBLH has until July 1 to either act on those plans or let them expire, county spokesperson Ryan Hudson told ARLnow.
Will the Arlington electorate deliver a record-setting vote for Democrats in November’s statewide elections?
Rep. Don Beyer (D-8) proposed this goal at the Feb. 5 Arlington County Democratic Committee meeting.
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]
Arlington leaders had their worries addressed, but concerns expressed by leaders in Fairfax County helped to kill, for 2025, a bill aimed at ensuring transparency in local-government decisionmaking.
The measure, patroned by Virginia Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-39), had sailed through the upper chamber unanimously on Jan. 31.
A Reston man has been sentenced to at least seven years in prison for multiple sex crimes in Arlington.
Matthew Coble’s sentencing, handed down Friday by Circuit Court Judge Daniel S. Fiore II, follows his convictions for aggravated sexual battery and indecent liberties with a minor — crimes involving two different victims.
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]
An airport dispatcher admitted to illegally recording surveillance footage showing deceased victims after last month’s fatal midair crash, police say.
Maryland resident Jonathan Savoy allegedly admitted to a police detective that he captured photos and videos of crash victims being transferred from a first-responder boat to a staging area at Reagan National Airport, according to a criminal complaint obtained by ARLnow.
