Two buses crashed head-on near a Pentagon bus stop on Friday, injuring 23 people, including Defense Department personnel.
The Omni Ride and Fairfax Connector transit buses struck each other shortly before 7:30 a.m., according to a press release from the Pentagon Force Protection Agency. Emergency personnel transported 18 of the injured to local hospitals for further medical evaluation. Five were treated at the scene.
New county grants worth $80,000 seek to support renewed vibrancy in the Green Valley neighborhood — although leaders acknowledge the funding may not go very far.
The funds, which will be split among four organizations, will “jump-start some neighborhood activity that would bring neighbors together, create an environment of civic engagement and civic exchange,” Board member Takis Karantonis said.
The County Board has taken a step toward considering potential historic status for the Melwood site, despite vigorous opposition from the development team’s attorney.
Board members voted 5-0 to start consideration of the Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board’s (HALRB) recommendation to designate a portion of the former Nelly Custis Elementary School at 750 23rd Street S. as historic. This is a procedural step and doesn’t indicate whether they support the recommendation or not.
A Republican legislator’s proposal to make Arlington and Alexandria part of D.C. has earned immediate condemnation from the region’s congressional representation.
U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) introduced the “Make DC Square Again Act” yesterday (Wednesday) in the wake of Virginia voters approving a redistricting referendum to benefit Democrats’ representation in Congress. McCormick’s legislation seeks to reunite Arlington, Alexandria and the District, which had been the case for 46 years in the 19th century.
Potomac Spill Lawsuits — The Justice Department and Maryland attorney general have both sued D.C. Water, alleging the utility knew for at least eight years that the Potomac Interceptor pipeline was severely corroded and needed immediate repair. The January collapse dumped more than 240 million gallons of sewage into the river, and scientists say contamination lingers in downstream waters. [NYT, Axios]
Columbia Pike Robbery — A man was robbed at knifepoint on Columbia Pike early Thursday after approaching four men and engaging them in conversation, according to ACPD. The group assaulted the victim just before 2:30 a.m. on the 4900 block of Columbia Pike, then threatened him with knives and stole his cellphone and backpack before fleeing the scene. The victim suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital. The investigation is ongoing. [ACPD]
BizLaunch PitchFest Winners — Arlington Economic Development’s BizLaunch handed out $25,000 in prizes at the PitchFest Finale on April 21, held at Amazon’s Visitor Landing at HQ2. Sun and Honey Grazing took the top $10,000 prize; District Bangle won $7,500; Amanda’s Churn got $5,000; and Persist Physical Therapy earned a $2,500 honorable mention. [Arlington County]
It’s Friday — Mostly sunny today with a high near 82 and a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Northeast wind around 5 mph with a 40% chance of precipitation. Overnight lows near 55 with a continued chance of storms. [NWS]
County Board members agreed to a significantly smaller fee increase for the local government’s competitive gymnastics programs in a last-minute budget change last night (Wednesday).
Instead of increasing by 44%, fees will rise by 25% in the coming year. It still appears that the full 44% increase — or more — could come into effect next year.
Additional signs, markings and flex posts will be coming to six Arlington Blvd intersections beginning next week, seeking to promote safety at crossings without traffic signals.
Building on the success of similar installations at N. and S. Highland Street, the project will add left-turn and through restrictions at all unsignalized intersections on Arlington Blvd between Fillmore Street and Glebe Road, along with a left-turn restriction at N. and S. Irving Street.
A Holiday Inn hotel in the Ballston area has closed and is now fenced off, apparently in preparation for a redevelopment project approved back in 2023.
Multiple tipsters contacted ARLnow this month after the hotel at 4610 Fairfax Drive closed its doors. The hotel has left IHG Hotels and Resorts’ system, a spokesperson said, although they did not say exactly when the location stopped admitting guests.
Arlington homeowners will pay an average 5.2% more in real-estate taxes this year, under the county government’s $1.69 billion fiscal year 2027 budget adopted yesterday (Wednesday).
The total budget amount is nearly identical to the fiscal year 2026 spending plan now in place, marking a rare year without some degree of overall increase. But because of ongoing declines in values of commercial properties, more of the tax burden is shifting to homeowners.
Falls Church leaders are considering a $175,000 contract with a consultant to help with an affordable housing project at Virginia Village.
That firm, whose name has not officially been announced, would develop a request for proposals sent out to housing providers that might be interested in partnering with the city on the project. The funding would also support evaluation of the proposals.
Drug Take-Back Saturday — “The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Spring National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will take place on Saturday, April 25. The Arlington County Police Department encourages community members to include their medicine cabinets in their spring-cleaning routine by safely disposing of unused or expired medications.” [Arlington County]
Coverage of Women’s Sports Bar — Under new ownership, Westover Taco has relaunched as the D.C. area’s first sports bar dedicated to women’s sports. “We’ll show men’s games if somebody wants to watch it, but we’ll prioritize women’s. When you’re hearing sports in the bar, it’s going to be women’s games,” owner Sarah White said. [Washington Post, Washingtonian]
Rosslyn Spring Market Returns — The Rosslyn Spring Market will return to the NOW Pop-Up Park (1401 Wilson Blvd) on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free outdoor event features local makers, live music from singer Jessica Allossery, a Turning the Page used book sale and a typewriter poet composing custom poems on-site. [Patch]
Kennedy Center Two-Year Closure — The Kennedy Center will close in July for a two-year renovation supported by nearly $257 million from Congress to fund repairs. New executive director Matt Floca said he recommended a single closure rather than piecemeal work: “You close the building and you do everything over a definite period of time, two years.” [NBC 4]
Va. Gets Paid Family Leave — “Virginia is now the first state in the South to create a paid family and medical leave program,” Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) said. The portable insurance program — funded by both workers and employers — allows Virginians to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for themselves or a family member, including parental leave. [Press Release]
Maternal Health Bills Signed — Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed several maternal health bills yesterday — including expanded insurance coverage for mental health screenings — as the latest installment of Virginia’s “Momnibus” package. The signing came just ahead of an annual Virginia March for Life rally around Capitol Square, where more than 1,000 people gathered to support anti-abortion legislation. [Virginia Mercury]
It’s Thursday — Expect sunny skies and a high near 82, with a northwest wind of 3–7 mph. Skies become partly cloudy overnight with a low around 58. [NWS]
There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.
Three possible design options for an expanded Drew Park ask respondents to prioritize between nature areas, gathering spaces and places to play and keep active.
Residents in and around Green Valley have until May 10 to submit feedback on draft concept designs for the park at 2310 S. Kenmore Street, next to Drew Elementary School. The online form asks for residents’ thoughts on each of the options — “Grow Together,” “Gather Together” and “Play Together” — along with a possible restroom facility.
