News

WaPo Ed. Board Spotlights Arlington — “There are some signs reform is beginning to happen. A YIMBY — yes in my backyard — movement is scoring victories in places such as Arlington, Virginia, where leaders are pushing to cut zoning rules that bar building townhouses, garden apartments and other affordable housing options.” [Washington Post]

More Clarendon Craziness — From Dave Statter: “EMS called to Bar Bao for someone with a cut head a short time ago. Based on all of the calls for injured people at the place it must be very dangerous inside those doors. At the same time, police have gone twice within a few minutes to Angolino’s Pizza for someone who wouldn’t leave.” [Twitter]

Metrobus Changes — “The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) is moving forward with a service-wide redesign of its bus routes, including in a few areas of Northern Virginia, improving where people want to travel and simplifying services by the summer… The proposal… consolidates and streamlines service between Shirlington and South Fairlington.” [Virginia Mercury]

It’s Monday — Expect sunny conditions with a high of around 38 degrees and a northwest wind between 7 and 9 mph. For Monday night, the sky will be mostly clear with temperatures dropping to a low of around 26 degrees while the northwest wind continues at 6 to 8 mph. [NWS]

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Record Food Assistance Need — “The Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) served supplemental groceries to 4,533 families – over 11,000 individuals – during their annual ‘Turkey Week’ distributions from November 18-23. While these statistics are record-breaking for the non-profit organization, AFAC was prepared.” [Press Release]

Wild Thanksgiving Eve in Clarendon — From Dave Statter: “To cap a Thanksgiving Eve and early morning of Clarendon mayhem, there was this . Someone crossing the middle of Washington Blvd. at Wilson Blvd. and getting hit by a car. The early report is injuries were not considered serious.” [Twitter]

Feds Going Back to Office? — “After the pandemic, the top localities for remote work in Virginia were almost all in Northern Virginia. Falls Church saw its remote workforce surge from 6.81% to 28.67%, one of the highest rates in the country. Arlington County went from  6.71% to 26.99%. Loudoun County went from 7.88% to 23.51%. Fairfax County went from 6.65% to 21.69%.” [Cardinal News]

New Funding for STEM Startup — “Lingo, an Arlington startup founded in 2020 … has sold over 10,000 do-it-yourself coding kits to schools and nonprofits in nearly every state and D.C. to introduce teenagers to the possibilities of careers in STEM … [Aisha] Bowe, who serves as CEO, wants to expand the number of schools and nonprofits the company can reach. She hopes to grow her six-person team to help achieve this effort, which will be aided by the $2.3 million funding deal she raised from outside investors in late October.” [WBJ]

Robbery on Columbia Pike — “At approximately 9:17 p.m. on November 26, police were dispatched to the report of a robbery by force. Upon arrival, it was determined the three male suspects entered the business, collected merchandise and attempted to exit the store without payment during which the two male victims, who were patrons of the store, confronted them. The suspects subsequently assaulted the victims before fleeing the scene on foot.” [ACPD]

Local GOP on Threats Against Appointees — From the Arlington County Republican Committee: “This is what we’re up against — violent, radical leftists who will stop at nothing to hold onto power and threaten and intimidate Republicans. Get bent.” [Twitter]

Second Vacuum Leaf Pass Starting — Arlington kicks off the latter half of its annual vacuum leaf collection service this Saturday. The second leaf collection pass is scheduled to wrap up Dec. 18. [Arlington County]

ART Union Ratifies Contract — “Arlington Transit workers overwhelmingly ratified their first contract with Transdev as members of ATU Local 689 this week. After months of negotiations, the ratified contract marks another major step forward for ART workers who will now be working under a strong union contract which guarantees competitive pay and improved working conditions.” [Press Release]

Nearby: Whole Foods Moving — “The clock is ticking on Whole Foods Market’s time in Idylwood. The grocery store has rolled out signs at its Idylwood Plaza location (7511 Leesburg Pike) announcing that it will relocate “soon” to Falls Church City, where it will anchor the new Broad and Washington development at 103 E. Broad Street.” [FFXnow]

It’s Friday — Expect a mostly sunny day with temperatures reaching around 47 degrees, accompanied by a west wind blowing at 5 to 11 mph and gusts up to 20 mph. The night will be mostly clear, with the temperature dropping to around 28 degrees, and a west wind persisting at 8 to 10 mph. [NWS]

Restaurant Coming to Food Court — “Pollo Campero is coming to the food court at [the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City mall]⁩. They have seven other locations in Virginia, eight in Maryland, and one in DC. ” [Twitter]

Business Burglary Near Courthouse — “1900 block of Wilson Boulevard. At approximately 12:31 p.m. on November 25, police were dispatched to the late report of a breaking and entering. Upon arrival, it was determined at approximately 1:19 a.m. the male suspect forced entry into the closed business,  stole an undisclosed amount of cash from a cash register and subsequently fled the scene.” [ACPD]

Still Looking for Missing Man —  “UPDATE 11/26: ACPD continues to seek information on the whereabouts of Mr. Hendrickson. He was last seen on 10/21 driving a 2010 Blue Land Rover LR2 SUV with VA tags GM3849 and wearing a black/white plaid shirt, gray pants, and a baseball cap. Info? Call Police.” [Twitter]

Gov. to Trump Staff: Live Here — From Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin: “To all the new members of [president-elect Donald Trump’s] administration relocating to the area to make America great again, I am personally inviting you to make Virginia your home.” [Twitter, Axios]

Beyer Blasts Trump Tariffs — From Rep. Don Beyer: “No one wins a trade war. If imposed, these tariffs will lead to retaliation by both Canada and Mexico, two of our biggest trade partners, which would throw our deeply integrated economies into chaos and potentially lead us into a recession.” [Press Release]

Airport Parking Tips — “Early Tuesday morning, about 80% of long-term economy parking spots were already filled at Dulles and Reagan, while the long term lots at BWI Marshall were half-full. Travelers can reserve parking online at Reagan National and Dulles, but it has to be done more than 12 hours before arriving at the airport.” [WTOP]

F.C. Seeks Ability to Ban Smoking in Parks — The Falls Church City Council’s 2025 legislative-priorities package, adopted Monday night, again includes a call allowing localities to ban smoking outdoors on public property, especially in parks. Absent permission from Richmond, all local governments can do is request people not smoke in parks, which Falls Church does. –Scott McCaffrey

Turkey Day Rain — “Although there will be some Thanksgiving rain in the area, it should focus early enough not to mess with the day entirely. The heaviest looks to fall in the predawn into the morning. About half an inch seems like a good target locally. And, of course, we still need it.” [Capital Weather Gang]

It’s Wednesday — Expect increasing clouds and a high of 54 with calm winds shifting south at 6 mph in the afternoon. Rain will begin late Wednesday night, accompanied by patchy fog and a low of 45; precipitation chances are at 90%, with up to a quarter-inch expected. On Thanksgiving Day, rain will continue until early afternoon, followed by dissipating fog by 10am. The high will be around 54, with light winds changing to westerly gusts reaching 21 mph. [NWS]