Rendering of proposed arch near Memorial Bridge (via Commission of Fine Arts)
The Trump administration has submitted detailed architectural plans for a proposed 250-foot triumphal arch at Memorial Circle, drawing strong pushback from Arlington’s congressman.
The 12-page filing, prepared by Harrison Design and submitted by the Department of the Interior, was posted today (Friday) to the website of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts ahead of the panel’s meeting next Wednesday. It marks the first time the administration has formally filed plans for the project, which Trump has spent months teasing on social media and in the Oval Office, according to the Washington Post.
Dels. Alfonso Lopez, Patrick Hope and Adele McClure (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)
Numerous pieces of legislation from Arlington lawmakers are officially set to become law following final approval from Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D).
Among the approximately 1,200 bills passed out of the 2026 session, legislation on elections, eviction prevention, tourism improvement districts and the minimum wage all came by way of state senators and delegates representing Arlington. Most signed bills will take effect on July 1, 2026, unless otherwise specified.
A man inserts a ballot into a voting machine at Walter Reed Community Center on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Even though the current Arlington County budget draft doesn’t include additional costs from this year’s change-ups at the ballot box, the county government is still planning to cover them.
Elections Director Gretchen Reinemeyer laid out budget pressures during an April 7 work session with Board members, voicing concern that her office’s proposed $2.18 million budget likely would not be robust enough to handle additional requirements this year.
Beyer Blasts GOP on War Powers — Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) said he and other House Democrats went to the floor to defend Congress’s constitutional war powers but Republicans refused to recognize their resolution. “They’re choosing this war, and Trump’s violence and chaos,” Beyer said, separately criticizing the president for boasting about the military’s “next conquest.” [Rep. Don Beyer/X, X]
Underground Pipe Flash Fire — “Engine 109, Rescue 109, and BC101 responded to an underground pipe flash fire at the intersection of S Glebe Road and Walter Reed Drive. The situation has been brought under control, and crews have secured the scene while checking for any remaining hazards.” [ACFD/X]
Route 1 Theft Arrest — Arlington police arrested a man on Route 1 at S. 23rd Street yesterday afternoon who was suspected of stealing from a nearby 7-Eleven. [Dave Statter/X]
Arlington Home Prices Dip — Arlington saw the D.C. region’s steepest drop in median home sale price, declining 7.9% to $692,500, according to Bright MLS data. The broader market continues to feel the effects of January’s “snowcrete” storm and uncertainty from the Iran conflict. [Washington Post]
Local Clubs Among Region’s Largest — Two Arlington country clubs rank among the D.C. area’s largest nonprofits by revenue. Army Navy Country Club (1700 Army Navy Drive) placed second with $50.75 million in revenue, while Washington Golf and Country Club (3017 N. Glebe Road) ranked sixth at $23.98 million. [WBJ]
Peace Officers Memorial Day — ACPD and the Sheriff’s Office will hold a ceremony on Friday, May 8 at 8 a.m. at the Justice Center Plaza (1425 N. Courthouse Road) to honor the seven Arlington law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. N. Courthouse Road will be closed between 14th and 15th streets N. from approximately 7–9 a.m. [Arlington County]
Va. Minimum Wage Rising to $15 — Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed legislation raising Virginia’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2028. The wage will rise from the current $12.77 to $13.75 on Jan. 1, 2027, and then to $15 on Jan. 1, 2028, with annual adjustments tied to the consumer price index beginning in 2029. [Virginia Mercury]
Contraception Bill Signed — Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed the Right to Contraception Act, barring state and local governments from restricting access to contraceptives including emergency contraceptives and IUDs. Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin had vetoed similar legislation. [WJLA]
Fairfax Casino Vetoed — “Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has rejected legislation that would’ve opened the door for a casino in Fairfax County… In her explanation, Spanberger argued that the bill would’ve set a new precedent reducing local authority over gambling after many residents and Fairfax County leaders expressed opposition to the possibility of a casino.” [FFXnow, Scott Surovell/X]
It’s Friday — Expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 75 degrees and south winds at 2–10 mph. Overnight lows will drop to around 56 under partly cloudy skies. [NWS]
J.P. Cooney, Dave Kennedy, Del. Adele McClure and State Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim join a field of Democrats for the 7th District that includes State Sen. Dan Helmer, who spoke to county Democrats in March, and former Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe, who has yet to make an appearance. Another contender, Joe Schiarizzi, announced his candidacy today (Thursday).
Commonwealth's Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti speaks (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)
Arlington’s commonwealth attorney seeking higher pay for prosecutors this budget season, pointing to increased salaries for police officers and potentially better compensation in surrounding localities.
The proposed fiscal year 2027 budget calls for increasing funding for the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office by roughly 3%: from about $7.7 million to $7.9 million. But Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti told the Arlington County Board on Tuesday that prosecutors’ starting salary of $82,000 should be higher.
Renderings of proposed townhouses at 2134 N. Taylor Street (via Arlington County)
The Arlington Planning Commission has given its nod to a 47-unit townhouse development, despite staff concerns that the proposal doesn’t match the Langston Boulevard Area Plan.
Commissioners supported developer BCN Homes’ plan for 2134 N. Taylor Street in a split 5-2 vote, with Commissioner Peter Robertson and Chair Denyse “Nia” Bagley voting against. The vote follows support from the Transportation Commission, the Waverly Hills and Cherrydale civic associations, the Langston Boulevard Alliance and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, although county staff recommended against the project.
New restaurants are part of the Founders Row development in Falls Church (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)
Falls Church’s newest City Council member is suggesting an increase in the city’s meals tax to ease budget pressures.
“I think it should be something we’re considering,” Arthur Agin said at an April 6 Council work session that stretched well past midnight, focused largely on budget issues.
Arlington County police cars (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
A man was charged with robbery and carjacking after a shoplifting attempt turned violent at a business in Cherrydale yesterday (Monday) afternoon.
Police were dispatched to the 4000 block of Langston Blvd around 2:30 p.m. after a report of a larceny, according to the Arlington County Police Department.
The 3100 Clarendon Blvd office building in Clarendon (courtesy George Brazier)
Favola Endorses McAuliffe — “State Sen. Barbara Favola — who represents most of Arlington County — has endorsed Dorothy McAuliffe in the race for #VA07. ‘She will be a strong, steady voice for public education and for the families who depend on it.'” [Jared Serre/X]
Medical Debt Lawsuits — “Virginia hospitals and medical providers filed more than 1.15 million lawsuits between 2010 and 2024, seeking to collect $1.4 billion in medical debt from patients, a report co-authored by a GW Law professor found.” [GW Hatchet]
Bipartisan Housing Bills in Va. — “In contrast to highly partisan debates over many other issues, state lawmakers of all political stripes are joining forces to pass legislation to increase the supply of housing. The policies attracting support range from requiring cities to allow manufactured homes in areas with single-family homes to easing regulations for accessory dwelling units to allowing housing on church-owned land and strip malls.” [Virginia Mercury]
It’s Thursday — Expect areas of frost early in the morning, but the day will be mostly sunny with a high of around 62°F. Winds will be calm initially, becoming southeast at about 6 mph in the afternoon. Thursday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 42°F and southeast winds between 3 and 6 mph. [NWS]
There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.
The Pentagon and National Landing, as seen from a departing flight (courtesy photo)
A new accelerator for startups promoting peace is launching in National Landing, helping founders raise capital and gain traction in the shadow of the Pentagon.
While the United States, Israel and Iran forge ahead with a two-week ceasefire after weeks of airstrikes and talk of dramatic escalation, the PeaceTech Accelerator — a 12-week program for organizations building software and AI that focuses on peacemaking — is still seeking applications as it plans to launch next month.
