News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Va. Denied Reimbursement for Riot Response — “The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied requests from Maryland and Virginia for an emergency declaration to cover expenses associated with responding to the Capitol riot and increasing security around President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. FEMA’s decision — which both states plan to appeal — could mean the states would not receive federal funds for providing law enforcement personnel and other support.” [Washington Post]

Barriers Block Bridge — “Gate being put up at the Memorial Bridge. It’s now completely closed until Thursday morning.” [Twitter]

Go to Morning Notes Read more

Highlander Motel is Now Closed, Will Be Torn Down For a CVS in March

By Matt Blitz
The iconic Highlander Motor Inn on Wilson Blvd in Jan. 2021 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The 57-year-old Highlander Motor Inn is now closed and will be torn down to make room for a CVS store, owner Billy Bayne tells ARLnow.

The two-story motel at 3336 Wilson Blvd, near Clarendon, has been closed since December. Bayne expects demolition to begin on the building in March and the CVS to open in the fall.

Go to Highlander Motel is Now Closed, Will Be Torn Down For a CVS in March Read more

Arlington Prepares For an Inauguration Day Unlike Any Other

By Matt Blitz

Arlington is continuing its final preparations for a presidential inauguration unlike any other.

In wake of the U.S. Capitol riots and a still-raging pandemic (though, cases are currently on a downward trajectory), tomorrow’s inauguration of President Joe Biden will be a scaled-down and highly militarized affair.

Go to Arlington Prepares For an Inauguration Day Unlike Any Other Read more

Coronavirus Cases Decline, Vaccination Pace Quickens

By ARLnow.com

Pandemic-related data trends in Arlington are pointing in a positive direction, at least for now.

As of Tuesday morning, the average daily rate of new cases is 94, compared to a local pandemic peak of 123.4 average daily cases one week ago. Since Saturday, 340 new cases have been reported.

Go to Coronavirus Cases Decline, Vaccination Pace Quickens Read more

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

More Issues With Vaccination Effort — “Hoagland’s struggle to register for a vaccination started when he did not get a confirmation email back from Arlington County’s Health Department after adding his name to a virtual waitlist. After he got in touch with a representative who was able to confirm his spot in line, Hoagland learned that the county’s system is not able to push confirmation emails to anyone with a Verizon or AOL email account.” [WTOP]

Limited Vaccine Doses Available — “In a conference call with reporters on Saturday afternoon, the Virginia’s vaccine coordinator Dr. Danny Avula said after the current stockpile of over 900,000 first-round doses is exhausted, further doses may be slow coming. Avula said the commonwealth has been told by federal administrators that at least until sometime in March, there will be no more than 110,000 new first-round doses available per week for Virginians.” [WTOP, WRIC]

Go to Morning Notes Read more

Four Bridges Connecting Va. to D.C. Will Be Closed Starting Tuesday

By Matt Blitz
The U.S. Capitol building, as seen from Arlington (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated on 1/17/21) A number of bridges connecting Arlington to D.C. across the Potomac River are closing due to presidential inauguration security measures.

Virginia State Police is working with the United States Secret Service to close Roosevelt Bridge, the Arlington Memorial Bridge, the I-395 Bridge and the 14th Street Bridge starting Tuesday morning through Thursday at 6 a.m., according to a joint statement from Virginia lawmakers.

Go to Four Bridges Connecting Va. to D.C. Will Be Closed Starting Tuesday Read more

County Defends Vaccine Rollout, Amid More APS Employee Complaints

By ARLnow.com
A vial of the COVID-19 vaccine (DoD Photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Carlos M. Vazquez II)

Acknowledging that “many residents are frustrated,” Arlington officials on Friday urged patience with the county’s vaccine distribution, while calling on the state for more doses.

The county has been facing scrutiny for what some see as a slow rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, despite receiving the first vaccine shipment before Christmas.

Go to County Defends Vaccine Rollout, Amid More APS Employee Complaints Read more

Roof Work Underway at Febrey-Lothrop House

By ARLnow.com
Work underway on the roof of 6407 Wilson Blvd. (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

Workers are removing roof shingles from the Febrey-Lothrop house in Dominion Hills.

The 114-year-old home, which preservationists have been trying to save against the wishes of the current owners, currently has a demolition permit application pending with the county, after having a sewer cap permit approved.

Go to Roof Work Underway at Febrey-Lothrop House Read more

BREAKING: Arlington Residential Property Values Soar

By ARLnow.com

The value of homes in Arlington County has soared during the pandemic.

Residential property values in Arlington are up 5.6%, while commercial property values slumped 1.4% from last year, according to newly-released stats. Arlington County is starting the process of mailing the new assessments out to homeowners and commercial property owners.

Go to BREAKING: Arlington Residential Property Values Soar Read more

Arlington Restaurant Owners Eager for Access to New PPP Loans

By Jo DeVoe
Customers inside Ruthie's All Day just before Christmas in 2020 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

At the start of the pandemic, Arlington Kabob co-owner Susan Clementi spent 20 hours a day trying to coronavirus-proof her restaurant. She did not have time, or the financial knowledge, to navigate the Paycheck Protection Program.

When she tried to hire legal help, the application fees amounted to $5,000. Clementi realized she had to do it herself.

Go to Arlington Restaurant Owners Eager for Access to New PPP Loans Read more
View More Stories