A federal commission has approved the design concept for the 250-foot triumphal arch that President Donald Trump wants to build at Memorial Circle.
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts voted to approve the concept at its meeting today (Thursday). Its members, all appointed by Trump, will review an updated design before taking a final vote at a future meeting.
Arlington’s surge in property crime during and after the pandemic was the highest in the country by one measure, exceeding large increases in other urban areas.
Between 2020 and 2024, crimes against property — including larceny, vandalism and motor vehicle theft — increased by 60.5% in Arlington, home security company Vivint reported yesterday (Wednesday). The next-highest increase among studied localities was in Chicago (up 56.2%) followed by New York City (up 54.7%).
Siranli Dental is excited to announce its newest dental office location in Clarendon-Courthouse. Led by nationally acclaimed, board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Samantha Siranli, the new location offers the highest-quality general and cosmetic dentistry including cleanings, preventive care, whitening, Invisalign®, veneers, and dental implants.
New patients can expect a welcoming environment, a modern office equipped with the latest technology, and personalized care focused on long-term oral health. The Siranli Dental team is consistently peer-recognized as top dentists in the region and has earned a reputation for combining elite skills with an approachable, patient-first philosophy.
Whether you’re due for a routine cleaning, curious about whitening, or exploring cosmetic options for your smile, Siranli Dental welcomes new patients and offers convenient office hours – perfect for busy professionals and families alike. Siranli Dental has free parking and is just a short walk from the Courthouse Metro stop.
Under new ownership, a longtime pizzeria on Langston Blvd is receiving a brand new look, name and internationally inspired menu.
Zesto Pizza has replaced Citi Pizza and Wings, ushering in a new menu and interior renovations at 5127 Langston Blvd. Led by Arlington chef Tushar Chawda, the revamped business plans to soft open tomorrow (Friday), offering up “global fusion pizzas” and appetizers inspired by international cuisines.
ConnectJew LIVE! is a social discovery night where 20+ local Jewish organizations, clubs, dinners, and communities come together so you can explore the DMV young adult Jewish scene in one evening. A mixer for Jewish life, friends, and community — meet people, discover social clubs, find Shabbat dinners, and plug in at whatever level feels right. Tickets required; exact address sent 24 hours before the event (Metro Center / Chinatown area).
An Arlington probation officer warned a judge last year that a local man — now charged with attempted rape — was on the verge of a slippery slope of increasing violent crime.
Luzvin Orvando Garcia Moran, whose arrest has also caught the attention of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) because of his immigration status, remains in jail following a violent attack in Clarendon.
Join us for Pike Fest, Columbia Pike’s signature fall festival, on Saturday, October 10!
Celebrate everything that makes Columbia Pike one of Arlington’s most vibrant and diverse communities with an afternoon full of live music, delicious food, family fun, and local shopping. From incredible restaurants and food vendors to artisan makers, community organizations, and small businesses, Pike Fest is your chance to experience the very best of the Pike all in one place.
Tax rates on real estate and meals won’t increase, but the car tax rate might, as Falls Church City Council members work to finalize a $134.3 million budget package.
Council members voted 7-0 Monday night (April 13) to advertise a real estate tax rate of $1.185 per $100 assessed valuation, unchanged from the current rate. That becomes the highest rate that could be adopted when the budget package comes to a final vote on May 11, although a lower rate could be set.
Details remain to be worked out, but County Board members have informally decided not to eliminate gymnastics programming or close Cherrydale Library in the coming year.
Details on both decisions are likely to come into clearer view this afternoon, when Board members hold their budget markup session starting at 2:30 p.m. Final budget adoption is slated for next Wednesday, April 22.
Columbia Pike leaders hosted a formal ribbon cutting yesterday (Wednesday) on street and sidewalk improvements that had snarled the busy corridor for years.
Local business leaders, numerous staff from the Department of Environmental Services (DES) and all five members of the Arlington County Board attended the event, which marked “substantial completion” of a project intended to improve the experience of bus riders, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists alike.
Lebanese Taverna Founder Dies — Tanios “Tony” Abi-Najm, who opened the original Lebanese Taverna in a former Greek diner in Arlington in 1979, died April 8 at age 94 in Byblos, Lebanon. “What he built went far beyond a business,” his son Dany said in a eulogy. “He introduced Lebanese food — and Lebanese culture — to so many.” [Washington Post]
House Passes ALERT Act — The House of Representatives approved aviation safety legislation 396–10 Tuesday, implementing all 50 NTSB recommendations from the Jan. 29, 2025 midair collision at Reagan National that killed 67 people. Rep. Don Beyer (D), whose district includes DCA, called the bill “an incredible step forward” but urged the Senate to strengthen it. [FCNP, WTOP]
Anti-Drone Lasers Near DCA? — The FAA and Pentagon reached an agreement in early April to use anti-drone laser systems at the southern border, raising questions about whether similar technology could be deployed in D.C.-area airspace. During post-crash congressional hearings, Sen. Ted Cruz revealed the Secret Service and Navy had tested counter-drone systems near Reagan National just weeks after the deadly midair collision. [WJLA]
Pilots Meow at DCA — Delta and American Airlines pilots at Reagan National went viral after an air traffic control clip caught them making animal noises over the radio. “You guys, you need to be professional,” a controller is heard saying. [CBS News/X]
Woman Struck by Driver — A woman suffered serious, non-life threatening injuries early Wednesday morning near Route 1 and 23rd Street S. after a verbal dispute escalated to a physical altercation, according to police. The suspects allegedly struck the victim with their vehicle as they fled the scene around 1:40 a.m. [ACPD]
Rosslyn Fire Station Blocked — “Delivery drivers parking wherever they want is a big enough problem but parking in front of a fire station takes it to a new level,” a resident posted. “Both vehicles were unattended with flashers on.” [Brian Gannon/X]
New Alarm Vendor — Arlington County has begun using a third-party vendor, Alarm Program Systems, to administer its security alarm registration and false alarm enforcement program. All residential and commercial alarm systems must be registered with ACPD, with annual permits costing $25. There are also fee for an excessive number of false alarms. [Arlington County]
Girl Scouts Thank Snow Crew — Girl Scouts of Troop 60116 stopped by to thank Arlington County’s winter storm response team, their newest official “Hometown Heroes.” “Cookies yes, snowcrete no!” the Department of Environmental Services posted. [Arlington DES/X]
Virginians Turn on Data Centers — Only 35% of Virginia voters would be comfortable with a new data center in their community, down from 69% in 2023, a Washington Post-Schar School poll found. Prince William County, meanwhile, has abandoned the legal defense of its prior approval of a 1,700-acre data center campus near Manassas National Battlefield Park. [Washington Post]
Spanberger’s Charts Moderate Course — Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed laws raising the minimum wage to $15 by 2028 and banning ghost guns while vetoing gambling measures and bills she said would weaken public safety. She has vetoed eight bills and proposed changes to at least 180 — more than her most recent Democratic predecessor. [Axios]
Va. Joins Popular Vote Compact — Gov. Spanberger signed a bill adding Virginia to the National Popular Vote Compact, an agreement among states to award electoral votes to the nationwide popular vote winner. The compact now has 222 electoral votes committed, 48 short of the 270 needed to take effect. [NPR]
It’s Thursday — Expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 92 degrees and southwest winds of 3–10 mph, gusting to 20 mph. Rain showers are possible after 8 p.m., with an overnight low around 69. [NWS]
There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.
Flickr pool photo by Jason Gooljar
Good Wednesday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Apr 15, 2026.
Here is what’s going on Thursday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
Expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 92°F and a light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Thursday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 69°F. There’s a 30% chance of showers, mainly after 2 a.m., with winds shifting from southwest at 6 to 8 mph to west after midnight. See more from Weather.gov.
“Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get.”
– W.P. Kinsella
The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.
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