Construction is underway at the long-vacated Cosi restaurant in Rosslyn — but it’s not for a new dining tenant.
Instead, the Department of State is expanding its lobby, located next door, into the empty retail space at 1801 N. Lynn Street, an agency spokesperson told ARLnow. The expansion is intended to “accommodate security upgrades, visitor badging, and updated finishes” at the building, which is home to the Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
The writer and mathematician who played Winnie Cooper on “The Wonder Years” will be hosting a book reading for kids at a Pentagon City book fair this weekend.
Danica McKellar, who went on to become a New York Times bestselling author and internationally recognized mathematician following her role on the sitcom, will be reading from her math picture book, “Goodnight, Numbers,” at HQ2 from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
By: Ross Goodwin, MD, psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente
Between email, text messages, social media feeds, breaking news alerts, and endless to-do lists, our attention is constantly being pulled in different directions. If that sounds familiar, you may have experienced what’s being called “popcorn brain.”
While popcorn brain is not an official medical diagnosis, the term has gained popularity as a way to describe a scattered, overstimulated mental state where thoughts seem to jump from one thing to the next, making it hard to focus, relax, or stay present. With digital devices and apps being integrated into daily lives, many of these challenges stem from passive screen time and constant digital stimulation.
What is popcorn brain?
To better understand popcorn brain, think about popcorn kernels popping in a bag. One moment your attention is on a work project. The next, you’re checking a text message, scrolling through social media, responding to an email, or reading a news alert.
Popcorn brain describes what happens when the brain becomes accustomed to constant stimulation and frequent interruptions. Over time, slower-paced activities such as reading a book, completing a work task, having a meaningful conversation, or simply sitting quietly can feel more difficult.
Here are some signs you may be dealing with popcorn brain:
It’s worth noting that many of these symptoms overlap with those of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. However, “popcorn brain” is not a diagnosable condition and should not be mistaken for ADHD, which is present from childhood and results from differences in the brain’s development. If these symptoms become overwhelming or disrupt your daily activities, reach out to your mental health provider or primary care doctor for help.
The connection between popcorn brain and anxiety
For many people, popcorn brain affects more than just focus. It can also increase feelings of stress and anxiety.
When the brain is constantly reacting to notifications, messages, and information, it has fewer opportunities to rest and process experiences. Many people report feeling mentally “on” all day long, leading to chronic exhaustion and fatigue.
This cycle can create a sense of information overload, making it harder to concentrate, sleep, and fully engage with the people around us.
Tips to regain focus and be more present
The good news is that to address popcorn brain, you don’t have to give up technology entirely. The goal is to use it more intentionally. Try these tips to reduce digital distraction on your brain and strengthen your focus:
Trapped Driver Rescued — “Crews responded to a vehicle that ran off the roadway and down an embankment near the split of the SB GW Pkwy and SB I-395, just before the bridge. One occupant was trapped and extricated by firefighters. The patient was transported to VHC with non-life-threatening injuries.” [ACFD/X]
Unlawful Entry Arrest — A New York man, 38, was arrested May 8 after allegedly trying to enter a home through a secured door in the 2600 block of N. Upshur Street, ACPD said. He “attempted to run from the officers before being taken into custody” and was charged with unlawful entry and obstruction of justice. [ACPD]
Reentry Hearing Delayed — “A federal judge has rescheduled the court appearance for an Alexandria man indicted for illegal reentry into the United States following a felony hit-and-run arrest in Arlington.” The defendant’s arraignment, plea, and sentencing, originally set for May 13, are now scheduled for May 20. [Patch]
Nurse Sweeps Top Honors — Arlington Public Health’s Heather Williams, RN, has been named Virginia’s Nurse of the Year by the Virginia Department of Health, completing a sweep that also includes Northern Virginia Regional and Arlington Public Health Nurse of the Year honors in 2026. Williams works as the public health nurse at Wakefield High School. [Arlington County]
Andy’s Pizza Goes AI — “Behind the counter at Andy’s Pizza, AI now helps direct everything from when mozzarella gets ordered to the moment a pie needs to hit the oven.” Owner Andy Brown has spent the past year building “Andy’s OS,” an AI-powered operating system for the fast-growing D.C.-based chain, which has 14 DMV locations. [Axios]
Spanberger Signs Leave Bill — Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed a bill Monday making Virginia “the first Southern state to offer paid family and medical leave.” Up to 12 weeks will be available; paycheck contributions begin April 2028, with benefits available that December. The bill was sponsored by state Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D). [NBC Washington]
Dulles Overhaul Eyed — “Less than a year after adopting a new master plan for Dulles International Airport, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) is considering an update that would expand the facility’s main terminal, redesign its concourses and eliminate the polarizing mobile lounges.” The proposed $22 billion plan would begin construction this year and finish by 2034 . [FFXnow, WBJ]
It’s Wednesday — Expect mostly sunny skies today with a high near 76 and southwest winds of 13–16 mph, gusting to 28. A chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms gives way to a wetter night, with showers and storms likely before 3 a.m. and a low around 54. [NWS]
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Explore exciting fall workshops at Art House 7! Coming up October 24–25, master artist Teresa Oaxaca returns for a special 2-day Painting a Child’s Portrait in Oils workshop for ages 16–adult. Looking for something shorter? Try the pottery wheel, create a ceramic leaf plate or keepsake ornaments, or explore drawing, printmaking, and Suminagashi. We also offer parent-child workshops and special art workshops for kids on Veterans Day and Election Day!
Art House 7 offers classes throughout the year, taught by a range of fantastic teachers. You can buy art supplies next door. We’re near the Lee Harrison Shopping Center.
Good Tuesday 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 — May 12, 2026.
Here is what’s going on Wednesday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
Expect increasing clouds with a high near 75°F, a 30% chance of showers, and possible thunderstorms after 5 PM, accompanied by southwest winds at 14-16 mph, gusting up to 28 mph. Wednesday night will have showers and thunderstorms until 2 AM, with a slight chance of showers until 3 AM, and a low of around 53°F. Winds will shift from south to northwest, blowing at 5-9 mph, with a precipitation chance of 90% and potential rainfall between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, or more in thunderstorms. See more from Weather.gov.
“The trick is to enjoy life. Don’t wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead.”
– Marjorie Pay Hinckley
The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.
Thanks for reading! If you have something to say about an issue of local note not covered today, feel free to post it as a letter to the editor on our new forum.
Join us in person for a day packed with excitement and peace of mind! Our Child Safety Fun event features a cool fair filled with games and activities for the kids, plus a seat check station to make sure the car seats are installed correctly and to ensure your little ones are buckled up safely. It's a perfect chance to have fun and learn some important safety tips. Don’t miss out on this awesome event made just for families!
After months of complaints about missed trash pickups and other waste collection issues, Arlington County is ditching its current contractor in favor of its former provider.
The county announced today that it will be ending its contract with Bates Trucking and Trash Removal on Aug. 1, one year after Bates took over responsibility for providing curbside pickup for trash, recycling and organics — a change that almost immediately led to complaints from dissatisfied residents.
A small house fire broke out in the Waverly Hills neighborhood this afternoon, under somewhat unusual circumstances.
The fire was reported around 1 p.m. on 16th Street N. between N. Wakefield Street and N. Utah Street, just a few blocks north of Ballston.
A Walgreens pharmacy in Pentagon City has terminated its lease, leaving a notable vacancy at the Westpost shopping center.
The drug store at 1301 S. Joyce Street closed on May 5, according to storefront signage. Federal Realty Investment Trust, which owns Westpost, says it is now in touch with a “national bookseller” that is interested in leasing the 11,000-square-foot space — but doing so would require an amendment to the center’s site plan.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Workers began preliminary surveys and testing Monday of the proposed site of a Triumphal Arch sought by President Donald Trump, the latest step in plans for the contentious project in the nation’s capital.
Workers were seen inspecting the site of the proposed arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery with tools and equipment. Part of the site was fenced off and pink flags typically used as survey markings were planted in the grass.
Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) is blaming President Donald Trump for surging consumer prices, after federal data released Tuesday showed inflation climbing at its fastest pace in three years.
The Labor Department’s consumer price index rose 3.8% from April 2025, up from a 3.3% year-over-year gain in March. On a month-to-month basis, April prices rose 0.6% from March as gasoline prices rose 5.4%.
