A 28-year-old Alexandria man is due in court today after he allegedly tried to pass classified documents to a foreign government.
Nathan Vilas Laatsch was employed as an IT specialist for the Defense Intelligence Agency when he “offered to provide classified information to a friendly foreign government,” according to the Justice Department.
Address:923 17th Street South Neighborhood: Aurora Hills Type: 5 BR, 4 (+1 half) BA single-family detached – 3931 sq. ft. Open House: Saturday & Sunday 2-4 Listed: $2,299,900
Noteworthy: Designer kitchen, quartz countertops, soaking tub, pool and gym/bonus room.
Welcome to 923 17th Street South, a beautifully crafted new home by renowned Old Creek Homes in one of Arlington’s most connected and desirable neighborhoods. Offering 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and a fully finished basement with a gym/bonus room, this home combines thoughtful design with modern luxury.
The heart of the home is a designer kitchen featuring quartz countertops, high-end appliances, custom cabinetry, and premium finishes—perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The light-filled main level showcases 10-foot ceilings, open-concept living spaces, a private home office, and a functional mudroom. Upstairs, the luxurious primary suite offers a spa-inspired bath with a soaking tub, creating the perfect place to unwind. Upper and lower levels feature 9-foot ceilings, spacious bedrooms, dedicated upstairs laundry, and beautifully tiled baths throughout.
Step outside to your own private backyard retreat. The inground pool creates an ideal setting for entertaining guests, relaxing on summer afternoons, or enjoying evenings with family and friends.
Conveniently located just minutes from Crystal City, you’ll enjoy walkable access to acclaimed restaurants, shops, and everyday conveniences. Metro access is nearby, providing easy commutes to Washington, DC, the Pentagon, Amazon HQ2, and destinations throughout Northern Virginia.
Firefighters respond to an apartment fire apparently sparked by a lithium-ion battery (staff photo by Josie Sellers)
A smoky apartment fire sparked by an e-scooter could have been much worse if not for a sprinkler system.
The fire broke out around 1:30 p.m. on the first floor of The Jordan, a four-story apartment building at 801 N. Wakefield Street, in the Bluemont neighborhood near Ballston. Arriving firefighters reported encountering smoke, an electrical fire, and residents evacuating the building.
Business damaged in burglary spree (staff photo by Dan Egitto)
Eight businesses in the Rosslyn and Courthouse areas are cleaning up after a series of early morning burglaries.
The break-ins happened early Thursday morning. Police say a group of 2-3 male suspects wearing all black, with their faces covered, smashed glass doors and windows in order to access the businesses and steal safes and cash drawers.
A homeless encampment on the outskirts of Rosslyn (courtesy George Brazier)
Fiery Crash on GW Parkway — “Looks bad but initial reports are that everyone made it out okay. No word of serious injuries. Park Police and ACFD handled.” [ARLnow/X]
Arrest After Auto Theft Attempt — “The male suspect entered the parking lot of the business and engaged an employee in conversation. The suspect then allegedly entered an unoccupied, running vehicle and attempted to flee the scene in the vehicle. Employees confronted the suspect who subsequently exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot…. officers located an individual matching the description of the suspect in the 2300 block of S. Eads Street and detained him.” [ACPD]
Composting Bins Highlighted — “Introducing Bigbelly Bins, the latest high-tech heroes in the green movement. These sleek, solar-powered compost bins are popping up around Arlington, and they’re not just here to look pretty. They’re smart, they’re efficient and they’re making it easier than ever for residents to go green without getting their hands dirty.” [WUSA 9]
Drew Day in Green Valley — “Join us on Saturday, May 31, from 9:45 AM to 1 PM for our end-of-year celebration, as we honor Dr. Charles R. Drew’s birthday (June 3)… Enjoy a fun-filled day with games, activities, and opportunities to get involved.” [Drew Elementary/IG]
‘Single Payer Health Fair’ — “Join DSA NoVA’s Medicare For All Working Group for a fun-filled afternoon of games and activities in Alcova Heights Park as part of the nationwide Day of Action for Single Payer! This event is free and open to the public.” [Action Network]
WHS Soccer Advances in Tourney — “Un a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory last night in the VHSL Liberty District’s Northern Regional Tournament, the Wakefield Warriors stunned the #2-seeded Chantilly Chargers.” [Bryson Dawson/X]
F.C. Apartment Project in Doubt — “In a surprise move, the Economic Development Authority (EDA) decided against selling an EDA parcel for the Maple and Annandale mixed-use project, as originally agreed to by the late EDA Chair Robert Young. The City Manager said that selling the land for this project would limit the redevelopment potential of the Burke & Herbert Bank lot adjacent to it.” [Falls Church Pulse]
Rep Wants WMATA Renamed — “WMATA takes $150M a year in federal funds and delivers nothing but delays, dysfunction, and decay. My bill blocks funding until WMATA is renamed WMAGA and the Metrorail becomes the TRUMP TRAIN.” [Axios, Rep. Greg Steube/X]
Drought Over — “Drought? What drought? Thanks to a soggy May, the entire D.C. Beltway area is now drought-free, per the US Drought Monitor. With even more rain on the way, this could end up a top 10 wettest May ever.” [CWG/Bluesky, CWG]
It’s Friday — After patchy fog gives way to sunshine in the morning, shower and thunderstorm chances increase throughout the afternoon, with a high near 79. Friday night will bring more showers and possible thunderstorms, with some producing heavy rainfall. Lows will be around 59, with north winds at 7-14 mph shifting to northwest after midnight and gusting up to 21 mph. Precipitation chances are at 90%, with 1 to 2 inches of rainfall possible. [NWS]
ABC NOTICE: BB1028GAR, LLC, trading as Buffalo & Bergen, 3003 Washington Blvd, Arlington, Virginia 22201 is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer On and Off, Mixed Beverage license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Gina Chersevani, Managing Member. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or (800) 552-3200.
Storms bring heavy rain, wind and flooding at night (file photo)
Slow-moving downpours could cause flooding in Arlington and the D.C. area Friday night.
That’s according to the National Weather Service, which just issued a Flood Watch for much of the region, nearly 24 hours in advance. In addition to the potential flooding, there could also be severe storms tomorrow evening, forecasters say.
