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]
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Flickr pool photo by Jason Gooljar
