News

By OLIVIA DIAZ Associated Press/Report for America

RICHMOND (AP) — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin proposed a state budget plan on Wednesday to provide tax relief on tips and cars, measures his Republican administration touted as giving money back to middle- and lower-income workers.


News

A delivery driver was carjacked last night on the same block as Amazon’s HQ2.

The incident happened just before 6 p.m. on the 500 block of 14th Street S. in Pentagon City. Police say the driver tried to chase down his car after the suspect hopped in the idling vehicle and started driving away, but the suspect drew a gun and drove off.


Sponsored

May is Business Appreciation Month,, and the BizLaunch team is recognizing Arlington’s small business community with opportunities to connect, learn and discover new pathways for growth. Entrepreneurs are invited to take part in two upcoming events designed to foster collaboration and open doors to new business opportunities.

AANHPI Entrepreneurs Gather for Brunch and Business: Power in Unity

Arlington’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) business community will come together for Brunch and Business: Power in Unity on Monday, May 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 2799 Richmond Hwy. in Arlington.

Hosted by Arlington Economic Development’s BizLaunch team, the event brings AANHPI entrepreneurs, small business advocates and community leaders together for conversation, connection and shared learning. Guided by the theme Power in Unity, the gathering highlights how diverse cultures, perspectives and experiences strengthen Arlington’s small business ecosystem.

Attendees will hear from four local business owners during a moderated panel discussion, engage in meaningful dialogue and expand their professional networks. The event is designed to foster collaboration, celebrate AANHPI leadership and support continued growth across Arlington’s business community.

Continue the Momentum: Learn How to Do Business with GSA (more…)


News

A 78-year-old man has pleaded guilty to keeping explosives inside his Westover apartment.

Charles Wallace Peters faces a maximum of 10 years in prison following his Tuesday plea, according to Virginia statute.


Announcement

The Rosslyn Farmers Market brings fresh, locally grown food to the heart of the neighborhood on Wednesdays from 2-6 p.m. beginning on May 6. Located at Central Place Plaza (1800 N Lynn St) and operated in partnership with FRESHFARM, this thoughtfully curated mid-week market connects the community with regional farmers and food producers offering seasonal produce, baked goods, ready-to-eat items, and other local essentials.

Just steps from the Rosslyn Metro station, the market is a convenient destination for Arlington residents, commuters, and visitors searching for a farmers market near Washington, D.C. From farm-fresh vegetables to artisanal breads, the Rosslyn Farmers Market makes it easy to restock your pantry or fridge with dinner-ready staples right in the middle of the workweek.


News

Arlington County police are urging residents to remain alert to a variety of commonly reported scams this holiday season.

Residents are encouraged to be suspicious of unsolicited communications, avoid clicking suspicious links and regularly monitor their bank accounts for unauthorized activity.


Event

Join us for the 12th Arlington Triathlon in Memory of Anne Viviani. This youth-only swim-bike-run event for ages 7-15 takes place Sunday, June 7th at Washington-Liberty Aquatics Center. It features a time-trial pool swim, a circuit bike course on closed streets, and an on-road run to the finish on the track. For registration, sponsorship information and more, please visit our website at www.triathlonfamilyusa.com. The race benefits the Arlington Triathlon Club, Arlington’s award-winning, elementary school-based multi-sport training program, the longest-running youth triathlon program of its kind in the country.


News

County Manager Mark Schwartz has been directed to consider both program cuts and tax increases as he works to fill a fiscal 2026 budget gap currently estimated at $30 million to $40 million.

County Board members on Tuesday night (Dec. 17) voted unanimously to approve budget guidance providing Schwartz the ability to propose tax increases he deems necessary. That could include another increase to the real-estate tax rate.


News

Lawmakers who represent Arlington in Congress are speaking out against the collapse of a bipartisan plan to avert a government shutdown.

The stopgap budget deal was derailed Wednesday after President-elect Donald Trump called on House Republicans to renegotiate, following sharp criticism of the deal by Elon Musk. House Speaker Mike Johnson is now scrambling to devise a new strategy before Friday’s funding deadline, while Musk — who is to head a government efficiency effort under the new administration — has said that “no bills should be passed” before Trump takes office on Jan. 20.


News
Along Clarendon Blvd in Clarendon (courtesy George Brazier)

Local Businessman Admits Fraud — Arlington business owner Kiel Brendan Brandt, 34, has pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud after defrauding eight companies of over $2 million through his firm, Epsilon Acquisition Services, between 2020 and 2022. Brandt faces up to 20 years in prison and must pay nearly $2 million in restitution. [DOJ]

Advocates: Missing Middle ‘Is a Win’ — “Missing Middle zoning reform was delivering more mid-sized homes throughout Arlington. It was on track to create more starter homes and more places to downsize within neighborhoods that had limited options. In short, the policy was delivering on its promises, until it was invalidated by a judge on September 27, 2024. Notably, none of the hyperbolic concerns of the policy’s critics seem to have been happening.” [YIMBYs of Northern Virginia]

Stormwater Credit Applications Open — “Arlington’s Stormwater Utility credit application period is now open and ready for submissions. In Dec. 2023, the Arlington County Board formally adopted a new, fairer way to fund the stormwater management program by approving the County’s first-ever Stormwater Utility fee. The County Board took further action at its Dec. 2024 meeting to enhance the program by approving two new voluntary credit opportunities for single-family residential properties.” [Arlington County]

It’s Thursday — Expect a mix of clouds and sun with highs around 45 degrees and a northwest wind at 6 to 10 mph. As night falls, clouds increase and the temperature will drop to around 31 degrees. [NWS]


Around Town

Good Wednesday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Dec 18, 2024.

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Thursday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

🌤️ Thursday’s forecast

Expect a mostly sunny day with highs around 45 degrees and a northwest wind ranging from 6 to 10 mph. As night falls, the sky will transition to increasing clouds and the temperature will drop to around 31 degrees, accompanied by calm winds. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
– Albert Schweitzer

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.


Sports

With multiple wrestlers finishing undefeated, the Yorktown Patriots won the team title at the Wakefield High School Capital Duals competition Dec. 15.

Yorktown finished with a 5-0 record with victories over West Springfield, Potomac Falls, West Albemarle, Riverside and Westfield. The 3-2 victory over Westfield secured the title in the eight-team event.