By OLIVIA DIAZ and BEN FINLEY Associated Press/Report for America
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia’s state Capitol and General Assembly buildings are going to be closed Wednesday, effectively postponing lawmakers’ first working day of the legislative session nearly two days after a winter storm shut down Richmond’s water system.
Shortly after California Tortilla closed in Courthouse last month, another restaurant has opened in its place.
Offering casual “American and Mexican food” at affordable prices, Wilson Great Eats is currently soft opening at 2057 Wilson Blvd, next to Brooklyn Bagel Bakery. The restaurant is owned by the same family that previously operated California Tortilla, employees told ARLnow.
This sponsored column is by Law Office of James Montana PLLC. All questions about it should be directed to James Montana, Esq., Janice Chen, Esq., and Victoria Khaydar, Esq., practicing attorneys at The Law Office of James Montana PLLC, an immigration-focused law firm located in Falls Church, Virginia. The legal information given here is general in nature. If you want legal advice, contact us for an appointment.
The government likes to release unpopular items on Friday afternoons, and, when the government has something really unpopular to say, the Friday afternoon before a holiday weekend is considered ideal. Last Friday, before the Memorial Day weekend, USCIS published a truly incredible policy reversal – PM 602-0199 (the “May 21 Memo”), which purports to upend the ability of most foreigners to apply for green cards from within the United States. DHS and USCIS’s respective public messaging on the memorandum is clear but wrong. The memorandum was more nuanced, but still, in our view, deeply misleading. The purpose of this advertorial is to explain what happened, why it matters, and offer some predictions about how this unforced error is going to be resolved.
First, here’s what DHS and USCIS said about their own memo.
What do these press releases mean? They mean to highlight the following distinction: some people apply for a green card from inside the United States, at USCIS field offices; others apply for a green card from outside the United States, at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad. Per both press releases, nearly everyone who applies from inside the U.S. is ineligible to become a lawful permanent resident. Almost everyone who applies for a green card should do so via U.S. Embassies and consulates abroad.
That might seem reasonable, and, ex ante, it could be, if our laws and institutions were set up properly. There are, unfortunately, a few problems with this new policy position, both practical and legal. (more…)
With thick blankets and twinkling lights, a Crystal City oyster and cocktail bar is attempting to capture the charm of a cozy ski lodge this winter.
Water Bar is debuting après-ski themed decorations alongside its seasonal treats this month at Water Park (1601 Crystal Drive). The wintry decor accompanies the park’s ongoing cold-weather activities.
Join the Capitol Hill Chorale for our final concert of the season, “Lamentations Into Joy” on Saturday, May 30th, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 31st, at 4 p.m. at Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church.
This concert contains matched pairs of pieces from seven composers, contrasting expressions of sadness and joy. It also features the premiere of a new piece by CHC Composer-in-Residence Kevin Siegfried.
The Arlington County Board’s newest member is asking supporters for assistance in paying off remaining campaign debt.
JD Spain, Sr., who took out $32,000 in loans a few weeks before the Democratic primary in June, emailed supporters on Dec. 30 asking them to contribute to a “final push” for funding. As of the end of December, Spain told ARLnow, he had paid off 85% of campaign loans.
Internationally acclaimed pianist Carlos César Rodríguez joins NCE for a luminous performance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s beloved Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, “Elvira Madigan,” celebrated for its elegance, lyricism, and timeless appeal. Artistic Director and violinist Leo Sushansky takes center stage in Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, a cornerstone of the violin repertoire, offering a deeply personal and passionate interpretation of its sweeping romantic lines.
The program is further enriched by Florence Price’s Adoration, a work of profound beauty and spiritual warmth, and Johan Svendsen’s Romance, cherished for its lyrical charm and expressive simplicity.
The safety of residents is on the minds of Arlington law enforcement following last week’s terror attack and the upcoming presidential inauguration.
There are currently no known threats in the county, ACPD spokesperson Kiyah Daniell confirmed with ARLnow. However, residents should expect to see increased law enforcement presence in Arlington around the swearing-in ceremony for President-elect Donald Trump on Monday, Jan. 20.
An update to the Falls Church Bicycle Master Plan has the potential to remake some city streets.
But only if there is more effort put into turning aspirations to reality than has been the case with the existing plan, adopted in 2015, according to some members of a key advisory panel.
Feds, County Both Open — The federal government and Arlington County government are both opening on time today. Arlington Public Schools, like other Northern Virginia districts, is closed — though D.C. schools are open. [Twitter, Twitter, ARLnow]
Snow Removal Now in Phase 4 — From Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services: “County winter storm response has shifted to Phase 4: aka ‘the cleanup.’ Areas still needing attention can be flagged for crews with the online form, which also includes other contact options.” [Twitter]
Falls Church Trash Pickup Delayed — “No curbside services will be provided on Wednesday, January 8. Services for trash, recycling, yard waste, and curbside composting will be provided on Thursday, January 9.” [City of Falls Church]
Rosslyn Offices Change Hands — “After defaulting on loans in 2023, Monday Properties has lost a seven-building Rosslyn office portfolio, including the marquee two-building project known as The Towers, to Beacon Capital Partners. The details about what happened aren’t clear, but multiple sources confirm that Monday is out.” [WBJ]
Public Safety Encryption Bill — From Dave Statter: “As a strong believer in government transparency – particularly public safety agencies – I’m happy to report that Del. Marcus Simon introduced a bill to look at law-enforcement radio encryption in Virginia.” [Twitter]
It’s Wednesday — Expect partly sunny skies with a high near 30 degrees, and a west wind ranging between 10-14 mph, gusting up to 24 mph. The night will be partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 17 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind of 10-14 mph, gusting as high as 22 mph. [NWS]
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 — Jan 7, 2025.
Here is what’s going on Wednesday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
Expect partly sunny skies with a high near 30 degrees, and a west wind ranging between 10-14 mph, gusting up to 24 mph. The night will be partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 17 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind of 10-14 mph, gusting as high as 22 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.”
– Aristotle Onassis
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.
Arlington Public Schools students will enjoy their third snow day in a row Wednesday.
APS parents, meanwhile, will have their kids at home for yet another day. They’ve been off since Dec. 20, the last day of classes before winter break.
