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]


Sponsored

Address: 6216 28th Street N
Neighborhood: Berkshire Oakwood
Type: 4 BR, 4 BA single-family detached – 2900 sq. ft.
Open House: Sunday, May 31st from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Listed: $1,425,000

Noteworthy: Extensively Renovated and Reimagined, Seamlessly Blending New and Old

Stunning remodel in Arlington’s sought-after Berkshire Oakwood! Thoughtfully reimagined from top to bottom, this 1948 Cape is like nothing you’ve seen before.

The spacious main level living room features solid Oak hardwoods, a cozy gas fireplace with marble threshold, and natural light from windows on two sides. Just beyond, a showstopping 2023 kitchen renovation offers 42″ white cabinetry, Quartz countertops, all new stainless steel appliances, custom range hood, and new hardwoods throughout. A sun-soaked eat-in nook with built-in bench opens to the jaw-dropping screened porch – added in 2025 with Trex decking, a vaulted tongue and groove ceiling, in-ceiling heaters, and room for both dining and lounging.

The main level bedroom wing offers two generously sized bedrooms and a fully renovated full bath with marble basketweave tile, glass-enclosed shower, dual shower heads, and cheerful wallpaper. Upstairs, two full suites including a true ensuite primary with massive walk-in closet and a luxurious owner’s bath featuring dual sinks, Quartz surround, and a triple-head glass-enclosed shower. A fully finished lower level rec room with full bath is perfect for play, movies, or guests.

Outside, enjoy a new Bluestone patio, brand new fence, and a flat, lushly landscaped yard with year-round privacy. All of this just blocks from Nottingham Elementary in one of North Arlington’s most beloved communities.

Listed by:
Diane Schline – The Diane Schline Group
[email protected]
(703) 258-9439


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.


Announcement

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.


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.


Event

Join Kaiser Permanente for Healthy at the Harbor, a free community health and wellness event taking place Saturday, June 6, from 11 am to 4 pm at National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Bring your family and friends for free full day of fun, fitness, and preventive care along the waterfront.

Throughout the day, Kaiser Permanente nurses and physicians will offer no-cost health screenings, alongside a health and wellness expo focused on preventive care education. A lively Kids’ Zone will keep children active and entertained with spin-art bikes, face painting, balloon art, games, and more.


Sports

A trio of individual champions and other top placers led the Washington-Liberty Generals to a runner-up finish at the Bobcat Blizzard Invitational track-and-field meet.

The boys team scored 91.5 points in the meet at Battlefield High School on Dec. 14. Independence High School of Ashburn won with 109.


News

Long-delayed plans to redevelop aging Rosslyn office buildings and a parking garage notably involved in the Watergate scandal could be getting a fresh start.

Developer Monday Properties has recapitalized the development site at 1400 Key Blvd and 1401 Wilson Blvd, home to two 12-story office buildings.


News

The median sales price of Arlington single-family homes in 2025 could peak at around $1.4 million in early summer before retreating slightly, according to a new forecast.

The prediction, which also anticipates a year-over-year decline in county home sales next year, comes from the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR) and the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis.


News

As the Arlington NAACP approaches its first leadership change in two years, the organization aims to build on its advocacy efforts.

On issues ranging from housing and education to voting rights and criminal-justice reform, “our branch has been leading the way,” outgoing president Michael Hemminger said at the body’s last meeting of the year, held Monday (Dec. 16).


News

Distilling the essence of Libby Garvey’s 28 years in Arlington public life would have required far longer than the 75 minutes allotted at the Tuesday (Dec. 17) County Board meeting.

But a number of local civic and political leaders gave it their best shot.