Opinion

Should the Arlington County Board hold a quarterly public comment free-for-all?

That’s the suggestion of an Arlington Gazette Leader editorial. The opinion piece notes frustration with the County Board’s one-speaker-per-topic rule during the open public comment period of its monthly meetings.


News

Tree Canopy Discussion — “At least for now, Arlington County Board members are sticking to their story when it comes to the county’s total tree canopy. But cracks  in that commitment are appearing.” [Gazette Leader]

Less Funding for Litter — “It will provide a savings of 0.0025 percent in the Arlington County government’s fiscal 2025 budget, but likely will lead to a less tidy and more graffiti-strewn community. Is that a fair tradeoff? It apparently does seem fair to the county’s Department of Environmental Services, which has proposed reducing dedicated staffing to address litter issues in the dead-center area of the county.” [Gazette Leader]


News

Virginia’s U.S. senators are throwing their weight behind a bill to support first-generation homebuyers.

The Downpayment Toward Equity Act would provide grants of up to $20,000 to support socially and economically disadvantaged homebuyers. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine are co-sponsoring the bill, alongside several fellow Democrats, saying this will help close equity gaps.


Around Town

Turu’s by Timber Pizza Company is putting to rest the mystery around ‘Who is Turu?’ with a rebrand to simply “Timber Pizza Company.”

Launched in 2014 by Andrew Dana and Chris Brady from a ’67 Chevy pickup truck, Timber has three physical locations — including two in Arlington at Ballston Quarter Market and Reagan National Airport, and another in D.C.’s Petworth neighborhood. Additionally, the company has a mobile wood-fired pizza oven catering to the D.C. area and Richmond.


News

Serious crimes remain on the rise in Arlington as the Arlington County Police Department continues to seek more officers.

Simple assaults increased in 2023 for the fourth year in a row, while narcotics offenses surged 19% compared to the previous year, Chief Andy Penn told the Arlington County Board at a budget work session on Thursday. Every major category of offenses — crimes against persons, property and society — went up last year, he said.


Events

Don’t be surprised if you see Ghostbusters in Crystal City tonight.

The beloved film franchise is back on the silver screen with the Friday night opening of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, and some devoted enthusiasts will be in Crystal City to celebrate.


Around Town

The Union in Virginia Square has shuttered, possibly for good.

It’s not clear when the McLean-based “casual fine dining” restaurant at 3811 Fairfax Drive last fired up the oven. Responding to reader tips, ARLnow stopped by the restaurant several times over the last two months to find the location closed during regular business hours each time.


Around Town

Reagan National Airport is getting some new places to eat, drink and shop.

Seven new concessions at DCA were announced Wednesday by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. All are expected to start construction this year, though there’s no word on opening dates.