Author: ARLnow.com

Launched in January 2010, ARLnow.com is the place for the latest news, views and things to do around Arlington, Virginia. Started by a Pentagon City resident who has spent the past several years working in local TV news, ARLnow.com seeks to distinguish itself with original, enterprising, up-to-the-minute local coverage.

Morning Poll: Ban TikTok?

By ARLnow.com
TikTok on a phone (Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash)

Virginia’s Attorney General has authored an amicus brief supporting the ban of TikTok on a statewide level.

The short-form video app, which is especially popular with younger users, is set to be banned next year in Montana. In response to a federal lawsuit challenging the ban, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares — joined by 17 other GOP state attorneys general — says the ban should be legal as it amounts to a “garden variety consumer protection statute.”

More from a press release:

Attorney General Jason Miyares filed an amicus brief, joined by 17 other state attorneys general, in support of the State of Montana’s law banning the popular app ‘TikTok.’ Montana’s action protects its citizens’ privacy from TikTok’s relationship with China and the Chinese Communist Party, and its citizens’ wellbeing from the proven physical and mental health detriments the app has on young children.

“Montana’s elected officials voted to ban TikTok, and Montanans voted to elect their representatives. This legislation is a result of the will of the Montana voters,” said Attorney General Jason Miyares. “We know TikTok poses a threat to our privacy and security because of its connection to the Chinese Communist Party, and study after study shows the app harms our children’s mental health – especially young girls. Montana has the right to protect its citizens.”

In March, Attorney General Miyares joined 45 states and the District of Columbia in asking a state court to order social media company TikTok, Inc. to fully comply with an ongoing investigation into whether the company violated consumer protection laws. As part of the multistate investigation, the state attorneys general sought to review internal TikTok communications to determine whether the company engaged in deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable conduct that harmed the mental health of TikTok users, particularly children and teens.

Earlier this year Virginia banned TikTok and some other apps of Chinese origin from state-owned devices and networks, including on college campuses.

While a total ban does not appear likely in Virginia, would you support a ban if one was proposed?

Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Westover Baptist Church in the fading sunlight (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Training Exercise Along S. Courthouse Road — “NSAW Security Forces will be conducting regularly-scheduled drills tomorrow, Thursday, Sept 21 on [Naval Support Facility] Arlington. Impacts: Please expect to see Police activity on ARL during the morning.” [Twitter]

DCA Work Ahead of Schedule — “It adds up fast: 800 tons today, 800 tons tomorrow, 800 tons the next day, and so on and so forth. That’s how much asphalt is being laid on a nightly basis as efforts to upgrade pavements on Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport’s major runway roll ahead until cooler weather conditions call a halt through early next spring. ‘We’re ahead of schedule,’ said Jack Potter, president/CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.” [Gazette Leader]

Alexandria to Support Bus Stop Expansion — “Arlington calls for aid, and Alexandria will answer. Alexandria’s City Council is scheduled to vote at a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 26, to support neighboring Arlington’s funding application for an expanded Shirlington Transit Center. Arlington County is applying for funding from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority to expand the transit center in Shirlington, a major hub for bus traffic.” [ALXnow]

Community Award Winners Announced — “A trio of Arlington civic leaders will be honored by the Arlington Community Foundation with its 2023 William T. Newman Jr. Spirit of Community Award… John Foti has coached Arlington youth baseball for decades… Dr. Tsehaye Teferra is founder and president of the ECDC Enterprise Development Group… Andres Tobar’s community leadership also has included many years” of work with various local organizations. [Gazette Leader]

Sighting Along the Custis Trail — “Some want to light the fire just to watch it burn” with Gondola Now slogans written in chalk. [Twitter]

Farmers Market Donation to AFAC — “Field to Table, which operates a number of farmers’ markets in Arlington, on Sept. 16 presented its annual gift of $10,000 to the Arlington Food Assistance Center.” [Gazette Leader]

Fashion Pop-Up at Marymount — “PrettyLittleThing, a U.K.-based online fashion retailer, will be making a stop at Marymount University in Arlington on Friday as part of its East Coast pop-up shop tour. All customers are invited to visit the PrettyLittleThing pop-up shop to update their wardrobes, even if they don’t attend Marymount.” [Patch]

GMU Study on Local Mental Health — “A new study shows an alarming trend taking a devastating economic toll: Northern Virginia has lost more than $16 billion in unrealized gross regional product over the last two years due to the impaired mental health of its workforce—with no end of the losses in sight.” [George Mason University]

It’s Thursday — Mostly sunny in the morning with temperatures reaching around 79°F, accompanied by a gentle north wind at 6 mph. Thursday night will be mostly cloudy, with lows near 59°F. [Weather.gov]

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Sep 20, 2023

By ARLnow.com

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 — Sep 20, 2023.

📅 Upcoming events

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

☀️ Thursday’s forecast

The weather forecast for Thursday is mostly sunny with a high temperature near 79°F and a light north wind at 6 mph. By Thursday night, expect mostly cloudy skies with a low temperature around 59°F and a gentle northeast wind at 6 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
– C.S. Lewis

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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

Listing of the Day: 5421 4th Street S.

By ARLnow.com
1/7

Address: 5421 4th Street S.
Neighborhood: Glencarlyn
Type: 4 BR, 4 (+1 half) BA single-family detached — 3,720 sq. ft.
Listed: $1,679,000

Noteworthy: Tremendous Value on New Construction Home in Arlington!

For those looking for a home in Arlington that checks all the boxes, this home is for you! This new construction home by local home builder Classic Cottages features 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, 3,720 finished sq. ft., and 1 car attached garage.

Perfect for hosting, the Dahlia Model features an open concept main level with 9 ft ceilings and dining, living and cooking spaces all open to each other, making this smaller home plan feel spacious and inviting. Also on the main level, you’ll find a mud room and pantry located between the garage and kitchen for convenience. A powder room and coat closet is found near the front entry near the gorgeous stairwell. Upstairs you’ll find three spacious bedrooms, three bathrooms, and laundry. On the lower level, you’ll find an entertainment room with a wet bar, another full bedroom with bathroom, and a fitness room.

Join Classic Cottages this Sunday, September 24th to tour your new home!

Listed by:
Michelle Lynch — Urban Living Real Estate, LLC
[email protected]
(571) 366-3324

Fire Marshal’s Office looking for witness to car fire started with stolen fireworks

By ARLnow.com
“Possible witness” to June 17 vehicle arson (photo via Arlington County Fire Marshal’s Office)

Someone lit a car on fire near the Arlington border, using fireworks stolen from the Bluemont area.

That’s according to the Arlington County Fire Marshal’s Office, which today released surveillance photos of a “possible witness” to the June 17 incident just east of Seven Corners. Fire marshals are trying to identify the person in the photos.

More from the flyer released today:

The Arlington County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a Theft of Commercial Fireworks and Arson of a Vehicle and is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a possible witness. At approximate 9pm on June 17, 2023 the Fire Department responded to Patrick Henry Dr Falls Church/ Wilson Blvd & N. McKinley Rd Arlington for the report of a vehicle fire. The investigation determined the cause of the fire was ARSON and the suspect used fireworks stolen from a commercial fireworks stand in the 5100 Block of Wilson Blvd to burn the vehicle. The individual pictured above may have information regarding or have witnessed the crime.

Anyone with information about the crime or the possible witness is asked to contact Lt. John Crooke at (703)-228-4649 or [email protected].

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
A flock of birds fly past the U.S. Air Force Memorial (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

NAACP Candidate Forum — “With Arlington residents continuing to debate the effects of the county’s new Missing Middle zoning ordinance, housing issues were a major topic of discussion at the NAACP Arlington Branch’s candidates forum Monday night.” [Patch]

Ragtime Renewing Lease — “A popular restaurant in the Courthouse area has survived the pandemic and now is asking for a lease extension from the Arlington County government. The owners of the Ragtime restaurant, located in a government-owned building at 1345 North Courthouse Road, are asking to extend the lease from its current expiration in 2026 to 2031.” [Gazette Leader]

New Group Joins CivFed — “The Arlington County Civic Federation began its new year with one more member organization than it ended with in 2022-23. Delegates at their September meeting ratified the membership application of the African-American Leadership Council of Arlington… Founded in 2007 as a grass-roots group, the organization was the brainchild of the late Frank Wilson, a veteran member of the Arlington School Board. The first two co-chairs were Christian Dorsey (now on the County Board) and Sarah Summerville.” [Gazette Leader]

Rainy Weekend on Tap — “The odds are rising for a storm to form off the Southeast coast later this week before working its way northward this weekend, soaking the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. While it’s uncertain whether the system will qualify for a name, it’s expected to bring gusty winds, rough surf, rip currents and shoreline flooding along the coast and heavy rain over a swath that could extend well inland.” [Capital Weather Gang]

It’s Wednesday — Expect a mostly sunny day with a high near 79 degrees and a light northwest wind of 3-6 mph. The evening will be mostly clear, with the temperature dropping to around 60 degrees and a gentle northeast breeze. [Weather.gov]

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Sep 19, 2023

By ARLnow.com

Good Tuesday 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 — Sep 19, 2023.

📅 Upcoming events

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

☀️ Wednesday’s forecast

The forecast for Wednesday is mainly sunny with a high temperature close to 79°F and a light northwest wind of 3-6 mph. During the night, expect mostly clear skies and a low temperature around 60°F accompanied by a gentle northeast breeze. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
– Aristotle

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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

Heads up: There’s a flaming pile of trash in the middle of Wilson Blvd

By ARLnow.com
1/4

Bad news for those going to the Eden Center this afternoon: you’ll have to contend with a smoldering pile of garbage in the middle of Wilson Blvd.

Firefighters from Arlington and Fairfax County were dispatched to the intersection of Wilson Blvd and Roosevelt Blvd — near the Eden Center and the border of Falls Church and Arlington — around 1:30 p.m.

Refuse in the back of a garbage truck reportedly caught fire, leading the driver to dump the load across the street.

As of 1:45 p.m. firefighters were working to douse residual fire within the stinky, steaming trash pile. Wilson Blvd was blocked in both directions as of publication time.

Dumping the flaming garbage appears to be standard procedure so that the truck itself does not go up in flames. Similar trash fires previously happened locally in May 2019 and August 2021.

NEW: Prestigious national honor for local middle school

By ARLnow.com
Williamsburg Middle School (photo via Google Maps)

Williamsburg Middle School has been named a National Blue Ribbon School for 2023.

The prestigious honor from the U.S. Dept. of Education has been presented to fewer than 10,000 schools since its founding in 1982. It honors “high-performing schools and schools that are making great strides in closing any achievement gaps between students.”

The National Blue Ribbon School designation was previously bestowed on a handful of Arlington public schools, including Arlington Traditional School in 2019, Patrick Henry Elementary in 2015 and Yorktown High School in 2002.

“This is an extraordinary achievement for our students, staff, and community,” Bryan Boykin, principal of Williamsburg Middle School, said in a statement. “Being recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School demonstrates the hard work of our educators and students, as well as our community’s continued commitment to supporting our schools and students. We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our students and the quality of our staff.”

More, below, from a press release.

The U.S. Department of Education today announced Williamsburg Middle School is one of 353 schools awarded National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2023.

The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments. Williamsburg Middle School earned the prestigious award for Exemplary High-Performing Schools.

“This is an extraordinary achievement for our students, staff, and community,” said Bryan Boykin, principal of Williamsburg Middle School. “Being recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School demonstrates the hard work of our educators and students, as well as our community’s continued commitment to supporting our schools and students. We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our students and the quality of our staff.”

The Department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates:

  • Exemplary High-Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
  • Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students. Nominated schools also complete an extensive narrative application describing their school culture and philosophy, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership structures, and parent and community involvement.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona praised all honorees in a statement:

“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to Raise the Bar in education. The leaders, educators, and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. As the Biden-Harris Administration partners with states and schools to accelerate academic success and transform educational opportunity in this country, we take tremendous pride in the achievements of these schools and their commitment to empowering educators, serving students, and engaging families.”

The award affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement. National Blue Ribbon Schools represent the full diversity of American schools and serve students of every background.

National Blue Ribbon School leaders articulate a vision of excellence and hold everyone to high standards. They demonstrate effective and innovative teaching and learning, and value and support teachers and staff. Data from many sources are used to drive instruction and every student strives for success. Families, communities, and educators work together toward common goals.

Past Arlington Public Schools Blue Ribbon Award winners include Arlington Traditional School in 2004, 2001 and 2019; Patrick Henry Elementary School (Alice West Fleet) in 2015; Yorktown High School in 2002; Ashlawn Elementary School in 1990; Oakridge Elementary School in 1986; and Washington-Lee High School in 1985.

Photo via Google Maps

Arlington man arrested in connection to Lyon Village hit and run

By ARLnow.com
1/4

An arrest has been made following a July crash in Lyon Village in which the driver allegedly fled the scene with two small children.

The crash happened around 10 p.m. on N. Bryan Street, in the aftermath of severe storms.

“Around 10:05 pm, a black Porsche SUV went screeching down N. Bryan St. in Lyon Village at a high speed,” a resident told ARLnow at the time. “[It] crashed into a light pole and took the entire pole down across N. Bryan, hit a stop sign which got attached to the undercarriage of the Porsche, then did a sharp left turn into 16th Street where the car came to a stop.”

“Then I heard a little girl screaming ‘Daddy, Daddy!’ It was heartstopping,” she continued. “I ran outside at the sound of the collision and heard the girl screaming. When I got there, the car was still running, all the doors were open, but no one was in it. Neighbors were pouring out of their houses to see what had happened.”

“At least three witnesses reported that the man got out of the Porsche and told his children (apparently 2 young children) ‘Run with me,’ she said. “Then they took off running down 16th Street towards Courthouse.”

Among the destinations that could be seen on the wrecked Porsche’s navigation system were Le Diplomate restaurant in D.C. and a home in Vienna, Virginia. Yesterday, ARLnow’s sister site FFXnow reported that a 42-year-old Arlington man is facing charges here and in Vienna for the crash and for allegedly making false statements to police.

From FFXnow:

The Vienna Police Department got a report on July 30 from a supposed resident who said his vehicle had been stolen out of his garage on Battle Street SE sometime between midnight on July 29 and 9 a.m. on July 30.

“A resident left his vehicle unsecured in the garage with the keys inside overnight,” police said in a summary from its recap of the week of Aug. 4. “Due to a storm and power outage, the garage door was unable to close. The following day, the resident discovered the vehicle was stolen.”

The VPD noted at the time that the vehicle was later located in another jurisdiction.

A subsequent investigation, however, linked the vehicle to a crash in Arlington County where the driver fled the scene with two children, according to an update in the VPD’s latest recap, which covers the week of Sept. 8-14.

“Investigation revealed the driver was the owner of the vehicle who made the stolen vehicle report the following morning,” Vienna police said.

Arlington County police spokeswoman Ashley Savage confirmed to FFXnow that the suspect is also facing charges here.

“As a result of the investigation into the circumstances of the crash, warrants were obtained on September 7 for [the suspect], 42, of Arlington, VA for Child Neglect (x2) and Hit and Run of Unattended Property (x2). He was taken into custody by the Town of Vienna Police Department.”

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Fallen leaves on the grass (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Pentagon Parking Redevelopment? — “Offsite Pentagon parking lots steps from Amazon.com Inc.’s second headquarters could be redeveloped with commercial mixed-use, according to proposed amendments to the Pentagon campus master plan. The three noncontiguous lots up for consideration sit on the north side of Army Navy Drive, immediately south of I-395, at Hayes, Fern and Eads streets. They’re currently used for tour bus drop-off and pick-up and parking for Pentagon permit-holders and visitors.” [Washington Business Journal]

Water Main Break in N. Arlington — Portions of northern Arlington lost water pressure briefly Monday after a sizable water main break. From Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services: “Crews are working on a broken main along the 4100 block of North River Street. The break has been isolated and pressure is believed to be restored. Traffic diverted around the work site.” [Twitter]

Cemetery Monument to VMI? — “Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin asked the Virginia Military Institute, the nation’s oldest state-supported military college and whose board members he appoints, to accept and place on property it owns 80 miles from campus a Confederate statue from Arlington National Cemetery that the Army has ordered to be removed by Jan. 1, according to a VMI spokesperson.” [Washington Post]

We’re No. 1 for Homebuyer Demand — “After lagging Alexandria for two months, Arlington is back on top in the latest Bright MLS T3 Home-Demand Index, released Sept. 12. Even so, the data suggest home-buyer interest in the Arlington market declined slightly from July to August.” [Gazette Leader]

Weekend DUI Arrests — “On Saturday evening, officers conducted a DUI Saturation Patrol, a detail designed to make our roadways safer by identifying, stopping and apprehending drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. During the detail, officers conducted 27 traffic stops which resulted in 3 DUI arrests, 4 other misdemeanor arrests and issued 20 traffic summonses.” [Twitter]

Development Approval Delayed — “Plans to raze Arlington United Methodist Church and replace it with an assisted-living facility will wait a month before consideration by Arlington leaders. Initially planned to be discussed at September meetings of the Planning Commission and County Board, the proposal has been pushed back to October.” [Gazette Leader]

Treasurer Prepping for Stormwater Change — “The Arlington County Treasurer’s Office isn’t waiting until the last minute in making preparations for a major switch in how property owners get charged for the county government’s stormwater efforts. ‘We are already up to our eyeballs with all things stormwater!’ Treasurer Carla de la Pava told the GazetteLeader.” [Gazette Leader]

Fall Foliage Prediction — “Using historical weather reports, tree species info, and user data, travel brand SmokyMountains.com put together 2023 foliage prediction maps of the U.S. In the Mid-Atlantic, leaves change colors by October 23. The Mid-Atlantic will likely be past its peak fall colors by the end of November.” [Axios]

It’s Tuesday — A sunny day with a high temperature near 76 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 7 to 11 mph. As for tonight, expect mostly clear skies and a low temperature of around 56 degrees. [Weather.gov]

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