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.
Arlington County police are charging a local teen with robbery after an incident at a local high school.
It happened around noon last Thursday, at Washington-Liberty High School, but was not reported to police until the next day. A boy allegedly stole the male victim’s jewelry after a struggle over his hoodie.
More from an ACPD crime report:
ROBBERY (late), 2024-01120108, 1300 block of N. Stafford Street. At approximately 12:48 p.m. on January 12, police were dispatched to the late report of a robbery by force. Upon arrival, it was determined at approximately 11:55 a.m. on January 11, the juvenile male suspect allegedly approached the juvenile male victim and demanded his hoodie. A struggled ensued, during which the victim’s jewelry broke. The suspect then stole the jewelry, which was later recovered on scene. No injuries were reported. A petition for the juvenile suspect is pending for Robbery. The investigation is ongoing.
The incident happened just two days after a previously-reported “mob” attack at the high school. It is unclear whether the two are in any way related.
Construction crew working in the snow in Rosslyn (Flickr pool photo by Jeff Vincent)
Trash Collection Delayed — “Curbside trash, recycling, and yard waste collection is canceled today, Jan. 16, due to inclement weather. Curbside collection (including metal, e-waste and cart requests) for the remainder of the week will be as follows: Monday routes: Serviced Wednesday, Jan. 17.” [Arlington County]
Flyover This Afternoon — From AlertDC: “The US Military will be conducting a flyover at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday January 17, 2024, at 1:12PM.”
Measles Case at Airports — “Travelers who passed through Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in early January may have been exposed to measles, Virginia health officials said. A confirmed case of measles in a person who traveled through Northern Virginia when returning from international travel was reported to the Virginia Department of Health. As a cautionary measure on Saturday, VDH issued the alert.” [Patch]
Local GOP Blasts Fundraising Site — “Two emails today from vulnerable retirees asking @WINRED to stop taking money from them. We get these emails because WinRed claims the charges are coming from ‘ARLINGTON,’ so people reach out to us. The Arlington GOP doesn’t use WINRED, and we won’t.” [Twitter]
Board Candidate Wants Arena Say — “Plans to develop an entertainment complex in Alexandria – with an indoor arena for the Washington Capitals and Wizards its centerpiece – could emerge as a sleeper issue in the upcoming Democratic primary for Arlington County Board… at least one of the announced contenders is voicing the view that Arlington shouldn’t be left out of the conversation. ‘Our county is not a bystander; we will be directly impacted. Arlington needs a seat at the table,’ Natalie Roy said.” [Gazette Leader]
Ballston Investment Office Downsizing — “Cambridge Associates LLC, a Boston-based investment firm, is cutting the size of its Arlington office in half, the latest in a steady stream of office users reducing their space. The firm will move early next year from 91,000 square feet at 4100 N. Fairfax Drive to 48,000 square feet at The Regent office building at 950 N. Glebe Road — roughly a 47% reduction.” [Washington Business Journal]
We’re No. 2 for Area Housing Costs — “D.C. retained its top-of-the-heap ranking in spite of a year-over-year drop of 3.7 percent in average per-square-foot housing costs (from $545 per square foot to $525), according to figures reported by Bright MLS as analyzed by the GazetteLeader. Arlington also saw a decline, with its average per-square-foot cost dropping 1.1 percent from $478 to $473, but that was enough to retain the No. 2 position it had held most of the year.” [Gazette Leader]
It’s Wednesday — Expect sunny skies with a high near 29 and a west wind ranging from 7 to 13 mph. At night, there will be increasing cloud coverage and a low temperature around 19. Winds will shift to the southwest, blowing at 3 to 6 mph. [Weather.gov]
Expect sunshine and a high near 29 degrees during the day, accompanied by a west wind blowing at 7 to 11 mph and gusts reaching up to 20 mph. As the night progresses, clouds will increase and the temperature will drop to around 19 degrees, with a southwest wind blowing at a gentle 5 to 7 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“The only thing you get to take with you when you’re gone is what you leave behind.” – John Allston
🌅 Tonight’s sunset
Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.
After a snow day today, Arlington students will be going back to school on Wednesday — but on a two-hour delay.
Arlington Public Schools made the following announcement at 6 p.m.
Wed, Jan. 17, 2024: Code 2 – All APS Schools & Offices Will Open 2 Hours Late
CODE 2: Due to hazardous conditions resulting from yesterday’s storm, all APS schools and offices will open two hours late tomorrow, Wed, Jan. 17, 2024. The Extended Day program will also open two hours late and morning field trips are canceled. Custodial and maintenance staff and food service workers should report to work at their regularly scheduled time. All other employees should report to work two hours past their usual start time. For updates about Pool Operations, go to www.apsva.us/aquatics. For information about Arlington County operations go to www.arlingtonva.us.
Neighboring Alexandria and Fairfax County also announced two hour delays for Wednesday. Alexandria City Public Schools cited “extreme temperatures and the potential for hazardous conditions” as the reason for the delayed opening.
Building a snowman in Tara-Leeway Heights (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)
(Updated at 11:55 a.m.) Light freezing drizzle and snow is falling now, but a change this afternoon may bring new hazards.
The wintry precipitation is expected to taper off around noon, just as temperatures start dropping and the wind picks up.
In a new Special Weather Statement, the National Weather Service says those on the roads should expect slick spots.
…Areas of freezing drizzle through midday. Becoming blustery and turning sharply colder in the afternoon…
Areas of freezing drizzle can be expected from the Blue Ridge and Catoctin Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay until about noon today. Precipitation may change briefly back to snow before it ends with little or no additional snow accumulation expected. As the precipitation ends, expect blustery northwest winds to strengthen and gust to about 30 mph with temperatures decreasing during the afternoon. Expect slick spots on roadways especially over bridges and any untreated surfaces.
Arlington County, meanwhile, says its snow crews are now tackling residential streets, having already treated arterial routes.
“Residential streets may only be passable with one lane and you may not see bare pavement yet,” the county noted on social media.
Arlington property owners also have a snow removal responsibility, thanks to a circa-2010 county ordinance.
“A recent weather event has concluded and deposited snow/ice accumulations of less than 6 inches,” the county noted. “Arlington’s sidewalk snow removal ordinance requires residents and businesses to clear adjacent public sidewalks of snow and ice by 6:00 A.M. on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.”
Due to poor road conditions, trash and recycling collection in Arlington has been delayed another day, according to Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services.
In all, Arlington — as measured at National Airport — received just over 4 inches of snow from the MLK Day storm. More snow is in the forecast for Friday.
UPDATE: Curbside collection is postponed again due to weather-related issues. Barring more storms, regular Monday routes will be serviced Wednesday, Jan. 17; Tuesday routes on Thursday; Wednesday routes on Friday; and Thursday + Friday routes on Saturday. https://t.co/Vh6ynsDlWHpic.twitter.com/zPNAPrtt2R
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) January 16, 2024
Illustration of local businesses in the winter (generated with DALL-E)
Arlington’s local business scene is always in flux, with stores and restaurants regularly opening, closing, or changing hands.
Changing economic conditions often lead business owners to sell, whether for retirement, to focus on other projects, or just to pass their business on to someone new who might be able to revive its fortunes.
In our latest series installment, we’re taking a look at local businesses newly listed for sale on BizBuySell, an online marketplace. These listings provide details about the businesses, though they usually don’t reveal their names.
In our previous update in September, we found ten businesses for sale, including restaurants and service companies. Today, we have seven more.
The business has generated loyal customers and large customer base through word of mouth, and some travel from as far as 2.5 hours away to buy the rolled ice creams and drinks (including bubble teas, milkshake, Japanese crepe, chopped Ice, slushy). Children enjoy the experience of us making the Freshly hand rolled ice-cream show in front of them. The business consists of 3 concepts in one location.
ABSENTEE OWNED while averaging $3,700,000 in annual sales with a cash flow of $625,000. Indoor seating for 276 patrons as well as outdoor seating for 180. Numerous full service bars throughout the establishment as well as over 40 TVs & projectors for sporting events. Private event areas as well as a section for live entertainment such as bands & DJs.
Revolutionary designed co-working office space, work space, and meeting rooms for innovative professionals and entrepreneurs…in a prime DC-area location. One of the first franchise concepts in the co-working industry. This can be an absentee ownership for someone looking to add to their portfolio, and business can be run with just 2 employees.
This 4-Time Arlington Magazine Top Vote Getter is one of a small handful of high-end gift stores in the affluent Northern Virginia area, primarily serving McLean, Falls Church and North Arlington.
Great opportunity to buy an established business already built to the highest standards, with a loyal customer base, prime for accelerated growth with “return-to-office” trend improving dramatically over prior 2 years. Owner has to sell due to pending relocation to West Coast.
This thriving café features a diverse selection of all-natural healthy breakfast and lunch items, crafted from locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. From gourmet toasts and refreshing smoothie bowls to robust salads and savory sandwiches, they cater to health-conscious tastes. The café also boasts an extensive range of fresh cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and coffee drinks, including hot drip, nitro cold brew, and espresso.
An exceptional opportunity awaits with the sale of a reputable and fully licensed franchise school. This established early childhood education center in Arlington, Virginia, enjoys a strong reputation for delivering quality care and education to children. With stable revenue streams, a dedicated staff, and a proven curriculum, this turnkey investment offers a prime location for access to residential areas and business districts.
Snow day in Arlington (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)
Police Chase Ends in Arlington — ” Multiple people are in custody early Friday morning after a Virginia State Police (VSP) pursuit ended in Arlington County. VSP officials said troopers were pursuing a vehicle that had been reported stolen when it finally came to a stop near S. Adams Street and S. 26th Street. Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) officials said their officers responded to assist VSP in the search for suspects around 3:21 a.m.” [WJLA]
Home Sale Prices Rise — “Average home-sales prices across Arlington increased year-over-year in all three segments of the market – single-family, attached and condominiums – but the whopper increase countywide in December requires an explanation. A significant bump up in the number of single-family homes in the overall sales mix helps to explain some of that large increase, which saw the average overall sales price in Arlington rise 25.3 percent from $728,349 to $919,508.” [Gazette Leader]
Another Towing Bill in Richmond — “Tow-truck drivers across the commonwealth would be required to obtain a state operating certificate, complete a drug test and take educational courses before being allowed to hook up vehicles, under a bill introduced by a member of the House of Delegates.” [Gazette Leader]
Buzz for Bee Bill — “If a local member of the General Assembly gets his way, the noble and environmentally vital honeybee will be named Virginia’s official state pollinator. Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) has introduced HB 117, which will add the honeybee (Apis mellifera) to the roster of the Old Dominion’s official this-and-thats.” [Gazette Leader]
Student Rep Bill Returns — “It didn’t get very far in 2023, but a local member of the General Assembly has brought back a proposal requiring all school systems across the commonwealth to have a student representative. The bill, HB 958, is patroned by Del. Alfonso Lopez (D-Arlington), and is similar in scope to one he introduced in last year’s session.” [Gazette Leader]
New Swim Coach at Country Club — “Evan Stiles will be the new head coach of the perennial champion Washington Golf & Country Club Lightning team in the top division of the summertime Country Club Swim & Dive Association. The Lightning have won nine straight league championships at the top division. Stiles is well known on the swimming coaching circuit. He’s also the current longtime head swim coach of the year-round Arlington Aquatic Club program.” [Gazette Leader]
First Inch of Snow in Two Years — From the D.C. area National Weather Service office: “It’s official! Over 1″ of snow so far in DC & Baltimore, first time in approx. two years we’ve had this much snow!” [Twitter]
It’s Tuesday — Expect snow until 1 pm, followed by cloudy skies and a high of 33 degrees. The northeast wind of 5-15 mph will shift to the northwest in the afternoon, with possible gusts reaching 22 mph. There is a 50% chance of precipitation. For Tuesday night, the weather will be mostly clear and feature a low of 16 degrees, with a northwest wind of 9-13 mph and gusts up to 20 mph. [Weather.gov]
Snow in Rosslyn on a traffic camera just before 11 p.m. on Jan. 15, 2024
(Updated at 12:40 a.m.) Arlington is now under a Winter Storm Warning, with total snowfall expected to reach 4-6 inches.
The National Weather Service upgraded the previous Winter Weather Advisory around 10:30 p.m. The snow accumulation is making travel difficult, prompting Metro and Arlington Transit to implement severe snow plans for buses.
The snow is also delaying and cancelling flights at National Airport — and reportedly stranding several flights on the tarmac for extended periods of time. The GW Parkway remains closed between Spout Run and the Beltway, due to the snow.
From NWS:
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1028 PM EST Mon Jan 15 2024
…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST TUESDAY…
* WHAT…Heavy snow, possibly changing to light freezing rain or freezing drizzle along the Interstate 95 corridor toward morning. Total snow accumulation of 4 to 6 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze.
* WHERE…Portions of central Maryland, The District of Columbia and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…Until 10 AM EST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Moderate to heavy snow this evening and overnight may produce snow of one half to one inch per hour and reduce visibility to one half mile or less at times. Snow intensity will taper off toward morning.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
1030PM Update: Given the ongoing, rapidly accumulating snow we have upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning for the DC Metro to Annapolis north to the MD/PA border. Total snow accumulations will reach 4-6", with locally higher amounts by the end of the night. #MDwx#VAwx#DCwx#WVwxpic.twitter.com/loeSRridV0
Metro, meanwhile, issued the following press release Monday night about its operating status. Metro — along with Arlington Transit — is operating limited bus service due to the snow.
For the rest of the evening on Monday, Jan. 15, and early morning on Tuesday, Jan. 16, Metrobus will be operating under its Severe Snow Plan with approximately 40-plus bus routes operating.
Under a Severe Snow Plan, bus service is limited to major roads, with additional snow detours possible based on road conditions.
Customers are advised to travel only if necessary, as snow and ice may create hazardous conditions, causing delays and increased wait times. If snow is blocking the curb, wait on the sidewalk instead of the street until the bus arrives.
Metro is deploying resources throughout the system and across the region to monitor road conditions and keep parking lots, walkways, and stations clear of snow. Customers should build in additional travel time and use caution on platforms, escalators, parking lots, and other areas that may be slippery.
Metrorail is running regular service, though service may change based on weather conditions and staffing availability.
MetroAccess is running regular service, but customers are encouraged to travel only if necessary. Some trips may experience delays due to road conditions. If door-to-door service is not possible, curb-to-curb service will be provided instead.
The decision to reduce bus service was made to support the safety of our customers and employees. The plan was developed in conjunction and coordination with our jurisdictions and regional partners.
Metro will re-evaluate weather conditions throughout the day Tuesday and we aim to return to normal bus service as soon as conditions allow.
Customers are encouraged to sign up for MetroAlerts text and email messages to receive the latest service updates. You can also visit the Status and Alerts page and check Metro’s social media channels @wmata@MetrorailInfo and @Metrobusinfo.
An Arlington Public Schools employee clears snow from in front of Barrett Elementary School in 2015 (file photo)
(Updated at midnight) There will be no classes for Arlington Public Schools students Tuesday.
The snow day means at least a four-day weekend for students, when combined with today’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. APS made the announcement around 6 p.m.
CODE 1: All APS schools and offices will be closed tomorrow, Tue, Jan. 16, 2024. Unless otherwise directed by their supervisors, custodial and maintenance staff should report to work at their scheduled time. Extracurricular activities, games, team practices, field trips, adult education classes and programs in schools and on school grounds are canceled. For updates about Pool Operations, go to www.apsva.us/aquatics. For information about Arlington County programs and operations go to www.arlingtonva.us.
Nearby Alexandria, Fairfax County, D.C. and Montgomery County have also announced snow days. The area is, as of 11 p.m., under a Winter Storm Warning, with a couple of additional inches of accumulation expected overnight.
Arlington County government offices and courts, meanwhile, will open at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, while libraries are set to open at noon, the county announced Monday night. The federal government will be closed.
Due to inclement weather, Arlington County Government in-person facilities and Judicial Court proceedings will open at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, unless otherwise stated. Libraries will open at noon.
At Reagan National Airport, the FAA is reporting, as of midnight, a Ground Stop due to snow and ice.
NBC 4 chief meteorologist Doug Kammerer said on social media that he arrived on an flight that’s now stranded on the tarmac at DCA while snow is cleared from runways. There are numerous other reports on social media of passengers stranded on planes at the airport.
Well DCA is shut down. We are on the tarmac, but not allowed to move until the runways are cleared off. Looks like it will be a while. Glad I made it home, but Doubtful I see you at 11. @amelia_draper will have you covered. #SNOW
Reagan National (DCA) is a MESS. Terrible comms between pilots and deicing trucks are being reported. Airlines caught off guard with DC Show. Jets blowing past DOT limits of 3 hours of full planes sitting on runways waiting for gates. Full jets lined up on runaways. Pilots… pic.twitter.com/DGoIJShfsm
Snow continues at a steady pace across the DMV with some spots reporting 1-2” already. Roads are becoming snow covered which is leading to hazardous travel conditions. Please take it easy out there! #vawx#mdwx#dcwxpic.twitter.com/LNt17APGr7
— Washingtonian Weather Geeks (@WashingtonianWx) January 16, 2024
Earlier: Arlington and the immediate D.C. area is under a Winter Weather Advisory, with several inches of additional snow accumulation expected.
The advisory from the National Weather Service was issued this morning. While light snow is currently falling, adding to the dusting from overnight Sunday into Monday, heavier snowfall is expected later this afternoon and tonight.
From NWS:
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1011 AM EST Mon Jan 15 2024
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST TUESDAY…
* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 3 inches.
* WHERE…Portions of central and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and central and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…Until 7 AM EST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the afternoon and evening commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…There will be a brief lull in snow intensity this morning before picking back up again this afternoon. The snow is expected to continue through the night, before winding down just prior to daybreak Tuesday.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for all of the forecast area through early Tuesday morning. Light snow this morning may ease up around mid-morning before steadier snow overspreads the area mid-afternoon through tonight. Visit https://t.co/ZOlvEShgSf for more details. pic.twitter.com/wyid0dWvAd
Drivers are being encouraged to take it slow as some local roads remain slick and snow-covered. The National Park Service, meanwhile, has closed the GW Parkway from Spout Run in Arlington to the Beltway — where construction has been taking place.
The closure is “until further notice,” due to safety concerns during the snow.
From NPS:
The George Washington Memorial Parkway, from 495 to Spout Run, is closed due to the forecasted severe winter weather in the area. This closure is necessary to ensure the proper treatment of the roadway and to restore the parkway to safe travel conditions. Crews will work diligently to treat the road for safe passage of drivers. Drivers should anticipate delays in reopening the northern section of the parkway as crews are required to use smaller equipment than usual to accommodate the lane widths and configurations. Please plan to use alternate routes.
A follow-up alert will be distributed once the parkway has reopened. Thank you in advance for your patience.
(Updated at 12:35 p.m.) Police in Falls Church have arrested a man suspected of fatally stabbing a dog last night.
The incident happened on the 300 block of W. Broad Street around 9:15 p.m. No motive for the attack was given.
This morning, Falls Church police said the suspect, a 25-year-old Loudoun County resident, was at large. In an updated press release (below) issued around 12:15 p.m., police said the man is now in custody.
Reyan Hassan Ibrahim, 25 years old of Broadlands, Virginia, was arrested by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) Police Department during a traffic stop near Dulles Airport at 11 a.m. today. He is being transported to the Loudoun County detention facility, and is expected to be extradited to face charges by the City of Falls Church for stabbing a dog that resulted in the animal being euthanized.
“Our hearts go out to the family of this dog,” said Acting Police Chief Jiwan Chhetri. “Pets are members of the family, and we grieve along with them. We give our thanks to our colleagues at the MWAA Police Department for their swift action. We also thank the community members who took down the license plate Information when they saw this heinous attack — it was a critical piece in catching this suspect.”
Around 9:15 p.m. on Sunday, January 14, near the intersection of W. Broad Street and S. Maple Avenue., a suspect fatally stabbed a dog that was being walked by its owner. The dog was euthanized later as a result of its injuries. There were no injuries to humans.
Witnesses reported the suspect’s license plate number to the police, which is registered to Ibrahim.
SUSPECT ARRESTED! Thanks to the good work of witnesses who shared the suspect's license plate number with police, the Metro Washington Airports Authority Police Department arrested Ibrahim near Dulles Airport around 11 a.m. today!
On social media, the dog was identified as a 12-year-old shepherd mix named Lucy.
The dog and its owner, an older man, were driven to a local vet but the dog did not survive.
DOG CRITICALLY STABBED— in the area of 300 blk West Broad St in the City of Falls Church. A 12yo shepherd-mix (named Lucy) was critically stabbed by a man around 9 p.m. No humans were injured. The suspect is at large. h/t @matthewyoung31 cc: @ARLnowDOTcompic.twitter.com/4ZyQDvugGb
I was the one that drove your dad and Lucy to the vet last night. Please know I am still thinking of him. I hope they can catch the guy. No one deserves that. I am so sorry.
