Pentagon Lockdown, COVID-19 Concerns: Top Arlington News Of 2021

ARLINGTON, VA — As it was in 2020, COVID-19 and the local response to it was what Patch readers in Arlington as well as those across the region, were most interested in during 2021.

The availability of the COVID-19 vaccine was one of the top stories in Arlington for the year. People also wanted to know where they could obtain the vaccine and, more recently, where they could get tested.

But Arlington residents, like much of the rest of the country, were also concerned about the aftermath of the 2020 election and the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Related: COVID-19, Cicadas, Capitol Riot: Top VA News Stories Of 2021

In February, Amazon rolled out its plans for its $2.5 billion headquarters project in Arlington, including concept designs for a 350-foot helix-shaped office tower. The design caused many to debate whether it looked more like a Christmas tree or an upside-down ice cream cone.

The derailment of a Blue Line train between the Rosslyn and Arlington Cemetery stations during evening rush hour on Oct. 12. created ongoing headaches for Metro and its customers.

The National Safety and Transportation Board identified problems with the wheel-axle assemblies of Metro's 7000-series railcars, all of which have since been removed from service. With nearly 60 percent of its fleet sidelined, Metro has only been able to provide reduced service to its customers since October.

In August, a Georgia man attacked a Pentagon Force Protection Agency officer at the Pentagon's transit center. Responding officers shot and killed the suspect. Later, the injured officer died from his wounds.

To stay up to date on Arlington news in 2022, subscribe to our free news alerts and morning newsletter. If you would like to share story ideas, send me an email at michael.oconnell@patch.com.

Here are Arlington's top stories of 2021:

Community

• Virginia's Marijuana Law: What's Legal And What's Not On July 1
• REAL ID Deadline Extended Again For Virginia, Rest Of Nation
• Arkansas Family Stuck In Arlington Turns 'Lemons Into Lemonade'
• Marshall HS Coach, Parents Mobilize Against Allegations Of Racism

Public Safety

• DC Bridges From Virginia To Be Closed For Inauguration Security
• Video Released In Year-Old Ballston Homicide Case: Police
• Police Officer Fatally Stabbed At Pentagon Transit Facility
• 3 Attacked While Waiting In Line At Crystal City Restaurant
• Man Stabbed While Sitting At Bar Of Clarendon Restaurant
• 'Sugar Daddy' Indicted On Multiple Child Sex Trafficking Charges
• Two Tornadoes Cause Widespread Damage Across Arlington, DC
• Rape Charges Filed Against Falls Church Man By Arlington Police

Health & Fitness

• COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Available At Safeway Stores
• Arlington's Mass Vaccination Clinic Called 'Fast' And 'Efficient'
• Arlington Residents 65 And Up Are Eligible For COVID-19 Vaccine
• 12 Virginia Hospitals Ranked Among 2021's Best
• Rabies, Distemper Outbreak Among Raccoons Across North Arlington

Business

• Exclusive: 29 Arlington Eateries Violated COVID-19 Restrictions
• You Can Eat 17-Year Cicadas Emerging In Virginia
• Amazon Plans 'Helix' Building As Centerpiece Of Arlington Campus
• Winter 2021 Restaurant Week Features Arlington Restaurants
• Soft Serve Cone Or Christmas Tree? Amazon HQ2 Helix Sparks Debate