It was the end of an era Sunday (July 5), as Metro 29 Diner concluded 31 years of dinner service.
The Langston Blvd landmark is keeping breakfast and lunch service starting at 6 a.m. daily, but will now close at 4 p.m. daily rather than 10 p.m.
A county advisory panel proved disinclined to push for a mandatory local “rent registry” giving the public more transparency when it comes to rising apartment costs.
The proposal, floated in late May by the legislative-priorities subcommittee of the Housing Commission, did not make the cut at the subcommittee’s June 29 work session.
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Arlington’s small business community is strong and resilient. However, local businesses continue to face challenges from economic uncertainty, drops in consumer confidence, losses in access to capital, and disruptions from artificial intelligence. BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development, continues to rise to the challenge by supporting over 6,000 small businesses in Arlington with one-on-one counseling, innovative programming and robust marketing to encourage consumers to shop locally.
During a recent presentation to the Small Business Coordinating Council, BizLaunch Director Tara Palacios highlighted fiscal year 2026 results that underscore both the impact of Arlington’s business support programs and the pressures ahead.
BizLaunch provided technical assistance to entrepreneurs at a level 56% above its annual goal, reflecting sustained demand for one-on-one advising and business guidance. The division also served a diverse business community, including 52% women-owned businesses and 45% minority-owned enterprises. Nearly a quarter — 24% — of clients were in food and retail, industries that continue to face heightened economic pressure.
Major marketing and PR campaigns drove engagement across Arlington. Small Business Saturday, one of BizLaunch’s signature programs, prompted more than 4,141 transactions and $211,862 in consumer spending through the Open Rewards incentive, supported by a $10,625 investment of County funds. A coordinated marketing campaign with the BIDs and Partnerships further amplified the effort, generating more than 56,000 organic social media impressions, 44,000 video views and 1,619 engagements, along with nearly 2,000 paid ad clicks.
Support for business development through programming has also expanded. The BizLaunch Transformational Challenge and Pitchfest drew 40 participants for a five-week training program covering strategic planning, marketing, artificial intelligence and financial management. Participants developed pitch decks and presented to a panel of private lenders and business leaders. In all $25,000 was awarded to local businesses through the pitch event which came from private donations and contributions from the Industrial Development Authority. (more…)
Arlington’s jobless rate dropped to 2.8% in May, with the number of residents counted as jobless standing at its lowest rate since March 2025 despite the impact of federal budget cuts rippling through the local economy.
A total of 146,499 county residents were recorded in the civilian workforce during the month, with 4,290 seeking jobs, according to data reported July 1 by the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement.
A number of hometown-style events marked Arlington’s celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday on July 4.
They went on despite some of the hottest temperatures in recent years descending on the local region.
Join us for a crown-worthy evening at Penrose Square as we celebrate Arlington’s own Sandra Bullock with a special outdoor screening of Miss Congeniality.
Before the movie, create your own tiara with our friends at MOCA Arlington, then settle in for a hilarious night under the stars with one of the most beloved comedies of the 2000s.
Fireworks Cap the 250th — The supersized version of the annual Independence Day fireworks lit up the sky over the National Mall on Saturday night, capping the D.C. celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday. Full livestream replays are available from the D.C. perspective (Freedom 250) and the Pentagon City perspective (Statter), which quickly became obscured by smoke. [Freedom 250/YouTube, Dave Statter/YouTube]
Warplanes Roar Over D.C. — Military aircraft crossed the Potomac from Virginia and streaked over the National Mall for much of Independence Day in what organizers billed as “the most ambitious aviation spectacle in American history.” The Blue Angels, Marine One helicopters and more than 30 flyovers marked America’s 250th, though an Air Force One pass coincided with a storm evacuation of the Mall. Reagan National closed from noon to midnight. [Washington Post]
Resale Chain Eyes Clarendon — The RealReal, a secondhand chain that sells authenticated used goods from brands like Gucci and Prada, is pursuing its first D.C.-area storefront at Crossing Clarendon, according to public records. Arlington’s zoning administrator confirmed a secondhand store is permitted at the center, formerly known as Market Common. It’s unclear whether a lease has been signed. [WBJ]
Ovechkin Signs New Contract — Alex Ovechkin has signed a one-year contract to remain with the Washington Capitals, per a team press release, meaning the former Arlington resident will keep turning up at the team’s Ballston practice facility. [ARLnow/X]
ACPD Officer Charged — An Arlington County police officer has been charged with malicious wounding over an off-duty assault. Vincent Baglio, 31, allegedly assaulted someone he knew inside a residence on May 24, according to police. Hired in 2024, he has been placed on administrative leave. Chief Andy Penn called the allegations “wholly unacceptable and fundamentally inconsistent with the values” of the agency. [ACPD]
Victim Stops Fleeing Suspect — A man was allegedly assaulted in the 500 block of 23rd Street S. by someone who then tried to drive off, but the victim kept him from fleeing until police arrived, according to a crime report. The victim was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. A Springfield man, 43, was charged with malicious wounding, driving under the influence and breath test refusal, and held without bond. [ACPD]
Sheriff Releases 2025 Report — The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office has released its 2025 annual report, highlighting a shift to a self-operated inmate medical care model, expanded addiction treatment and community programs. Sheriff Jose Quiroz said the year was “defined by connection, collaboration, and service” inside and outside the detention facility. [ACSO]
Push for Deeper Affordability — Citizens for a Better City, Falls Church’s original civic association, has endorsed its president’s critique that the city’s affordable housing efforts haven’t reached low enough incomes. Speaking to the City Council, Hal Lippman said 88% of the 204 units added over 20 years fell between 60% and 80% of area median income, and urged the city to target lower tiers. [Falls Church News-Press]
Feds Sue Over Gun Ban — The Trump administration has sued Virginia in federal court, arguing the state’s new ban on selling and manufacturing assault firearms violates the Second Amendment. Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed the law in May, and a judge already blocked its enforcement last month amid separate lawsuits. Attorney General Jay Jones (D) vowed to defend the measure, which his office called “commonsense.” [FFXnow]
It’s Monday — Expect a mostly cloudy day with a high near 87 and a chance of showers and thunderstorms, plus patchy fog in the morning. Winds will be light from the northeast at 3–7 mph. Storms become likely overnight, with a low around 71. [NWS]
Today’s Morning Notes are brought to you by Industrious. ARLnow has been in an Industrious office for years and we love the convenience — you get to focus on your work rather than worrying about brewing your own coffee or keeping the copy machine stocked. Industrious has several Metro-accessible coworking locations in Arlington.
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Update on 7/6/26: Another Flood Watch has been issued, through midnight Tuesday. From the National Weather Service:
Flood Watch issued July 6 at 4:09AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Ayers Variety and Hardware, the Westover shop generations of Arlingtonians have relied on for the one screw, seed packet or odd gadget they couldn’t find anywhere else, is closing.
The family that has owned the store at 5853 Washington Blvd since 1977 announced the closing in social media posts earlier this afternoon (Sunday). Its lease ends July 31 and the doors will close for the last time “in a few weeks,” owners Kristy Peterkin and her brother, Keith, wrote.
It’s going to be stormy, sweltering Fourth of July in Arlington and the D.C. area.
Amid an ongoing heat wave, strong storms are expected to form later today, potentially packing hail and damaging wind gusts up to 75 mph. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was just issued and will be in effect until 10 p.m.
Go to NEW: Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued amid dangerous heat, expected poor air quality
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The supersized July 4 fireworks display planned over the National Mall for America’s 250th should be spectacular, but it could also be worse than ever for pets and people with respiratory conditions.
Arlington’s air could turn “very unhealthy” this weekend as a result of the roughly 40-minute show, according to the Washington Post.