Around Town

ARLnow Daily Debrief for May 29, 2026

By ARLnow.com

Good Friday 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 — May 29, 2026.

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  1. Motorcyclist struck, hurled off vehicle in crash on N. Glebe Road (2521 views)
  2. Costco food court in Pentagon City closed for renovations starting today (7293 views)
  3. Arlington Forest baker finds success selling fresh sourdough at neighborhood stand (5278 views)
  4. APS, Amazon about to finalize deal moving Arlington Community High School to HQ2 (5086 views)
  5. ACPD: Juvenile pepper-sprayed bystander during dispute at local high school (4446 views)
  6. County Board may consider gas leaf blower ban this summer (4433 views)
  7. Suspect arrested after sexual battery in Columbia Pike parking garage (3950 views)
  8. Arlington parents join national pushback against school-issued devices (3892 views)
  9. Beyer to introduce bill blocking Trump’s proposed ‘triumphal arch’ near Arlington Nat’l Cemetery (3564 views)
  10. Dominion Energy’s merger plan sharpens affordability questions for N. Va. lawmakers (3333 views)
  11. Sinkhole blocks road for days in Pentagon City (3276 views)
  12. Pet Palooza to bring two days of pet-friendly vendors and activities to Clarendon (3146 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

Here are the events planned for Sunday:

☀️ Saturday’s forecast

Expect sunny conditions with a high around 72°F, along with a north wind blowing at 13 to 15 mph and gusts reaching up to 23 mph. Saturday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to about 52°F and a lighter north wind ranging from 3 to 8 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
– Nelson Mandela

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

We hope you have a great weekend, Arlington! If you have something to say about an issue of local note not covered today, feel free to post it as a letter to the editor on our new forum. 👋

News

Oakwood Cemetery tours unearth 250 years of Falls Church history, from spies to slaveowners

By Scott McCaffrey
Carol Ann Siciliano (in pink) leads tour of Oakwood Cemetery (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

A dozen hardy souls braved the threat of thunderstorms and hordes of gnats on May 24 to learn more about the history of a local burial ground.

The 90-minute tour covered nearly 250 years of history at Oakwood Cemetery, located in Falls Church. It was the first of what will be monthly tours, part of the city’s celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday.

Go to Oakwood Cemetery tours unearth 250 years of Falls Church history, from spies to slaveowners Read more
News

Arlington GOP backs challenger to Rep. Beyer’s congressional seat

By Scott McCaffrey
8th District Republican congressional candidate Tony Sabio (via campaign website)

Republicans have their candidate in place for the 8th District U.S. House of Representatives race.

Tony Sabio, a national-security professional and self-described Reagan conservative, was the lone Republican to file for the party’s nomination by the May 26 at 5 p.m. deadline.

Go to Arlington GOP backs challenger to Rep. Beyer’s congressional seat Read more
News

Arlington raises fees for senior travel programs by 25%, with more hikes likely

By Scott McCaffrey
Seniors traveling (via Centre for Ageing Better/Unsplash)

Costs for the Arlington 55+ Travel program aren’t going up as much as first proposed, but they’re still rising and future increases are likely.

As part of the fiscal 2027 budget process, County Board members approved a 25% increase in fees charged by the 55+ Travel program, operated by the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Go to Arlington raises fees for senior travel programs by 25%, with more hikes likely Read more
Event

From Arlington to Palestine, People Against Apartheid

Fairlington Community Center Room 118

3308 South Stafford Street

Arlington, Virginia 22206

Website Contact Social

Join Arlington for Palestine and NAACP Arlington Branch for a movie night and community discussion about Israeli apartheid.

We will watch two short Palestinian films about life under Israeli apartheid, hear from a member of Arlington for Palestine about their trip to Palestine last year, and discuss together what all this means to us living in Arlington .

Go to From Arlington to Palestine, People Against Apartheid Read more
Around Town

Twins Ace Hardware hosting giveaways, activities for grand opening weekend in Crystal City

By Katie Taranto
Grand opening signage at the new Twins Ace Hardware in Crystal City (courtesy of Twins Ace Hardware)

Twins Ace Hardware is celebrating its new Crystal City location this weekend with some big-ticket item giveaways, refreshments and other activities.

Starting today (Friday), the locally owned and operated hardware shop is holding a grand opening weekend at 2051 S. Bell Street. Festivities over the next few days will include a grilling expert meet-and-greet, daily giveaways and a ribbon cutting.

Go to Twins Ace Hardware hosting giveaways, activities for grand opening weekend in Crystal City Read more
Schools

APS brings back Kaiser, Cigna for health insurance next year after 2023 ‘debacle’

By Scott McCaffrey
Arlington Education Association members protest the Kaiser contract termination during the Oct. 12, 2023, School Board meeting (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Three years after dropping Kaiser Permanente and Cigna as health-insurance providers, Arlington Public Schools is bringing them back.

Superintendent Francisco Durán said at the May 28 School Board meeting that the two firms had been selected to provide health-insurance coverage for a three-year period beginning at the start of 2027. They will replace CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, which has held the contract since January 2024.

Go to APS brings back Kaiser, Cigna for health insurance next year after 2023 ‘debacle’ Read more
Opinion

Poll: The best barbershop in Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Whether you’re after a precision fade, a beard trim or just a no-fuss neighborhood cut, Arlington’s barbers are ready to keep you looking sharp.

Here are the nominees for “Best Barbershop in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your favorite barbershop? Write it in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for Best Title Company in Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Real Estate Agent for Sellers in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. Blake Davenport (TTR Sotheby’s)
  2. Kay Houghton (eXp Realty)
  3. Liz Lord (Compass)
News

Arlington holds its top credit rating for a 26th straight year despite fiscal strain

By ARLnow.com
Arlington County government headquarters in Courthouse (file photo)

Arlington County has retained the highest possible credit rating for the 26th year in a row.

All three major bond-rating agencies — Moody’s, S&P Global and Fitch Ratings — reaffirmed the county’s Aaa/AAA/AAA debt ratings this week, the county announced this morning. Arlington is one of just 54 counties nationwide, and one of 13 in Virginia, to hold the top mark from all three.

Go to Arlington holds its top credit rating for a 26th straight year despite fiscal strain Read more
Around Town

Westin hotel in Crystal City celebrates completed renovations and new restaurant

By Katie Taranto
Staff and local leaders cut the ribbon at the grand reopening of the Westin Crystal City (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A Crystal City hotel is celebrating its completed redesign and a soon-to-come “land and sea”-themed restaurant at the property.

Local leaders and staff at the Westin Crystal City cut the ribbon on the hotel’s overhaul yesterday (Thursday) at 1800 Richmond Hwy. The project redesigned the hotel’s 223 guest rooms, refreshed common areas with new walls, floors and furnishings, and will soon introduce Stillwater & Stone, a new restaurant and bar.

Go to Westin hotel in Crystal City celebrates completed renovations and new restaurant Read more
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