Launched in January 2010, ARLnow.com is the place for the latest news, views and things to do around Arlington, Virginia. The ARLnow staff byline is used for the Morning Notes and reporting done by an editor or other member of our full-time staff.
From casual happy hour to something more upscale, Arlington’s bar scene has a little bit of everything, complete with events like trivia and live music.
Date Set for Library Wedding — “On Valentine’s Day, Arlington Public Library selected a local couple to win a free wedding—announced in a special video by Bridgerton author Julia Quinn. This summer, wedding bells will chime for Katie and Vincent on Sat., July 12, 2025. The whole community is invited to “share the love” and bear witness to their wedding ceremony.” [Arlington County]
History of Arlington Protests — “We certainly have had many citizens crossing the Potomac River to take part in protests, dating back at least as far as the suffragist fight for voting rights over 100 years ago. One of our most remarkable citizens was Mary Morris Hall Lockwood, who was arrested for picketing the White House in 1917. She became the founding organizer of the Arlington Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1920.” [FCNP]
Pride With the Police — “We value every opportunity like this one to connect with our LGBTQ+ neighbors and reaffirm our commitment to fostering a community where everyone feels safe, seen and respected. We’d also like to give a special shoutout to our public safety and community partners for joining us this evening and showing their unwavering support! Happy Pride!” [ACPD/X]
It’s Friday — Showers and thunderstorms are expected mainly after 1pm, accompanied by mostly cloudy skies and a high near 81. An east wind will blow around 8 mph, with a 40% chance of precipitation. For Friday night, showers and thunderstorms are likely before 8pm, with lows around 71 and an east wind of 3 to 7 mph. The chance of precipitation increases to 60%. [NWS]
Showers and thunderstorms are expected mainly after 1pm, accompanied by mostly cloudy skies and a high near 81. An east wind will blow around 8 mph, with a 40% chance of precipitation. For Friday night, showers and thunderstorms are more likely before 8pm, with lows around 71 and an east wind of 3 to 7 mph. The chance of precipitation increases to 60%, and new rainfall amounts could range between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, potentially higher in thunderstorms. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Address:629 N. Illinois St. Neighborhood: BonAir Type: 5 BR, 3 BA single-family detached – 3500 sq. ft. Listed: $1,650,000
Noteworthy: Thoughtfully expanded and renovated home on coveted, wide, tree-lined street
Exceptional light filled two level home with these renovations and updates:
* enduring brick and HardiPlank siding on the exterior
* architectural shingle roof
* cost saving additional insulation for energy efficiency and comfort
* Andersen double pane windows and door
* 2 zone heating and air conditioning
* large capacity gas water heater
* architectural shingle roof
* Greenfield kitchen cabinetry, granite countertop with leathered finish
* Miele gas cooktop, drop-in oven, range hood and dishwasher; GE Cafe refrigerator
* Naturally Aged wide plank wood floors on two levels
* Built-in coat and shoe storage, built-in bookcases and cabinets in the living room, office, and den; built in storage under the bay window in the family room
* gas fireplace in the living room with stone surround
* kitchen flows into dining room and family room
* main level bedroom and bath, plus office with French doors to a den wired for home theater
* primary suite has large bedroom, walk in closet, bath with Steamist steam shower and soaking tub, and adjoining flex room for office, workout space, or relaxing
* three more bedrooms, hall bathroom, and laundry room
* expansive front lawn with stone walkway and porch
* one car garage with patio in flat rear yard
* bikepath at end of street to Ballston for Metro, restaurants, shops, services
* BonAir rose garden and park along with sports c
* indie restaurants, grocery store, and shops along Wilson Blvd. or walk north to Westover Village
A thoughtfuly renovated with fine appointments awaits those who value condition, convenience, and character
Wind and heavy rain in Clarendon during thunderstorm (file photo)
The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm and flood watches for Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County, D.C. and surrounding areas.
The Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued just before 2:30 p.m. and is in effect until 10 p.m. Storms today may pack damaging winds, frequent lightning, and hail, forecasters say.
Getting off the tour bus and going right into a restaurant in Courthouse (courtesy George Brazier)
More Phone Rules at High Schools — “Starting this fall, Arlington Public Schools is expanding the pouch program to more high school campuses. Wakefield, Washington-Liberty, Yorktown, H-B Woodlawn and the Arlington Career Center will use the storage program, the division announced. Langston and Arlington Community High School will adopt a ‘limited-use model.'” [WTOP]
Water Main Break on Wednesday — “Crews are repairing an 8-inch water main break at S Walter Reed Dr between S Wakefield St & Leesburg Pike (Rt. 7). The NB lanes are closed, with traffic being detoured.” [Arlington DES/X]
Crash on Williamsburg Blvd — “An SUV has been driven into the drainage median along Williamsburg Blvd near Old Dominion Drive. ACPD and ACFD on the scene.” [ARLnow/Bluesky]
Layoffs at Crystal City Contractor — “The Nakupuna Cos., a group of Native Hawaiian Organization-owned entities of varying sizes, is laying off 103 employees in its Arlington office after one of its federal customers declined to renew a contract task order… The layoffs are effective June 30.” [WBJ]
HUD Moving to Alexandria — “The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will relocate its headquarters to the National Science Foundation (NSF) building in Alexandria, displacing approximately 1,800 NSF employees over the next two years, officials announced Wednesday.” [ALXnow]
NSF Looking for New Home — “Michael Peters, the GSA’s commissioner of the Public Buildings Service, said Wednesday the GSA is still working to find a solution for NSF, but if he were a “betting man,” the agency would land in Virginia. That opens the door to other jurisdictions to make a play, including Arlington and Fairfax counties, both of which have copious amounts of empty offices to fill.” [WBJ]
Lease Renewal in Courthouse — “Carr Properties, a leading owner, operator, and developer of premium quality office and residential properties, today announced that the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, the national trade association representing the HVACR and water heating industry, has signed an early 12-year lease renewal at 2311 Wilson in Arlington.” [Press Release]
Retiring Feds Selling Homes — “D.C. saw a higher share of retired sellers this spring compared to the mid-Atlantic region at large. 15% of Washington’s spring home sales were due to the seller retiring, compared to less than 10% across the mid-Atlantic, per Bright MLS. And a chunk of these sellers were former feds with paid-off homes and higher paychecks, allowing them to list their digs and leave the area.” [Axios]
Police Tout Nightlife Patrols — “Over the past 10 years, the Arlington County Police Department’s weekend Clarendon Nightlife Detail has played a vital role in maintaining public safety for patrons, residents and businesses alike.” [ACPD/X]
It’s Thursday — Expect mostly sunny skies, then showers and thunderstorms later in the day, with a high near 96, and heat index values up to 106. Winds will become south around 5 mph in the afternoon, and there’s a 60% chance of precipitation. Thursday night, showers and thunderstorms are likely, with a low around 72 and east winds around 5 mph. [NWS]
Expect showers and thunderstorms mainly after 5pm with mostly sunny conditions, a high near 96, and heat index values up to 106. Winds will become south around 5 mph in the afternoon, and there’s a 60% chance of precipitation with new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch. Thursday Night, showers and thunderstorms are likely before 8pm, transitioning to showers and possible thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am, followed by a chance of showers after 2am. The night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 72, east winds around 5 mph, and a 60% chance of precipitation with similar rainfall amounts expected. 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
Walking in the heat at Long Bridge Park (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Today’s sweltering conditions are just shy of the threshold for “extreme heat,” as we’ve seen for the past couple of days, but have still prompted a Heat Advisory.
Temperatures are expected to reach into the mid-to-high 90s today, with heat index values up to 108, forecasters say. Anyone spending significant time or exertion outside potentially runs the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Sun shining through the trees in Donaldson Run Park (staff photo by Vernon Miles)
Flyover Planned Today — From AlertDC: “The U.S. Military will conduct an aircraft flyover in the National Capital Region over Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 11:10AM.”
Spanberger Stop at Freddie’s — “Join Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger on a stop on her Span Virginia Bus Tour across the Commonwealth for a Pride event at Freddie’s in Arlington.” [Spanberger for Governor]
Gunshot in Ballston Building — “The male victim was inside his residence when he observed damage to the interior of his home. No injuries were reported. During the course of the investigation, evidence of a shot being fired was recovered. The investigation into the circumstances of this incident is ongoing.” [ACPD]
Crash in Crystal City — “Making a right turn from the left lane may be hazardous to someone’s health. In this case, a motorcyclist. This afternoon, on Crystal Drive in Crystal City.” [Dave Statter/X]
Ebbin vs. Youngkin Picks — “A group of Virginia Senate Democrats sued the leaders of the governing boards at three public universities, an unusual step that escalated their effort to remove several of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s board appointees amid a fight over how to govern the state’s colleges.” [Washington Post, Sen. Adam Ebbin/X]
Beyer Worried About Va. Economy — “Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA)… today expressed rising concern over Virginia’s economy, after monthly data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed that the Commonwealth’s unemployment rate had risen for the fifth consecutive month. The increase brought Virginia’s unemployment rate to 3.4 percent, its highest level since August 2021.” [Press Release]
Public Comment for Aging Plan — “The Arlington Area Plan for Aging Services for Federal FY 2026 is now available for public review and comment June 23rd through July 22nd. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard and contribute to decisions directly impacting the Older Americans Act funding that serves older adults and their caregivers.” [Arlington County]
Child Care Pilot — From the Arlington Chamber of Commerce: “On June 16, community leaders, business owners, and child care providers convened to launch the Arlington Child Care Alliance and endorse a pilot initiative to improve child care access and affordability.” [Press Release]
It’s Wednesday — Expect sunny and hot conditions with temperatures reaching a high near 97 and heat index values up to 107, accompanied by a northwest wind at 3 to 6 mph. Wednesday night brings a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with partly cloudy skies and a low around 76. [NWS]
The Albert V. Bryan U.S. Courthouse in Alexandria (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Four people have been sentenced to federal prison for kidnapping an 83-year-old Arlington man from his home in order to steal his money.
The sentences range from six to 20 years in prison for the December 2023 crime that involved holding the elderly veteran at gunpoint and taking him to a “trap house” in D.C.
Expect sunny and hot conditions with temperatures reaching a high near 97 and heat index values up to 107, accompanied by a northwest wind at 3 to 6 mph. Wednesday night brings a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 pm and 2 am, with partly cloudy skies and a low around 76. Winds will be light and variable. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot
A 36-year-old man is the county jail after being tracked down in Europe following a shooting in Clarendon two years ago.
Arlington County police say Taha Zouheir fled the country after shooting another man in the early morning hours of June 4, 2023. The shooting followed an early morning dispute of some kind, police said.
