Around Town

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Apr 8, 2026

By ARLnow.com

Good Wednesday 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 — Apr 8, 2026.

📅 Upcoming events

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

☀️ Thursday’s forecast

Expect areas of frost early in the morning, but the day will be mostly sunny with a high of around 62°F. Winds will be calm initially, becoming southeast at about 6 mph in the afternoon. Thursday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 42°F and southeast winds between 3 and 6 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“The best way to predict future is to invent it.”
– Alan Kay

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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

Thanks for reading! 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

New ‘peacetech’ accelerator coming to National Landing, seeking to reduce violent conflict

By Dan Egitto
The Pentagon and National Landing, as seen from a departing flight (courtesy photo)

A new accelerator for startups promoting peace is launching in National Landing, helping founders raise capital and gain traction in the shadow of the Pentagon.

While the United States, Israel and Iran forge ahead with a two-week ceasefire after weeks of airstrikes and talk of dramatic escalation, the PeaceTech Accelerator — a 12-week program for organizations building software and AI that focuses on peacemaking — is still seeking applications as it plans to launch next month.

Go to New ‘peacetech’ accelerator coming to National Landing, seeking to reduce violent conflict Read more
Around Town

New owner gives Falls Church pottery painting studio a ‘glow up’

By Katie Taranto
Jessi Cash at Clay Cafe Studios (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A paint-your-own-pottery studio in Falls Church has received a freshly glazed look under new ownership.

Jessi Cash, who has worked at Clay Cafe Studios since 2019, took over the reins from retired owner Gayla Hassett in January. Since then, Cash has brought 101 N. Maple Avenue a fresh coat of peachy paint and replaced its old farmhouse-style tables, among other aesthetic changes.

Go to New owner gives Falls Church pottery painting studio a ‘glow up’ Read more
Announcement

Local Muay Thai Academy Earns Prestigious Muay Thai Certification from Thailand

Two men pose in an office holding a plaque with the Thailand flag and SMG 2026 seal/emblem.

Pentagon MMA has brought a special honor home to Arlington from the birthplace of Muay Thai.

The Arlington Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu Academy is now officially a certified and registered Muay Thai Gym Partner through the Sports Authority of Thailand and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, making Pentagon MMA the only Muay Thai academy on the East Coast to have earned this distinction.

Go to Local Muay Thai Academy Earns Prestigious Muay Thai Certification from Thailand Read more
Around Town

Arlington residents can get free windshield wipers, donate old car seats and socks this month

By Katie Taranto
Socks on a clothesline (Photo by Nick Page on Unsplash)

A regional windshield wiper giveaway and two donation programs are available to Arlington residents this month.

Free windshield wiper replacements and installation are available to all D.C.-area drivers through this Saturday as part of Metro Motors’ annual “Wiper Week.” Meanwhile, Casual Adventures Outfitters is collecting used socks in Virginia Square through the end of the month, while Target is collecting old car seats in exchange for coupons.

Go to Arlington residents can get free windshield wipers, donate old car seats and socks this month Read more
Event

Rosslyn Reserved

People raise and clink wine glasses in a toast, celebrating together.

Event location

The NOW Pop-Up Park

1401 Wilson Blvd

Arlington, Virginia 22209

Add to Calendar

We’ve made the reservation. You’re invited.

Spend an evening discovering exceptional wines, live acoustic music, and community at Rosslyn’s newest event: Rosslyn Reserved. Enjoy a tasting experience with a sommelier from Screwtop Wine Bar, savory bites from local Charcuterie business, Graze Craze, and more!

Go to Rosslyn Reserved Read more
Around Town

RAMMY Awards finalists include Taqueria Xochi, Queen Mother’s Kitchen and other local spots

By Katie Taranto
Tacos and fries from Taqueria Xochi (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Arlington and Falls Church are continuing to maintain a strong presence as this year’s RAMMY Awards advance toward their final stage.

Ten restaurants and restaurateurs representing establishments in the two localities have been chosen for final consideration in the 44th annual RAMMYS.

Go to RAMMY Awards finalists include Taqueria Xochi, Queen Mother’s Kitchen and other local spots Read more
News

Virginia Supreme Court hears Missing Middle arguments as projects advance

By Dan Egitto
An EHO duplex on N. Troy Street in May 2025 (staff photo by Dan Egitto)

Oral arguments in the lawsuit over Arlington County’s “Missing Middle” zoning changes are taking place in the Virginia Supreme Court this morning (Wednesday).

Justices are scheduled to hear a roughly 10-minute argument on plaintiffs’ attempt to reverse a Court of Appeals decision, which effectively put Missing Middle back on the books in Arlington last summer for procedural reasons. This moves the court one step closer to deciding whether to accept the case for full review.

Go to Virginia Supreme Court hears Missing Middle arguments as projects advance Read more
Sports

Yorktown girls soccer team leverages strong defense in 5-0 start to season

By Dave Facinoli
Yorktown's Matilda Van Voorthuizen (6) tried to control the ball against Robinson (staff photo by Dave Facinoli)

As has been the case for many years under head coach Hannah Davis, the Yorktown Patriots have started a girls soccer season strong.

Through five high-school contests this spring, the Patriots own a perfect 5-0 mark, including shutouts in their first three games. The latest victories were 2-1 over the host Robinson Rams on April 6, then 4-1 against the Chantilly Chargers the next night.

Go to Yorktown girls soccer team leverages strong defense in 5-0 start to season Read more
News

New ‘microtransit’ program launches in northwest Arlington next week

By Dan Egitto
An example of a Via microtransit vehicle (via Via)

Arlington’s new “microtransit” pilot program is launching next week, providing on-demand rides in portions of the county with limited transit options.

The program launches next Monday, April 13. It will be available in two service zones: one in Westover Village and the other in a large swath of northwestern Arlington, including all or some of the neighborhoods of Rock Spring, Yorktown, East Falls Church, Williamsburg, Leeway Overlee, Hall’s Hill and Old Dominion.

Go to New ‘microtransit’ program launches in northwest Arlington next week Read more
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