Three options have emerged as county leaders attempt to determine the future of the newly unoccupied Lee Community Center.
The county could upgrade the building, expand the facility or demolish it and construct something entirely new.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Thursday rejected dueling partisan bills to pay federal workers during the government shutdown, with both Republicans and Democrats deflecting blame as many employees are set to miss their first full paycheck at the end of this week.
With unpaid staff and law enforcement standing nearby, Republicans objected as Democrats proposed a voice vote on their legislation to pay all federal workers and prevent President Donald Trump’s administration from mass firings. Democrats then blocked a Republican bill to pay employees who are working and not furloughed, 54-45.
While summer is often a slower season for many businesses, BizLaunch has been hard at work supporting Arlington entrepreneurs and preparing an exciting lineup of fall programs. From business growth strategies to inspiring founder stories, there are plenty of opportunities ahead for small business owners looking to learn, connect and grow.
Arlington Growth Accelerator
Ready to take your business to the next level?
The Arlington Growth Accelerator is a selective, cohort-based leadership program designed for established businesses poised for growth. Offered in partnership with SCORE, the program features six hybrid half-day sessions that guide participants through the development of a practical four-year growth strategy focused on operations, financing and long-term success.
Participants will leave with:
Whether you’re planning your next phase of expansion or looking to strengthen your business foundation, this program provides the tools and support to help you grow with confidence. Join us for an info session about the program on Aug. 5 at 12:00 p.m. Program kicks off Sept. 25.
Chefpreneur Chat: Unidos Somos Más (Together We Are More)
Join us Oct. 13 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. for a special Chefpreneur Chat celebrating this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month theme, Unidos Somos Más (Together We Are More).
Hosted by BizLaunch in partnership with Arlington Public Libraries, this interactive event will spotlight the entrepreneur behind Panamericana Bakery. Attendees will enjoy a live fish preparation demonstration while hearing firsthand how the business was built and grown in Arlington.
The conversation, moderated by Dov & Company, will explore entrepreneurship, culture, community and resilience. Guests will gain practical insights from a successful business owner while celebrating the contributions of Hispanic entrepreneurs who help shape Arlington’s vibrant business community.
To continue the celebration, BizLaunch will also launch a social media campaign highlighting stories of collaboration, partnership and the collective impact of Hispanic-owned businesses across Arlington. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when registration for this event opens.
Stay Connected
Fall is just getting started.
In addition to a full lineup of educational programs and networking opportunities, BizLaunch will soon open registration for its annual, 2027 BizLaunch Transformational and PitchFest program, a five-week cohort experience where participants compete for cash prizes while strengthening their businesses.
Stay up to date on upcoming events, workshops and resources by subscribing to the BizLaunch newsletter. Learn more at www.bizlaunch.org.
The tennis courts at Bluemont Park are getting a multimillion-dollar overhaul aimed at creating a regional showplace for the sport.
County Board members unanimously approved a $6.5 million construction contract on Tuesday for a project that began the planning phase in 2018 but was halted during the pandemic era before being restarted. While advocates spoke to the need for improvements to the crumbling facilities, the vote also earned flak from a local pickleball enthusiast.
The following was originally emailed to ARLnow Press Club members this past weekend. Sign up to get upgraded newsletters and exclusive features while supporting local news in your community.
Hoping to save on dining and other purchases, or check out limited-time offerings at Arlington restaurants?
*Mamistad Groups meet IN PERSON-only the introductory Zoom call is virtual. :)
Pregnancy and new mom groups are a lifesaver when it comes to normalizing those feelings we just can’t be prepared for.
A fish-forward pedicure experience is in store for some shoppers at the Pentagon City mall.
At Garra Spas, clients dip their feet into basins filled with garra rufa fish for a pedicure. The toothless, freshwater species is known to feed on dead skin with a “gentle, therapeutic touch,” owner Christina Pearson said in a release.
The strategy of running as a tight group for large portions of the race helped the Bishop O’Connell Knights win two significant boys cross-country championships this fall.
The most recent was a state title, coming Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 21) in Newport News when the Knights won the nine-team State Catholic Cross Country high-school crown on the flat and tight-turned 5,000-meter Newport News Park course.
Arlington school leaders say an internal error led to “sensitive employee information” being posted on the school system’s procurement network.
“The files included the names, addresses, Social Security numbers and birthdays of employees and retirees under 65 years old who are currently enrolled in the APS medical healthcare plan,” Brian Stockton, the school system’s chief of staff, wrote in an email to personnel.
A recent forum quizzed Falls Church City Council candidates on what local governments can do to blunt ever-increasing costs of child care and preschool services in Northern Virginia.
It was, one incumbent noted, the first time the issue had been raised during a candidate forum in her memory.
Lost and Found Closed at DCA — “The ongoing federal government shutdown is starting to impact travelers at Reagan National Airport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that its Lost and Found office at the airport is now closed until further notice. A sign posted outside the office on Wednesday said to travelers that all inquiries must now be submitted online.” [DC News Now]
Beyer Blasts White House Work — “The White House belongs to the American people, not to one person. Past presidents rightly consulted with Congress before construction projects. Donald Trump taking a wrecking ball to one of America’s greatest symbols is awful and illegal, and sadly also an accurate metaphor.” [Rep. Don Beyer/X, Axios]
Book Sale Starts Today — “Our Fall 2025 Book Sale will take place – October 23 to 26, 2025… The sale is held in the garage of the Central Library located at 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22201. The specialty books room is in the Quincy Room (first floor of the library by the Quincy Park entrance).” [FOAL]
F.C. School Board Debate — “The one and only actual debate among the five candidates seeking election to the Falls Church School Board was held on the Learning Stairs at the new Meridian High School last week, and while there was little of substance that the five women disagreed upon, the biggest matter may turn out to be not issues at all so much as basic qualifications. That would go to the question of whether or not concrete experience as an educator would be grounds for whether or not someone should be elected to the board.” [FCNP]
Lower Pet Adoption Fees — “The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) is lowering its adoption fees for adult cats and dogs to help potential adopters find their boo this weekend. From Oct. 24 to Oct. 26, adoption fees will be lowered to $70 for all adult dogs and cats.” [DC News Now]
Postal Drug Bust — “On October 22, 2025, the Postal Inspection Service Washington Division – Contraband Interdiction and Investigations Task Force seized approximately 10,000 pills containing fentanyl that were destined for Washington, DC.” [USPIS/X]
Lt. Gov. Race Fake Debate — “After his Democratic opponent declined all of his debate requests in the Virginia lieutenant governor race, Republican John Reid decided he’d hold a 40-minute one anyway — against a version of her generated by artificial intelligence. The fake voice of state Sen. Ghazala F. Hashmi (D-Richmond) got to make the first opening statement.” [Washington Post]
New Legal Notice — Restaurant seeks license for beer, wine, mixed beverages on/off-premises. [Public Notices]
It’s Thursday — Expect a sunny day with a high around 62 degrees, accompanied by a west wind blowing at 7 to 14 mph and gusts reaching up to 23 mph. On Thursday night, the skies will be mostly clear with the temperature dropping to around 41 degrees, and a northwest wind blowing at 5 to 7 mph. [NWS]
