ARLnow - Arlington and Falls Church, Va. local news

Virginia Democrats advance redistricting amendment as Trump urges GOP states to redraw maps

Published October 31, 2025 at 3:45PM

Virginia State Capitol in Richmond (staff photo)

Virginia’s Democratic-led General Assembly advanced a proposed constitutional amendment on Friday that could pave the way for redistricting in the state ahead of the 2026 congressional elections. That measure still needs another round of legislative approval early next year before it can go to voters.

The proposed constitutional amendment would let lawmakers temporarily bypass a bipartisan commission and redraw congressional districts to their advantage. The Senate’s approval Friday followed House approval Wednesday.

News

Love for ‘Beatlemania’ draws crowds to Arlington’s senior centers

By Scott McCaffrey

Published October 31, 2025 at 3:15PM

Ken Schellenberg performs "I Want to Hold Your Hand" on keyboards (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

The hallways of Arlington Mill Community Center resounded with Beatles songs on Monday afternoon.

But instead of John, Paul, George and Ringo, it was Ken, Judy, Sherry and Cameron performing hits — and a few obscurities — from the 1962-69 period when the Fab Four dominated the airwaves.

Your next customer is reading this right now, so here’s how to reach them

By Jordan Ciminelli

Published August 14, 2026 at 10:45AM

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Sports

Arlington Wrestling Club earns nonprofit status, sets its sights on future growth

By Dave Facinoli

Published October 31, 2025 at 2:45PM

The Arlington Wrestling Club is now officially certified as a non-profit organization (courtesy of Arlington Wrestlsing Club)

In existence since 2008, the Arlington Wrestling Club now has more growth potential after officially becoming a certified nonprofit organization in August.

“We needed to set up the club this way to follow more guidelines and make it [easier] to operate,” said club director John Leinberger, also the head wrestling coach at Wakefield High School. “This gives us opportunities for expansion and fundraising, and wrestlers can practice, work out and improve year-round.”

Announcement

Ballston Children’s Center Marks 30 Years of Building Strong Foundations for Children

By Ballston Children's Center

Published August 15, 2026

This September, Ballston Children’s Center (BCC), a longtime daycare and preschool in Arlington, VA, celebrates 30 years of serving Arlington families and building a preschool around one belief: the early years are more than preparation for kindergarten — they are the foundation for a child’s future.

Why Arlington Families Choose BCC:

News

LGBTQ+ panel gears up for planning 2026 Pride celebrations in Arlington

By Scott McCaffrey

Published October 31, 2025 at 1:45PM

Oct. 27, 2025 meeting of the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee (screenshot via Arlington County)

Arlington County staff and an advisory panel are seeking ways to become more active in Pride Month celebrations next June.

And the clock is ticking, one leader in that effort said.

Event

2026 Ocean, River Cruises & Guided Tours Showcase (@ Germantown, MD)

September 19, 2026 9:00 am -2:00 pm

BlackRock Center For The Arts

12901 Town Commons Dr

Germantown, Maryland 20874

Website Contact Social

Dreaming about your next vacation? Join Cruise Planners Beth Borrego and Rod Rodriguez for an inspiring day devoted to ocean and river cruises, guided tours, luxury travel and unforgettable destinations!

Meet representatives from AmaWaterways, Collette, Oceania Cruises and Premier World Discovery. Hear informative presentations, ask questions, explore exciting vacation possibilities and discover which travel experience may be the perfect fit for you.

Sports

Sophomore runner helps Yorktown qualify for state cross-country meet

By Dave Facinoli

Published October 31, 2025 at 12:45PM | Updated October 31, 2025 at 3:19PM

Yorktown runners begin the girls Liberty District meet (staff photo by Dave Facinoli)

Sparked by a rookie runner’s success, the Yorktown High School girls cross-country squad earned a berth into the Virginia High School League’s upcoming Class 6 state championship by placing third in the 6D North Region meet on Wednesday afternoon.

The state meet is Saturday, Nov. 8 on the Oatlands Plantation course in Leesburg. Yorktown’s runners will be coming off two successful competitions, having earlier won the Liberty District meet on the same 2.98-mile Burke Lake Park course where the region meet was held.

News

Halloween bonfire organizers in Madison Manor pass the torch tonight after 41 years

By Scott McCaffrey

Published October 31, 2025 at 11:45AM

Bonfire at Madison Manor Park (courtesy bonfire organizers)

An annual Halloween bonfire scheduled tonight (Friday) in Madison Manor will represent a passing of the torch for the four-decade-old community tradition.

Hundreds are expected to turn out for this year’s blaze, which begins at 6:30 p.m. at Madison Manor Park (6225 12th Road N.). It will be the last hurrah for organizers James Riley and Brice Henderson, who have been hosting the fires since 1984.

Sports

Yorktown tops W-L in overtime to win Liberty District football crown

By Dave Facinoli

Published October 31, 2025 at 10:45AM

Washington-Liberty players chase Yorktown's Nate Randles (26) (staff photo by Dave Facinoli)

The Yorktown Patriots won the Liberty District crown with the squad’s biggest victory of the high-school football season Thursday night (Oct. 30).

The host Patriots defeated two-time defending district champion and county rival Washington-Liberty Generals, 31-24, in a seesaw offensive clash that went into overtime.

Opinion

Poll: The best pancakes you can get in Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Published October 31, 2025 at 10:00AM

Whether you like them with blueberries, cinnamon swirls or lots of syrup on top, you can get some fresh hotcakes at plenty of Arlington’s diners and breakfast spots.

Here are the nominees for “The Best Pancakes You Can Get in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your favorite spot for pancakes? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Pest Control 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 Favorite Local Nonprofit in Arlington. The results are now official:

Arlington Free Clinic
Arlington Food Assistance Center
Animal Welfare League of Arlington

#ARLnow Reader Choice

News

Arlington Economic Development director plans departure, prompting search for successor

By Scott McCaffrey

Published October 31, 2025 at 9:15AM

Arlington Economic Development director Ryan Touhill (screenshot via Arlington County)

For the second time in three years, Arlington is on the hunt for a new economic development director.

Ryan Touhill will be departing Arlington Economic Development (AED) in early November. Katharine Ange, currently deputy director, will serve as acting director during the search for a successor.