News

A controversial sign at an Arlington transgender rights rally last week is prompting public condemnation from organizers and invigorating supporters of Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears.

The sign in question reads, “Hey Winsome, if trans can’t share your bathroom then Blacks can’t share my water fountain.” It went viral on social media following a post on X from the Arlington GOP.


News

A commercial airliner had to abandon its landing at Reagan National Airport after a U.S. Army helicopter began to ascend above the Pentagon earlier this year, officials say.

The two aircraft experienced a “loss of separation” around 2:30 p.m. on May 1, coming less than half a mile from each other, according to a preliminary report that the National Transportation Safety Board released on Friday.


Sponsored

This summer, Arlington residents and visitors are invited to experience the creative energy of the 2700 Art Space through two community celebrations honoring newly completed public artworks by artists MasPaz and Adam Henry. These events showcase how art can transform public spaces into places of connection, discovery, and belonging.

Located along the Four Mile Run Valley corridor, the 2700 Art Space is a flexible outdoor arts and maker space designed to host public art, performances, workshops, markets, and cultural programming. Developed through community input, the site reflects Arlington’s commitment to investing in arts and culture as essential ingredients of vibrant neighborhoods and a thriving local economy.

The two celebrations mark the culmination of Arlington Arts’ inaugural AIR@2700 Artist-in-Residence program, a National Endowment for the Arts-supported initiative. Through murals, sculpture, concerts, workshops, and community engagement, the program demonstrates how artists can help strengthen community identity and create a greater sense of place.

On Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the public is invited to Meet MasPaz, a community celebration honoring the completion of a dynamic new mural at Arlington Arts. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artist, learn about his creative process, and participate in hands-on artmaking activities at 2700 S. Nelson Street.

MasPaz, also known as Federico Frum, is an Arlington-raised artist whose work blends contemporary street art with influences from his Colombian heritage. His murals often incorporate Indigenous-inspired patterns, environmental themes, and visual storytelling that reflect the diversity  of the communities where they are created. Through his residency, MasPaz has transformed the Cultural Affairs facade l into a colorful landmark that invites reflection, conversation, and connection. (more…)


News

A developer at a housing complex near Crystal City has closed on the land for a new 42-unit townhouse project and plans to begin construction in the next few months.

D.C.-based EYA LLC announced its plans for the forthcoming Highlands Row project at the Crystal House Apartments complex in a Friday press release.


Schools

Seniors at Washington-Liberty High School kicked off the first day of school today (Monday) with an annual “Senior Sunrise” tradition on the school’s football field.

Students from the class of 2026 began shuffling onto the field around 6 a.m., and by sunrise, about 100 of them had gathered at War Memorial Stadium to celebrate. As they took pictures, lounged on blankets and enjoyed a free breakfast treat, some reflected on what it meant to begin their final year of high school.


Event

Due to the extended period of extreme heat forecasted for the next several days in our area, the Civic Jam event originally scheduled for Friday, July 3, 2026, has been postponed to Friday, July 24, 2026.

Commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary of the United States of America at Civic Jam! Celebrate the City of Falls Church’s diverse community, civic engagement, and classic summer fun. Jam out to live, local music, sip on local brews, enjoy tasty treats and eats, and a full evening of festivities for all ages on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 6 to 10 p.m.


Around Town

Summer Restaurant Week promotions are continuing through the end of August at several Arlington locations.

Lyon Hall, Bar Chinois and Seoul Prime are just some of the 120 D.C.-area restaurants extending their prix fixe deals through Sunday, Aug. 31, the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington announced.


News

An Arlington man is behind bars after police say he tried to carjack a motorcycle while armed with an airsoft gun.

The alleged incident happened this past Thursday afternoon in the Halls Hill neighborhood. No one was hurt and police say they arrested the suspect in a nearby home.


Schools

Arlington Public Schools opens the 2025-26 school year with a 99.3% staffing rate, one of the highest in recent memory.

Only 34 staff positions out of more than 3,000 positions are unfilled, Superintendent Francisco Durán told School Board members on Aug. 21.


News
Sunrise over the Gold’s Gym near Ballston (courtesy anonymous)

Back to School Safety — Arlington Public Schools “will welcome students back into their classrooms [today] which means there will soon be an increase in children walking, bicycling and riding the bus to schools throughout Arlington. Transportation safety is a group effort… ACPD reminds parents to think twice before posting “first day” photos. Avoid sharing personal info—try fun facts like favorite color, book, or hobby instead.” [APCD/X, ACPD/X]

Diocese Schools in Session — “Catholic schools administered by the Diocese of Arlington have opened their doors for the 2025-2026 school year to more than 18,000 students in grades pre-K through 12th… 37 elementary schools, four high schools, three early childhood centers and seven independent schools are located throughout the diocese.” [Diocese of Arlington]

Weekend Car Fires — “Units responded to and extinguished a vehicle fire at the intersection of Shirlington Rd and S Quincy St. No injuries to firefighters or occupants. Fire Marshals will be investigating the cause.” [ACFD/X, GHD/X]

Local Impact of Tax Cuts — “DMV residents dodged a big tax hike when Congress passed the “big, beautiful bill,” making permanent the tax cuts of President Trump’s first term — and adding on a bunch more… In NoVa, Falls Church residents will see the biggest cuts ($7,107), followed by Fairfax County ($5,699), Loudoun County ($5,317), Arlington County ($5,086) and Alexandria ($4,440).” [Axios]

State GOP Ticket Fundraising — “As Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (R) reboots her campaign for Virginia governor following signs of disarray, at least one national Republican group is urging donors to consider a fallback position: focusing support on the reelection bid of Attorney General Jason S. Miyares as the party’s best hope for a win, splitting the ticket in this November’s three statewide elections.” [Washington Post]

It’s Monday — The weather will be sunny with a high temperature of around 83 degrees and a northwest wind blowing at 7 to 10 mph. During Monday night, conditions will be partly cloudy with a low temperature of about 61 degrees, and the northwest wind will continue at approximately 7 mph. [NWS]

Today’s Morning Notes are brought to you by Industrious. ARLnow has been in an Industrious office for years and we love the convenience — you get to focus on your work rather than worrying about brewing your own coffee or keeping the copy machine stocked. Industrious has several Metro-accessible coworking locations in Arlington.


Around Town

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 — Aug 22, 2025.

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

  1. JUST IN: Police investigating fatal fall from Ballston apartment building (65156 views)
  2. BREAKING: Man charged with murdering mother in Virginia Square apartment (63711 views)
  3. Makeup artist slain in Virginia Square shooting remembered as ‘everyone’s friend’ (14150 views)
  4. Fall in Arlington: Rosslyn Fall Fest, Clarendon Day and more to look forward to (11554 views)
  5. Raids on D.C. homeless encampments come amid growing demand for services in Arlington (9500 views)
  6. What changes to expect at APS when the school year begins next week (8099 views)
  7. Police investigating armed robbery in Arlington park (8063 views)
  8. Local church and artist memorialize Arlington ICE arrests with ‘stumbling stickers’ (7890 views)
  9. Man beaten and threatened in separate incidents on the Pike (7159 views)
  10. Arlington plans public outreach on rules for impermeable surfaces at single-family homes (6106 views)
  11. NOW: Traffic blocked on Key Bridge as Ukraine’s president visits D.C. (5771 views)
  12. 10 homes that should have sold by now (5464 views)
  13. Whole Foods makes progress on new ‘Daily Shop’ market in Crystal City (5217 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 sunshine and a high temperature of around 84 degrees, with calm winds picking up from the south at 5 to 9 mph during the morning. Saturday night will be partly cloudy with a low temperature close to 68 degrees, and a south wind of 6 to 9 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“The first wealth is health.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

🌅 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! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋