Around Town

ARLnow Daily Debrief for May 16, 2025

By ARLnow.com

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 — May 16, 2025.

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

  1. Arlington kicking off WorldPride with block party this Saturday (16848 views)
  2. JUST IN: Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued for region (19621 views)
  3. NEW: Pedestrian struck by driver on N. Glebe Road (13147 views)
  4. County leaders plan to end police ‘Section 7’ interactions with ICE (9817 views)
  5. JUST IN: Glebe Road blocked near Ballston after truck takes down utility pole (7459 views)
  6. Washington-Liberty High School principal stepping down for ‘new leadership opportunity’ in APS (7266 views)
  7. Ballston Macy’s demolition continues with excavation expected this fall (7189 views)
  8. Independent candidate vows to fight highways, rental housing, ‘fascists’ (6981 views)
  9. County Board approves 309-unit Clarendon apartment building (5984 views)
  10. Downed trees knock out power, block traffic in parts of Arlington (5951 views)
  11. NEW: Flood Watch issued for Arlington ahead of Tuesday deluge (4672 views)
  12. Divided School Board rejects late calendar change to mark Islamic holiday (5103 views)
  13. Arlington animal rescue puts fired feds to work fostering pets (4304 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

Showers and thunderstorms are possible before 8am, followed by cloudy skies that will gradually clear, leading to a high near 85. Southwest winds will blow at 9-14 mph, gusting up to 24 mph, with a 30% chance of precipitation. The night will be mostly clear, with lows around 62. West winds will be 8-10 mph, and gusts can reach 18 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“In order to write about life first you must live it.”
– Ernest Hemingway

🌅 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. 👋

Sponsored

Listing of the Day: 5934 16th Street N.

By ARLnow.com
1/7

Address: 5934 N. 16th Street
Neighborhood: Westover
Type: 6 BR, 4 (+1 half) BA single-family detached; not a rental
Listed: $2,495,000

Noteworthy: Cost saving energy upgrades and expansive layout featuring a gourmet kitchen, a stunning great room, and an extraordinary primary bedroom suite with two exceptional walk-in closets

Introducing this meticulously updated 3-level, 6-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom residence in the sought-after Westover neighborhood of North Arlington.

Set on a serene neighborhood street, this distinguished home features a traditional feel with a thoughtful renovation and numerous updates and a spacious yard. It has a warm, cozy interior featuring four fireplaces. Enjoy the chef’s kitchen connected to a family room with access to the rear yard and patio. There is also a light-filled great room with vaulted ceilings, and an extraordinary primary suite with two large walk-in closets, a spa-like bathroom, a sitting room, and a balcony. The primary bedroom suite offers a luxurious retreat, while the second floor accommodates five total bedrooms. The lower level has a separate entry and boasts a guest suite with a versatile recreational space, including a sixth bedroom and a fourth full bathroom, a recreation room and a yoga/fitness space. Outside, enjoy a stone patio and built-in fire pit area. Conveniently located near parks, trails, and Metro, this home offers suburban tranquility with easy access to urban amenities. It is a short walk to Westover Village, Swanson Middle School, and Cardinal Elementary School. It is within the Yorktown High School zone.

With many updates, including geothermal heating and cooling, fully paid-for solar panels, and an EV charger, this residence is ready to welcome you home. The utility costs are very low for a home of this size. Opportunity knocks. This is not your cookie cutter home. Schedule your showing today of this distinguished and unique property!

Listed by:
Dawn Wilson – TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
[email protected]
(703) 217-4959

News

North Arlington preschool to close after 50 years

By Vernon Miles
Walker Chapel Preschool (staff photo)

After 50 years, Walker Chapel Preschool is shutting down due to a steady decline in enrollment.

Walker Chapel Preschool is a school for children ages 2-5 attached to Walker Chapel United Methodist Church at 4102 North Glebe Road. Suzanne Romness, director of Walker Chapel Preschool, said the decision to shut down the school was heartbreaking for students and staff at the program.

Go to North Arlington preschool to close after 50 years Read more
Announcement

Real stories. Real people. Real connection. A community conversation on mental health.

By Rock Recovery

Mental health shapes how we lead, love, work, parent, communicate, and show up in the world—yet too often, these conversations stay hidden.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, join local nonprofit Rock Recovery for Strength Not Stigma—an unforgettable evening of honest conversation, community, and impact.

Go to Real stories. Real people. Real connection. A community conversation on mental health. Read more
Around Town

Mister Days launching DIY bellini bar, brunch menu in Clarendon

By Katie Taranto
Mister Days in Clarendon (staff photo by Jared Serre)

New brunch eats and do-it-yourself bellinis are coming to Mister Days in Clarendon for the first time this weekend.

The cafe and bar at 1101 N. Highland Street is soft opening a weekend brunch menu from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday), along with discounted bellinis at its new “Bubbly Bellini Bar” through the rest of May.

Go to Mister Days launching DIY bellini bar, brunch menu in Clarendon Read more
News

Youngkin criticizes County Board for limiting ACPD interactions with ICE

By Katie Taranto
The Arlington County Board meeting on May 13, 2025 (via Arlington County)

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has voiced disapproval over the Arlington County Board’s decision this week to limit police interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The County Board voted Tuesday to bar the Arlington County Police Department from initiating contact with ICE. In a post on X yesterday (Thursday), the governor criticized the change, calling it a “dereliction of duty.”

Go to Youngkin criticizes County Board for limiting ACPD interactions with ICE Read more
Schools

Divided School Board rejects late calendar change to mark Islamic holiday

By Scott McCaffrey
Bethany Zecher Sutton (screenshot via Arlington Public Schools)

A divided School Board on Thursday night (May 15) opted not to add a last-minute school holiday in early June to accommodate a key date on the Islamic calendar.

Although their votes went in different directions, Board members each said they were conflicted in selecting the best option available to them.

Go to Divided School Board rejects late calendar change to mark Islamic holiday Read more
View More Stories