President Donald Trump’s crackdown on homeless encampments in D.C. comes during a period of increasing need for homelessness resources in Arlington.
The number of people without homes in Arlington has been steadily rising for the past four years — growing from a 10-year low of 171 in 2021 to 271 as of this January. Those numbers come hand-in-hand with increased demands on a local network of related services, including emergency housing.
After eight years in business online, a Northern Virginia-based men’s clothing shop is preparing to open its first physical location in Falls Church.
Withered Fig is a small business retailer specializing in “premium menswear” and imported garments. It’s currently only an e-commerce site, but owner Richard Lin told ARLnow he hopes to open the new shop early next year at 255 W. Falls Station Blvd, on the ground floor of The Oak condominiums.
Aspiring retail entrepreneurs and product-based small businesses will soon have an exciting new opportunity to grow through NEXT., a new retail incubator program launching in November through Arlington Economic Development’s BizLaunch program and in partnership with the Ballston Business Improvement District (BID) and the Ballston Quarter Mall.
Designed to help makers, artisans and product-based businesses build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in a brick-and-mortar environment, NEXT. combines classroom instruction, one-on-one business advising and hands-on retail experience in a real storefront setting.
Eligible businesses include those selling apparel, jewelry, handmade goods, home décor, beauty and skincare products, artwork, accessories and other specialty retail items. Food and beverage businesses are not eligible for the inaugural cohort.
Participants will complete a weeklong retail readiness curriculum covering:
Licensing and permitting
Retail leasing
Merchandising
Branding
Customer experience
Point-of-sale operations
The curriculum features instruction from industry professionals, property management representatives and local partners, along with hands-on merchandising support.
A key component of the program is a weekend retail activation. After completing the training, selected participants will operate a shared retail storefront in Ballston for one weekend, gaining firsthand experience serving customers, merchandising products, managing inventory and processing sales in a live retail environment.
Participants will also meet with a BizLaunch business advisor for individualized technical assistance. These one-on-one sessions are designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen operations, evaluate growth opportunities, and connect with resources related to marketing, financing, ecommerce, licensing and expansion planning.
Applications are open to businesses that:
Are registered and in good standing with the Commonwealth of Virginia
Hold the required business licenses and sales tax registration
Can commit to participating in the full program
Applicants will be evaluated based on business readiness, product quality, growth potential and their ability to benefit from the retail training experience.
Selected participants will pay a $100 fee to secure their place in the cohort.
For entrepreneurs interested in testing their products in a retail setting, gaining practical experience and connecting with a supportive business community, NEXT. offers a practical pathway to growth.
To learn more and apply, visit the Next application page. If you know of aspiring makers, innovators or retailers, please share this opportunity! Applications will be reviewed by the program team, and selected applicants will be invited to interview before the final cohort is selected.
Learn more about BizLaunch and NEXT. at www.bizlaunch.org.
As the first leaves start to turn yellow, a full slate of community activities and entertainment is planned in Arlington this fall.
Upcoming events include the annual Clarendon Day and Rosslyn Jazz Fest, as well as cultural celebrations like the Festival Latinamericano this October. Here’s a preview of some of the local happenings planned next season.
Please join us in congratulating Benny Mirpuri, owner of Fast-Fix Jewelry and Watch Repair at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, on reaching an incredible 35 years in business.
For three and a half decades, Benny has proudly served the Pentagon City and surrounding communities, providing quality jewelry and watch repair services along with the exceptional customer service that has made Fast-Fix a trusted local business.
Three people are in jail after police say a man was beaten, robbed and threatened with machetes in two separate incidents.
The alleged incidents took place over the weekend just hours apart, on the same block of Columbia Pike, near the intersection with S. Four Mile Run Drive.
Music. Art. Food. Community. The Takoma Park Folk Festival brings it all together for one free, unforgettable day. Discover six stages of live music from around the world, shop an acclaimed juried craft show, enjoy international cuisine, connect with local community organizations, and let the kids explore crafts and activities in the Children's Nook. It's one of the region's most beloved traditions, and a celebration of the creativity, diversity, and welcoming spirit that has long defined Takoma Park.
New this year! Jam at the Crossroads is a place for musicians of all levels to come together and be part of the music.
Vet Keeps Conducting Commitment — Arlington resident and retired U.S. Air Force Col. Arnald Gabriel fulfilled a 30+ year promise to conduct the Wheaton Municipal Band in Illinois on his 100th birthday, though he did so remotely due to health reasons. Despite age and distance, the World War II vet kept perfect timing, according to a segment on the CBS Evening News. [CBS News]
Back to School Patrols — “Arlington Public Schools will welcome students back into their classrooms on Monday, August 25… The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) will conduct a coordinated high-visibility transportation safety campaign in and around school zones to ensure the trip to class is as safe as possible.” [ACPD]
Jury Duty Process Starting — “The Arlington Circuit Court, which includes the City of Falls Church, will soon begin its annual juror qualification process. Juror Questionnaires will be mailed in August to approximately 35,000 randomly selected residents of Arlington County and Falls Church City.” [Arlington County]
Overdose Awareness Vigil — “Arlington County Government invites members of the public and media to attend the 4th Annual International Overdose Awareness Candlelight Vigil at Shirlington Library Plaza on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, at 7 p.m.” [Arlington County]
New Metro Train Designs — “The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) unveiled three options today (Monday) for the exterior design of its incoming 8000-series rail fleet, which is expected to arrive next year.” [FFXnow]
It’s Tuesday — Showers are expected after 1pm, accompanied by cloudy skies and a high temperature near 73°F. A northeast wind will blow at around 9 mph, with a 30% chance of precipitation. Showers may continue into Tuesday night, mainly before 8pm, with mostly cloudy skies and a low of 67°F. The east wind will blow at 5 to 7 mph, and the chance of precipitation remains at 30%. [NWS]
Good Monday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Aug 18, 2025.
Here is what’s going on Tuesday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
Showers are expected after 1pm, accompanied by cloudy skies and a high temperature near 73°F. A northeast wind will blow at around 9 mph, with a 30% chance of precipitation. Showers may continue into Tuesday night, mainly before 8pm, with mostly cloudy skies and a low of 67°F. The east wind will blow at 5 to 7 mph, and the chance of precipitation remains at 30%. See more from Weather.gov.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
– Nelson Mandela
The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.
While the Ferris wheels and games are probably the Arlington County Fair’s most iconic attractions, an entire second world could be found this weekend indoors.
Many fairgoers sought refuge from a 100-degree heat index inside the Thomas Jefferson Community Center (3501 2nd Street S.). There, they encountered vendors selling assorted wares, advocates seeking signatories for petitions, assorted competitions and more.
Changes to the online back-to-school packet, updated cellphone policies and planning for projects to support student well-being are coming to Arlington Public Schools this year.
School leaders hope that some of the changes will deliver a smoother process leading up to the first day of class, which begins one week from today on Monday, Aug. 25.
By JOSH FUNK AP Transportation Writer
Flights in and out of Reagan National Airport in the Washington, D.C., area resumed around midday Monday after a morning fire alarm in the control tower halted all traffic.
Registration is now open for Rosslyn Fall Fest, returning to the NOW pop-up park (1401 Wilson Blvd) on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 1 to 6 p.m. Expanded this year onto Oak Street, the FREE event will transform Arlington’s most urban neighborhood into a seasonal destination featuring an inflatable corn maze, local makers market, seasonal beer garden, live music, and fall-themed experiences for all ages to enjoy.
Attendees can explore a curated market of local makers and artisans, enjoy ciders and seasonal brews in the beer garden, navigate an inflatable corn maze, test their skills at inflatable axe throwing, and take part in pumpkin-themed activities and other fall experiences. Food vendors, live music, and dog-friendly programming round out the afternoon.
