Arlington school officials expect to record the highest on-time-graduation rate since data began being reported nearly two decades ago, based on preliminary data shared June 12 with the community.
Superintendent Francisco Durán estimated that Class of 2025’s on-time graduation will reach 95% when final figures are tabulated and reported in the fall.
The weekend is here and so is a new episode of the ARLnow podcast.
In the latest episode, Lene, Dan and Vern discuss a few notable local news stories in Arlington from the past week, including:
Let us know what you think about the new podcast format in the comments or via email.
Watch below on YouTube, or listen to the podcast via iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Audacy, TuneIn or your favorite listening app.
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.
Despite a rainy forecast and a military parade shutting down some Arlington streets, the Columbia Pike Blues Festival is still a go tomorrow.
The annual summer celebration and showcase of local talent will take place from 1-8:30 p.m., bringing live blues music, food, drinks and vendors to S. Walter Reed Drive from 9th Street S. to Columbia Pike.
At Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS), one of the region’s largest and most established human services nonprofits, we believe every child deserves to walk into the classroom on the first day of school feeling confident, prepared, and ready to learn. But for many local families, the excitement of a new school year is overshadowed by the financial stress of buying school supplies. By helping families meet this essential need, we can ease financial pressure and give students the tools they need to succeed from day one.
This summer, NVFS is bringing together individuals, businesses, and community partners from across Northern Virginia, to provide new backpacks and essential school supplies to more than 1,500 local students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Snuggly mixed-breed dog Pickles McButterpants is looking for a new home and, thanks to a donation, his adoption fee is free.
The whimsically named dog is two years old and is described by the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) as very affectionate, though he would prefer to be the only pet in the house.
Bring the whole family to Arlington Mill for an evening of laughs, basketball, and underdog determination with Goat.
This animated family comedy follows a determined young goat chasing his dream of becoming a professional basketball star. Before the movie, kids can enjoy face painting and family-friendly activities, making this one of our most kid-focused events of the summer.
After a week of hot and humid weather, heavy rain is on the way to cool things down a bit.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Arlington and the immediate D.C. area. It will be in effect from 6 p.m. tonight through 2 a.m. Saturday.
Whether you’re craving an egg sandwich or a bagel piled high with your favorite toppings, there are quite a few spots around Arlington to get your fix.
Here are the nominees for “Best Bagel Shop in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.
Did we miss your favorite bagel spot? Write them in!
Voting will close in two weeks.
Voting for the Best Longtime Arlington Institution is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.
Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Food Truck in Arlington. The results are now official:
The Arlington School Board appointed a new principal at Washington-Liberty High School last night (Thursday) in a controversial vote.
The unanimous decision to select Alexander Duncan III — currently the executive principal of Alexandria City High School, Virginia’s largest public high school — came despite efforts to keep interim principal Christian Willmore.
Real-estate sales data for May paint a mixed picture but show no signs of impending doom for the Arlington and Falls Church markets.
The average sales price per square foot for both jurisdictions was up year-over-year, according to new figures, although May’s rate was running below the year-to-date average in each case.
Possible ICE Activity — “We are aware of reports of ICE agents harassing Arlington residents on S Glebe Rd. yesterday. This kind of over-policing of hard-working residents does not make us safer. Our community is not a prop for Saturday’s parade.” [Arlington Democrats/X]
Beyer Statement on Padilla Incident — “This is another disgraceful episode in a long train of abuses from a thuggish administration that has repeatedly incited and encouraged violence. What happened to Senator Padilla today is horrifying. This incident must be investigated, and everyone involved held accountable.” [Press Release]
Warner Statement on Israel-Iran — “This is a rapidly evolving situation, and it’s critical that the United States work with our allies and avoid steps that will cause further escalation across the region.” [Press Release]
Local Juneteenth Celebrations — “June 19—aka Juneteenth—is a federal holiday marking the end of slavery in the U.S. in 1865. Celebrate the spirit of freedom and resilience with book talks, film screenings, concerts, historic tours and plenty of family fun.” [Arlington Magazine]
Verizon First Responder Network — “Today, Verizon is doubling down by launching [its first responder service] in more than 20 new markets, officially making the offering available nationwide wherever Verizon offers 5G Ultra Wideband service. Newly-added metropolitan areas, which bring the total to 50 major markets, with access to the Verizon Frontline Network Slice include… Arlington, Va.” [Verizon]
Storms Could Disrupt Parade — “Huge crowds are anticipated Saturday in D.C. for events marking the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary — but the weather may not fully cooperate. A sluggish front drifting southward could spark showers and thunderstorms that threaten to disrupt the celebrations.” [CWG]
It’s Friday — Expect showers and storms mainly after 3pm, with a partly sunny high of 89°F and south winds of 3-6 mph. Friday night features a 60% chance of precipitation, including likely showers and potential thunderstorms. The night will be mostly cloudy with a low of 71°F. [NWS]
As the summer is winding down, Art House 7 is gearing up for August Classes! Offerings include painting, drawing, cartooning, mixed media, and printmaking. Some highlights: Animals of the Serengeti, k-2nd; Digital Art, 4th-6th grades; Painting Metal with Watercolor, Adults. Classes are 3-4 weeks: a short commitment for a lot of creative output. Check out everything on our website.
August Classes at Art House 7:
