ARLnow - Arlington and Falls Church, Va. local news

Published June 20, 2025 at 3:45PM

The weekend is here and so is a new episode of the ARLnow podcast.

In the latest episode, Lene, Dan and Vernon discuss a few notable local news stories in Arlington from the past week, including:

A widespread participation in the local “No Kings” protest, plus Bill Nye’s presence.
Graffiti on stop signs sparking debate over free expression and the cost of vandalism.
Vegan soul food gaining popularity.
A giant Lego model and the patience and planning it requires.

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.

#podcast

News

Arlington Young Democrats target downstate race for support

By Scott McCaffrey

Published June 20, 2025 at 3:15PM

Democratic candidate Lily Franklin (via Lily for Delegate/X)

Leaders of the Arlington Young Democrats are hoping to have an impact on what could be a key downstate legislative race.

The group will be throwing its organizational efforts behind Lily Franklin in House District 41 in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg area.

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington: September 2, 2026

By Sponsor

Published September 2, 2026 at 10:45AM

Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose prices have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!

Please note: The properties featured here may be listed with other brokerages– but that doesn’t limit your options. Arlington Realty, Inc. is ready to represent you, arrange showings, analyze value, and negotiate the best possible terms on your behalf. We understand the neighborhoods, pricing trends and market timing — and we use that knowledge to your advantage.

As of August 31, there are 175 detached homes, 60 townhouses and 249 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 42 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.

#Just Reduced

News

Falls Church Council votes to get health-care coverage, pay raise

By Scott McCaffrey

Published June 20, 2025 at 2:30PM

The Falls Church City Council at a meeting last month (via City of Falls Church)

The Falls Church City Council has approved a pay increase and health-care coverage for themselves and their successors.

The raise will go into effect a year from now, while Council members will become eligible for the city’s health insurance plan next month.

Announcement

Ever Wanted to Duel with a Sword or Hit a Bullseye? Fall Registration Is Open at Nova Fencing & Arch

By Nova Fencing & Archery Club

Published September 1, 2026

There’s something a little bit magical about picking up a foil for the first time — or drawing back a bow and watching your arrow fly true. It’s why fencing and archery have such a hold on kids and adults alike: real focus, real skill, and a thrill you don’t get from the usual sports lineup.

This fall, Nova Fencing & Archery Club in Bailey’s Crossroads is opening registration for both, with beginner classes for every age starting the week of September 12th. Fencing welcomes ages 7 to 12 and teens and adults 13 and up. Explore Archery, coached by USA Archery certified instructors, welcomes ages 8 to 12 and meets Tuesdays or Saturdays. And for our youngest fencers, ages 4 to 6, ABC’s of Fencing meets on Saturdays. All classes run eight sessions for $195, equipment provided, no experience needed — yes, even for grown-ups who’ve never held a sword or a bow before.

Weather

D.C. area drought watch lifted after nearly a year

By ARLnow.com

Published June 20, 2025 at 1:30PM | Updated June 20, 2025 at 2:32PM

Flowers on N Harrison Street on a rainy day (staff photo by Dan Egitto)

A regional drought watch that has been in effect across the D.C. area since July 2024 has officially been lifted.

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments announced the decision today, citing improved water supplies thanks to late spring rains and — for awhile, at least — cooler temperatures. The region has returned to the normal stage of the Regional Water Supply and Drought Awareness Response Plan, COG said.

Event

50th Annual Falls Church Festival – City of Falls Church

September 19, 2026 10:00 am -4:00 pm

Event location

City Hall Grounds

300 Park Avenue

Falls Church, Virginia 22046

Add to Calendar

Friends, foodies, and City of Falls Church lovers, get ready for the Little City’s biggest celebration yet at the 🌟50th Annual Falls Church Festival! Festivities return on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 300 Park Ave.!

🌮 Dive into delicious, local eats from 17+ onsite eateries and breweries
🍻 Sip away in the beer garden and jam out to live music
🛍️ Peruse over 85 crafters, community groups, and merchant vendors
🎸 Bounce around the inflatables, children’s shows, and pony rides
🔎 Explore the festival through the Big 50 Scavenger Hunt

Opinion

Poll: The best place for wings in Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Published June 20, 2025 at 11:45AM

Going out for a casual bite or grabbing takeout for the game? Several restaurants, sports bars and chicken shops in Arlington serve wings with a variety of sauces and marinades to choose from.

Here are the nominees for “Best Place for Wings in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your favorite restaurant? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Bagel Shop in Arlington 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 Longtime Arlington Institution. The results are now official:

The Italian Store
Quarterdeck
Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe

Events

Free kids’ activities and treats are in Pentagon City today

By Katie Taranto

Published June 20, 2025 at 11:30AM

Metropolitan Park near Amazon HQ2 in Pentagon City (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Free treats and family-friendly activities are on hand in Pentagon City today (Friday) for Amazon’s Bring Your Kids to Work Day.

Nearly 2,000 kids are expected to join their parents and guardians at the HQ2 campus for technology demos, storytimes, outdoor activities and more.

News

JUST IN: Firefighter hurt while battling house fire near Chain Bridge

By Dan Egitto

Published June 20, 2025 at 10:00AM | Updated June 20, 2025 at 11:48AM

Firefighters respond to a blaze on N. Richmond Street (staff photo)

Firefighters battled a house fire in the Arlingwood neighborhood near Chain Bridge this morning.

Fire departments from Arlington, Fairfax County and other jurisdictions responded to a report of “a large fire in the garage” on N. Richmond Street around 9 a.m., according to scanner traffic. The blaze quickly spread to the attic and other parts of the structure.

News

Delays to bond sale, $4.9M in Arlington capital projects considered in tight times

By Scott McCaffrey

Published June 20, 2025 at 9:15AM

Budget director Richard Stephenson and Department of Management and Finance director Maria Meredith (screenshot via Arlington County)

Arlington County leaders are considering delaying the sale of municipal bonds and deferring various capital projects in the face of tight economic times.

It’s too early to think about amending the county’s recently adopted Fiscal Year 2026 budget, county budget director Richard Stephenson told County Board members on Wednesday.

Schools

Two APS schools lose Title I designations while another joins the list

By Scott McCaffrey

Published June 20, 2025 at 8:30AM

Parent Dan Burd points to Abingdon Elementary logo (screenshot via Arlington Public Schools)

Two Arlington elementary schools will no longer receive federal Title I funding in the new school year, while another will join the list of those that do.

Abingdon Elementary and Hoffman-Boston Elementary no longer qualify for the program, which supports schools with a high concentration of students in economic need.

Announcement

Local Muay Thai Academy Earns Prestigious Muay Thai Certification from Thailand

Published September 2, 2026

Pentagon MMA has brought a special honor home to Arlington from the birthplace of Muay Thai.

The Arlington Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu Academy is now officially a certified and registered Muay Thai Gym Partner through the Sports Authority of Thailand and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, making Pentagon MMA the only Muay Thai academy on the East Coast to have earned this distinction.