Obtaining real-time data on the impacts of federal downsizing continues to pose a challenge for groups across the D.C. area.
The Northern Virginia Regional Commission has added a section tracking initial unemployment claims on its website. The most recent data as of March 16 show that statewide initial unemployment claims rose from 2,881 the week ending March 1 to 4,036 the week ending March 8.
As cherry blossoms begin to bloom, seasonal events and dining specials are blossoming around Arlington.
From live music and art markets to themed coffees and donuts, here’s a look at where to get festive and where to spot the famous flowers.
Arlington’s small business community is strong and resilient. However, local businesses continue to face challenges from economic uncertainty, drops in consumer confidence, losses in access to capital, and disruptions from artificial intelligence. BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development, continues to rise to the challenge by supporting over 6,000 small businesses in Arlington with one-on-one counseling, innovative programming and robust marketing to encourage consumers to shop locally.
During a recent presentation to the Small Business Coordinating Council, BizLaunch Director Tara Palacios highlighted fiscal year 2026 results that underscore both the impact of Arlington’s business support programs and the pressures ahead.
BizLaunch provided technical assistance to entrepreneurs at a level 56% above its annual goal, reflecting sustained demand for one-on-one advising and business guidance. The division also served a diverse business community, including 52% women-owned businesses and 45% minority-owned enterprises. Nearly a quarter — 24% — of clients were in food and retail, industries that continue to face heightened economic pressure.
Major marketing and PR campaigns drove engagement across Arlington. Small Business Saturday, one of BizLaunch’s signature programs, prompted more than 4,141 transactions and $211,862 in consumer spending through the Open Rewards incentive, supported by a $10,625 investment of County funds. A coordinated marketing campaign with the BIDs and Partnerships further amplified the effort, generating more than 56,000 organic social media impressions, 44,000 video views and 1,619 engagements, along with nearly 2,000 paid ad clicks.
Support for business development through programming has also expanded. The BizLaunch Transformational Challenge and Pitchfest drew 40 participants for a five-week training program covering strategic planning, marketing, artificial intelligence and financial management. Participants developed pitch decks and presented to a panel of private lenders and business leaders. In all $25,000 was awarded to local businesses through the pitch event which came from private donations and contributions from the Industrial Development Authority. (more…)
The speed camera on Lorcom Lane has relocated to another school zone.
The camera installed in January on the 4100 block of Lorcom Lane, near Dorothy Hamm Middle School, has moved to the northbound 1100 block of Patrick Henry Drive near Swanson Middle School in Westover Village.
The lives of Margaret Hyson and her children George and Charlotte — three people enslaved in the Yorktown neighborhood in the 1800s — had previously been unknown to all but their descendants.
But now, this family will have their stories told to a broader community.
Tree Steward Fall Training Applications Open
Residents worried about our urban forest, their neighbor’s tree, or the declining oak in their own yard can apply now for a seven-week course to learn about trees and become a volunteer Tree Steward with Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria.
Significant divisions remain as Falls Church City Council members approach final-decision time to enact rules regulating accessory-dwelling units.
“There are so many concerns” still to be worked through, Council member Marybeth Connelly said at a March 10 work session on the topic.
As safety-net advocates press for more funding to address homelessness, Arlington officials say more permanent and temporary housing options are also needed.
The county’s full “continuum of care” for this issue clocks in at $7.5 million annually — “not an insignificant amount,” Anita Friedman, director of the county government’s Department of Human Services, said at a budget work session last week. Without places for people to go, however, she said the problem festers.
Another Tesla Protest — “While many of the 60 or so people protesting outside the Arlington Tesla dealership on South Glebe Road held up signs with harsh words and negative messages for the job cuts ordered by President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, only one came dressed as a Nazi. ‘It’s just testament that America doesn’t learn its lessons,’ said D.H. of South Arlington, who was attired in black boots, brown jodhpurs and a tan shirt… at Saturday’s protest.” [Patch]
McClure Nabs National Nod — “Today EMILYs List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, announced that Virginia state Del. Adele McClure is a nominee for the 2025 Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award.” [Press Release]
New Restaurant Nearby — “A new Sichuan restaurant is opening soon in Arlandria. Vienna-based Chili Wok is planning on expanding with a new location at 3829 Mount Vernon Avenue in the Del Ray North shopping center. The location is the former home to a Subway restaurant that closed in November. A Japanese restaurant recently opened next door at 3827 Mount Vernon Avenue.” [ALXnow]
It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny skies and a high near 65, accompanied by a northwest wind of around 7 mph. The clear night will see temperatures dipping to a low of approximately 45, with calm winds. [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 — Mar 17, 2025.
Here is what’s going on Tuesday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
Expect sunny skies and a high near 65, accompanied by a northwest wind of around 7 mph. The clear night will see temperatures dipping to a low of approximately 45, with calm winds. See more from Weather.gov.
“The time is always right to do what is right.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
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.
Forceful debate over Arlington County’s approach to a recent surge in immigration enforcement dominated a County Board meeting this weekend.
Following extensive public comments and shouted chants and boos from dozens of advocates, several Board members raised the possibility of once again revising county policy on when local police can contact federal law enforcement.
