Sports

The Yorktown Patriots have continued as heavy hitters in postseason boys lacrosse action this spring.

With the campaign-ending state tournament still to come, the high-school team already has won a sixth straight Liberty District tourney, followed by finishing second in the 6D North Region competition for the second year in a row and third time overall.


Opinion

Arlington has no shortage of trusted family physicians who see the whole picture — faithfully tracking the health of their patients and supporting them through all of life’s medical ups and downs.

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

Did we miss your favorite doctor? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for Best Barbershop in Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Title Company in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. KVS Title
  2. Allied Title & Escrow
  3. Community Title Network

Sponsored

No matter your age, having a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family. A properly prepared will ensures your wishes are carried out, helps reduce family disputes, and can make the estate administration process much smoother.

Unfortunately, many Virginians make avoidable mistakes that can create unnecessary stress and expense for their loved ones. Here are five of the most common.

1. Trying to Write a Will Without Legal Guidance

Online templates and DIY wills may seem like an easy way to save money, but they often create bigger problems later. Virginia law has specific requirements for a valid will, including proper signatures and witness requirements. Even small mistakes can leave a will open to challenges or delay the administration of an estate.

2. Forgetting to Update Your Will

A will shouldn’t be something you create once and forget. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, buying a home, or losing a loved one can all affect your estate plan.

Reviewing your will every few years—or after a major life event—helps ensure it still reflects your wishes and keeps your loved ones protected.

3. Overlooking Federal Estate Tax Planning

Virginia no longer has a state estate tax, but federal estate taxes may still affect larger estates. As home values and investments continue to grow, more families may find themselves closer to the federal exemption than they expected.

Planning ahead can help minimize tax consequences and preserve more of your estate for your beneficiaries.

4. Not Planning for Minor Children

For parents, a will does more than distribute assets—it allows you to name a guardian for your minor children. Without that designation, a court may ultimately decide who will care for them.

Many families also choose to establish a trust so inherited assets can be managed responsibly until children reach an age or milestone they determine is appropriate.

5. Choosing the Wrong Executor—or Not Naming One at All

Your executor is responsible for carrying out your wishes, paying debts, and distributing your assets. Selecting someone who is organized, trustworthy, and capable of handling those responsibilities is just as important as deciding who inherits your property.

It’s also essential to clearly identify your beneficiaries. Vague language or outdated information can create confusion and, in some cases, disputes among family members.

Don’t Forget the Rest of Your Estate Plan

A will is only one part of a comprehensive estate plan. Depending on your circumstances, you may also benefit from:

  • A revocable living trust
  • A durable power of attorney
  • An advance medical directive
  • A transfer-on-death deed for your home

Together, these documents can help protect your finances, outline your healthcare wishes, and simplify matters for your family if you’re ever unable to make decisions yourself.

The Bottom Line

A well-prepared estate plan provides peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. By avoiding these common mistakes and keeping your documents up to date, you can help ensure your wishes are honored while reducing stress for your family in the future.

If it’s been several years since you’ve reviewed your will—or you’ve never created one—it may be time to speak with an experienced Virginia estate planning attorney about your options.

PJI Law, PLC: Estate Planning Attorneys in Fairfax, VA

At PJI Law, PLC, we work with clients across Fairfax and Northern Virginia to build estate plans that reflect their intentions and align with Virginia law. Our estate planning attorneys take the time to review your assets, beneficiary designations, business interests, and family structure so your plan works as intended.

Whether you’re creating your first will or revisiting an existing one, our team will help you avoid the mistakes that can undermine your entire estate plan.

Call (703) 865-6100 or contact us online to schedule your complimentary consultation today.

PJI Law, PLC
3900 Jermantown Rd, 2nd Floor
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
(703) 865-6100
https://pjilaw.com


Around Town

Community leaders and neighborhood residents celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Aurora Hills branch library on Saturday.

Megan Wianecki, manager of the branch library, said the day’s events were not just a celebration of the centennial, but all those who support the library and community.


News

All three Democratic candidates for County Board say they support at least some district-based representation on the governing body.

While the five seats on the Board are all currently at-large, some advocates have called for creating voting districts as part of potential future governance changes. Current County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti and challengers James DeVita and Julie Farnam endorse the concept, at least to some extent.


Event

Join DC Road Runners and Potomac Valley Track Club for our annual Family Night at the Track and Meet of Miles. The event is open to runners of all ages and paces as well as nonmembers.

This event hosts 400 meter and 800 meter races for kids ages 1-8, as well as multiple 1-mile heats for participants of all ages. There is also a 3K race that is open to participants of all ages.


Schools

Significant divisions appear to remain among School Board members on the scope of a planned renovation and addition to Thomas Jefferson Middle School.

Three design concepts — with costs of $130 million, $140 million and $168 million — are still on the table, while at least one School Board member has not given up on the possibility of a complete replacement.


News
“Our Lady of Exxon” in Rosslyn (courtesy George Brazier)

Americana Sign Seeks New Home — The National Landing Business Improvement District is working with Arlington County to relocate the neon sign that marked the Americana Hotel, the mid-century Crystal City motel demolished in 2023. “We’re avid fans of the Americana sign,” said BID president Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, who hopes to find it a spot near Long Bridge Park. [WBJ]

Bond Sale Generates Savings — Arlington County issued $169.3 million in general obligation bonds on June 3, with Bank of America winning the competitive sale at a 3.61% average interest rate. Refunding $8.4 million of higher-rate bonds generated $374,000 in debt service savings for the county and schools. [Arlington County]

Acquisition for Local Company — Arlington-based Bloomberg Industry Group has acquired Palo Alto-based Regology, an AI-powered platform that monitors federal, state and international regulations. CEO Josh Eastright said the deal expands how the company supports customers “managing increased regulatory complexity.” [Potomac Tech Wire]

National Night Out Returns — The Arlington County Police Department is inviting neighborhoods, businesses and organizations to host National Night Out events on Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 5-8 p.m. The annual event pairs residents with public safety personnel at cookouts and block parties. Registration is free and due by July 24. [ACPD]

Celebrating Pride Month — There are a number of Pride Month events around the area, including a Pride celebration at the Mosaic District on June 6, a Pride Senior Prom at Central Library on June 12 and the Penrose Pride Parade on June 28. [Arlington Magazine]

A Swimmer’s Comeback — Marymount University senior Miah Lopez, a psychology major, returned to competitive swimming after a nontraditional path that included time away following her brother’s death. She won Rookie Athlete of the Year for the Atlantic East Conference. “It’s never too late to pursue something important to you,” she said. [Marymount]

Gun Purchases Surge in Virginia — Virginia recorded 72,956 firearm background checks in May — more than double the 35,571 from a year earlier — as a state ban on “assault firearms” takes effect July 1, according to Virginia State Police. The new law makes it a misdemeanor to buy, sell or manufacture such weapons. [WJLA]

Optimism for Housing Bill — A bipartisan housing bill backed by Virginia’s congressional delegation is nearing passage, with provisions to convert vacant commercial sites to housing and curb large investors from buying single-family homes. “Never underestimate the ability of Congress to screw up a sure thing,” Sen. Mark Warner (D) said, though he is cautiously optimistic the Senate can finish the deal. [Virginia Mercury]

RGGI Return Draws Warning — Virginia is set to rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in July, but the American Action Forum, a center-right policy institute, argues in a new paper that layering carbon pricing on the state’s net-zero mandate is “a recipe for high utility bills.” The group’s energy policy director urged policymakers to delay Virginia’s compliance until at least 2027. [Shuting Pomerleau/X]

It’s Friday — Expect a mix of sun and some clouds today, with a high near 93 and west winds of 2–6 mph. Skies turn partly cloudy overnight with a low around 69. [NWS]


News

The National Capital Planning Commission has kept alive the triumphal arch that President Donald Trump wants built between the Memorial Bridge and Arlington National Cemetery.

However, the body is requesting more information on how it could potentially impact air travel navigation in the area, as well as other specifics on construction and traffic in the area.


Around Town

Good Thursday 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 — Jun 4, 2026.

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Friday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

☀️ Friday’s forecast

Expect a sunny day with a high of 93°F and calm winds shifting to the west at about 6 mph in the afternoon. Friday night will be partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 69°F and a gentle south wind blowing at 3 to 5 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
– Abraham Lincoln

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

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