News

Two exhibits relating to Native American history are back on display at Gulf Branch Nature Center, six years after being removed for rehabilitation.

The exhibits were removed in 2020 “after years of natural aging and exposure of the organic items and signage on display,” said Jerusalem Solomon, communications/engagement manager for the Department of Parks and Recreation.


News

The new commander of an Arlington Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post wants to maintain what is working well while expanding the organization’s footprint in broader civic life.

During a Memorial Day open house, Fritz Gottschalk succeeded Mike Cantwell as commander of John Lyon VFW Post 3150.


Sponsored

Welcome to Kami’s Korner where we’ll take a deep dive into Arlington’s condominium market by focusing on what’s coming next. From emerging developments to shifting trends, this space will spotlight the opportunities and insights shaping the future of condo living in Arlington.

Thinking about selling your home and moving into a luxury condominium? For many empty nesters, the idea sounds wonderful in theory: less maintenance, better location, more time, lock-and-leave convenience. But then reality sets in. Where will all my stuff go? Will I have enough room? Can I still host Thanksgiving? What happens to my gorgeous furniture? And, most importantly, am I really ready to give up my house?

Most are worried about simplifying without feeling like they’ve diminished their life. Let’s explore some of the details you might look for to make that transition more exciting and less stressful. I’ll bet you have been comfortable in your house for three decades and now desire a lifestyle shift but don’t want to make a housing mistake.

There is an art to downsizing without downgrading.

Having sold thousands of new condominiums to Baby Boomers, I’ve learned that one of the biggest competitors for a new condominium isn’t another community. It’s the buyer’s existing home. There are certain elements which will help make this transition an enjoyable one where you don’t have to trade the things you love. In fact, finding a condominium that allows you to bring a lot of what you already value (while eliminating the parts of homeownership you no longer want) is the key to the perfect fit. 

Will I have enough space? Remember the basement, attic and garage you’ve accumulated over three decades? They’re not coming with you.

The right condominium can make you realize you didn’t actually need all that stuff. The wrong one will have you wondering where you are going to hide the Christmas decorations.

Most empty nester couples cannot fit in less than 1,400 square feet unless they have another home elsewhere (like a family house in Rehoboth or weekend cabin in West Virginia.) 1,400 sq ft gets you a larger than average 2 bedroom with walk-in closets, 2 bathrooms (so no one is in your primary bathroom), and perhaps an additional powder room, linen closet, pantry, or spacious utility room. Anything smaller means you are on top of one another and likely won’t have the storage capacity you need.

The ideal size for this demographic in Northern Virginia is a 1,700-2,200 square foot 2 bed plus den or 3 bedroom, with 2.5-3 baths. The den is critical and its placement should be an extension of the living room, not down the hall and cut off from the rest of the layout. During a party it expands the entertaining space while leaving the bedroom areas private…but on Tuesday it becomes a cozy spillover room to watch TV, read, and relax while your partner is cooking or watching videos of the grandkids on the laptop at the kitchen island. Don’t worry, you can still shout to one another. Some traditions shouldn’t be lost.

(more…)


Schools

Arlington school leaders have more work to do in sketching out how they might use public-private partnerships to construct new facilities in an era of fiscal constraints.

Superintendent Francisco Durán’s proposed fiscal 2027-36 capital improvement plan, unveiled May 14, makes reference to potential future partnerships to help defray costs of constructing and maintaining new facilities.


News
Birds feeling peckish outside Weenie Beenie in Green Valley (staff photo by Dan Egitto)

Hurricane Season Begins — The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through Nov. 30, and Arlington County is urging residents to prepare. “Hurricane preparedness starts long before a storm is in the forecast,” said the county’s emergency management director. [Arlington County]

Input Sought on Legislation — The Arlington County Board is seeking resident input to help shape next year’s legislative package for the Virginia General Assembly. A feedback form is open through July 31. [Arlington County]

Swanson Response Questioned — A two-day police presence at Swanson Middle School in late April is renewing scrutiny over how the school discloses incidents to families. The principal described the April 29-30 calls as “separate non-emergency calls” and said everyone was safe, but has declined to explain what prompted the multi-day response. [EdNews Virginia]

Rabid Raccoon in Potomac Yard — “After a raccoon that later tested positive for rabies came into contact with a dog and its owner in Potomac Yard, the Alexandria Health Department is urging caution around wildlife.” The aggressive raccoon made contact near E. Glebe Road on May 23. [ALXnow]

Spanberger Vetoes Draw Fire — Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) has vetoed 31 bills passed by the Democratic-majority General Assembly, an unusually high number that has angered members of her own party. But Sen. Barbara Favola (D-Arlington) defended her: “A lot of the criticism is a bit unfair.” [Washington Post]

Pentagon Bars Press Office — The Defense Department has designated its press office a classified space and banned journalists from the room where they once met with public affairs officers. The Pentagon said the move followed speechwriters who “routinely handle classified material” relocating into the office. [Washington Post]

Marriage Amendment Campaign — The Virginians for Marriage Equality coalition launched its statewide campaign in Richmond on Monday, the start of Pride Month, backing a November referendum that would permanently protect same-sex marriage in the state constitution. The measure would repeal Virginia’s dormant 2006 constitutional ban. [Virginia Mercury]

A Cool, Dry May — D.C. finished May 1.4 degrees cooler than normal, despite a record-early high of 97 on May 19. It was the fourth drier-than-average month in a row for the region. [Capital Weather]

It’s Tuesday — Expect a sunny day with a high near 76 and a northeast wind of 5–8 mph. Skies stay mostly clear overnight with a low around 57. [NWS]

Want more local news from around the region? Check out our newest sister site, WSHnow.


Event

🍂 Fall is here — and so is FOSH Fall Fest!

For twelve years, Friends of the Soldiers Home has kicked off autumn the right way — and we're not stopping now.


Around Town

Good Monday 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 1, 2026.

📅 Upcoming events

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

☀️ Tuesday’s forecast

Expect sunny skies with temperatures reaching a high of around 75°F and northeast winds blowing at 7 to 9 mph. Tuesday night will be mostly clear with a low temperature near 57°F and a gentle north wind. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”
– William James

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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

Thanks for reading! If you have something to say about an issue of local note not covered today, feel free to post it as a letter to the editor on our new forum.


News

Numerous officers and a police helicopter searched the area around Glencarlyn Park early Monday morning after reports of gunshots being heard.

Despite the search, “there was no evidence recovered of shots being fired,” Arlington County police said today in a crime report.


Schools

A divided School Board last Thursday backed a 22% cut in the anticipated future cost of a renovation/expansion project at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, but left the door open to more discussion.

The 3-1 vote, with one abstention, reduces the cost estimate to $130 million, from an initial $168 million proposed by Superintendent Francisco Durán and staff.


Around Town

A quick service version of Pizza Paradiso has opened a new location at the National Landing Water Park.

Pizza Paradiso Pronto is currently “soft opening” its new fast-casual pizzeria at 1611 Crystal Drive in Crystal City, serving up personal pies and pizza by the slice, as well as salads, paninis and craft beer. Guests can now try a taste ahead of the shop’s official opening this Friday.


News

The treatment of those enslaved by Bazil and Elizabeth Hall on their 330-acre Arlington farm in the 1850s was known to be excessively cruel even by the brutal standards of the era.

Last Saturday (May 30), eight of those who lived in bondage on the farm were honored with the latest “stumbling stones” placed through the Memorializing the Enslaved of Arlington initiative.


Announcement

The League of Women Voters of Arlington and Alexandria City will host Candidating for the general election on Sunday, Oct. 4, from 1:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. at Walter Reed Recreation Center, 2909 16th St. S.

The event gives Arlington residents the opportunity to speak directly with the candidates seeking county office this November.