Sports bars in Arlington and Falls Church crowded with soccer fans yesterday (Thursday) as the 2026 FIFA World Cup began with victories for Mexico and South Korea.
From watch parties and drink specials, local businesses across the region have launched into weeks of festivities as the tournament continues through Sunday, July 19. Here’s an updated list of venues to gather with fans, watch the games and enjoy specials on food and drink.
Whether you’re leaving for a weekend getaway or just looking to give your pet some company, Arlington has no shortage of boarding options for your furry friend.
Here are the nominees for “Best Pet Boarding in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.
Did we miss your favorite spot? Write it in!
Voting will close in two weeks.
Voting for Best Family Physician 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 Barbershop in Arlington. The results are now official:
In the months of November and December 2025, the Trump Administration took four related actions: (1) they froze all adjudication of applications for nationals subject to a related travel ban, (2) they announced that being from one of those countries would be a ‘significant negative factor’ in benefits adjudication, (3) they froze adjudication of all affirmative asylum claims, and (4) they announced a ‘re-review’ of all immigration benefits granted to people from a list of thirty-nine countries since the beginning of the Biden Administration. We told you, as these policies were introduced, that they were going to be controversial – we told you that litigation would put an end to them, because “[s]ome federal judge, somewhere, will say ‘enough.'”
Last week, a federal judge, John J. McConnell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, said “Enough!” in vigorous language, striking down all four policies in a strongly worded decision. The purpose of this advertorial is to explain: (1) why the federal district court took this action, (2) what real-world effects we expect this to have, and (3) what the Trump Administration’s prospects on appeal are.
First, what did Judge McConnell’s decision say?
In short, Judge McConnell flatly rejected the government’s claim that its decisions were non-discriminatory and rooted in a reasonable desire to ensure security and accurate adjudication. It’s worth lingering over the language that Judge McConnell employs in his introduction.
“But the rule of law has to apply to everyone equally and, as evident here, USCIS has neither “followed the law” nor “done things the right way.” Indeed, the agency has violated the very immigration laws that Congress has charged it with administering, as well as the administrative laws that govern the agency’s actions. In enacting its latest immigration policies, USCIS: claims statutory and regulatory authority that it does not possess; makes decisions without the reasoned explanations that it must provide; acts without regard for the reliance interests of applicants that it must consider; and justifies its actions with pretextual concerns of “national security” that mask anti-immigrant sentiments that it is forbidden from letting influence its decision-making. In legal terms, that means USCIS’s actions are contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious.” (more…)
David Sisson has become the second independent to qualify for the County Board election in November.
Sisson — a member of the county’s Transit Advisory Committee and executive vice chair at the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance (NVAHA) — joins perennial protest candidate Audrey Clement in having filed paperwork and the requisite 125 petition signatures.
School’s out and summer’s the perfect time to try something new. Youth Beginning Fencing (ages 7–12) at Nova Fencing and Archery Club builds focus, coordination, and confidence. Twice a week for 4 weeks, gear included. New session starts June 22 — reserve your child’s spot today!
A new restaurant promising “elevated American coastal cuisine” opens next week at the Westin hotel in Crystal City.
Stillwater & Stone, a new “land and sea”-inspired restaurant and bar, will hold its soft opening starting Tuesday, June 16, on the ground floor of the recently renovated Westin hotel at 1800 Richmond Highway. It’ll be open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails, offering a variety of meat and seafood entrees.
Are you interested in learning about how Continuing Care Retirment Communities work, but don’t know where to start? Join our free workshop at 5:00 on Tue., 6/16 to learn more and ask questions!
If you are interested in learning more about Continuing Care Retirement Communities (also known as “Life Plan Communities”), whether for yourself or for a loved one, please join our free workshop on Tuesday, June 16 from 5:00-7:00 at the Arlington office of Long & Foster.
The Arlington real estate market saw a combination of more sales and higher average prices in May — pushing the sold dollar volume up by 21% year over year.
A total of 263 properties changed hands during the month, up 16% from 226 a year before, according to figures reported June 10 by MarketStats by ShowingTime, based on data from Bright MLS.
Temporary Uses Eyed for PenPlace — Amazon is in early talks on temporary uses for the vacant 11-acre PenPlace block, where the next phase of HQ2, including the landmark Helix, remains on hold. “It’s not ideal to have a big vacant fenced site sitting there,” Amazon community engagement lead Patrick Phillippi said. Ideas include open space, art installations and a dog park. [WBJ]
‘Amazon Now’ Eyes Clarendon — Amazon is expected to bring its Amazon Now 30-minute delivery service to Clarendon and Tysons. Prime Now LLC has filed for a license to sell alcohol from 2701 Wilson Blvd, the former home of Arlington Independent Media. The service promises fresh groceries and household essentials in 30 minutes or less. [WBJ]
Pride With the Police Returns — ACPD hosts its sixth annual Pride with the Police on Thursday, June 25 from 5-7 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant (555 23rd Street S.). The informal event, which marks 20 years of the department’s LGBTQ+ Liaison Team, features light refreshments and LGBTQ+ bingo. [ACPD]
Longtime Taylor Teacher Retiring — Ann Heidig is retiring at the end of the school year after 40 years at Taylor Elementary, where she is known for gifting each of her students a handmade sock monkey. “If you attended or worked at Taylor during the past 40 years, it’s a good bet that you know the name Ann Heidig,” the school wrote. [APS]
ACPD Corporal Retires — ACPD celebrated the retirement of Cpl. Tuomey after 25 years with the department. “During his career, Cpl. Tuomey served faithfully as a patrol officer, school resource officer, K9 handler and as a court liaison,” the department said. [ACPD/X]
Croatia Trains in Alexandria — The Croatia national soccer team is using Episcopal High School in Alexandria as its training base for the 2026 World Cup, staying at a nearby Old Town hotel. “We could not be more honored to be the home for this team for the next month,” Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins said. The squad finished second in 2018 and third in 2022. [ALXnow, WBJ]
River Closures Worry Boaters — D.C.’s expanded July 4 fireworks show could bring unprecedented Potomac River closures, worrying local boaters and paddlers. Early planning documents show fireworks launching from eight barges on the river. “Having the river closed for July 4 is the boat-world equivalent of Tysons being closed on Black Friday,” Sea Suite Cruises founder Jack Maher told Axios. [Axios]
DOJ Sues Over Mask Ban — The U.S. Justice Department is suing Virginia over its new law barring federal enforcement officials from wearing masks, according to Courthouse News reporter Joe Dodson. [Joe Dodson/X, Press Release]
It’s Friday — Today brings mostly sunny skies and a high near 96, with a heat index as high as 102. A heat advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Showers and thunderstorms are likely after 4 p.m., some possibly severe, before an overnight low around 67. [NWS]
Arlington and the D.C. area will again be under a Heat Advisory on Friday.
Heat index values up to 107 are expected Friday afternoon, creating hazardous conditions for anyone working or spending extended time outside.
Update at 11:15 a.m. — Nearly 650 homes and businesses are without power in Arlington after last night’s storms, including Ireland’s Four Courts in Courthouse, which is hoping to reopen in time for the World Cup games later today.
Four Courts is still without power after last night's storms, but the pub is hoping to reopen in time for today's World Cup games https://t.co/0T3RkzeIPj
Good Thursday 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 — Jun 11, 2026.
Here is what’s going on Friday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
Expect showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5 PM, with some severe storms possible. The high will be near 95, and the heat index could reach 103, with west winds at 3 to 8 mph. There’s an 80% chance of rain, with new rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, higher in thunderstorms. In the evening, showers and thunderstorms will continue until about 8 PM, with lows around 67 and west winds at 6 to 8 mph. The chance of rain remains at 80%, with similar rainfall amounts expected. See more from Weather.gov.
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
– Albert Schweitzer
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.
Nathan’s Cancer Slayers, a local Arlington fundraising team under Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, invites the community to Cocktails for a Cause — An Amalfi Coast Evening on Sunday, June 14 in Georgetown. ✨🍸
This inaugural silent auction will bring together friends, neighbors, and supporters for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a fun silent auction — all raising funds for childhood cancer research in honor of Nathan Fleming, an Arlington student who passed away from rhabdomyosarcoma in 2019, just one week after turning 18.
