Around Town

ARLnow Daily Debrief for May 22, 2026

By ARLnow.com

Good Friday 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 — May 22, 2026.

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  1. Virginia Democrats demand return of Arlington House materials targeting Robert E. Lee (20270 views)
  2. Student struck by pickup truck near Washington-Liberty High School (14392 views)
  3. Virginia Supreme Court agrees to take up Missing Middle lawsuit (11581 views)
  4. Arlington Pride block party is canceled, replaced with LGBTQ+ movie screening (7052 views)
  5. Two more office buildings approved to become housing in Crystal City (6604 views)
  6. Windows smashed, items stolen from 16 vehicles in Potomac Yard (4852 views)
  7. Clarendon barbecue restaurant’s inventive flavors featured on WETA’s ‘Signature Dish’ (4608 views)
  8. Superintendent seeks $250M to refurbish and expand TJ, Swanson middle schools (4491 views)
  9. WEATHER ALERT: Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued for Arlington (4446 views)
  10. Longtime state delegate and circuit court judge James Almand dies at 77 (3993 views)
  11. Dominion announces merger with NextEra, creating a massive power company as AI drives energy demand in the US (3738 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

Here are the events planned for Sunday:

🌧️ Saturday’s forecast

Expect rain and areas of fog with a high near 61 degrees today and an east wind around 11 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100%, with new rainfall between a quarter and half an inch likely. Rain continues into Saturday night, with a low around 55 degrees and an east wind of 6 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation remains high at 90%, with similar new rainfall amounts expected. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
– Mother Teresa

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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

We hope you have a great weekend, Arlington! 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

Arlington detective named DOJ ‘Hometown Hero’ for child exploitation work

By ARLnow.com
ACPD's Det. Bamford honored by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (courtesy U.S. DOJ)

An Arlington detective has been honored by the U.S. Department of Justice for cybercrime work that included helping take down a foreign forum trafficking in child sexual abuse material.

Detective John Bamford of the Arlington County Police Department was named the Eastern District of Virginia’s 2026 Hometown Hero, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today. The award was created by the DOJ to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence and recognizes a law enforcement partner who reflects “a steadfast commitment to the enduring ideals of liberty, service, and civic responsibility,” according to the announcement.

Go to Arlington detective named DOJ ‘Hometown Hero’ for child exploitation work Read more
Sponsored

LadyBug Academy Arlington opening announcement

By Sponsor
Image from LadyBug Academy Arlington Opening Announcement
Image from LadyBug Academy Arlington Opening Announcement
Image from LadyBug Academy Arlington Opening Announcement
Image from LadyBug Academy Arlington Opening Announcement
Image from LadyBug Academy Arlington Opening Announcement
Image from LadyBug Academy Arlington Opening Announcement
Image from LadyBug Academy Arlington Opening Announcement
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LadyBug Academy Arlington Opening Announcement

LadyBug Academy will officially open its newest location, LadyBug Academy Arlington, on June 1st, 2026, at 1915 N Uhle Street, Arlington, VA. (Ladybug Academy)

An Open House for the community is scheduled for May 30th, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Families and community members will have the opportunity to tour the facility, meet staff, and learn more about the programs offered at the new location. (Ladybug Academy)

The event will include family activities such as a bubble party, face painting, balloon twisting, and a petting zoo.

LadyBug Academy provides early childhood education programs focused on creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for children. The school’s curriculum emphasizes language, literacy, math, science, social development, and hands-on learning experiences led by experienced educators. (Ladybug Academy)

The Arlington location will offer priority enrollment to Arlington County employees.

For more information about the Open House, please contact [email protected] or visit LadyBug Academy.

Schedule a Visit Now
News

Sen. Favola turns focus to flipping seats in Virginia primary, considers reelection bid

By Scott McCaffrey
State Sen. Barbara Favola (file photo)

As she mulls over her own political future, Arlington’s senior state senator is seeking to help Democrats pick up seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Despite the Democratic redistricting map being overturned by the Virginia Supreme Court, Sen. Barbara Favola (D-40) believes her party has a chance in November to flip several of the five Virginia congressional seats currently held by Republicans.

Go to Sen. Favola turns focus to flipping seats in Virginia primary, considers reelection bid Read more
Announcement

Real stories. Real people. Real connection. A community conversation on mental health.

By Rock Recovery

Mental health shapes how we lead, love, work, parent, communicate, and show up in the world—yet too often, these conversations stay hidden.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, join local nonprofit Rock Recovery for Strength Not Stigma—an unforgettable evening of honest conversation, community, and impact.

Go to Real stories. Real people. Real connection. A community conversation on mental health. Read more
Around Town

Fried chicken and burger chain aims for June opening at Buckingham Center

By Katie Taranto
Nash & Smashed on N. Glebe Road (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

After about a year of preparations, a Nashville-inspired burgers-and-fries franchise is seeking to open soon in the Buckingham neighborhood.

Nash & Smashed aims to open next month at 310 N. Glebe Road, serving up hot chicken, sandwiches and smash burgers, Chief Operating Officer Lamaan Malik told ARLnow. The restaurant, which replaces a former Boost Mobile, will have seating for 25 guests and will stay open late throughout the week.

Go to Fried chicken and burger chain aims for June opening at Buckingham Center Read more
Opinion

Poll: The best title company in Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Arlington’s title companies handle everything from title searches and insurance to settlement services, protecting your interests and guiding you through the closing process with professionalism.

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

Did we miss your favorite title company? Write it in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for Best Real Estate Agent for Sellers 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 Moving Company Serving Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. Square Cow Movers (tied)
  2. Bookstore Movers (tied)
  3. Town & Country Movers
News

Ballston defense tech firm to add 210 jobs in $19 million expansion

By ARLnow.com
Office building at 4401 Wilson Blvd in Ballston (via Google Maps)

A Ballston-based defense technology firm is investing $19 million to expand its Arlington headquarters and add 210 jobs, doubling its Virginia workforce.

Innovative Defense Technologies, headquartered at 4401 Wilson Blvd, develops automated software tools that help U.S. military programs integrate, test and field new systems faster. The expansion was announced today by Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D), who approved an $800,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to help Arlington land the project.

Go to Ballston defense tech firm to add 210 jobs in $19 million expansion Read more
Sports

Washington-Liberty boys soccer coach earns 300th career victory

By Dave Facinoli
Jimmy Carrasquillo holds a banner celebrating his 300th career win (courtesy Eddie Carrasquillo)

Jimmy Carrasquillo continues to establish himself as the most accomplished public-school soccer coach in Arlington.

The longtime coach of the Washington-Liberty Generals boys team recently earned his 300th career victory. The breakthrough came May 19, when the host Generals blanked the Marshall Statesmen, 5-0, in a Liberty District tournament-semifinal match.

Go to Washington-Liberty boys soccer coach earns 300th career victory Read more
News

Chamber of Commerce honors local businesses, names new Hall of Fame member

By Scott McCaffrey
2026 Arlington Best Business Awards recipients (courtesy Arlington Chamber of Commerce)

The Arlington Chamber of Commerce on May 19 celebrated businesses and organizations that combine organizational success with a commitment to the broader community.

The 40th annual Best Business Awards drew 250 local leaders to Army Navy Country Club for “the premier celebration of businesses of all sizes in Arlington,” Chamber president/CEO Kate Bates said.

Go to Chamber of Commerce honors local businesses, names new Hall of Fame member Read more
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