ARLnow is rated Least biased with High factual reporting by Media Bias Fact Check.
LEAST BIASED
These sources have minimal bias and use very few loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appeals to emotion or stereotypes). The reporting is factual and usually sourced. These are the most credible media sources. See all Least Biased Sources.
- Overall, we rate ARLnow Least Biased based on straightforward local reporting and balanced coverage of competing political viewpoints. We rate it High for factual reporting due to strong sourcing, transparent ownership and staffing, original local journalism, and a clean fact-check record.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEAST BIASED (-0.5)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (0.9)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
ARLnow is a local digital news publication launched in January 2010 covering Arlington and Falls Church, Virginia. It focuses on local government, crime, schools, transportation, development, business, community events, and politics. ARLnow states that its mission is to provide original, up-to-the-minute local reporting and connect residents, businesses, nonprofits, and government.
The publication maintains a named professional staff led by Site Editor Dan Egitto and Senior Reporter Scott McCaffrey. In 2024, ARLnow acquired the digital assets of the GazetteLeader newspaper and later incorporated its Arlington archive into the site.
Read our profile on the United States media and government.
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Funded by / Ownership
ARLnow is owned and published by Local News Now LLC, an Arlington-based local media company. The company also owns FFXnow and retains ownership of ALXnow while partnering with other local publications. ARLnow describes itself as locally owned and operated.
Revenue comes primarily from local advertising, reader memberships through the ARLnow Press Club, sponsored announcements, public notices, and related commercial services. The publication clearly identifies its staff, ownership, office location, and contact information.
Analysis / Bias
ARLnow generally reports local politics using neutral language and does not consistently favor either the political left or right. Its coverage largely emphasizes what local officials, candidates, residents, and institutions say or do rather than offering ideological interpretation.
For example, County Board candidates divided over views on ICE, parking permit changes presents competing positions from a Democratic incumbent and independent challengers on immigration enforcement, housing, and local policy. Likewise, County Board candidates debate tax burdens, housing and e-bikes at first debate reports arguments over taxes and spending without endorsing a candidate.
Coverage of the Trump administration can be critical when local officials challenge federal actions, but articles typically attribute those criticisms rather than adopting them. For example, Arlington sues Trump administration over fears of federal agents at voting sites explains both Arlington County’s legal claims and the administration’s stated position.
Factual standards are strong. ARLnow relies heavily on direct reporting, government records, police and court information, public meetings, interviews, official statements, and the Associated Press. Authors are named, updates are timestamped, and sponsored or community-submitted content is clearly labeled.
Failed Fact Checks
- None found from major fact-checking organizations.
Overall, we rate ARLnow Least Biased based on straightforward local reporting and balanced coverage of competing political viewpoints. We rate it High for factual reporting due to strong sourcing, transparent ownership and staffing, original local journalism, and a clean fact-check record. (D. Van Zandt 11/04/2026)
Source: https://www.arlnow.com/
Last Updated on November 4, 2026 by Media Bias Fact Check
Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources