Around Town

Introducing the ALXnow Daily Update podcast

By ALXnow.com
ALXnow Daily Update banner over a brick-campus plaza with American flags at dusk.

Alexandria fits a remarkable amount of local news into 15 square miles.

On any given day there could be a City Council decision, an ACPS budget question, a West End development update, a new restaurant in Del Ray, or an Old Town parking fight. Keeping up with all of it takes time that many Alexandrians don’t have.

That’s why we’ve launched the ALXnow Daily Update podcast, now available via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon and other podcast apps.

Each episode runs about 4-5 minutes and catches you up on ALXnow’s original reporting from the past day. It’s roughly the length of a walk down King Street, a lap around the Del Ray blocks with the dog, or the tail end of a drive home on the Parkway.

The Daily Update podcast publishes shortly after 4 p.m. each weekday, around the same time our free daily newsletter goes out to around 10,000 Alexandria inboxes.

The podcast is free and open to everyone — no Press Club membership required. It’s read by virtual hosts, which is a deliberate choice: it means producing a daily episode doesn’t pull our reporters away from reporting. The stories are ours. The narration is automated so that covering Alexandria always comes first.

The Daily Update follows the launch of a similar podcast on our sister site ARLnow last month.

We’re still making improvements, so feel free to send feedback after listening. Subscribe via the links above, or get a preview with the player below.

News

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Sep 11, 2026

By ALXnow.com
ALXnow logo and the headline 'Daily Debrief for Sep 11, 2026' over a dark sky with an American flag; banner-style image

Good Friday evening, Alexandria. 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 — Sep 11, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. ‘We did not get it right’: ACPS promises response to parents on bus route cuts by Sept. 30 (513 views)
  2. Makers markets, 9/11 day of service and Oktoberfest top Alexandria’s weekend lineup (400 views)
  3. Adoptable pet of the week: AWLA’s longest stay pet seeks forever home (388 views)
  4. Morning Notes for September 11, 2026 (352 views)

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

  1. UPDATE: Over 4K more lose power after earlier transformer-related outage in Alexandria (5522 views)
  2. Pedestrian dies after being struck on I-395 in Alexandria: state police (3257 views)
  3. Old Town townhouse proposal prompts debate over city’s development review process (2720 views)
  4. Alexandria looks to relieve businesses hurt by City Hall and Market Square renovation (2663 views)
  5. Cameron Run Regional Park employee arrested for allegedly robbing concession stand (2179 views)
  6. Alexandria’s DASH ridership climbs as state evaluates Northern Virginia bus merger (1821 views)
  7. ‘I do not think there’s a role for Flock’ in Alexandria, says Mayor Gaskins (1783 views)
  8. Years in the making, new Del Ray spray park is now open (1719 views)
  9. Mobius Records opening Saturday on Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray (1278 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

Here are the events planned for Sunday:

🌧️ Saturday’s forecast

Expect a slight chance of showers before 10 a.m. and a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m., with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 84°F. Southeast winds will be about 5 to 8 mph, with a 40% chance of rain. Saturday night will likely bring showers and thunderstorms, continuing after midnight. The low will be around 70°F, with southeast winds of 3 to 6 mph and an 80% chance of rain, possibly bringing between a quarter and half an inch of new rainfall. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
– Nelson Mandela

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

We hope you have a great weekend, Alexandria!

News

‘We did not get it right’: ACPS promises response to parents on bus route cuts by Sept. 30

By James Cullum
Front view of a yellow school bus with a 'SCHOOL BUS' sign, stop arm extended on the right, driver visible through the windshield.
School bus at Alexandria City High School (staff photo by James Cullum)

Amid a surge of complaints, Alexandria City Public Schools says it will respond to requests to reinstate bus routes by the end of the month.

The school system is under fire for its new walk zones associated with new school boundaries. In the city’s heavily Latino neighborhood of Arlandria, a number of parents complained to the Alexandria City School Board on Thursday night (Sept. 10) that the changes have left kids without school buses in unsafe areas.

Go to ‘We did not get it right’: ACPS promises response to parents on bus route cuts by Sept. 30 Read more
Announcement

Fall Registration Closes Soon — Nova Fencing & Archery Club

By Nova Fencing and Archery Club
Large group of young fencers in white uniforms posing with coaches in a fencing gym, flags hanging from the ceiling above them.

Classes start next week, and a few spots are still open! Nova Fencing & Archery Club in Falls Church has beginner fencing and archery classes for kids (4 to 6) and (7 to 12), teens, and adults, starting the week of September 12th. Eight sessions for $195, all equipment provided, no experience needed.

If you’ve been meaning to sign up, now’s the time — don’t wait until the strip’s full.

Go to Fall Registration Closes Soon — Nova Fencing & Archery Club Read more
News

Alexandria first responders, leaders mark 25 years since 9/11

By James Cullum
Line of police honor guard in dress uniforms holding rifles and flags at an outdoor ceremony, with an American flag and state flag nearby on a stage backdrop.
The 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks at the Alexandria Police Department headquarters, Sept. 11, 2026 (courtesy of Alexandria Police Department)

Alexandria leaders and first responders commemorated the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks at Alexandria Police Headquarters this morning (Sept. 11).

Nearly 3,000 people were killed on 9/11 when terrorists flew commercial airliners into the Pentagon, the World Trade Center buildings in New York City, and into a field near Shanksville, Pa. On that fateful day, the Alexandria Police and Fire Departments and Sheriff’s Office responded to the Pentagon after it was struck by American Airlines flight 77.

Go to Alexandria first responders, leaders mark 25 years since 9/11 Read more
Event

Halloween Improv Comedy Show with the Auxiliary

Event poster for The Auxiliary Halloween Improv Show with orange 'HALLOWEEN' and neon teal 'IMPROV SHOW' on a dark purple gradient background.

Event location

Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum

201 South Washington Street

Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Add to Calendar

Join us for an evening of Halloween themed, made-up-on-the-spot improv comedy! We’ll be calling on you to give us suggestions for a totally unique show that’ll never be seen again!

Show is 18+ recommended. We perform free shows for the Alexandria, VA and surrounding community. Donations help us rent space, supply drinks, and defray other costs!

Go to Halloween Improv Comedy Show with the Auxiliary Read more
Around Town

Adoptable pet of the week: AWLA’s longest stay pet seeks forever home

By Emily Leayman
Long stay resident Bruno is seeking a home (via AWLA)

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is hoping to find a landing place for its longest-stay pet.

According to AWLA, 5-year-old Bruno is an easygoing dog weighing about 46 pounds with a white and brown coat. He can be a shy guy at first when meeting new people and will warm up to them slowly before revealing his gentle nature.

Go to Adoptable pet of the week: AWLA’s longest stay pet seeks forever home Read more
Opinion

Poll: Best preschool/daycare in Alexandria

By ALXnow.com
Colorful classroom toys on a bright blue surface with ABC blocks, beads, pencils, and a 'Reader ALXnow Choice' badge in the corner.

Finding the right daycare or preschool can be overwhelming for working parents who want to ensure their child is in a safe, nurturing environment. The city has a range of daycare and preschool options to choose from, between home daycares and centers and specialized early education programs.

Here are the nominees for “Best Preschool/Daycare in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your go-to daycare or preschool? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best New Restaurant in Alexandria 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 Winery Near Alexandria. The results are now official:

1. Paradise Springs Winery

2. Stone Tower Winery

3. Bluemont Vineyard

Around Town

Makers markets, 9/11 day of service and Oktoberfest top Alexandria’s weekend lineup

By Emily Leayman
Outdoor market stall under a white canopy selling vintage clothing; racks of jackets and bags line both sides, with a sign reading 'The Vintage Keeper Shop'.
Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market vendor (via Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market/Facebook)

Residents and visitors in Alexandria can expect a full lineup of weekend events in September, starting with this weekend.

As Alexandrians remember 9/11, the day will be followed by a National Day of Service and Remembrance for volunteers at Alexandria National Cemetery.

Go to Makers markets, 9/11 day of service and Oktoberfest top Alexandria’s weekend lineup Read more
News

Morning Notes for September 11, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Puffy clouds along a flag-draped King Street in Old Town (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On September 11, 1887, the USS Dolphin sailed past the City of Alexandria with a squad of U.S. Marines bound for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The ship had previously anchored in the Potomac River off Alexandria, and steamed on to the Washington Navy Yard to pick up ‘a few good men’ scheduled to participate in the Constitution Centennial commemoration held that year. The New York-based Dolphin was a sleek and elegant, largely ceremonial ship operated by the U.S. Navy, famous for Congressional visits, ‘champagne cruises’ by government dignitaries, and as a transport ship for the Secretary of the Navy.” [Historic Alexandria]

9/11 Ceremony for 25th Anniversary Planned at APD Headquarters — “The City of Alexandria will hold its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony from 10-11 a.m. Friday at Alexandria Police Department Headquarters (3600 Wheeler Avenue). The ceremony, remembering the victims, survivors, first responders and others impacted by 9/11, will include a presentation of colors, remarks by Mayor Alyia Gaskins and public safety officials and a return to quarters ceremony.” [ALXnow]

Go to Morning Notes for September 11, 2026 Read more
News

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Sep 10, 2026

By ALXnow.com
News hero: a train on an elevated track under a stormy sky with the headline 'ALX now Daily Debrief for Sep 10, 2026' overlaying the image.

Good Thursday evening, Alexandria. 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 — Sep 10, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Years in the making, new Del Ray spray park is now open (1101 views)
  2. Alexandria’s DASH ridership climbs as state evaluates Northern Virginia bus merger (728 views)
  3. Morning Notes for September 10, 2026 (416 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

  • No events today. Have one to promote? Submit it to the calendar.

🌥️ Friday’s forecast

There is a slight chance of showers early in the morning, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 81°F. Winds will be from the northeast at 3 to 6 mph, and there is a 20% chance of precipitation. Friday night will remain mostly cloudy with a low around 67°F and calm winds. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence.”
– Mark Twain

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!

Announcement

From First-Timers to Future Stars: Encore Opens Its Doors This Saturday

By Encore Stage & Studio
Group of children performing a dance on stage, wearing red and black outfits. It appears to be a school recital with a bright backdrop.

Arlington’s young actors, designers, and theatre-loving families have a big Saturday ahead! Encore Stage & Studio is kicking off its fall season on Saturday, September 12 with two opportunities for kids to jump into the world of theatre: a FREE Fall Open House and a special Pre-Audition Workshop for Madeline’s Christmas.

Encore’s Fall Open House invites families with children from preschool through 8th grade to get a firsthand look at what’s coming this season.

Go to From First-Timers to Future Stars: Encore Opens Its Doors This Saturday Read more
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