It’s been a busy week of highs and lows in Alexandria, with some big bureaucratic decisions and fundraising paired with some crimes and a fatal car crash.
After a long search, Alexandria picked a new city manager this week: James F. Parajon from Arlington, Texas.
In other big news, the Scottish Christmas Walk and other holiday weekend activities like the boat show are scheduled for tomorrow in Old Town. A majority of poll respondents said they plan to attend, so we’ll see you there!
Top stories
- Maryland woman allegedly drove on sidewalk while fleeing Potomac Yard shoplifting investigation
- Alexandria man identified after Sunday’s crash at Duke Street overpass on Interstate 395
- Multiple car break-ins reported in parking lot of Arlandria apartment building
- JUST IN: James F. Parajon hired as Alexandria city manager
- Alexandria Commons holiday festival scheduled next week
- Alexandria heads into Scottish Christmas Walk weekend with declining COVID numbers
- JUST IN: Police announce charges for suspect in Woods Place barricade situation
- Carlyle neighborhood could change School Board districts
- Alexandria VRE project in final design ahead of construction next year
- Old Town salon announces grand reopening with huge expansion
Recent Stories

If you had a chance to enhance a child’s future with a time commitment of less than 2 hours a week, how would you respond? You have that opportunity right now to join over 200 Alexandrians as a reading tutor volunteer with the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium (ATC).
ATC tutors work with one child in kindergarten, first, or second grade in Alexandria public schools who need extra help with reading. Tutors meet with their Book Buddy 1-2 times each week for 30 minutes October-May at school, during school hours. Many struggling readers only receive one-on-one instruction through this program, and it makes all the difference. Last year, ATC served 195 children, of whom 82% ended the year reading on grade level and 96% made substantial reading gains. But the need is great, and we are still seeing learning lags from the pandemic.
This year, ATC plans to significantly increase the size of the program to reach over 250 students and to serve every elementary school in Alexandria. This is very exciting news, but we will only succeed if we can recruit more tutors. ATC trains you, matches you with a child, and provides ongoing lesson materials and support.

If you have been thinking about buying your first home or haven’t owned one in the last three years, THIS IS FOR YOU!
In the DMV area, it can be difficult to save the downpayment necessary for you to get into your own home. We have a solution. The Funder’s Summit!
We have assembled a summit with different municipalities to tell you how to access their funds for your home purchase.
2023 Alexandria Fall Festival
Food trucks, bounce houses, pony rides, magic shows and more at the 2023 Alexandria Fall Festival, an Alexandria Living event presented by The Patterson Group. Join us at River Farm on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.