Good morning, Alexandria! 👋 Today is Monday, Aug. 18, the 230th day of 2025. There are 135 days left in the year.
🌧️ Today’s weather: A slight chance of showers before 1 p.m., then a slight chance of showers after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Northeast wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
A slight chance of showers. tonight after 3 a.m.. Cloudy, with a low around 68. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
🚨 You need to know
Students across Alexandria City Public Schools headed back to classrooms Monday morning, marking the official start of the 2025-26 academic year for 17 of the district’s 18 schools.
The return to school comes after months of preparation, with ACPS students returning to classrooms Monday for new school year following the traditional academic calendar. Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School, operating on a modified calendar, began classes July 21.
More than 16,335 students are enrolled across ACPS facilities this year, supported by over 2,200 district employees. The diverse student body represents 127 native languages, with 47% of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
The city reminded residents about school zone safety as students returned to campuses. “Happy first day of school to our Alexandria City Public School students!” the city posted on social media Monday. “Remember to slow down in school zones and help keep our streets safe – for everyone.”
Families still have opportunities to connect with their schools through back-to-school nights scheduled throughout the coming weeks, beginning Aug. 26 with five elementary schools and continuing through Sept. 18 when Francis C. Hammond Middle School and George Washington Middle School hold their events.
What else you should know
🚨 Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire addressed preliminary facts surrounding the in-custody death of Alan Tucker II during a press conference Sunday evening, emphasizing that multiple independent investigations are underway.
Tucker, 32, of Woodbridge, died Friday evening after experiencing what McGuire described as a medical emergency in the sally port of the Alexandria jail following his arrest for public intoxication.
👏 Today is the first day of school for Alexandria City Public Schools! Best of luck to all the kids, teachers, and staff with the new school year!
👉 The deadline to participate in the City of Alexandria’s Duke Street Corridor community poll is today! The planning effort covers the Duke Street Corridor from Alexandria Union Station to Van Dorn Street at the future Landmark/West End development.
📈 Sunday’s most read
The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for Aug. 17, 2025.
- Woodbridge man dies in Alexandria police custody after public intoxication arrest
- Notes: Tall Ship Providence launches monthly shanty sing events this Thursday
- Bidding suspended on Alexandria home as two other properties head to tax sale Wednesday
- Alexandria schools reject federal Title IX demands
- Free music festival in Del Ray to benefit youth outdoor programs
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s going on today in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
- 7:00 pm: Author Henry Rausch
Things To Do
- 10:15 a.m. & 11: 15 a.m.: Baby Time at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
- 1 p.m.: English Language Learning at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
- 5:30 p.m.: Avenue Ambition – Crafting Your Creative Career at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
- 5:30 p.m.: English Language Learning 2 Workshop – Intermediate Conversation at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
- 5:30 p.m.: Adults and Dragons at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
- 6 p.m.: Horror Fans Unite! – A summer horror club! at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
- 6:30 p.m.: Joggers & Lagers at Port City Brewing Company
- 6:30 p.m.: Yoga At The Library – with Human Kind Yoga Collective at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
- 7 p.m.: Author Henry Rausch at Kingstowne Library
- 219 Restaurant: Just For Fun at 9 p.m.
- Augie’s Mussel House: Live music at 5 p.m.
- Daniel O’Connell’s: Traditional Irish Music Session at 7 p.m.
- Del Ray Pizzeria: Trivia at 7 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant: Jim West at 6 p.m.
- Mason Social: Rook Richards at 5 p.m.
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Colby Sard at 8:30 p.m.
- O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Karaoke at 9 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
City of Alexandria Events & Public Meetings
