Good Monday morning, Alexandria! Today is Monday, Sept. 22, the 265th day of 2025. There are 100 days left in the year.
🌤️ Today’s weather: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80°F. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Partly cloudy tonight, with a low around 64°F. South wind 3 to 5 mph.
🚨 You need to know
A high-stakes federal trial begins Monday in Alexandria that could force tech giant Google to sell off parts of its digital advertising empire, marking the second major antitrust battle the company faces in federal court, according to the Associated Press.
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema will oversee the two-week “remedy” trial at the federal courthouse in Alexandria, determining how to address Google’s illegal monopoly in digital advertising technology. The Justice Department is seeking to break up Google’s ad system after Brinkema ruled earlier this year that the company engaged in anti-competitive behavior that stifles competition and harms online publishers who depend on the system for revenue.
The case threatens the complex advertising network Google has built over 17 years, which generates most of the $305 billion in annual revenue for parent company Alphabet Inc. If successful, the Justice Department’s proposal would require Google to sell parts of its ad technology — a move the company warns would cause “disruption and damage” to consumers and the internet ecosystem.
The Alexandria trial mirrors another recent antitrust case where Google’s search engine was also declared an illegal monopoly. However, in that case, a federal judge opted for lighter penalties rather than the Justice Department’s request to force Google to sell its Chrome browser. Google’s stock has surged 20% since that decision, helping push Alphabet’s market value past $3 trillion.
Google argues that artificial intelligence technology used by competitors like Meta is already reshaping the digital advertising market, making the Justice Department’s “radical” proposals unnecessary. The company says it has already made sufficient changes to its Ad Manager system to address the court’s concerns. Judge Brinkema is expected to issue her ruling on remedies later this year, with additional legal briefs and arguments extending into November.
The Associated Press contributed to this reporting.
What else to know
Chinquapin Park Recreation Center Reopens – Chinquapin Park Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility officially reopens today after $1.2 million in renovations including new lifeguard office, fresh pool plaster, and universal changing rooms.
Trump Nominates White House Aide for Alexandria Prosecutor Role – President Trump nominated senior White House aide Lindsey Halligan as top federal prosecutor for the Eastern District of Virginia. Rep. Don Beyer called the move “corrupt as hell.”
Titans Football Undefeated Start – Alexandria City High School’s football team opened 2025 with four consecutive victories, including a dominant 71-0 shutout victory over Lewis High School on September 19. The win came on the same night as the school’s ‘Remember the Titans’ anniversary celebration.
Early Voting Continues – In-person early voting is ongoing at the Office of Voter Registration & Elections for the November 4 General Election. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The ballot includes contests for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, House of Delegates, Commonwealth’s Attorney and Sheriff. Early voting deadline is November 1 at 5 p.m.
Also in today’s news: City services continue relocating ahead of Alexandria City Hall renovation with construction set to begin in January 2026. The Alexandria Film Festival expands to Virginia Tech campus for November event.
📈 Sunday’s most read
The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for Sep 21, 2025.
- Trump nominates White House aide to lead Alexandria federal prosecutor’s office
- Former Alexandria City High swimmer Emil LaSida, 21, dies; held college records
- Alexandria pastor’s Charlie Kirk comments lead this week’s top stories
- Titans football off to perfect start in 2025
- Notes: Alexandria celebrates final summer weekend with seasonal events, Oktoberfest
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s going on today in Alexandria.
Things To Do
- 6 a.m. – Chinquapin Open
- 10:15 a.m. – Baby Time at Duncan Branch Library
- 10:15 a.m. – Senior Bingo at Burke Branch Library
- 10:30 a.m. – Storytime in the Reading Garden at Beatley Central Library
- 1 p.m. – English Language Learning Classes at Burke Branch
- 4 p.m. – Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility Open
- 5 p.m. – Avenue Ambition – Crafting Your Creative Career at Beatley Central
- 5:30 p.m. – Avenue Ambition Artist Showcase at Beatley Central
- 6:30 p.m. – Joggers & Lagers at Port City Brewing Company
- 6:30 p.m. – Yoga at Duncan Branch Library
Organizing an event? Submit your event to ALXnow’s Event Calendar.
Live Music & Entertainment
- 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.
- Galactic Panther Art Gallery – RenRiot w/Spill, Ancestral Worm & Spitball at 7 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant – Jim West at 6 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.
- The MacMillan Spirit House – Scottish Session at 6:30 p.m.
City Information & Meetings
City Government: OPEN | Flag Status: FULL STAFF | Trash Collection: ON TIME | Recycling Collection: ON TIME | Yard Waste Collection: ON TIME
City Meetings & Events:
- 6 a.m. – Chinquapin Open
- 12 p.m. – AlexRenew Governance Committee Prep Meeting (1800 Limerick Street, 6th floor)
- 4 p.m. – Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility Open
- 7 p.m. – Citizen Corps Council Bimonthly meeting
- 7 p.m. – Cameron Station Civic Association Meet and Greet with City Council
- 7 p.m. – ARHA Board Meeting
ACPS Meetings & Events:
- Regular school day – all ACPS schools open
