News

ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

By James Cullum
The former Benny DiForza's Pizza at 1504B Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Welcome to Friday, Alexandria! Here’s a look at ALXnow’s top stories of the week.

The most-read post is about Benny DiForza’s Pizza, which closed in Del Ray after being served with a legal notice barring access to its shop at 1504B Mount Vernon Avenue. The notice of no trespass, dated Oct. 26, was filed by a petitioner.

The legal notice does not specify the reason for the action and remains in effect until the petitioner withdraws it or a court renders it invalid.

ALXnow was unable to reach the restaurant, the franchise company or the petitioner for comment.

Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns talks about his documentary ‘The American Revolution’ at Mount Vernon, Oct. 29, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Our second-most read story is on Emmy and Grammy Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns, who unveiled his latest documentary series, “The American Revolution,” at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate on Wednesday.

The filmmaker spoke in a panel discussion before sharing an outdoor preview of the new six-part series, which centers George Washington and his pivotal role in winning the Revolutionary War. Episodes will air on PBS at 8 p.m. nightly from Nov. 16-21.

Burns said that the series is meant to remind audiences of American ideals, rather than be perceived as an overt political statement.

“The discipline of telling a good story is to not build edifices that point at how contemporary these lessons are,” Burns said, “but to just tell a good story, and to be disciplined enough to trust the audience will see that.”

A male was shot in an apartment at 3450 Berkeley Street on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

ALXnow’s third-top post is on Alexandria police charging a 26-year-old man with murder in connection with an Oct. 25 fatal shooting in the West End.

Damontie James of Alexandria was charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, according to a news release from the Alexandria Police Department. His preliminary hearing is Monday, Nov. 3.

A duck gives a fist bump at Halloween on Lee Street in Old Town, Oct. 31, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

It’s Halloween! Aside from that, there’s plenty going on all over Alexandria. Check out ALXnow’s comprehensive listing of weekend events for more.

The most-read stories this week were:

  1. Benny DiForza’s Pizza closed in Del Ray after eviction notice posted (12645 views)
  2. Ken Burns unveils new documentary series ‘The American Revolution’ at Mount Vernon (10477 views)
  3. Alexandria police charge man with murder in West End homicide (7781 views)
  4. Del Ray entrepreneur will preview new business with ‘Wicked’-themed Halloween party (3730 views)
  5. Alexandria City Council unanimously backs expansion of parking enforcement pilot (3597 views)
  6. Prankster relatives unmasked as suspects who terrorized Alexandria woman (3392 views)

Have a safe weekend!

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.