News

Morning Notes for December 15, 2025

Menorah Lighting in Old Town Tonight — A 6-foot menorah lighting and Hanukkah festival will include latkes, hot chocolate, doughnuts, live music and more. The celebration is put on by Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington and starts at 6 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street. [Eventbrite]

APD Shares Hanukkah Message — “As members of our community begin the Festival of Lights, we extend our warmest wishes for peace, resilience, and hope. We recognize that celebrations may feel different during times of uncertainty and violence around the world. Please know that the safety and well-being of our community remain our priority. Your Alexandria Police Department is committed to ensuring everyone can observe their holiday traditions safely and without fear. If you see or experience anything concerning, please report it. We are here for you. Chag Sameach.” [Alexandria Police Department]

Today: Memorial Service For McArthur Myers — “City leaders remember ‘Mac’ Myers as a kind man with an endless supply of stories who was motivated to keep Alexandria informed of its frequently troubled past. A lifetime resident and Living Legend, Myers was integral in erecting historical signage in and around Alexandria, including markers along the African American Heritage Waterfront Trail.” A memorial service will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. [ALXnow, City of Alexandria]

Authorities Release Person of Interest in Brown Mass Shooting — “A person of interest earlier detained by federal agents was to be released, local authorities said late Sunday. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and are seeking additional video footage from the community.” [The Washington Post]

Protestors Hold Vigil For ICE Arrests Near ALX — “Dozens of protestors last night (Thursday) held a candlelight vigil to protest recent apprehensions of multiple Fairfax County residents by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in the Hybla Valley area. Three unidentified men along the Richmond Highway (Route 1) corridor were detained by ICE on Nov. 22, according to Tenants and Workers United, which hosted the vigil outside a local church.” [FFXnow]

Council Held Last Meeting In Chambers — “I invited former elected officials to reflect on what this room has meant and the policies passed here to improve quality of life,” Mayor Alyia Gaskins posted on Bluesky. “These chambers have been a true reflection of our democracy: a place where we do the people’s work.” Renovations on City Hall and Market Square are expected to commence in January.  [Mayor Alyia Gaskins]

Firefighters Host Toy Drive — “Alexandria Firefighters Local 2141 Children’s Holiday Toy Drive is in full swing as we collect toys, books and games for children at the domestic violence shelter. Our community partners at Willow Spring Towing have once again outdone themselves with donations as they dropped off a generous donation at Station 204 today. We thank all who donated and wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!” [IAFF Local 2141]

It’s Monday — Expect mostly sunny conditions and a high temperature of around 30 degrees during the day, with the northwest wind of 7 to 11 mph shifting to the southwest in the afternoon. Tonight, you’ll experience partly cloudy skies, with the temperature dropping to a low of about 21 degrees. The south wind will be blowing at 5 to 7 mph before becoming light and variable after midnight. [NWS]

Today’s Morning Notes are brought to you by Industrious. ARLnow has been in an Industrious office for years and we love the convenience — you get to focus on your work rather than worrying about brewing your own coffee or keeping the copy machine stocked. Industrious has several Metro-accessible coworking locations in Arlington.

About the Author

  • This is the staff byline for ALXnow, used by editors and other full-time staff. Launched in October 2019, ALXnow is the place for the latest news, views and things to do around Alexandria, Virginia.