On This Day in Alexandria History — “On Dec. 23, 1783, George Washington resigned his military commission at Annapolis, Maryland. He returned to Alexandria on December 31, where his arrival was announced by the firing of thirteen cannons. Afterward the cannon discharge, General Washington was feted by the Town’s leading citizens at a reception held at DuVall’s Tavern, 305 Cameron Street.” [Historic Alexandria]
Holiday Parking Reminder — Parking restrictions at metered parking spaces and residential permit parking districts will be suspended on Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1. “This suspension applies only to legal parking spaces and does not permit parking in locations where it is normally prohibited. All other parking regulations remain in effect, including temporary no-parking zones, fire lanes [and] crosswalks, loading zones, and other restricted areas. [Alexandria Police Department]
Women, Minority-Owned Business Support in Jeopardy — “After a U.S. District Court in Kentucky suspended the federal government’s enforcement of race- and gender-based preferences in transportation contracts pending trial, the U.S. Department of Transportation responded by removing women- and minority-owned business set-asides through an interim final rule. This has significantly impacted businesses in Virginia and across the nation.” [Virginia Mercury]
Lottery Opens for Spanberger Inauguration Tix — “The Spanberger Inaugural Committee has announced a ticket lottery system for Virginians who would like to enter for the chance to attend Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger’s Inauguration Ceremony in January. The Inauguration Ceremony will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 at noon outdoors on the South Portico of the Virginia State Capitol Building in Richmond. This event is free and open to the public — however, due to limited seating at the ceremony, tickets are required to attend.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]
AWLA Holiday Promotion Continues — “What a whirlwind of a weekend! In three days, 23 animals have been adopted! Now for the very best kind of ‘problem’… Because so many animals were scooped up, most of our adoptable animals are currently living it up in foster homes, and only two animals are available to meet at the shelter right this moment … And don’t forget Our ‘Home for the Pawlidays’ adoption promo runs through the end of the month, and all adoption fees are waived for dogs and cats 6+ months and all small mammals, thanks to Priority Toyota Springfield!” [Animal Welfare League of Alexandria]
AFD Shares Christmas Tree Safety Tips — “A small fire can quickly spread to a Christmas tree. As you decorate this holiday season, keep these fire-safe tips and facts in mind … Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.” More tips are available on the department’s Facebook. [Alexandria Fire Department]
Changes Coming to ALXnow Newsletter — “ARLnow and its sister sites are about to embark on a significant change: switching to a new email service provider. After 16 years of delivering our daily newsletters from the same email provider we are switching to Beehiiv.” [ARLnow]
It’s Tuesday — Expect rain primarily before 9 a.m., followed by cloudy skies that will gradually clear up to become mostly sunny. The high will be around 53 degrees, with southwest winds ranging from 7 to 10 mph and gusts reaching up to 20 mph. The chance of precipitation stands at 30%. As for Tuesday night, it will be mostly clear with a low temperature of approximately 39 degrees and a west wind blowing at 6 to 9 mph. [NWS]
