On This Day in Alexandria History — “On November 5, 1925, a local survey indicated that the City of Alexandria had 2,016 telephone and telegraph poles. The tall wooden poles were increasing becoming an eyesore and hazard in the downtown area, as seen in this view of the Alexandria Armory on South Royal Street, taken about that time.” [Historic Alexandria]
School Board Meets Tonight — On the School Board’s agenda is the Capital Improvement Program proposal, an update on the inclement weather decision-making process and update on English learner program. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5. [ACPS School Board]
Winter Shelter Opens for the Season — “The Winter Shelter is available nightly, regardless of the weather, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., beginning Sunday, November 1 through Thursday, April 15. It is located at 2355-B Mill Rd (left side of front entrance, next to the fence) and is open to both single adults and families. In addition to the Winter Shelter, the City also offers warming centers at libraries and recreation centers across the city to provide relief from the cold for community members who may not have access to a warm shelter during the day. [Alexandria DCHS]
Planning Commission Meeting Is Tonight — The Planning Commission will discuss items of interest like a proposal for Bishop Ireton High School’s athletic facilities, a change to a residential and office project in Carlyle, and new state requirements for off-street parking and the Faith in Housing legislation. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5 in Council Chambers at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center [City of Alexandria]
Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ban Approaches — “Tired of the noise, fumes, and hassle of gas-powered leaf blowers? The City’s gas-powered leaf blower ban takes effect November 17, Now’s the time to switch to quieter, cleaner and healthier alternatives – learn more at alexandriava.gov/go/8064.” [Alexandria T&ES/Bluesky]
Rep. Beyer Responds to Midterm Election Results — “The American people have had enough. Their anger and disgust rose yesterday in a historic tsunami that swept Republicans from power, including many who few expected to face serious competition. People want a Congress that will listen to them, work for them, and fix their problems, rather than catering to the insane whims of a mad king. Democrats will answer that call, with a majority that fights for American values and the good of all Americans.” [Rep. Don Beyer press release]
Registrar Lauds Polls Workers in Busy Election Year — “Alexandria voters went to the polls Feb. 10, April 21 and Aug. 4 before Tuesday’s general election. Democrats also picked nominees for both special elections in three firehouse primaries, which the party, not the elections office, runs.” [Alexandria Brief]
Neighboring County Sees Strong Election Turnout — “Approximately 55.5% or 457,072 of the county’s 824,165 registered voters cast a ballot in the Nov. 3 election, per unofficial results from the Fairfax County Office of Elections. Nearly half of the ballots (46% or 212,237 votes) were cast in person prior to Election Day or returned by mail or drop box by the time polls closed at 7 p.m. In comparison, the 2022 general election concluded with a 55.1% turnout or 407,013 ballots cast, including 138,310 or close to 34% of them through early voting or by mail.” [FFXnow]
Republicans Respond to Election Results — “Following Democratic gains in Virginia and across Northern Virginia’s suburbs, Republican voters are questioning the party’s direction, its leadership, and whether it still reflects their values … Some described the outcome as a warning sign that the party needs to change, while others emphasized the need for unity and a renewed focus on governing.” [WUSA9]
Alexandria Woman Arrested at Fairfax City Hotel — “A person who reported the incident told officers that a woman holding an infant was acting disorderly after being observed driving a vehicle to the hotel, police said. Officers determined that Davis was under the influence of alcohol, according to the police report. During the investigation, Davis allegedly struck a police officer.” [Patch]
Dominion, NextEra Respond to Demands in Merger Case — “Chief among the recommendations that the petitioners rejected were the suggestions to freeze rates for three years, to keep the current staffing for 10 years, and to only implement separating finances and resources, otherwise known as ring-fencing, in specific ‘trigger events.’ The companies also rejected the suggestion that if the combined companies would downsize their current Virginia offices they would need SCC approval. The two companies did accept several recommendations that ranged from allowing Dominion to be the entity to determine how it will meet load growth demand.” [Virginia Mercury]
Longtime Rector at Old Town Church to Retire — “On Sunday, Rev. Oran Warder – the second longest serving rector in the 217-year history of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Old Town – preached his last sermon. His final services are scheduled for Nov. 22.” [Alexandria Times]
New Legal Notice — Applicant seeks authority to provide irregular-route passenger and non-emergency Medicaid transportation; written protests are due by November 20, 2026. [Public Notices]
It’s Thursday — Mostly cloudy with a 40% chance of rain from 7–10am and highs near 75. South winds 9–11 mph may gust up to 21 mph. Tonight stays mostly cloudy, with a 40% chance of rain after midnight, lows around 60, and winds becoming calm. [NWS]
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