Author: ALXnow.com

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On, October 14, 1918, a contract was awarded by the United States government for construction of the U.S. Naval Torpedo Station on the Alexandria waterfront. Ironically, work on the building began on November 12, 1918, the day after Armistice Day, which marked the official end of World War I. The first torpedo was produced there in November 1920. Once fully operational, the Torpedo Station was responsible for the manufacture and maintenance of torpedoes for the next five years … In 1974 the building was converted into the Torpedo Factory Arts Center, one of the nation’s first adaptive reuse projects for a historic building.” [Historic Alexandria]

Whistleblower in Pet Death Case Unveils New Allegations — “Jackie Long, 61, worked for more than 14 years for Your Dog’s Best Friends, a popular dog grooming and boarding facility in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood. She told 7News that the July 2024 death of Abigail, a young golden retriever, could have been avoided had managers heeded her earlier warnings about animal abuse at the facility … She added that she complained to both managers and business owner Paul Haire about ‘four or five’ other employees of Your Dog’s Best Friends engaging in what she considered to be abusive behavior toward dogs.” [WJLA]

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On October 13, 1905, the Cole & Rogers Circus opened in at the old fairgrounds along upper King Street. The circus, featuring performers and live animals, had a free parade at noon and then paid performances in the afternoon and evening.” [Historic Alexandria]

City Council Convenes Tuesday for Legislative Meeting — At the 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13 meeting, City Council will have an economic update, presentation on the 911 system and the Ben Brenman Award presentation as well as consider a friendship city with Osijek, Croatia. [City of Alexandria]