Author: ALXnow.com

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.

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Aug 28, 2026

By ALXnow.com
ALXnow Daily Debrief for Aug 28, 2026 shown as a headline over a brick sidewalk street scene with pedestrians.

Good Friday evening, Alexandria. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Aug 28, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Measles exposure reported in N. Va., Alexandria health officials say (612 views)
  2. Acting superintendent says ACPS has ‘more work to do’ on bus eligibility as parents speak out (597 views)

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  1. Alexandria prioritizes tree management as it battles invasive spotted lanternflies (8223 views)
  2. Housing Alexandria residents advised to stay indoors as ICE reports arrests in city, region (6642 views)
  3. Alexandria intervenes in proposed Dominion Energy, NextEra merger case (4176 views)
  4. Property owner wants to build six townhouses in Old Town bank parking lot (3631 views)
  5. Alexandria police bust man allegedly selling guns and marijuana on Instagram (3605 views)
  6. Some Amtrak trips to run from Alexandria instead of D.C. for nine days in October (3189 views)
  7. D.C. man faces felony charge after alleged $1K Old Town yoga store theft (2113 views)
  8. How a write-in campaign made Chadwicks the best bar in Alexandria poll winner (1910 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Saturday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

Here are the events planned for Sunday:

☀️ Saturday’s forecast

Expect sunny weather with a high of about 85°F and a northeast wind at 6 mph. On Saturday night, clouds will increase, and temperatures will drop to around 68°F, with a southeast wind of 5 mph that will become calm by evening. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”
– Henry David Thoreau

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

We hope you have a great weekend, Alexandria!

News

Morning Notes for August 28, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Woman wearing a wide-brim hat and purple pants walks along a brick sidewalk beside storefronts on a sunny street.
Walking down Fairfax Street in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

On This Day in Alexandria History — “In August 1814, during the War of 1812, Alexandrians recognized their increasing peril as the British juggernaut inched its way northward, up the Potomac … The Alexandria town and county militia were called out en masse in late August of 1814 and were ordered to cross the Potomac to take up a post between Piscataway and Fort Washington. They took with them nearly all the arms and artillery belonging to the town, leaving Alexandria defenseless. Thus, when the militia retreated to the Virginia countryside and Captain Dyson, commander of Fort Washington, blew up the fortress, Alexandria’s fate was sealed. On the morning of August 28, 1814, a committee led by Alexandria Mayor Charles Simms rowed south to meet the British Captain Gordon and request terms of surrender. Refusing to give conditions, Gordon and his fleet arrived at Alexandria’s waterfront in the evening. The next morning, the British lined up their gunboats (two frigates, the 38-gun Sea Horse and the 36-gun Euryalus; a “rocket ship”; three bomb vessels of eight guns each; and a two-gun schooner).” [Historic Alexandria]

Benjamin Thomas Memorial Event Planned This Evening — “The hour long event [7-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28] is being held on the same day in 1899 that more than 600 people gathered at the historic Shiloh Baptist Church on Duke Street to memorialize Thomas and protest his and all lynchings. The program will also feature music by Charles E. Miller and Mayor Gaskins will give remarks.” [City of Alexandria]

Go to Morning Notes for August 28, 2026 Read more

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Aug 27, 2026

By ALXnow.com
ALXnow logo over a river scene with rowers and distant city buildings, announcing Daily Debrief for Aug 27, 2026 (hero banner).

Good Thursday evening, Alexandria. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Aug 27, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Housing Alexandria residents advised to stay indoors as ICE reports arrests in city, region (2181 views)
  2. Alexandria man pleads guilty to providing classified information to a foreign government (812 views)
  3. Alexandria man arrested in online child exploitation sting in Fairfax County (592 views)
  4. Morning Notes for August 27, 2026 (497 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Friday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

  • No events today. Have one to promote? Submit it to the calendar.

🌦️ Friday’s forecast

After 2pm, expect a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, with patchy fog between 7am and 8am. Otherwise, it will be partly sunny with a high of about 87°F, and calm winds becoming north at around 6 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%. Friday night will have a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, and then a slight chance of showers until 2am. The night will be mostly cloudy with a low of around 69°F and a light north wind, with a 20% chance of precipitation. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
– Nelson Mandela

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!

News

Morning Notes for August 27, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Two rowing crews race on a calm river at sunset, with an arched bridge and city buildings along the distant shore.
Rowers with Alexandria City High School on the Potomac River (courtesy of Titan Rowing)

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On August 27, 1948, the Alexandria Citizens Band gave a concert outside Maury School to celebrate its first prize honors at Virginia State Fireman’s Convention days before. The band had previously won top honors several times at the competition.” [Historic Alexandria]

School Board Meets Tonight — The Alexandria City School Board is back for a meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, with an agenda featuring community donations, adjustments to the budget due to state funding, and a closed session to discuss superintendent candidates. [Alexandria City School Board]

Go to Morning Notes for August 27, 2026 Read more

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Aug 26, 2026

By ALXnow.com
ALXnow branding with 'Daily Debrief for Aug 26, 2026' over a brick-walled street with statues and steps.

Good Wednesday evening, Alexandria. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Aug 26, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. How a write-in campaign made Chadwicks the best bar in Alexandria poll winner (675 views)
  2. Alexandria intervenes in proposed Dominion Energy, NextEra merger case (565 views)
  3. Political operative from Alexandria pens debut thriller novel, plans launch at Elaine’s Literary Salon (538 views)
  4. Lanes reopen after crash backs up traffic on southbound I-395 in Alexandria (466 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Thursday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

🌦️ Thursday’s forecast

Showers and thunderstorms are possible, mainly after 2pm, with some storms potentially severe. Expect mostly sunny skies and a high near 90, with south winds at 7 to 10 mph and a 30% chance of rain. Thursday night, there’s a greater chance of showers and thunderstorms, especially before midnight, with a low around 69. The sky will be mostly cloudy, winds will become calm, and the chance of rain is 50%. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
– Arthur Ashe

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!

News

Morning Notes for August 26, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Bronze statue of a man in old-fashioned clothing sitting on a bench beside a brick wall. A cane rests in his hand near brick steps and railings.
A statue of George Washington outside 305 Cameron Street, where Washington was feted by Alexandria gentlemen on Dec. 31, 1783 to celebrate his return from the Revolutionary War (staff photo by James Cullum)

On This Day in Alexandria History — “One August 26, 1948, the Alexandria Citizen’s Band was honored to win first prize in a competition held at the Virginia State Fireman’s Convention. The local band, a community organization comprising volunteer members who bring musical entertainment to Northern Virginia, Alexandria, and the DC Metro area, still plays a summer concert series annually at Alexandria’s Market Square and at community special events. The band was organized in 1912 and is one of the oldest community bands in the country.” [Historic Alexandria]

ICE Reveals 2 Alexandria Arrests in Regional Operation — “DHS named 10 of the 1,328 people it said were arrested. Two were arrested in Alexandria, according to the department, which did not say how many arrests were made in the city overall or in any other jurisdiction. The department said Angel Gabriel Ortiz-Hernandez, of Guatemala, has been arrested on charges of rape of a mentally incapacitated victim and two counts of aggravated sexual battery of an incapacitated victim. It listed no convictions for him. It said Rowan Andrew Brown, of Jamaica, has convictions for identity theft, kidnapping an adult and illegal re-entry, and has been arrested on a fraud allegation.” [Alexandria Brief]

Go to Morning Notes for August 26, 2026 Read more

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Aug 25, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Group of students in purple shirts playing saxophones outdoors, part of a school band.

Good Tuesday evening, Alexandria. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Aug 25, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Some Amtrak trips to run from Alexandria instead of D.C. for nine days in October (1125 views)
  2. Alexandria police bust man allegedly selling guns and marijuana on Instagram (752 views)
  3. Alexandria school meal prices jump more than usual this school year (495 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Wednesday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

🌤️ Wednesday’s forecast

Today will be mostly sunny with a high of around 88°F. Winds will be calm, shifting to the south at 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon. Tonight, expect mostly cloudy skies with a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m.; the low will be around 71°F, with a south wind at 9 mph. There is a 30% chance of precipitation. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
– Arthur Ashe

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!

News

Morning Notes for August 25, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Group of young musicians in purple shirts playing trumpets and saxophones outdoors by a brick building.
The Alexandria City High School Marching Titans, Aug. 24, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

How Alexandria Pursued Gas Leaf Blower Ban without State Law — “[Former Attorney General Jason] Miyares, a Republican, acknowledged that the General Assembly had voted down legislation giving local governments express authority to regulate leaf blowers, but cited case law in rejecting any inference of legislative intent from those outcomes as speculative. Alexandria, he concluded, was clearly within its rights to ban the equipment. Alexandria used that green light to amend its noise ordinance in May of 2025 and begin an 18-month phaseout of gas leaf blowers. A full prohibition is set to take effect on November 17, 2026.” [Virginia Mercury]

Acting Superintendent on Biggest Challenge of This School Year — “With the reality of maintaining a variety of rising costs, including healthcare premiums and other operating variables, the school division is expecting another challenging budget year. While maintaining our focus on supporting students, staff and our schools, investing in recruitment and retention remains critical to ensuring ACPS can continue to attract and retain the talented educators and staff who serve our students each day.” [WTOP]

Go to Morning Notes for August 25, 2026 Read more

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Aug 24, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Nighttime city street with string lights, outdoor cafes, and pedestrians; overlay reads 'ALXnow Daily Debrief for Aug 24, 2026'.

Good Monday evening, Alexandria. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Aug 24, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Alexandria prioritizes tree management as it battles invasive spotted lanternflies (4453 views)
  2. Property owner wants to build six townhouses in Old Town bank parking lot (1311 views)
  3. Alexandria students begin school year with stricter cell phone rules, new boundaries (630 views)
  4. D.C. man faces felony charge after alleged $1K Old Town yoga store theft (603 views)
  5. Morning Notes for August 24, 2026 (505 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Tuesday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

  • No events today. Have one to promote? Submit it to the calendar.

🌥️ Tuesday’s forecast

There will be increasing clouds with a high of around 86 degrees and a northwest wind blowing at 5 to 8 mph. On Tuesday night, expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures dropping to about 64 degrees, and a light northwest wind. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”
– Henry David Thoreau

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!

News

Morning Notes for August 24, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Nighttime city street with outdoor cafe seating under red umbrellas, string lights, and pedestrians crossing a striped crosswalk.
The 100 block of King Street at night (courtesy of George Brazier)

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On August 24 and 25, 1874, about 50 teachers and other interested parties attended the Teachers’ Institute at the Peabody School building at King and Alfred streets. The superintendent of Alexandria’s schools addressed the audience as did educators from Washington, D.C., and New Orleans, speaking on topics such as ‘The Teaching of History’ and ‘School Hygiene.'” [Historic Alexandria]

First Day of School Today at ACPS — Monday, Aug. 24 marks the start of the school year for Alexandria City Public Schools students. ACPS has a back to school guide with information for the 2026-2027 school year. [ACPS]

Go to Morning Notes for August 24, 2026 Read more

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Aug 21, 2026

By ALXnow.com
ALXnow Daily Debrief header over a downtown sidewalk with pedestrians and storefronts in the background.

Good Friday evening, Alexandria. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Aug 21, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Herd of goats recruited to tackle invasive plants in an Alexandria park (3288 views)
  2. Morning Notes for August 21, 2026 (575 views)
  3. Poll: The best live music venue in Alexandria (443 views)

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  1. Alexandria teen pleads not guilty in manslaughter trial over fatal Potomac Yard Metro chase (6395 views)
  2. JUST IN: Thousands without power along Quaker Lane in Alexandria (6340 views)
  3. Elderly Alexandria woman loses $77K in scam involving multiple impersonators (6245 views)
  4. Van Metre buys land for 110 townhomes at Alexandria’s WestEnd development (5027 views)
  5. National Symphony Orchestra to utilize Alexandria venue amid Kennedy Center shutdown plans (3795 views)
  6. Long-awaited splash pad to open in Del Ray in early September, city says (3077 views)
  7. Alexandria teen found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in man’s death after Potomac Yard Metro chase (2902 views)
  8. Horror and sci-fi bookstore Long Dark House to hold grand opening in early September (2428 views)
  9. Developer wants Prince Street office conversion project to wrap by summer 2027 (1516 views)
  10. Alexandria’s Hypergoat Coffee Roasters is expanding with a second location in Del Ray (1504 views)
  11. Residents pack Beatley Library forum on Plaza 500 data center plans near Alexandria (1305 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Saturday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

Here are the events planned for Sunday:

⛈️ Saturday’s forecast

Expect showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 pm, followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms until 5 pm, with areas of fog in the morning. The high will be near 79°F with east winds at 3 to 7 mph. Rainfall could reach a quarter to half an inch, and there is an 80% chance of precipitation. Saturday night will bring scattered showers and thunderstorms from 8 pm to 11 pm, then isolated showers, with mostly cloudy skies and a low around 68°F. Winds will be light and variable, with a 50% chance of precipitation. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
– Wayne Gretzky

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

We hope you have a great weekend, Alexandria!

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