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.

News

Morning Notes for July 22, 2026

By ALXnow.com
A pier on the Alexandria waterfront along the Potomac River (staff photo by James Cullum)

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On July 22, 1907, Luna Park granted free admission to Alexandria’s public school students, and between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., the students were given free access to all concessions at the amusement park.” [Historic Alexandria]

Data Center Application Filed Near Alexandria Border — “Starwood Capital Group is moving forward with its plan to develop two data centers off Edsall Road in Fairfax County near the Alexandria line. A permit application and plans for the first building at Plaza 500 were filed July 16, according to Fairfax County documents. The plans have not yet been approved.” [Washington Business Journal]

Go to Morning Notes for July 22, 2026 Read more

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Jul 21, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Escalator in a dim subway station with bold white text reading 'Daily Debrief for Jul 21, 2026'.

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 — Jul 21, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Man rescued after reportedly jumping into Potomac River at Jones Point Park (1270 views)
  2. Convicted porch pirate jailed again for alleged shoplifting in Alexandria (1117 views)
  3. Tracking device on $1,500 bike leads to arrest of alleged thief in West End (630 views)
  4. Tech firm thrives near Alexandria’s Mark Center amid uncertain time for federal contractors (580 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

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

⛈️ Wednesday’s forecast

There is a slight chance of showers in the morning, increasing to a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm, with partly sunny skies and a high near 85°F. Expect west winds at 7 to 11 mph, and a 50% chance of precipitation. Wednesday night will have a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm, with mostly cloudy conditions and a low around 65°F. North winds will be around 8 mph, with a 30% chance of precipitation. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!

News

Morning Notes for July 21, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Escalators at the King St-Old Town Metro station (staff photo by James Cullum)

New Pirate and Ghost Tour in Alexandria — “Ghost stories are getting a pirate-inspired twist in Old Town Alexandria. Alexandria Colonial Tours is putting a new spin on its ghost storytelling with its new River Route Pirate Tour. The experience runs on Fridays and Saturdays and tells the city’s past with tales of pirates, ghosts, and crimes committed along the Potomac River.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Rotary Club of Alexandria Names New President — “The Rotary Club of Alexandria has installed Christine Friedberg as its 99th President for the 2026–2027 Rotary year, marking the beginning of a new chapter for one of Alexandria’ss oldest and most influential civic organizations as it approaches its centennial celebration.” [Rotary Club of Alexandria news release]

Go to Morning Notes for July 21, 2026 Read more

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Jul 20, 2026

By ALXnow.com
ALXnow banner with the headline 'Daily Debrief for Jul 20, 2026' over a close-up of white flowers and a bee in the background.

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 — Jul 20, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. JUST IN: Man arrested after alleged assault and knife brandishing in Old Town (3123 views)
  2. JUST IN: Hazardous materials scene partially closes Duke Street in Alexandria (2793 views)
  3. Alexandria man faces nearly 200 charges after car break-ins at N. Va. gyms (1386 views)
  4. Alexandria to brief residents on upcoming gas-powered leaf blower ban (1050 views)
  5. Morning Notes for July 20, 2026 (557 views)
  6. Fish Market celebrating 50th anniversary in Old Town this Thursday (446 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

⛈️ Tuesday’s forecast

Expect showers and possible thunderstorms in the morning, tapering off by early afternoon before resuming after 2pm, with a high near 91°F. South winds will range from 8 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 21 mph, and there’s an 80% chance of rain, with up to half an inch expected. Tuesday night will bring more showers and thunderstorms, particularly before 2am, with lows around 73°F and southwest winds at 9 to 11 mph. Rain chances remain at 80%, with up to three-quarters of an inch of rain possible. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.”
– Aristotle

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!

News

Morning Notes for July 20, 2026

By ALXnow.com
A bee flies in search of pollen in Old Town North (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Wildfire Smoke Outbreak Named Among Worst in Modern History — “A thick, pungent plume of wildfire smoke swept into the region Thursday night behind a cold front and lingered into at least Saturday morning. It was reminiscent of the historic smoke outbreaks of June 2023, when many in the region first experienced air pollution of this magnitude.” [Capital Weather]

Taylor Run Stabilization Project Meeting Today — “Join the City of Alexandria for the upcoming Taylor Run Infrastructure Stabilization Project meeting on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. During the meeting, City staff will present the 60% design plans and discuss the proposed improvements intended to protect vulnerable infrastructure along sections of Taylor Run while minimizing impacts on the surrounding environment.” [City of Alexandria]

Go to Morning Notes for July 20, 2026 Read more

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Jul 17, 2026

By ALXnow.com
ALXnow daily debrief banner: sunrise over a misty field with the date Jul 17, 2026.

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 — Jul 17, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Police: Accidental shooting in Old Town sends man to hospital Friday morning (1227 views)
  2. JUST IN: Alexandria under Code Purple Air Quality Alert due to wildfire smoke (1093 views)
  3. JUST IN: Jury indicts Lorton man after pedestrian killed crossing street in Old Town North (666 views)

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

  1. Alexandria man arrested for allegedly destroying multiple license plate readers (8337 views)
  2. Alexandria Soccer Association families among victims of soccer coach’s alleged Italy summer camp scam (5882 views)
  3. Fired Alexandria sheriff’s deputy allegedly agreed to smuggle drugs to inmate for $500 (5817 views)
  4. BREAKING: Man shot to death on Holmes Run Parkway in Alexandria (4337 views)
  5. Chicago-style hot dog spot to hold grand opening above Del Ray Public House on July 18 (3803 views)
  6. JUST IN: Dog may have accidentally started fire at West End home, owner says (3471 views)
  7. Alexandria man faces felony hit-and-run charge in Fairlington crash (2554 views)
  8. UPDATE: APD identifies victim of Wednesday night fatal shooting on Holmes Run Parkway (2475 views)
  9. Maryland man allegedly tried to pass forged $11K check at Del Ray bank, police say (2379 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 thunderstorms throughout the day, with potential smoke before noon and a high around 94, feeling like 103 due to the heat index. Winds will be from the south at 6 to 11 mph, gusting up to 22 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%, with rainfall between a tenth and a quarter inch, possibly higher in storms. Saturday night, showers, and thunderstorms are likely before 2am, with cloudy skies and a low near 74. The southwest wind will be around 7 mph, with a 60% chance of precipitation. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
– George Eliot

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

We hope you have a great weekend, Alexandria!

News

Morning Notes for July 17, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Sunrise over a misty park field seen through a large tree with sprawling branches in the foreground.
Sunrise at Chinquapin Loop (via Eric Keber)

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On July 17, 1946 the City of Alexandria designated the Old and Historic Alexandria District, nicknamed at the time the “Charleston Ordinance” after the City of Charleston, South Carolina which had earlier extended the police powers of its zoning code to regulate changes to the exterior appearance of buildings within a designated area. Zoning laws in the United States were first upheld by the U. S. Supreme Court in 1916 in the famous Euclid vs. Ambler case, but that issue dealt specifically with land uses and not aesthetic appearance. Alexandria’s new historic district was the third in the United States including the “Vieux Carre” area of New Orleans. Historic District zoning codes went unchallenged for over two decades until the Supreme Court case Penn Central vs. City of New York upheld that city’s action to denied an application to build a skyscraper atop the historic Grand Central Station.” [Historic Alexandria]

Code Red Air Quality Alert Today — “The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has forecast a Code Red air day in the metropolitan Washington region tomorrow, July 17, due to smoke from Canada wildfires.” [Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments/X]

Go to Morning Notes for July 17, 2026 Read more

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Jul 16, 2026

By ALXnow.com
ALXnow news banner: dog in car window with the headline 'Daily Debrief for Jul 16, 2026'

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 — Jul 16, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. BREAKING: Man shot to death on Holmes Run Parkway in Alexandria (2936 views)
  2. Alexandria man accused of stabbing at King Street Metro station faces malicious wounding charge (983 views)
  3. First look: Luxury new townhomes with 2-car garages (some with elevators) (906 views)
  4. Alexandria mayor opposes idea of merging DASH into a regional bus system (707 views)
  5. AWLA taps into emergency vet fund to help dogs after Alexandria house fire (700 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

🌥️ Friday’s forecast

This afternoon, expect widespread smoke mainly after 2 p.m., with mostly sunny skies and a high near 92°F. Winds will come from the north at about 5 mph before becoming calm. Tonight, there is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m., along with widespread smoke. Conditions will be partly cloudy with a low around 74°F, and winds from the southeast at 6 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
– Buddha

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!

News

Morning Notes for July 16, 2026

By ALXnow.com
A dog takes the back seat in the Arlandria neighborhood of Alexandria. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Lane Closure Coming Up for City Hall Renovation Project — “From Monday, July 20, until Friday, July 31, the southbound lane of N. Fairfax Street will be partly closed for the City Hall Renovation Project. During the closure, crews will install new municipal fiber lines.” [City of Alexandria]

Cooling Bus Deployed During Heat Wave — “Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s a bus. A cooling bus, with AC, for anyone who needs to get out of the heat. Parked at 417 King St. through Friday at 6 a.m. More places to cool off: alexandriava.gov/Alert.” [City of Alexandria/Bluesky]

Go to Morning Notes for July 16, 2026 Read more

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Jul 15, 2026

By ALXnow.com
ALXnow Daily Debrief for Jul 15, 2026; cyclists ride along a park path in the background

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 — Jul 15, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Alexandria man faces felony hit-and-run charge in Fairlington crash (1537 views)
  2. New sandwich and wine shop opening this weekend at the Bradlee Shopping Center (607 views)
  3. Morning Notes for July 15, 2026 (555 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

☀️ Thursday’s forecast

Expect patchy smoke from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with mostly sunny and hot conditions, reaching a high near 100°F and a heat index up to 104°F. Winds will be light and variable, shifting to the west at 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon. Thursday night will be partly cloudy with a slight 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m., followed by patchy smoke. The low will be around 76°F, with west winds around 6 mph turning north in the evening. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
– Peter Drucker

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!

News

Morning Notes for July 15, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Cyclists along the Mount Vernon Trail along the Potomac River near Belle Haven (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On July 15, 1870, the Alexandria Police Department was formally organized by an act of the Board of Alderman and Common Council. The act sated that each ‘policeman and officer shall wear a badge in the form of a star, made of block tin, not less than two and a half inches in diameter.'” [Historic Alexandria]

Board of Architectural Review Meets Today — The Board of Architectural Review will have its public hearing at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 15 to consider requests for alterations in the city’s historic districts. [City of Alexandria]

Go to Morning Notes for July 15, 2026 Read more
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