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 August 11, 2026

By ALXnow.com
As seen around Old Town Alexandria and Waterfront Park (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On August 11, 1885, the Alexandria Light Infantry returned home to Alexandria after attending the funeral of former President Ulysses S. Grant in New York City three days earlier. The unit arrived in Alexandria on the Steamship Excelsior.” [Historic Alexandria]

Police Chief to Attend Community Conversation in Del Ray — “The Del Ray Business Association and Del Ray Citizens Association invite you to join us for a conversation with Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire about the Alexandria Police Department’s Public Safety Framework and how we can continue building safe, vibrant neighborhoods together. On Tuesday, August 11, join us at 5pm at Piece Out and learn about APD’s G.R.E.A.T. Public Safety Framework, the department’s vision for the future of public safety, and how the framework’s five pillars support a collaborative approach to keeping Alexandria safe.” [Del Ray Business Association]

Go to Morning Notes for August 11, 2026 Read more

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Aug 10, 2026

By ALXnow.com
ALXnow: Daily Debrief for Aug 10, 2026 over a city skyline with a King St-Old Town sign in the foreground.

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 10, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Alexandria’s Amanda Congialdi, quarterback of the D.C. Divas, eyes a final title (506 views)
  2. Morning Notes for August 10, 2026 (486 views)
  3. T&ES director recommends Russell Road alternative after board approves parking removals (471 views)
  4. Mount Vernon Trail nominated for Rails to Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame (342 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

⛈️ Tuesday’s forecast

Expect a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms today, especially after 5 PM, with a high near 90°F and a northwest wind at 5 to 8 mph. Rainfall may reach up to a quarter of an inch, more during thunderstorms. Tonight, showers and thunderstorms are likely before 1 AM, with a low around 72°F. It will be mostly cloudy, with winds shifting to the northwest after midnight, and similar rainfall amounts. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“What we think, we become.”
– Buddha

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!

News

Morning Notes for August 10, 2026

By ALXnow.com
View of King Street Old Town sign with rail tracks in foreground and a tall church/bell tower on a cloudy sky backdrop.
View of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial from the King Street Metro station (courtesy of George Brazier)

Ad Hoc Committee on School Board Election Reform Sets First Meeting — “The joint committee studying changes to how Alexandria elects its School Board holds its first meeting Aug. 25, roughly a month later than the resolution creating it directed and one day after students return to class.” [Alexandria Brief]

Street Repaving and Maintenance This Week — Streets with repaving and maintenance this week include Ancell Street (from Commonwealth Avenue to Kennedy Street), East and West Custis Street (from Mt. Vernon Avenue to Russell Road), West Del Ray Avenue (from Russell Road to Commonwealth Avenue), Wayne Street (from East Monroe Avenue to Adams Avenue), North Overlook Drive (concrete work from Halcyon Drive to end), South Overlook Drive (concrete work from Cameron Mills Road to North Overlook Drive), Orlando Place (concrete work from Cameron Mills Road to end) and Manor Road (concrete work from Cameron Mills Road to end). [Alexandria T&ES]

Go to Morning Notes for August 10, 2026 Read more

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Aug 7, 2026

By ALXnow.com
ALXnow daily debrief banner: headline 'Daily Debrief for Aug 7, 2026' over a dark city street background with a distant government tower in twilight.

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 7, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Ex-Del Ray restaurant worker gets nearly six months in jail for hidden bathroom camera recordings (1068 views)
  2. Wellness studio with cold plunges and saunas opening next weekend in Braddock neighborhood (720 views)
  3. Poll: The best taco spot in Alexandria (613 views)
  4. Morning Notes for August 7, 2026 (421 views)
  5. Adoptable pet of the week: Handsome Chino is a well-rounded companion (372 views)

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

  1. New kayak launch washes away after rainstorms at Four Mile Run Park (5393 views)
  2. Amazon driver assaulted in attempted carjacking in Alexandria West (4765 views)
  3. West End townhouse project lauded as a regional model for affordable housing (3301 views)
  4. Mayor, Alexandria City Council ask Fairfax County to reject substation tied to data center (2871 views)
  5. JUST IN: Rep. Don Beyer wins nomination in 8th Congressional District Democratic primary (2668 views)
  6. Here’s when the 2026-27 school year starts in Alexandria, and more key dates (2583 views)
  7. Latest turnout shows Democratic primary far outpacing Republican primary in Alexandria (2100 views)
  8. APD seeks suspect in struggle over vehicle in Old Town (1564 views)
  9. Here’s how Alexandria voted in Tuesday’s Democratic and Republican primaries (1542 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

Showers and thunderstorms are possible this afternoon with increasing clouds and a high near 91, while heat index values could reach 100. There’s a 40% chance of rain, and a light southwest wind will pick up to 5-9 mph. On Saturday night, showers and thunderstorms are likely before 8pm, with skies becoming mostly clear and a low around 74. The southwest wind will become calm in the evening, and there’s a 60% chance of rain. Rainfall could be less than a tenth of an inch, except higher during thunderstorms. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
– Mother Teresa

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

We hope you have a great weekend, Alexandria!

News

Morning Notes for August 7, 2026

By ALXnow.com
The George Washington Memorial Masonic Temple in Old Town at sunset (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On August 7, 1900, the Alexandria Gazette reported that a four-legged chicken was residing in the city at the home of Washington Ewell, a 65-year-old African American farmer who resided at 1017 Cameron Street. Although the newspaper considered the unusual fowl a “queer freak of nature,” the amazing bird was also described as “perfectly formed and remarkably active.” Interestingly, it was further confirmed that the yellow-bellied curiosity walked on only two legs, carrying the other two about one inch above the ground.” [Historic Alexandria]

Gov. Spanberger Intervenes in Proposed Dominion Energy Merger Case — “As a Virginian, I am deeply skeptical about whether selling our primary, state-regulated utility to an out-of-state company is good for the commonwealth. I have serious questions about what this deal would mean for us. And as governor, I intend to get answers and be a voice for Virginians in the process.” [Washington Post op-ed]

Go to Morning Notes for August 7, 2026 Read more

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Aug 6, 2026

By ALXnow.com
ALXnow Daily Debrief for Aug 6, 2026 over a busy downtown street with shops and pedestrians outside.",

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 6, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Old Town daycare approved to reopen in December with 100-kid capacity (540 views)
  2. Port City Brewing hosting third annual Port to Port Beer Festival this Saturday (407 views)
  3. Morning Notes for August 6, 2026 (406 views)
  4. State-backed solar installation program sees participation trickle up in Alexandria (287 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

⛅️ Friday’s forecast

Expect mostly sunny conditions with a high of 91 and a heat index up to 102, with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 PM. Southwest winds will be light, increasing slightly in the morning. Friday night brings likely showers and thunderstorms before 8 PM, becoming mostly clear later, with a low of 73 and a 60% chance of precipitation. Rainfall may range from a tenth to a quarter of an inch, with heavier amounts in thunderstorms. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
– Steve Jobs

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!

News

Morning Notes for August 6, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Overlooking the 100 block of King Street in Old Town (staff photo by Emily Leayman)

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On August 6, 1890, a report was issued indicating that the old Tidal Basin and lock of the Alexandria Canal adjacent to the Potomac River were deteriorating. A charter from Congress authorizing the canal had been passed just sixty years earlier, in response to a proposal by Alexandria merchants to build a canal linking Georgetown with the Alexandria seaport, to capitalize on the new Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Ultimately, when the canal was complete, there was a vertical drop of 38 feet achieved by the construction of four locks over the seven-mile course. The canal was abandoned in 1886, and the towpath through what is now Arlington was replaced by the electric railway to Mount Vernon. It would be nearly 90 years later for the Tidal Basin and lock to be restored as part of Alexandria’s Canal Center development.” [Historic Alexandria]

Primaries Set Up Competitive Fall Midterm Elections — “Voters this fall will consider candidates for all the state’s congressional seats, as well as a race for U.S. Senate. The battle for control of the U.S. House will turn on just a few dozen races nationwide, so every contest counts. House Republicans now have a 218-212 edge, with one independent and four seats currently unfilled.” [WTOP]

Go to Morning Notes for August 6, 2026 Read more

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Aug 5, 2026

By ALXnow.com
ALXnow Daily Debrief banner for Aug 5, 2026 over a floral background with pink blossoms

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 5, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Mayor, Alexandria City Council ask Fairfax County to reject substation tied to data center (746 views)
  2. Bookstore Long Dark House, Madame Coco’s Emporium aim for September opening in Old Town (636 views)
  3. Here’s how Alexandria voted in Tuesday’s Democratic and Republican primaries (515 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

⛈️ Thursday’s forecast

Showers and thunderstorms are possible after 5 p.m., with mostly sunny skies and a high of 91°F, though it may feel like 100°F. Winds from the south at 8-10 mph may gust up to 18 mph, with a 30% chance of rain. Thursday night, expect a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., with partly cloudy skies and a low of 74°F. Southwest winds will be around 6 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
– Steve Jobs

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!

News

Morning Notes for August 5, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Blooming buds in Old Town North (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On August 5, 1774, Alexandria’s first volunteer fire company was established as the Friendship Fire Company. Initially the company was provided space in the Market Square area, but over time, several moves ensued as the needs of the company grew. In 1855 the company moved to a new firehouse built on South Alfred Street, with was a tall pointed steeple that could be seen from miles away. During the Civil War the firehouse was neglected, and by 1871, the impact of wind and weather on the steeple was so devastating that the building was closed and rebuilt. The steeple was removed and replaced by the lower cupola still in place today.” [Historic Alexandria]

Inova Alexandria Hospital Ranked Among Top in Va. — Alexandria’s hospital ranked on the  new 2026-2027 Best Hospitals ranking from U.S. News and World Report. This year, the report added regional specialized rankings for cancer, cardiology, heart and vascular surgery, orthopedics and rehabilitation. [Patch]

Go to Morning Notes for August 5, 2026 Read more

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Aug 4, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Voters seated at a polling station with I Voted ballot boxes on a table in the background.

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 4, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. New kayak launch washes away after rainstorms at Four Mile Run Park (1363 views)
  2. West End townhouse project lauded as a regional model for affordable housing (1211 views)
  3. APD seeks suspect in struggle over vehicle in Old Town (857 views)
  4. Morning Notes for August 4, 2026 (510 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

Expect showers and thunderstorms, especially before 3pm and again after 4pm, with mostly cloudy skies and a high of 87°F. Winds will be light, becoming south at 5 to 7 mph, and there’s a 60% chance of precipitation, with rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch possible. Wednesday night will have a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a slight chance of showers until 2am, with a low around 74°F and a south wind at 6 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”
– Marie Curie

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!

News

Morning Notes for August 4, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Voters at Mount Vernon Recreation Center in Del Ray on Election Day, Nov. 4, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On August 4, 1898, the City received a novel complaint, that perambulators were occupying too much space on the sidewalks of King Street, forcing pedestrians to zig-zig their way along the main commercial thoroughfare, while unperturbed mothers shopped in adjacent stores at their leisure. Though sympathetic to the complainant, legally there was little recourse to restrict the increasingly large baby carriages of the period. [Historic Alexandria]

It’s Election Day — Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the 8th Congressional District Democratic primary and U.S. Senate Republican primary. [ALXnow]

Go to Morning Notes for August 4, 2026 Read more
View More Stories