Author: Ryan Belmore

On This Day: Ford Plant Opened in Alexandria — On this day in 1932, a Ford Motor Company plant employing 225 men opened at the foot of Franklin Street along Alexandria’s waterfront. The structure, designed by Albert Kahn, featured yellow-glazed brick, a saw-tooth roof, and Art Deco elements. In the 1990s, the property was demolished and developed into Ford’s Landing residential community. [Historic Alexandria]

School Board Reviews Advisory Processes, Legislative Priorities — The Alexandria City Public Schools Board reviewed updated advisory committee processes and discussed legislative priorities for the 2026 General Assembly session during a work session on Thursday evening. [ALXnow]

Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) says the 16-day government shutdown can only be resolved if President Trump becomes directly involved in negotiations, arguing that Republican congressional leadership lacks the independence to act without White House direction.

“Donald Trump rules the Republican Party with an iron fist, and he has to be in the negotiations to get this dispute resolved,” Warner said during a media availability with Virginia media on Thursday. “The idea that there would be any kind of independent acting Republicans, and I’ve been proud to work on all of those gangs in the past, at least at this moment in time, would be simply a fantasy.”

On This Day: Lafayette’s Triumphant Alexandria Visit — On this day in 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette made a triumphant entrance into Alexandria as part of his celebrated “Grand Tour of America,” marking one of the most memorable moments in the young city’s history. The Revolutionary War hero was greeted with cannon salutes, a grand procession through the streets in a four-horse carriage, and crowds of cheering residents—with women waving handkerchiefs from windows along Columbus, King, Fayette, and Washington Streets. The highlight came when Lafayette passed through a Grand Arch on King Street and was met by 200 children, aged seven to twelve, lining his path to a reception at Clagett’s Tavern, where Mayor Roberts delivered a warm welcome on behalf of the city. Lafayette stayed at 301 South St. Asaph Street during his extended visit to Alexandria, cementing the occasion as a social high point for the nation he had fought so passionately to establish. [Historic Alexandria]

Masked Trio Attempts Home Break-In — A terrifying late-night encounter was caught on camera in Alexandria. Disturbing doorbell camera footage shows a group of three people wearing Halloween masks trying to break into an Alexandria home, with one suspect heard yelling “Open the door!” during the attempted break-in. [WUSA9]