News | ALXnow - Part 151

Award-winning folk duo, legendary string band to perform at Lyceum this fall

Published August 22, 2025 at 10:49AM

The Alexandria Lyceum (staff photo by Airey)

The Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum will host two standout performances this fall as part of its ongoing Traditional Music Series, bringing world-class folk artists to the historic stage once known as “Lyceum Hall.”

Canadian Folk Music Award winners Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen Gira will kick off the fall lineup on Friday, Sept. 12, at 7:30 p.m. The dynamic fiddle and cello duo earned the 2024 Traditional Album of the Year award and are known for fusing traditional and contemporary styles into soulful performances. Their shows weave together lively tunes and step-dancing with music from Scotland, Ireland, North America and Scandinavia.

Never miss a local story: Sign up for ALXnow’s free daily newsletter

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 22, 2025 at 9:00AM | Updated March 27, 2026 at 12:26AM

First off, thank you for following us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and X. (And if you don’t already, you know what to do.)

If you want more local news, join the 9,000+ people who have already signed up for the free daily newsletter.

Notes: Alexandria Restaurant Week kicks off today with nearly 90 participants

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 22, 2025 at 8:00AM

Alexandria Restaurant Week (Credit: Visit Alexandria)

Good morning, Alexandria! 👋 Today is Friday, Aug. 22, the 234th day of 2025. There are 131 days left in the year.

🌧️ Today’s weather: Sunny, with a high near 83 degrees. Light and variable wind becoming north around 6 mph in the morning.

Missing Alexandria man prompts police search, helicopter assistance

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 22, 2025 at 6:47AM

Critical Missing Male (Credit: Alexandria Police Department)

Alexandria police launched a search early Friday morning for a 27-year-old man reported as a critical missing person.

Charles Davon Finley was last seen walking east on the north side of the 300 block of Wythe Street, according to the Alexandria Police Department. Officers described Finley as 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

JBG Smith giving update on mixed-use project that adds 600+ new homes to Potomac Yard

By James Cullum

Published August 21, 2025 at 5:47PM | Updated August 22, 2025 at 6:08AM

Potomac Yard parcels under development by JBG Smith (via City of Alexandria)

Developer JBG Smith will soon discuss an updated proposal to build a mix of multifamily, townhome and committed affordable housing across from the Potomac Yard Metro station.

Next Wednesday (Aug. 27), the Potomac Yard Design Advisory Committee (PYDAC) will review updated plans for Landbays G and H (see rendering above),

Adoptable Dog of the Week: Sweet-natured Honey seeks forever home

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 21, 2025 at 1:15PM

Honey (Credit: AWLA)

After the recent adoption of last week’s featured pet Lucas, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) is highlighting another deserving canine ready for her forever home: Honey, a 2-year-old mixed breed whose warm personality matches her golden-tan coat.

Weighing 49 pounds, Honey represents the ideal companion for families seeking a dog past the unpredictable puppy stage but still energetic enough for an active lifestyle. Shelter volunteers describe her as affectionate and intelligent, with a temperament suited for both outdoor adventures and quiet evenings at home.

Metro riders have until Friday to vote on new train designs

By James Cullum

Published August 21, 2025 at 12:30PM

Metro is asking the public to vote on three design options for its upcoming 8000-series rail fleet (via WMATA)

The deadline is Friday, Aug. 22, for the public to vote for one of three proposed designs for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s upcoming 8000-series rail fleet.

Voting on the three exterior design options opened on Aug. 18 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Friday. The winning concept will be announced in a week, according to Metro. The new trains feature “safe and spacious connected cars” with space for wheelchairs, scooters, and bikes, and additional seating. The “fleet of the future” is expected to go into service in 2027.

Pedestrian injured in Old Town crash Thursday morning

By James Cullum

Published August 21, 2025 at 11:30AM | Updated August 21, 2025 at 12:02PM

A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in the area of King Street and Fairfax Street in Old Town, Aug. 21, 2025 (via Google Maps)

A pedestrian suffered minor injuries Thursday morning after a driver struck them with their car at a busy Old Town intersection, Alexandria police said.

The incident occurred around 9:45 a.m. at King Street and Fairfax Street, near City Hall. The adult male pedestrian was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Old Town North pub crawl to highlight Alexandria’s historic canal

By James Cullum

Published August 21, 2025 at 10:00AM

Canal Watering Holes: A History Tour and Canal Crawl is being held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 (via NOTICe)

An upcoming pub crawl in Old Town North will teach participants a little bit of Alexandria history.

On Saturday, Sept. 13, the North Old Town Independent Citizens Association (NOTICe) is hosting Canal Watering Holes: Alexandria Canal History and Pub Crawl. Tickets for the event, which runs from 1 to 4 p.m., cost $35 for individuals and $60 for couples.

Afghan refugee tutoring program expands to Alexandria middle school

By James Cullum

Published August 21, 2025 at 9:00AM

Afghan families at a recognition ceremony for NOVA RAFT's summer reading program, at William Ramsay Recreation Center, Aug. 12, 2023 (staff photo by James Cullum)

A program teaching Afghan youth living in Alexandria has expanded to a West End school and is seeking tutors for the 2025-26 school year.

Northern Virginia Resettling Afghan Families Together (NoVA RAFT) launched in 2021 after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The nonprofit has helped move refugees into new homes and taught English to hundreds of children and adults at William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Avenue). NoVA RAFT now needs tutors after announcing a “dynamic partnership” with the Fresh Start Refugee Assistance Center, student leaders at Alexandria City High School, and George Mason University’s Afghan Refugee Mentorship Program to provide tutoring at Francis C. Hammond Middle School (4646 Seminary Road).

Notes: Commuters face nightly I-395 lane closures near Pentagon for bridge repairs

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 21, 2025 at 8:14AM

I-395 southbound nighttime lane closures near Pentagon Aug. 24-28 (Credit: VDOT)

Good morning, Alexandria! Today is Thursday, Aug. 21, the 233rd day of 2025. There are 132 days left in the year.

🌧️ Today’s weather: Isolated showers before 8 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 76. Northeast wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.