A Dominion Energy location at 907 W. Glebe Road in Alexandria (via Google Maps)
Alexandria and Arlington officials are pressing Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy for more customer protections and clean energy progress if their proposed merger goes through.
Officials held a briefing Monday (Oct. 26) to provide an update on the electric companies’ proposed merger. The proposed $66.8 billion merger — through Florida-based NextEra’s acquisition of Dominion Energy — is under consideration at Virginia’s State Corporation Commission. NextEra and Dominion Energy filed the proposal on July 15, which means the SCC will make a final ruling no later than Jan. 11, 2027.
Proposed improvements to the track at Bishop Ireton High School (via City of Alexandria)
Bishop Ireton High School is looking to make improvements to its athletic facilities at its Fannon Field.
The Catholic Diocese of Arlington is asking the city for permission to expand the school’s track from four lanes to six, add concessions and storage buildings, more bleacher seating and a new turf field.
Alexandria Police cruiser (staff photo by James Cullum)
The Alexandria City Council will appoint an interim independent policing auditor at its meeting tonight (Oct. 27).
The interim auditor to investigate allegations of police misconduct will be revealed at City Council’s meeting at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center (4850 Mark Center Drive).
The Montgomery Center at 300 Montgomery Street, which will be developed into a residential project (via Google Maps)
Carr Properties has taken over the redevelopment plans for the Montgomery Center in Old Town North as construction plans move forward.
The developer announced it acquired 300 Montgomery Street from MC Property, LLC. According to Bisnow, Oliver Carr Jr.’s CarrAmerica sold the property to his son Oliver Carr III’s Carr Properties.
Eisenhower Avenue and Mill Road intersection (staff photo by James Cullum)
On This Day in Alexandria History — “On October 27, 1748 a group of citizens petitioned the Virginia House of Burgesses ‘That a town may be established at Hunting Creek’s Warehouse on Potowmack River.’ The legislature approved the request of the group, who soon became known as the town founders of Alexandria, and the new town held its first land auctions for property lots on July 14, 1749. One condition of the auction was that a structure had to be built on the property within two years of purchase.” [Historic Alexandria]
City Council Meets Tonight — City Council will meet at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at Del Pepper Community Resource Center (4850 Mark Center Drive, Room 1305). Items of interest include appointment of an independent policing auditor and updates on the Duke Street Land Use Plan, Community Lodgings Inc.’s Elbert Avenue Housing Project, automated license plate readers and detention center study. [City of Alexandria]
Leaf Blower Demonstration Today Ahead of New Ordinance — “To prepare for the upcoming ordinance banning the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in the city, the Department of Transportation & Environmental Services invites you to an electric leaf blower demonstration on Tuesday, October 27 from 2-6 p.m. at Ben Brenman Park near Somervelle Street and Deer Run Court … The ordinance banning the use of gas-powered leaf blowers goes into effect on November 17, 2026, following an 18-month phase-out period since its adoption by City Council in May 2025.” [Alexandria T&ES]
Amtrak Completes Infrastructure Work That Impacted Virginia Service — “Following an intensive nine-day construction period, Amtrak has completed its ‘Pause for Progress’ infrastructure improvements on time in the First Street Tunnel just south of Washington Union Station. Train operations resumed today ahead of the busy holiday travel season … The project required temporary service changes for trains traveling south of Washington from Oct. 16-26.” [Amtrak]
New Dean of Students at ACPS — “Vondrenna Douglas-Martino has been promoted to dean of students at Alexandria City High School (ACHS), effective Nov. 4, 2026. In this role, she will provide administrative leadership and support in managing student conduct and behavior while fostering a positive, supportive school culture that promotes student growth, accountability and development.” [Alexandria City Public Schools]
Special Voting Stickers for Halloween — “In a move widely described as ‘completely on brand,’ the City of Alexandria’s Office of Elections and Voter Registration is releasing Limited Edition Halloween-Themed I Voted stickers ™️, available all week for early voters! Go to alexandriava.gov/Elections to see where you can get one today!” [City of Alexandria/Bluesky]
Del Ray’s Effort to Save Landmark Caboose — “Built in 1919, the railcar sits beside Mount Vernon Community School on Commonwealth Avenue. Now, rust, rotten railroad ties, and weather damage threaten its future. Community leaders have launched a major campaign to save it. The restoration will cost over $100,000.” [The Zebra]
Affordable Homeownership Unit in Alexandria — “The City of Alexandria Office of Housing continues to market a resale-restricted condominium unit at 4 South Van Dorn Street, Unit 603, Alexandria, VA 22304. The one bedroom/one bath, 750 square feet, unit is listed at a reduced price of $193,896 and is part of West End Condominiums. This unit includes a private balcony, granite countertops, and a spacious dining area. Amenities include swimming pool, laundry facilities, community center, fitness center and more.” [Alexandria Office of Housing]
New Scrutiny for License Plate Readers — “A Virginia prosecutor’s recent decision not to charge a police officer for sharing license plate reader data with federal authorities without authorization could spur reform efforts in the commonwealth. Automated license plate readers, commonly used to identify vehicles and investigate crimes, have drawn criticism over privacy concerns and alleged misuse, sparked disagreement over how they’re used by authorities, and forced local governments to reconsider contracts.” [Virginia Mercury]
It’s Tuesday — Sunny with a high near 69 and a light northeast wind around 3 to 6 mph. Tuesday night will be partly cloudy, with a low around 50 and a light east wind. [NWS]
There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.
Alexandria Fitness Studio for People Over 50 Closes Fall Into Fitness Program in 11 Days Revolutionary Fitness, the semi-private strength and longevity studio at 215 N. Payne St. in… [Announcement]
Army Navy Game Day 5k and 10k Run, sponsored by the Washington, D.C. Foreign Area Officers Association Attention all runners, joggers, and Army Navy fans! Come join us on Saturday, 12 December 2026… [Announcement]
⭐ Featured events
CatRad Halloween Eve! Oct 30: Join us for our second annual CatRad Halloween Eve! A night of ghoulish fun, spooky treats… [Event]
Imperium Open House: Discover a Smarter Way to Get Stronger Nov 1: Explore a different approach to strength training at Imperium’s free open house in Old Town Alexandria. [Event]
Dialogue for Democracy Nov 3: Dialogue for Democracy invites high school students from across the DMV to George Mason University. [Event]
How Retirement Communities Work – A Free Workshop Nov 4: Interested in learning about how Continuing Care Retirement Communities work, but don’t know where to start? Join us on 11/4 to learn more! [Event]
The Alexandria School Board at its meeting on Aug. 27, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)
Elected officials are considering major organizational changes for the Alexandria City School Board, including increasing pay for its members by 87% starting on Jan. 1, 2028.
Earlier this month, the School Board discussed increasing member pay from $15,000 to $28,000 on Jan. 1, 2028, and then by $5,000 every July 1 until members make $43,000 (a 187% total raise) in the 2031 fiscal year.
Fall colors along King Street near the George Washington Masonic National Memorial (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)
The ability to turn right on a red light could be eliminated entirely in Old Town.
The Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board will vote Monday (Oct. 26) on whether to install “no turn on red” signage at all signalized intersections in the Old Town, Old Town North and Braddock/Parker-Gray neighborhoods. The changes would apply to traffic signals between First Street to the north, city limits to the south, the Potomac River to the east and railroad tracks to the west. There are about 100 signalized intersections within the project area.
Approaching the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge on I-495 in Alexandria (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Virginia’s renewed efforts to win regional support for the contentious I-495 Southside Express Lanes project will focus more aggressively on minimizing negative consequences along the 11-mile route, the state’s top transportation official says.
“We will always look to reduce any of those types of impacts,” Secretary of Transportation Nick Donohue said at a meeting last Wednesday (Oct. 21) of the region’s Transportation Planning Board (TPB).
Fire at 251 S. Pickett Street on Oct. 25, 2026 (via Alexandria Fire Department/Facebook)
Improperly discarded smoking materials were behind a Sunday fire that injured a firefighter and displaced residents from 14 apartments, according to the Alexandria Fire Department.
AFD responded around 9:03 a.m. Sunday (Oct. 25) to 251 S. Pickett Street, where visible fire and smoke were showing from the residential building. There were no resident injuries.
