ALXnow - Alexandria Now

Showers are possible before 10am, after which the sky will gradually clear up, resulting in a mostly sunny day with a high near 56 degrees. A north wind at 6-8 mph is expected, and there is a 40% chance of precipitation. The night will be partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to around 36 degrees. The north wind at 5 mph will become calm in the evening. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Don’t count the days, make the days count.”
– Muhammad Ali

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

We hope you have a great weekend, Alexandria!

News

Facing financial decline, Alexandria releases new draft plan for economic growth

By James Cullum

Published November 21, 2025 at 3:45PM

A 'Shop Local' sign in the 200 block of King Street in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

Facing a decline in job growth, a struggling commercial real estate market and a climbing population, today (Friday) Alexandria released the draft of its first economic development strategy in nearly two decades.

The 63-page ALX Forward draft plan makes a number of recommends to reverse negative trends, including leveraging economic opportunities in Old Town North, Eisenhower East, the West End, and Potomac Yard; retaining local businesses and attracting high-growth industries like artificial intelligence firms; and strengthening support for the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

News

Maryland-based valet company proposes new service in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published November 21, 2025 at 2:45PM

The parking garage at 300 N. Lee Street in Old Town (via Google Maps)

A Maryland company has applied to open a new valet parking service for three Old Town restaurants.

Silver Spring-based Unipark Valet recently filed paperwork with the city to provide parking for The Fish Market, Landini Brothers Restaurant and Il Porto Italian Ristorante, each along the 100 block of King Street.

News

Thanksgiving brings closures to all Alexandria city offices next week

By Katie Taranto

Published November 21, 2025 at 1:45PM

Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street) in Old Town (via City of Alexandria)

All city administrative offices are scheduled to close next Thursday and Friday in observance of Thanksgiving, although some community facilities will still have Friday hours.

The closures will prompt half days at some departments next Wednesday. All city courts, health facilities and the Alexandria Law Library intend to close at noon next Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Event

DEXA Scan in Alexandria at Revolutionary Fitness

July 9, 2026 7:00 am -3:00 pm

Revolutionary Fitness

215 N. Payne St.

Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Website Contact

July 9th, Revolutionary Fitness, Old Town Alexandria

Your bathroom scale can’t tell you if you’re losing fat or losing muscle. It can’t see the visceral fat wrapping around your organs. It can’t measure the bone density that determines whether you stay strong and independent into your 60s, 70s, and beyond.

Around Town

Third graders at Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School win free bikes after essay contest

By James Cullum

Published November 21, 2025 at 12:30PM

Third graders at Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School are told that they are getting free bikes, Nov. 21, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Third graders at Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School were unexpectedly surprised with free Huffy bikes during an assembly this morning (Friday).

Earlier this month, the students participated in an essay contest writing about what they want to be when they grow up. Only the top three essayists would win bikes, the kids were told.

Around Town

Alexandria Weekend Guide: Tree Lighting, cat yoga and turkey trots

By Katie Taranto

Published November 21, 2025 at 11:45AM

Santa and Mrs. Claus dance at the Christmas Tree lighting in Alexandria's Market Square, Nov. 23, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

This November weekend in Alexandria will get into the holiday spirit with the city’s annual Tree Lighting on Saturday night, plus two pre-Thanksgiving “turkey trots.”

Alexandrians can also catch the Middle Eastern Arts Collective’s inaugural gallery tonight (Friday), knit a chunky pumpkin at AR Workshop or gain some peace of mind with the felines at Mount Purrnon. If you like cider, the city’s own Cider Festival is taking place from 1-5 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday) at Lloyd House.

Opinion

Morning Poll: Who’s having more fun, Alexandria or Arlington?

By ALXnow.com

Published November 21, 2025 at 10:15AM

At the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade in Old Town, Dec. 6, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

It’s time to settle the score.

ALXnow’s sister site, ARLnow, got caught in the crossfire yesterday between two public officials hoping to clear up one question: Which locality is more fun, Arlington or Alexandria?

Around Town

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Sassy, ‘the wonder pup’

By Katie Taranto

Published November 21, 2025 at 9:15AM

Sassy (courtesy of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria)

Sassy, “the wonder pup” of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, is always ready for a good adventure.

The 8-month-old puppy “is demonstrating many great qualities at a young age,” an AWLA volunteer wrote. Affectionate and active, she needs plenty of exercise, “preferably at your side.”

News

Morning Notes for November 21, 2025

By ALXnow.com

Published November 21, 2025 at 7:30AM

The Christmas Tree lighting in Alexandria's Market Square, Nov. 23, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

On This Day in Alexandria History — On November 21, 1947, the Alexandria Traffic Board lifted the limit of the number of cabs that could operate in the City. Earlier in the year, the Traffic Board had permitted only 150 cabs to operate until the results of a survey could be analyzed. [Historic Alexandria]

Advocates Brace for ACA Expiration — “The ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits have made coverage more affordable for millions since 2021. In Virginia, roughly 400,000 people use the marketplace, and as many as 100,000 could fall off their plans if the credits expire. Health-care leaders have called the potential fallout “a bit of a tsunami,” warning that premiums could rise 30% to 50% next year.” [Virginia Mercury]