Opinion

Finding the right daycare or preschool can be overwhelming for working parents who want to ensure their child is in a safe, nurturing environment. The city has a range of daycare and preschool options to choose from, between home daycares and centers and specialized early education programs.

Here are the nominees for “Best Preschool/Daycare in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your go-to daycare or preschool? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best New Restaurant in Alexandria is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Winery Near Alexandria. The results are now official:

1. Paradise Springs Winery

2. Stone Tower Winery

3. Bluemont Vineyard


Around Town

Residents and visitors in Alexandria can expect a full lineup of weekend events in September, starting with this weekend.

As Alexandrians remember 9/11, the day will be followed by a National Day of Service and Remembrance for volunteers at Alexandria National Cemetery.


News

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On September 11, 1887, the USS Dolphin sailed past the City of Alexandria with a squad of U.S. Marines bound for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The ship had previously anchored in the Potomac River off Alexandria, and steamed on to the Washington Navy Yard to pick up ‘a few good men’ scheduled to participate in the Constitution Centennial commemoration held that year. The New York-based Dolphin was a sleek and elegant, largely ceremonial ship operated by the U.S. Navy, famous for Congressional visits, ‘champagne cruises’ by government dignitaries, and as a transport ship for the Secretary of the Navy.” [Historic Alexandria]

9/11 Ceremony for 25th Anniversary Planned at APD Headquarters — “The City of Alexandria will hold its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony from 10-11 a.m. Friday at Alexandria Police Department Headquarters (3600 Wheeler Avenue). The ceremony, remembering the victims, survivors, first responders and others impacted by 9/11, will include a presentation of colors, remarks by Mayor Alyia Gaskins and public safety officials and a return to quarters ceremony.” [ALXnow]


News

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 — Sep 10, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Years in the making, new Del Ray spray park is now open (1101 views)
  2. Alexandria’s DASH ridership climbs as state evaluates Northern Virginia bus merger (728 views)
  3. Morning Notes for September 10, 2026 (416 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

  • No events today. Have one to promote? Submit it to the calendar.

🌥️ Friday’s forecast

There is a slight chance of showers early in the morning, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 81°F. Winds will be from the northeast at 3 to 6 mph, and there is a 20% chance of precipitation. Friday night will remain mostly cloudy with a low around 67°F and calm winds. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence.”
– Mark Twain

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!


Event

Join Breast Cancer Collective for the 2026 Walk to Bust Cancer on Sunday, October 18, at Fort Hunt Park in Alexandria.
Walk alongside survivors, caregivers, friends, families, and neighbors for an uplifting community event supporting access to breast cancer screening and care across the DMV.
Walk to Bust Cancer brings our community together to turn hope into action and help expand access to timely breast health care. Register to walk, gather your team, and join us at Fort Hunt Park.


Around Town

Mobius Records is opening shop in Del Ray this Saturday (Sept. 12).

The new record store by Neighborhood Restaurant Group replaces Mulberry Lane Play Café at 2016 Mount Vernon Avenue, and will be one block away from Crooked Beat Records, which plans to open soon in its new location. Mobius Records will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.


News

What a summer it’s been for tourism in Alexandria.

With tourism boosted by America’s 250th birthday celebration and Alexandria’s participation in a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” hosting a World Cup team, Visit Alexandria CEO Todd O’Leary and staff reported to City Council on Tuesday night (Sept. 8) that hotel stays are up, revenue per available room is up and so is the percentage of visitors staying overnight.


News

The acting director of Alexandria’s Office of Housing has been chosen to fill the permanent role.

City Manager Jim Parajon appointed Aspasia Xypolia as director of the Office of Housing, the city announced today (Sept. 10). The city had conducted a national search to fill the role after former director Helen McIlvaine announced her retirement at the end of April.


News

As the state studies a potential consolidation of several Northern Virginia bus systems, year-over-year data showed Alexandria’s DASH continues to see ridership growth.

The data presented to the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission on Sept. 3 focused on transit providers in Northern Virginia — Arlington Transit, City of Fairfax CUE, Alexandria DASH, Fairfax Connector, Loudoun County Transit, Metro and Virginia Railway Express.


News

The long-awaited Del Ray Gateway/Colasanto Interactive Fountain opened today (Sept. 10) at 2700 Mount Vernon Avenue, according to the city.

“The Colasanto Spray Park project is complete and is open for community enjoyment,” the city said on the project webpage. “The final utility connections were completed in late August.”