News

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

By James Cullum
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.

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News

Maryland-based valet company proposes new service in Old Town

By James Cullum
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.

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News

Thanksgiving brings closures to all Alexandria city offices next week

By Katie Taranto
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.

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Around Town

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

By James Cullum
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.

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Event

Alexandria Preschool & Kindergarten Fair

Event location

Alexandria Country Day School

2400 Russell Road

Alexandria, Virginia 22301

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Explore preschool & kindergarten options in Alexandria! Meet schools, ask questions & find the best match for your child’s early education.

Welcome to the Alexandria Preschool and Kindergarten Fair! Join us for a fun-filled event where parents can explore various preschool and kindergarten options for their little ones. Meet with representatives from different schools, ask questions, and gather information to make the best choice for your child's education. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the perfect match for your family! The fair is free to attend but advance registration is encouraged.

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Around Town

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

By Katie Taranto
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.

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Opinion

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

By ALXnow.com
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?

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Around Town

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

By Katie Taranto
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.”

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News

Morning Notes for November 21, 2025

By ALXnow.com
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]

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News

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Nov 20, 2025

By ALXnow.com

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 — Nov 20, 2025.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Old Town townhome proposal gets lukewarm response from architectural review board (1247 views)
  2. Morning Notes for November 20, 2025 (640 views)
  3. After spring deferral, King Street cafe proposal will seek architectural approval next month (513 views)
  4. Holiday events in Alexandria: Tree lighting, ice skating, markets and more (461 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

🌦️ Friday’s forecast

Rain is expected mostly after 1pm, accompanied by mostly cloudy conditions and a high temperature near 56°F. The calm wind will later shift to the south, blowing at around 5 mph, with a 50% chance of precipitation. Friday night will experience more rainfall, with temperatures around 49°F and a calm wind turning north at 6 mph after midnight. There is a 90% chance of precipitation, with potential accumulation between a quarter and half an inch. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world.”
– Albert Einstein

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!

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