News

Disturbing allegations of child abuse have been leveled against a daycare in Old Town by the Virginia Department of Social Services.

Over seven months (October 2024 to May 2025), a now-fired employee at Two Birds Daycare (1737 King Street) was observed allegedly physically striking and roughly handling children, yanking children’s hair, putting them in a dark closet as punishment, making demeaning comments about their clothes, and slapping kids who had toilet accidents, according to a May 21 DSS inspection of the facility.


News

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia officials have agreed not to fully enforce a 2020 law banning conversion therapy for minors as part of an agreement with a faith-based conservative group that sued over the law, authorities said earlier this week.

The Virginia Department of Health Professions, represented by the state’s office of the attorney general, entered into a consent decree with the Founding Freedoms Law Center last month, saying officials will not discipline counselors who engage in talk conversion therapy.


Sponsored

Only four remain: Inside Brooks Estate’s luxury townhomes in Old Town Alexandria

One private-elevator residence remains, with special low-interest-rate financing and builder-paid closing costs available.

By Brett Rice

Only four residences remain at Brooks Estate, a collection of 13 luxury townhomes in Old Town Alexandria, just two-and-a-half blocks from King Street–Old Town Metro. The homes are complete and available for immediate purchase—and only one remaining residence includes a private elevator.

For buyers considering a move, the builder is offering special incentives, including low-interest-rate financing and builder-paid closing costs, subject to eligibility and offer terms. It is an opportunity to purchase a fully appointed new home with a two-car garage, a rooftop terrace and the convenience of Old Town living.

Brooks Estate’s remaining residences range from approximately 2,600 to 2,900 square feet across four spacious levels. Each is designed for four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms, with home-office and open-loft options that accommodate different ways of living. Pricing now starts at $2,197,500, with all existing upgrades and options included in the listed price.

At Brooks Estate, luxury comes standard. Buyers can see the finishes, experience the spaces and understand what is included before making their decision.

Four distinctive residences. One final elevator home.

The remaining collection includes The Kendall at 109 N West Street, offered at $2,197,500; The Claire at 107 N West Street, offered at $2,400,000; The Masonic View at 1330 Cameron Street, offered at $2,435,000; and The Henry at 121 N West Street, offered at $2,735,000.

The Henry is the final available residence with a private elevator and also features a rear yard. The Claire serves as the furnished model home and is itself available for purchase.

All four homes include two-car garages and private rooftop terraces—features that bring everyday convenience and outdoor space to a historic urban setting. Buyers can explore the floor plans and finishes at BrooksEstateOT.com or arrange a personal walkthrough with Brett Rice of RE/MAX Executives.

Traditional architecture, thoughtfully finished interiors

Brooks Estate blends modern comfort with architectural details that complement Old Town Alexandria. Graceful arches connect living spaces, while crown moldings, custom millwork and carefully selected materials give the interiors a distinctive character.

Custom cabinetry, polished quartz surfaces and professional-series Thermador appliances create chef-inspired kitchens made for quiet mornings and lively gatherings. Custom-built rift- and quarter-sawn white oak range hoods and island surrounds add warmth and craftsmanship.

The hardwood flooring, supplied and installed by Arlandria Floors in Del Ray, is 5-inch-wide European white oak, sanded and finished on site. Nine- and ten-foot ceilings and generous windows enhance the sense of light and space.

Spa-inspired baths feature tiled walk-in showers, soaking tubs in select bathrooms and Wi-Fi-controlled heated floors in the primary bath.

Smart features that make daily life easier

Technology is thoughtfully integrated throughout the homes, including Wi-Fi-connected Lutron Caséta lighting controls, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth entry locks and high-efficiency HVAC systems with temperature sensors and smart thermostats.

The two-car garages are spray-foam insulated and temperature controlled, with custom-painted floors, EV charging readiness and Wi-Fi-controlled garage door openers with cameras.

(more…)


News

Good Thursday morning, Alexandria! Today is Thursday, July 3, the 184th day of 2025. There are 181 days left in the year. On this day in 1775, Gen. George Washington took command of the Continental Army at Cambridge, Massachusetts.

☀️ Today’s weather: Sunny, with a high near 91 degrees. Calm wind becoming northwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. Mostly clear tonight, with a low around 69 degrees. Light and variable wind.


News

Alexandria police are investigating after a driver struck a pedestrian with a vehicle on Executive Avenue Wednesday evening.

The incident occurred in the 3800 block of Executive Avenue, prompting a significant police response to the scene. According to the Alexandria Police Department, the driver remained at the location after the crash.


Event

A mystery is brewing at Cherry on Top!

Join us for a thrilling Murder Mystery Night filled with secrets, unexpected twists, and a little detective work. Follow the clues, uncover hidden motives, and see if you can solve the mystery before the night is over!


News

A man found deceased this morning (July 2) with a gunshot wound to his head and black duct tape wrapped around his mouth in Holmes Run Park shot himself, according to a preliminary report from the Alexandria Police Department.

APD was notified at around 6:45 a.m. that a man with black duct tape wrapped around his mouth was found lying on the ground near a picnic table in the 5200 block of Holmes Run Parkway, according to dispatch reports. Police are conducting an investigation into the death, and the investigation is ongoing, according to APD.


News

What is your hope for the future of Duke Street?

That’s one of the many questions the city is asking as it ramps up 18-24 months of planning for the Duke Street Land Use Plan, a document to guide city officials in the development of the Duke Street Corridor from the former Landmark Mall to Alexandria Union Station.


News

If you’ve got a hankering for strawberry rhubarb vodka, look no further than Del Ray.

For the last year and a half, Orkney Springs Distillery has bottled and sold small batches of gluten-free, organic gin and vodka at its facility at 3125 Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray. The award-winning recipes are all made on a 140-acre farm in the Shenandoah Valley, and the Del Ray tasting room costs $30 per person and is open by appointment only.


News

A sweeping redevelopment promises to bring fresh amenities and improved access to Eugene Simpson Stadium Park, but staff at the Alexandria YMCA say that the project will have a severe impact on the nonprofit.

Plans presented at a recent community meeting reveal that 53 city-owned parking spaces in front of the YMCA, located at 420 E. Monroe Avenue, have been designated as a construction area. The actual construction of the project, which was unanimously approved by the City Council in 2023, is scheduled to begin this month and is expected to be completed by September 2026, with a phased reopening of the park starting in August 2026.


News

Capital Bikeshare announced Monday (June 30) that it will increase prices across all membership tiers starting August 1, marking the first price adjustment since 2021 as the bike-sharing system grapples with unprecedented ridership growth and rising operational expenses.

The price hikes will affect both casual users and committed members, with annual memberships jumping from $95 to $120 and 30-day passes rising from $20 to $25. Day passes will increase from $8 to $10, while electric bike usage fees will climb from 10 cents to 15 cents per minute for members.