The Federal Aviation Administration is implementing sweeping safety measures at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. These changes include permanent restrictions on non-essential helicopter operations and the closure of a controversial flight route.
These actions come after urgent recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board following a deadly midair collision on January 29 between a U.S. Army helicopter and a commercial airliner that claimed 67 lives.
There’s nothing like a new pair of shoes. This afternoon, all James K. Polk Elementary School students in Alexandria’s West End received free sneakers.
That’s 770 pairs of shoes, all donated to the students by Pennsylvania-based nonprofit Operation Warm and Georgia-based builder Beazer Homes. The event was just one in a handful today across the country that the companies are offering to school systems.
Many people who look into estate planning ask, “What is the difference between wills and trusts?” While both wills and trusts deal with estate planning, they serve different purposes. In this post, the legal team of PJI Law, PLC, estate planning lawyers from Fairfax, VA, outline the key principles of wills, trusts, and their role in asset protection.
Here are the basic features of wills and trusts:
While we recommend that everyone have at least a will (whether or not you also have a trust), trusts aren’t strictly necessary for all individuals. Trusts are particularly helpful for individuals who have assets that are potentially going through probate, own property across several states, or have minor children.
A will, also known as a last will and testament, is a legal document specifying how the will maker wishes to handle asset distribution and other affairs after their death. A will typically includes all of the principal’s assets, such as real estate, vehicles, and other property, and usually a list of debts. A will may also provide directions for a funeral or memorial service.
Usually, every will must go through a probate court before execution. In some states, it may be possible to avoid probate under specific conditions. Certain assets, such as insurance policies and retirement accounts, may, if planned properly, pass directly to named beneficiaries without probate. (more…)
What a busy week it’s been in Alexandria.
Our top story was on big changes planned for 400 King Street in Old Town. The building takes over an entire city block and is currently home to The Alexandrian Old Town Hotel at 480 King Street and Southern restaurant King & Rye.
Construction recently started for a Chipotle restaurant at 3672 King Street in the Bradlee Shopping Center.
The interior renovation of the space started a couple weeks ago. No opening date has been set.
Come celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s War for Independence with renowned music historians David & Ginger Hildebrand for performances of special period music. The Hildebrands will don period attire to discuss and perform music associated with Alexandria’s sister cities: Caen, France; Dundee, Scotland; Helsingborg, Sweden; and Gyumri, Armenia. Scottish music was especially influential in the American colonies, and once the French joined the Revolutionary cause there were musical celebrations for Generals LaFayette, Rochambeau and other French leaders. This concert event is part of the “Alexandria commemorates America’s 250” campaign. David & Ginger specialize in researching, recording, and performing early American music. Since 1980 they have presented concerts and educational programs throughout the country and abroad at museums, historic sites, schools and universities. Mount Vernon, The National Gallery of Art, The National Archives, and Colonial Williamsburg are among their many past sponsors.
Tickets are $20.
Here in Alexandria, real estate is a spectator sport. Let’s take a look at some of the most and least expensive condos sold last month (February 2025).
Most expensive condos sold
Good Friday morning, Alexandria!
The City of Alexandria invites the community to a resource fair, “The Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Bonanza“, on Thursday, March 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Market Square (301 King St.).
According to the city, this is an opportunity for residents to learn about key investments in youth programming, housing, public safety, infrastructure, and economic development. City staff will be on site to answer questions, provide resources, and collect feedback.
Drivers can expect delays on Interstate 495 in Alexandria tonight and early Friday (March 14), as the Woodrow Wilson Bridge is scheduled for maintenance openings.
The city released the following announcement on social media:
The latest site plan for one of the last undeveloped areas of the Alexandria waterfront—Robinson Terminal North—envisions restaurants, retail, apartments, expanded open space, and even a hotel.
The Planning Commission will review a development special use permit (DSUP) proposal and site plan for the former industrial site in Old Town North on May 6 (Tuesday).
