News

Alexandria officials are working to get to the root of the problem — literally — as they battle the ongoing influx of spotted lanternflies.

The city is among those across Northern Virginia working to cull tree-of-heaven, a tree species that serves as a host to the spotted lanternfly, an invasive pest that arrived in the U.S. from China in 2014 and has been wreaking havoc since.


News

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On August 24 and 25, 1874, about 50 teachers and other interested parties attended the Teachers’ Institute at the Peabody School building at King and Alfred streets. The superintendent of Alexandria’s schools addressed the audience as did educators from Washington, D.C., and New Orleans, speaking on topics such as ‘The Teaching of History’ and ‘School Hygiene.'” [Historic Alexandria]

First Day of School Today at ACPS — Monday, Aug. 24 marks the start of the school year for Alexandria City Public Schools students. ACPS has a back to school guide with information for the 2026-2027 school year. [ACPS]


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 Friday 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 — Aug 21, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Herd of goats recruited to tackle invasive plants in an Alexandria park (3288 views)
  2. Morning Notes for August 21, 2026 (575 views)
  3. Poll: The best live music venue in Alexandria (443 views)

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  1. Alexandria teen pleads not guilty in manslaughter trial over fatal Potomac Yard Metro chase (6395 views)
  2. JUST IN: Thousands without power along Quaker Lane in Alexandria (6340 views)
  3. Elderly Alexandria woman loses $77K in scam involving multiple impersonators (6245 views)
  4. Van Metre buys land for 110 townhomes at Alexandria’s WestEnd development (5027 views)
  5. National Symphony Orchestra to utilize Alexandria venue amid Kennedy Center shutdown plans (3795 views)
  6. Long-awaited splash pad to open in Del Ray in early September, city says (3077 views)
  7. Alexandria teen found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in man’s death after Potomac Yard Metro chase (2902 views)
  8. Horror and sci-fi bookstore Long Dark House to hold grand opening in early September (2428 views)
  9. Developer wants Prince Street office conversion project to wrap by summer 2027 (1516 views)
  10. Alexandria’s Hypergoat Coffee Roasters is expanding with a second location in Del Ray (1504 views)
  11. Residents pack Beatley Library forum on Plaza 500 data center plans near Alexandria (1305 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

Here are the events planned for Sunday:

⛈️ Saturday’s forecast

Expect showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 pm, followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms until 5 pm, with areas of fog in the morning. The high will be near 79°F with east winds at 3 to 7 mph. Rainfall could reach a quarter to half an inch, and there is an 80% chance of precipitation. Saturday night will bring scattered showers and thunderstorms from 8 pm to 11 pm, then isolated showers, with mostly cloudy skies and a low around 68°F. Winds will be light and variable, with a 50% chance of precipitation. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
– Wayne Gretzky

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

We hope you have a great weekend, Alexandria!


News

Just in time for school, AT&T gave away 115 free refurbished laptops to students and families at its Potomac Yard location in Alexandria on Thursday (Aug. 20).

With a waitlist of more than 7,000 people, the 115 recipients were pre-selected via lottery. The event was the last of 10 distributions across the country this summer.


Event

Curious about strength training but not sure where to start? Or perhaps you're looking for a more efficient alternative to traditional gyms?

Imperium Strength & Longevity invites the Alexandria community to an Open House on Sunday, November 1, from 11 AM to 2 PM.


News

In a developed city like Alexandria, residents may soon be surprised to find four-legged landscapers wandering a West End park.

Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities is launching a pilot program to bring 35 to 40 goats to All Veterans Park (4725 Duke Street). Starting Sept. 8, the herd of goats will be brought to graze on invasive plants on the slopes of the park. The invasive plants being targeted in the pilot program are kudzu, garlic mustard and multiflora rose.


News

Bagel Uprising is on a roll.

This Nov. 15, the Del Ray-based bagel shop will be participating with more than 25 of the top bagel shops around the country in the coveted New York BagelFest, the world’s premier bagel-making competition. After Bagel Uprising’s application last year to participate in the international festival and competition was denied, co-owner Chad Breckinridge says it’s an honor to be featured in the competition alongside Dallas-based Starship Bagel, New York City’s Utopia Bagels and Spain’s Si Si Bagels.


Opinion

Between full venues that can accommodate larger audiences and neighborhood outposts that serve up food and drinks with performances, Alexandria residents have a range of live music options they can check out without leaving the city.

Here are the nominees for “Best Live Music Venue in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your go-to music venue? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Dog Park 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 Taco Spot in Alexandria. The results are now official:

1. La Tingeria

2. Taqueria Poblano

3. Taqueria Picoso


Around Town

The Mount Vernon Trail has secured a place in Rails to Trails Conservancy’s catalog of the nation’s best trails.

Trails advocacy organization Rails to Trails Conservancy announced that the Mount Vernon Trail received 58% of public votes to win the Hall of Fame accolade. The other nominees were National Battlefield Trail in Texas and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Ohio. Public voting was open from Aug. 5 to 16.