News

An Azerbaijani bakery and cafe has applied for a change of ownership for the former Chewish Deli at 1640 King Street.

Despite stellar reviews, Sharbat Bakery & Cafe closed its D.C. location earlier this year. Now owners Ilhama Safarova and Natavan Aliyeva are asking the city to also approve adding outdoor tables and chairs to the proposed shop.


News

Alexandria resident Ahmad Reshad Nasseri, 33, was indicted yesterday by a grand jury with two counts of felony rape and one count of felony aggravated sexual battery.

Nasseri, a Lyft driver, allegedly picked up an intoxicated woman at a D.C. restaurant on Friday, July 18, then took her to his apartment on the 5000 block of Seminary Road. Nasseri allegedly assaulted her in the apartment before driving her to the Van Dorn Metro station.


Sponsored

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.

Wills and Trusts in a Nutshell

Here are the basic features of wills and trusts:

A Will

  • Only comes into effect once the will maker is deceased
  • States who will receive the decedent’s assets
  • Appoints an executor to carry out the decedent’s wishes
  • Is potentially contestable and must go through probate, a legal examination by the court

A Trust

  • Can take effect immediately after its creation
  • Allows a person or an institution (a “trustee”) to hold assets for beneficiaries
  • Can distribute property before or after the trustor’s passing
  • Can be irrevocable or revocable/changeable
  • Assets in trust generally avoid probate

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.

Wills: the Basics of Estate Planning

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…)


News

An “Asian and Japanese restaurant” wants to open in the former Red Lobster on S. Van Dorn Street.

The owners of Yami Buffett recently filed a special use permit application for change of ownership and increased seating at 555 S. Van Dorn Street. That’s the former longtime home of Red Lobster, which abruptly closed on Aug. 31.


News

Bakery chain Paris Baguette announced that its new Seminary Hill location (4616 Kenmore Avenue) is having a grand opening this weekend.

The location is set to open its doors on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. and the first 50 guests will receive a free pastry.


Event

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.


News

Good Tuesday morning, Alexandria!

🌧️ Today’s weather: Showers are likely after 1pm, with a cloudy high near 61 and calm winds turning south at 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 60%, with less than a tenth of an inch expected. Tuesday night will see rain, potentially heavy, with a low of 56, south wind at 6 to 10 mph, and a 100% chance of precipitation, with half to three-quarters of an inch possible.


News

It was a festive Sunday with holiday music at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.

The Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic and the Alexandria Choral Society performed their sold-out “Holiday Dreams” concert.


News

An Alexandria judge dismissed a civil contempt charge he previously levied against a local attorney for missing her scheduled court date.

Defense attorney Sameera Ali faced 10 days in jail and a fine for not appearing in Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court on Nov. 19.


News

The driver of a vehicle involved in a wrong-way pursuit into Old Town this morning has been arrested, though two other suspects remain at large.

Around 3 a.m. this morning (Monday), Virginia State Police (VSP) attempted to stop a stolen vehicle at the intersection of Route 1 and Quander Road in Fairfax County.