Opinion

Poll: The best gym/fitness studio in Alexandria

By ALXnow.com

Whether you prefer yoga, Pilates, strength training or cardio, there is no shortage of options around Alexandria to find gyms and fitness studios.

Here are the nominees for “Best Fitness Studio/Gym in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your go-to gym spot? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Burger Spot 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 Pediatrician Serving Alexandria. The results are now official:

  1. Pediatric Associates of Alexandria
  2. ALL Pediatrics
  3. Neighborhood Health
Around Town

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Niko has a passion for people, outdoor adventures

By Emily Leayman
Niko, an adoptable pet at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (courtesy of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria)

Meet Niko, a dog who has a zest for life and a love for all things people and outdoors.

This 1-year-old dog has a black coat with white markings and weighs 52 pounds. The pup is eager to continue his training — with treats as a reward.

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News

No bond for Woodbridge man charged in Arlandria shooting: police

By James Cullum
Alexandria police cruiser (staff photo by James Jarvis)

A 22-year-old Woodbridge man faces a felony charge for a drive-by shooting in the Arlandria neighborhood, according to an Alexandria Police Department affidavit.

Reinaldo Reyes Bustillo has been held without bond since his arrest on the same day as the incident (Sunday, Feb. 22). The victim told police that he got into a fight with Reyes Bustillo outside a nightclub in Herndon, and afterward returned to Alexandria with three friends in a black Tesla.

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News

Morning Notes for March 20, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Kids at Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School in Alexandria's West End make heart symbols at a school assembly commemorating essential workers in Alexandria City Public Schools on Thursday, March 19. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Governor Appoints AlexRenew CEO to Commission — “Governor Abigail Spanberger has appointed AlexRenew General Manager and CEO Justin Carl to the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB). The interstate advisory body works across state lines to protect the waters of the Potomac River Basin and its resources upon which six million people depend.” [AlexRenew]

ACPS Hosts Essential Workers Appreciation Event — At the event, Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt thanked health care providers, sanitation workers, bus drivers, teachers, police officers and other essential workers as the heartbeat of the school system. “Across our 18 schools, essential workers support students in countless ways,” Kay-Wyatt said. “They transport students safely, prepared nutritious meals, provide health and counseling services, maintain welcoming learning environments and help ensure every school remains safe and supportive.” [ALXnow/ACPS]

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News

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Mar 19, 2026

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 — Mar 19, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. JUST IN: Mayor Gaskins rallies Alexandria church to settle $1M in ARHA back rent (1218 views)
  2. Dok Khao Thai Eatery opens at Alexandria’s Oakville development (630 views)
  3. Construction starts on first residential buildings at former Landmark Mall site (526 views)
  4. Police: Man who threatened Alexandria judges compared himself to Luigi Mangione (477 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

🌦️ Friday’s forecast

Expect scattered showers after 2 PM with increasing clouds and a high near 68°F. Winds will shift from light south to southwest at 8–13 mph, with gusts up to 24 mph. There is a 30% chance of precipitation. Showers are likely Friday night, mainly between 8 PM and 2 AM, with mostly cloudy skies and a low around 49°F. Southwest winds will be 7–10 mph, with gusts up to 18 mph, and a 60% chance of precipitation, with expected rainfall between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!

News

Construction starts on first residential buildings at former Landmark Mall site

By Emily Leayman
Aspect rendering at WestEnd development (courtesy of Foulger Pratt)

The WestEnd redevelopment replacing Landmark Mall has kicked off construction of its first residential buildings, developer Foulger Pratt announced.

Developers broke ground on the two Aspect buildings (Blocks E and G, 5801 Duke Street), which will be connected by a sky bridge. Construction began as the developers secured financing from Atlantic Union Bank, with Truist Bank serving as administrative agent.

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News

JUST IN: Mayor Gaskins rallies Alexandria church to settle $1M in ARHA back rent

By James Cullum
Mayor Alyia Gaskins speaks at the No Kings Rally at Market Square in Old Town, June 14, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Mayor Alyia Gaskins launched the “Fresh Start Initiative” today (Thursday), rallying the city’s faith and nonprofit leaders to pay approximately $1 million in back rent for nearly 450 residents living in the city’s public housing properties.

The initiative brings together the city, the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, the Department of Community and Human Services and nonprofit fundraiser ACT for Alexandria to create a temporary charitable fund to “connect residents to financial empowerment resources, and to ensure improved systems at ARHA,” according to the city. Alfred Street Baptist Church has pledged to raise more than $1 million to cover the back rent. The initiative is solely funded through private donations.

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Around Town

Dok Khao Thai Eatery opens at Alexandria’s Oakville development

By Katie Taranto
Dok Khao Thai Eatery at the Oakville development (staff photo by Emily Leayman)

A new Thai restaurant has opened in Alexandria’s Oakville development, between Potomac Yard and Del Ray.

Dok Khao Thai Eatery is currently in a soft opening at 2514 Richmond Highway with an all-day, Thai street food-inspired menu with more than a dozen specials from owner and chef Porntipa Pattanamekar, also known as “Chef Pat.” The restaurant includes an all-day menu and full-service bar, with space for about 100 guests.

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News

Police: Man who threatened Alexandria judges compared himself to Luigi Mangione

By James Cullum
The Franklin P. Backus Courthouse at 520 King Street in Alexandria (staff photo by James Cullum)

A Maryland man charged with threatening Alexandria judges and Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office staffers allegedly compared himself to Luigi Mangione — the man charged with the 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson — according to an Alexandria Police Department search warrant affidavit.

Lindolfo Pedraza has been held without bond since his Jan. 28 arrest at home in Allegany County, Md., and his case will head to a jury trial on Monday, April 13. The 53-year-old is accused of going to a judge’s home and sending threatening emails to two judges and deputy commonwealth’s attorneys involved in a 2021 case in which he lost custody of his son, according to the recently released search warrant affidavit.

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