News

Longtime land use attorney Mary Catherine Gibbs was sworn in as Alexandria’s newest General District Court judge for the 18th Judicial District.

Gibbs was sworn in Thursday night (June 25) to a six-year term by retired Circuit Court Judge Nolan B. Dawkins. Mayor Alyia Gaskins presented Gibbs with her commission from Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D).


News

After news broke this week that the Tall Ship Providence was suspending operations, a nonprofit aimed at creating a national maritime museum along the Alexandria waterfront has gone public.

Marion Smith, president of the United States Maritime Foundation, told ALXnow the organization has entered into a legal agreement with the property owner at 1 Prince Street and is currently fundraising and looking for a second location for additional programming nearby. He also said the foundation is working to acquire the Tall Ship Providence Foundation’s floating pier, the Tall Ship Providence itself and take over its entire operation at Waterfront Park after signing a memorandum of understanding to do so by 2028.


Sponsored
This recurring Most and Least Expensive Home feature is sponsored by Adrianna Vallario of Compass. Based in the North Ridge area of Alexandria City, Adrianna is more than just a real estate agent – she is a trusted advisor, relocation expert, and community advocate.

In October 2026, 26 detached homes sold, 50 condos sold, and 41 townhomes sold. Detached home sales are down 40% when compared to the same time period last year, condos are down 52%, and townhomes are down 18%.

Most Expensive Detached Home Sales:

Least Expensive Townhome Sales:

3400 Saylor Pl - Listed by DSA Properties, photo from Bright MLS
3400 Saylor Pl – Listed by DSA Properties, photo from Bright MLS

If you have any questions about these listings, or are looking to make a move in the DMV, please contact Adrianna Vallario – Your Alexandria Real Estate Agent.


Around Town

Finn & Fire, an upscale Peruvian and Japanese fusion restaurant focused on steak and seafood, began its soft opening in Old Town.

The restaurant at 111 N. Pitt Street comes from owner Ghazal Amir, who also owns Crab Cab Bar and Kitchen in Fairfax County. It replaces Kismet Modern Indian, which closed in 2025 after nearly four years.


Announcement

Join artist Nora Naranjo Morse (Kha’p’o Owenge ([Santa Clara Pueblo]), creator of Always Becoming, and the community that cares for the museum’s ephemeral outdoor sculpture family, to learn about the project’s evolution over the past two decades, and what the future holds.

Learn about the art of clay, traditions of sustainability in Pueblo building techniques, and more. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly art activities, dance performances by the Zuni Olla Maidens, watch a short film, and multiple opportunities to hear from the artist, her family, and museum experts that have contributed to the care and revitalization of the sculptures.


Opinion

On hot summer days, there’s nothing better than cooling off at a local pool. Alexandria has a variety of options for families, from public pools to swim clubs and even a waterpark with a wave pool and slides.

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

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

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Dog-Friendly Restaurant 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 Ice Cream Shop in Alexandria. The results are now official:

  1. The Dairy Godmother
  2. Pop’s Old Fashion Ice Cream Co
  3. Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato

Event

High school students from across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region are invited to participate in Dialogue for Democracy at George Mason University!

Hosted by the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, this event offers high school students an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about democracy, civic engagement, and the importance of understanding different perspectives.


Around Town

Meet Rufus, a handsome older dog looking for a home for his golden years.

This 10-year-old dog is outgoing and loves to make new friends, according to an Animal Welfare League of Alexandria volunteer. He is eager to make a loving companion for his next family.


News

Maritime Museum on Alexandria Waterfront Sought — “The United States Maritime Foundation is under contract to acquire a site adjacent to Alexandria’s Waterfront Park at 1 Prince St. for the planned museum, expected to be around 50,000 square feet, per Marion Smith, the foundation’s president.” [Washington Business Journal]

Alexandria Resident Julie Carey Retires from NBC4 —”Raised in Iowa in a family of journalists, Carey has lived in Alexandria with her husband, a managing editor for Bloomberg. She has also been active as a volunteer in Alexandria Public Schools and within her church throughout her time in the community.” [The MoCo Show]


News

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 — Jun 25, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. After BID failures, City Council looks for other options to support Old Town business corridor (878 views)
  2. Del Ray eatery gives free milkshakes to customers catching water balloons thrown from roof (730 views)
  3. Pak Soii Izakaya marks Del Ray opening with ribbon cutting today (518 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

⛈️ Friday’s forecast

There is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly after 5 p.m., with partly sunny skies and a high of 92°F. Southwest winds will be 6 to 8 mph. Friday night, there is a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., with patchy fog possible after 3 a.m. It will be mostly cloudy, with a low of around 70°F and variable winds. Rainfall may reach between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
– Martin Luther King Jr.

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!


News

Alexandria City Council voted Tuesday to create an ad hoc committee to discuss possible Alexandria City School Board election reforms such as terms and the size of the nine-member board.

City Council’s approval allows the committee to discuss term lengths, staggered term elections and overall board size and composition. The action comes after School Board Chair Michelle Rief requested the joint committee to seek city charter amendments on School Board terms. Specifically, the School Board is requesting moving members from three-year terms to four-year staggered terms, with one member from each of the three School Board districts being elected each year.


Around Town

Eight months after opening on Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, Pak Soii Izakaya and Bar will hold a ribbon cutting today (Thursday).

The Asian fusion restaurant serving Japanese sushi and Thai street food, the restaurant at 1909 Mount Vernon Avenue had a soft opening last October. The ribbon cutting will be held at 4 p.m. and will be attended by business leaders from the Del Ray Business Association.