This story has been updated to provide the latest timeline on the jury verdict.
A 27-year-old Alexandria man charged with first-degree murder in the death of his former roommate has pleaded not guilty and now awaits a jury’s verdict.
This story has been updated to provide the latest timeline on the jury verdict.
A 27-year-old Alexandria man charged with first-degree murder in the death of his former roommate has pleaded not guilty and now awaits a jury’s verdict.
Meet Ginger, a young dog looking for a calm environment to make her home.
This petite pup has a gentle spirit and has plenty of love to give once she warms up to you. An AWLA volunteer told ALXnow she needs a family with a bit of patience and would like to avoid loud, chaotic settings.
Steeped in history yet thoughtfully reimagined for modern living, this exceptional detached residence, originally built in the 1880s, seamlessly blends timeless architecture with sophisticated luxury. Following an extensive renovation and expansion completed between 2022 and 2025, every detail has been meticulously curated to honor the home's historic character while introducing today's finest finishes and amenities. Spanning nearly 3,200 finished square feet, the home offers four to five spacious bedrooms, three full and one half baths, and beautifully proportioned living spaces with soaring ceilings, oversized windows, and an abundance of natural light. The striking rear addition is defined by a dramatic wall of rare floor-to-ceiling black Marvin windows and doors, creating a stunning architectural statement while seamlessly connecting the interior living spaces to the private rear courtyard. The expanded kitchen and family room serve as the heart of the home, thoughtfully designed for both everyday living and effortless entertaining. The chef's kitchen showcases custom inset cabinetry, Honed Danby marble countertops and full-height backsplash, herringbone hardwood flooring, high-end hardware and fixtures, and a premium suite of Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, including a paneled refrigerator and dishwasher, built-in espresso/coffee maker, and wine refrigerator. The thoughtfully designed addition introduced a versatile upper-level bedroom or second family room, further enhancing the home's adaptable floor plan. The upper levels offer exceptional flexibility, with the ability to create multiple bedroom configurations, including two distinct primary suite options, private offices, or additional living spaces. Front and rear staircases provide seamless access between the main and upper levels, while a convenient bedroom-level laundry room further enhances the home's thoughtful design and everyday livability. Throughout the residence, refined finishes and bespoke details elevate every space. Original hardwood floors have been beautifully refinished, complemented by new hardwood flooring, elegant millwork and built-in cabinetry, designer lighting and wallpaper, a timeless Benjamin Moore neutral paint palette, plantation shutters, and fully renovated bathrooms appointed with designer finishes. Modern conveniences, including new custom-crafted interior doors with crystal "Old Town" knobs and custom-built front and side entry doors, have been seamlessly integrated while preserving the home's historic integrity. Outside, the private rear courtyard has been transformed into a tranquil outdoor retreat featuring full-color flagstone hardscaping, automatic landscape lighting, and discreet built-in storage. A rare private alleyway and side entrance further enhance both privacy and convenience, while an additional 500 square feet of basement storage with both interior and exterior access provides exceptional functionality. In addition to the improvements and renovations throughout, all major systems have been updated. Perfectly positioned in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, 220 S. Fairfax Street offers the rare opportunity to experience historic charm paired with every modern luxury. Located on one of the most coveted blocks in the Southeast Quadrant, the home is just one and a half blocks from King Street and only three blocks from the scenic Potomac River waterfront, placing acclaimed restaurants, charming cafes, boutique shopping, vibrant neighborhood parks, and the very best of Old Town just moments from your front door.
On This Day in Alexandria History — “On May 22, 1802, Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, wife of the nation’s first president, died of a severe fever at age 70, in the small, third-floor bed-chamber at Mount Vernon that she had moved to after her husband’s death in 1799. In the extended period of her bereavement, her health declined steadily, and a visitor to Mount Vernon in 1801 remarked, “She speaks of death as a pleasant journey.” Although technically America’s first “First Lady” that term was not in presidential jargon at the time George Washington served as Commander in Chief, and she was instead referred to simply as “Lady Washington.” A year after Washington died, his widow freed all slaves previously under his ownership and closed up their former bedroom on the second floor of the expansive residence, moving to a small room on the third floor. She was interred beside the “Father of Our County” on the grounds of the estate.” [Historic Alexandria]
Memorial Day Travel Forecast — “In its Memorial Day Weekend travel forecast, AAA said a record 45 million Americans are expected to travel 50 or more miles from home for Labor Day Weekend, Most of them — 39.1 million — will be driving. All modes of travel are expected to increase this year.” [Patch]
Good Thursday evening, Alexandria. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — May 21, 2026.
Here are today’s most-read articles:
Here is what’s going on Friday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
Expect rain before 5 p.m., followed by showers, with a high of around 61°F. East winds will be 9 to 14 mph, with gusts up to 18 mph, and an 80% chance of up to a quarter-inch of precipitation. Friday night will have showers until 11 p.m., then more rain, with a low of about 51°F, east winds at 8 to 13 mph, and a 100% chance of similar rainfall. See more from Weather.gov.
“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”
– Albert Einstein
Thanks for reading!
Join us for the October 10th Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market!
Saturday, October 10
9am-2pm
The Alexandria School Board is asking City Council to use emergency funds to help preserve a $350,000 program that supports high-needs students.
In a joint letter to City Council, Chair Michelle Rief said the School Board is navigating difficult choices between staff and programming cuts. The request comes after City Council approved its Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, leaving a $5.6 million gap for the school system’s proposed $12.7 million collective bargaining agreement. Proposed budget cuts to fill the gap include reducing the partnership with Communities In Schools of Northern Virginia (CIS NOVA), which provides 10 bilingual staffers at Alexandria City High School, Francis Hammond Middle School, Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 School and Samuel Tucker, John Adams and William Ramsay Elementary Schools.
After pool drownings of children 5 and under reached a five-year high last year in Virginia, state health officials are urging families to take a “safe swimming pledge” as pools open for the season.
In 2025, there were 12 accidental drownings of children aged 5 and under in Virginia — more than the nine reported over the prior three years: three in 2024, two in 2023 and four in 2022. Virginia reported 473 drownings in all bodies of water between 2020 and 2024.
An Alexandria man faces illegal entry and public intoxication charges after allegedly breaking into the Seminary Hill home of a co-worker’s relatives, rummaging around and stealing clothing, according to a recently released search warrant affidavit.
On April 9, the homeowners provided police with video surveillance showing the suspect entering the home in the 200 block of N. Quaker Lane, as well as audio of him allegedly opening kitchen cabinets, according to the affidavit. The suspect was arrested less than a mile away on a public intoxication charge, a Class 4 misdemeanor with a $250 fine. He was later charged with entering a property to damage, a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
More details have been released regarding the former D.C. police officer facing more than two dozen felony sexual assault charges in Alexandria.
Timothy Valentin, 30, of Fort Washington, Md., goes to court in August on charges of rape by force, rape by incapacitation and abduction with intent to defile after a sexual assault that allegedly occurred in the overnight hours between Saturday, April 12, and Sunday, April 13, 2025.
An earlier version of this article said the Little Birdie preview will happen Saturday, May 23. The preview is being rescheduled for next Saturday, May 30.
Little Birdie, the sister restaurant of Matt & Tony’s All Day Kitchen + Bar, will host a preview ahead of its June opening in Del Ray.