News

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Apr 24, 2026

By ALXnow.com

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 — Apr 24, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. UPDATED: No charges sought after vehicle crash into building in Old Town – UPDATED: No charges sought after vehicle crash into building in Old Town (5111 views)
  2. Poll: The best breakfast spot in Alexandria – Poll: The best breakfast spot in Alexandria (3253 views)
  3. Driver sentenced in Alexandria crash that killed pedestrian on sidewalk (2181 views)

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

  1. UPDATED: Adult pedestrian killed in Old Town North crash (12028 views)
  2. JUST IN: Sen. Mark Warner and wife announce daughter’s death (10540 views)
  3. Two men charged after woman fights off armed robbery attempt in Braddock neighborhood (7403 views)
  4. Marks claims win in City Council race, Alexandrians largely support redistricting (5872 views)
  5. Alexandria Library Board faces backlash after ousting member over city takeover study (5489 views)
  6. City Council backs plan to replace Old Town office with 32 townhomes (4865 views)
  7. Tiki pop-up bar opens today at waterfront restaurant in Alexandria (4121 views)
  8. Coffee shop owners seek support after abrupt closure of Valletta Port (3479 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

Showers are likely today, with possible thunderstorms after 5 PM, and mostly cloudy skies with a high near 66°F. Expect east winds at 10 to 13 mph, gusting up to 22 mph, and a 60% chance of rain with minimal accumulation except during thunderstorms. Overnight, showers and thunderstorms continue with a low around 47°F, northeast winds around 14 mph, gusts up to 22 mph, and a 90% chance of precipitation with new rainfall between a quarter and half an inch. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“The purpose of our lives is to be happy.”
– Dalai Lama

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

We hope you have a great weekend, Alexandria!

News

Driver sentenced in Alexandria crash that killed pedestrian on sidewalk

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

A driver has been sentenced for a fatal crash that killed a pedestrian walking on a sidewalk in April 2025, according to the Alexandria Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

Jilmar Doria Medina, 43, of Accokeek, Md., was sentenced April 9 in Alexandria Circuit Court to six years in prison. Medina was convicted on a felony charge of aggravated involuntary manslaughter and a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of 0.15-0.20 after a four-day jury trial in December 2025. He is being held without bail at the Alexandria jail pending his transfer to prison.

Go to Driver sentenced in Alexandria crash that killed pedestrian on sidewalk Read more
News

UPDATED: No charges sought after vehicle crash into building in Old Town

By James Cullum
Lily's Chocolate & Coffee remains open to customers after a vehicle struck it in a two-vehicle crash Friday, April 24 (staff photo by James Cullum)

One minor injury was reported after a vehicle crashed into a building at the corner of King and Washington Streets in Old Town.

The Alexandria Police and Fire Departments were called to the 600 block of King Street at 1:34 p.m. and found a two-vehicle crash involving a green SUV with Maryland tags and a gray sedan with Virginia tags. The gray vehicle had come to rest against the side of 631 King Street, home to Lily’s Chocolate and Coffee. Staff at the shop said they are still open and that nothing was damaged.

Go to UPDATED: No charges sought after vehicle crash into building in Old Town Read more
Event

Alexandria Sister Cities’ Whisky Tasting

Lyceum

201 S Washington St

Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Website Contact Social

Raise a glass to culture and camaraderie at the 2026 whisky tasting event. Guests will enjoy a guided tasting across the whisky regions of Scotland, gaining insights into the craftsmanship and culture behind each pour. This informative program will help you learn all about the rich tapestry that is Scotch whisky, enable you to sample five different whiskies from across Scotland, and provide an opportunity to ask questions and share personal insights. VIP ticket holders will receive two additional exclusive samples of rare whiskies. All attendees will take home a souvenir Glencairn glass, perfect for continuing their whisky journey. Tickets are $100 for VIP or $75 for general admission (listed as a separate event on Alexandriava.gov/Shop), with hors d’oeuvres included. Wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for non-whisky drinkers. A raffle will also be held with prizes, with tickets available for cash purchase at the event. Minimum age: 21. All proceeds support the Alexandria Sister Cities Committee and its mission to support the educational and cultural exchanges between Alexandria, VA and her sister cities of Dundee, Scotland and Helsingborg, Sweden.

Please note: You do not need to print off tickets. Your name will be on the registration list for the event.

Go to Alexandria Sister Cities’ Whisky Tasting Read more
Around Town

The Perfect Pita reopens after scaled-down renovations in Old Town North

By Katie Taranto
The Perfect Pita in Old Town North (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A Mediterranean restaurant in Old Town North has reopened after temporarily closing for renovations.

The Perfect Pita reopened earlier this week at 951 N. Fairfax Street. The restaurant’s previous plans for a second level and additional interior seating never materialized, but the newly renovated space features an expanded kitchen, a new shop counter and forthcoming outdoor seating.

Go to The Perfect Pita reopens after scaled-down renovations in Old Town North Read more
News

Sheriff blasts budget cut by City Council to study U.S. Marshals Service jail contract

By James Cullum
Sheriff Sean Casey speaks at the 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Alexandria's Market Square, Sept. 11, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Sheriff Sean Casey is criticizing a recent Alexandria City Council decision to take $200,000 from his budget for a jail operational efficiency study, while Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley says the city should reevaluate whether it wants to maintain a longstanding contract between the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service.

On Tuesday, City Council moved forward with a proposal by Bagley and City Councilman Abdel Elnoubi to conduct the study, despite objections from Casey and members of his staff. At last Saturday’s public budget hearing, Casey said his office cannot afford the $200,000 budget reduction and asked City Council, “Do you want to be in the jail business?”

Go to Sheriff blasts budget cut by City Council to study U.S. Marshals Service jail contract Read more
News

City Council special election winner Sandy Marks to be sworn in May 12

By James Cullum
Democrat Sandy Marks claims victory in the City Council special election (via James Minichello Photography)

Democrat Sandy Marks, the winner of the April 21 City Council special election, will be sworn into office Tuesday, May 12, according to the city.

Marks will get sworn in before City Council at some point during its legislative meeting at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center (4850 Mark Center Drive), the city confirmed to ALXnow. An exact time for the swearing-in ceremony has not been set, although it will be administered by Clerk of Court Greg Parks.

Go to City Council special election winner Sandy Marks to be sworn in May 12 Read more
Around Town

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Arturo, an adventurous and energetic pup

By Emily Leayman
Adoptable dog Arturo (via Animal Welfare League of Alexandria)

Meet Arturo, a 2-year-old dog who would love a family that can keep up with his energetic nature.

Arturo is a young dog who has started his training but has much more potential to learn tricks through the motivation of treats. He would enjoy activities like a treat puzzle, chasing balls, and going on a run or hike, an Animal Welfare League of Alexandria volunteer told ALXnow.

Go to Adoptable Pet of the Week: Arturo, an adventurous and energetic pup Read more
View More Stories