News

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Oct 23, 2026

By ALXnow.com

Good Friday evening, Alexandria. Here’s a look back at today’s most-read stories and a look ahead to tomorrow.

📈 Today’s most-read stories

  1. Poll: The best pizza places in Alexandria (1,295 views)
  2. Alexandria leaders say proposal to merge local bus services is ‘problematic’
  3. Del Ray Halloween Parade returns for weekend of spooky events in Alexandria

🕗 More from today

Everything else we published today, Oct 23, 2026.

📣 Announcements

Alexandria Fitness Studio for People Over 50 Closes Fall Into Fitness Program in 11 Days
Revolutionary Fitness, the semi-private strength and longevity studio at 215 N. Payne St. in… [Announcement]

Army Navy Game Day 5k and 10k Run, sponsored by the Washington, D.C. Foreign Area Officers Association
Attention all runners, joggers, and Army Navy fans! Come join us on Saturday, 12 December 2026… [Announcement]

📅 Upcoming events

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

Here are the events planned for Sunday:

⭐ Featured events

🎭 Halloween Improv Comedy Show with the Auxiliary
Oct 24: Join the Auxiliary Improv for a night of Halloween-themed comedy in Old Town, Alexandria VA! [Event]

CatRad Halloween Eve!
Oct 30: Join us for our second annual CatRad Halloween Eve! A night of ghoulish fun, spooky treats… [Event]

Imperium Open House: Discover a Smarter Way to Get Stronger
Nov 1: Explore a different approach to strength training at Imperium’s free open house in Old Town Alexandria. [Event]

Dialogue for Democracy
Nov 3: Dialogue for Democracy invites high school students from across the DMV to George Mason University. [Event]

How Retirement Communities Work – A Free Workshop
Nov 4: Interested in learning about how Continuing Care Retirement Communities work, but don’t know where to start? Join us on 11/4 to learn more! [Event]

Submit events, announcements, or home listings to ALXnow.

🌤️ Weather update

Today: Alexandria saw a high of 64° at 2:00 p.m. (3° below normal), a low of 48° at 5:55 a.m., no rain and a peak gust of 16 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 42. Northeast wind 1 to 5 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 65. Northeast wind 1 to 6 mph.

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Friday’s sunset

The photo above is from the City of Alexandria’s marina webcam.

Thanks for reading!

Around Town

Del Ray Halloween Parade returns for weekend of spooky events in Alexandria

By Angela Woolsey
The Del Ray Halloween Parade on Oct. 26, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Spooky season will be in full swing throughout Alexandria this weekend.

Led by the return of Del Ray’s popular Halloween parade for its 30th year, the next few days will also bring Old Town’s annual trick-or-treat event, an exploration of 18th-century mourning at Carlyle House, and even themed improv comedy shows and fitness crawls.

Go to Del Ray Halloween Parade returns for weekend of spooky events in Alexandria Read more
Sponsored

Only four townhomes remain at Brooks Estate: One elevator home remains

By Sponsor
Image from Only four townhomes remain at Brooks Estate: One elevator home remains
Image from Only four townhomes remain at Brooks Estate: One elevator home remains
Image from Only four townhomes remain at Brooks Estate: One elevator home remains
Image from Only four townhomes remain at Brooks Estate: One elevator home remains
Image from Only four townhomes remain at Brooks Estate: One elevator home remains
Image from Only four townhomes remain at Brooks Estate: One elevator home remains
Image from Only four townhomes remain at Brooks Estate: One elevator home remains
Image from Only four townhomes remain at Brooks Estate: One elevator home remains
Image from Only four townhomes remain at Brooks Estate: One elevator home remains
Image from Only four townhomes remain at Brooks Estate: One elevator home remains
Image from Only four townhomes remain at Brooks Estate: One elevator home remains
Image from Only four townhomes remain at Brooks Estate: One elevator home remains
Image from Only four townhomes remain at Brooks Estate: One elevator home remains
Image from Only four townhomes remain at Brooks Estate: One elevator home remains
Image from Only four townhomes remain at Brooks Estate: One elevator home remains
1/15

Only four remain: Inside Brooks Estate’s luxury townhomes in Old Town Alexandria

One private-elevator residence remains, with special low-interest-rate financing and builder-paid closing costs available.

By Brett Rice

Only four residences remain at Brooks Estate, a collection of 13 luxury townhomes in Old Town Alexandria, just two-and-a-half blocks from King Street–Old Town Metro. The homes are complete and available for immediate purchase—and only one remaining residence includes a private elevator.

For buyers considering a move, the builder is offering special incentives, including low-interest-rate financing and builder-paid closing costs, subject to eligibility and offer terms. It is an opportunity to purchase a fully appointed new home with a two-car garage, a rooftop terrace and the convenience of Old Town living.

Brooks Estate’s remaining residences range from approximately 2,600 to 2,900 square feet across four spacious levels. Each is designed for four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms, with home-office and open-loft options that accommodate different ways of living. Pricing now starts at $2,197,500, with all existing upgrades and options included in the listed price.

At Brooks Estate, luxury comes standard. Buyers can see the finishes, experience the spaces and understand what is included before making their decision.

Four distinctive residences. One final elevator home.

The remaining collection includes The Kendall at 109 N West Street, offered at $2,197,500; The Claire at 107 N West Street, offered at $2,400,000; The Masonic View at 1330 Cameron Street, offered at $2,435,000; and The Henry at 121 N West Street, offered at $2,735,000.

The Henry is the final available residence with a private elevator and also features a rear yard. The Claire serves as the furnished model home and is itself available for purchase.

All four homes include two-car garages and private rooftop terraces—features that bring everyday convenience and outdoor space to a historic urban setting. Buyers can explore the floor plans and finishes at BrooksEstateOT.com or arrange a personal walkthrough with Brett Rice of RE/MAX Executives.

Traditional architecture, thoughtfully finished interiors

Brooks Estate blends modern comfort with architectural details that complement Old Town Alexandria. Graceful arches connect living spaces, while crown moldings, custom millwork and carefully selected materials give the interiors a distinctive character.

Custom cabinetry, polished quartz surfaces and professional-series Thermador appliances create chef-inspired kitchens made for quiet mornings and lively gatherings. Custom-built rift- and quarter-sawn white oak range hoods and island surrounds add warmth and craftsmanship.

The hardwood flooring, supplied and installed by Arlandria Floors in Del Ray, is 5-inch-wide European white oak, sanded and finished on site. Nine- and ten-foot ceilings and generous windows enhance the sense of light and space.

Spa-inspired baths feature tiled walk-in showers, soaking tubs in select bathrooms and Wi-Fi-controlled heated floors in the primary bath.

Smart features that make daily life easier

Technology is thoughtfully integrated throughout the homes, including Wi-Fi-connected Lutron Caséta lighting controls, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth entry locks and high-efficiency HVAC systems with temperature sensors and smart thermostats.

The two-car garages are spray-foam insulated and temperature controlled, with custom-painted floors, EV charging readiness and Wi-Fi-controlled garage door openers with cameras.

(more…)

News

Alexandria appoints D.C.’s 911 chief as emergency communications director

By James Cullum
Heather McGaffin has been hired as Alexandria's director of the Department of Emergency and Customer Communications (via City of Alexandria)

Alexandria has hired Heather McGaffin as director of its Department of Emergency and Customer Communications.

McGaffin, who worked most recently as the director of the District of Columbia’s Office of Unified Communications, will officially succeed the retiring Renee Gordon on Jan. 4, 2027, according to the city.

Go to Alexandria appoints D.C.’s 911 chief as emergency communications director Read more
News

Family of man who died in APD custody sues city, officers

By James Cullum
The Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse in Alexandria (staff photo by James Cullum)

The family of a 32-year-old man who died in Alexandria Police Department custody last summer has filed a federal lawsuit against the city and the officers involved in his arrest.

The family of Allan Tucker II is asking the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia for relief against the City of Alexandria and two officers involved in his arrest and death on Aug. 15, 2025.

Go to Family of man who died in APD custody sues city, officers Read more
Event

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

White candles lined up along a purple concrete ledge with a purple wall behind, a flower tucked among them.

Event location

Woodson High School

9525 Main Street

Fairfax, Virginia 22031

Add to Calendar

Northern Virginia Fairfax Families for Safe Streets (NoVA FSS) cordially invites you to attend and support our upcoming World Day of Remembrance (WDoR) for Road Traffic Victims.

World Day of Remembrance is an annual event where we honor those whose lives were prematurely ended after being struck by a person driving. This year is particularly painful and sad as we think about the recent death of a 13-year-old Frost middle school student who was struck and killed by a person driving a truck on Pickett Road. We will also honor the nearly 30 other people (as of today’s date) who have been killed on Northern Virginia streets while, walking, biking, or rolling since last year’s day of remembrance.

Go to World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims Read more
Opinion

Poll: The best pizza places in Alexandria

By ALXnow.com
Pizza chef hands off a freshly topped pizza to be served, with two pizzas on a wooden counter and a circular 'Reader ALX now Choice' badge on the right.

For this week’s Readers’ Choice poll, ALXnow is revisiting the question of the best pizza restaurant in Alexandria after readers picked Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap in 2025. In addition to serving up delicious, fresh-out-of-the-oven slices, local pizzerias often become essential gathering spots that help shape the character of neighborhoods throughout the city.

Here are the nominees for Best pizza places in Alexandria as part of our ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards. Did we miss your favorite spot? Write it in!

Voting will close at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

Voting for Best veterinarian in Alexandria is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 11:59 p.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best places to hike in Alexandria. The full results are now official:

  1. 🥇 Mount Vernon Trail — 56 votes
  2. 🥈 Winkler Botanical Preserve — 37 votes
  3. 🥉 Dora Kelley Nature Park — 19 votes
  4. Jones Point Park — 15 votes
  5. Fort Ward Park — 14 votes

From regional facilities like the 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail to local gems like the Dora Kelley Nature Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Alexandria offers a variety of opportunities for both casual and seasoned hikers to stretch their legs despite its relatively small, compact footprint.

A total of 189 votes were cast.

See every ALXnow Readers’ Choice winner, past and present, here.

News

Alexandria leaders say proposal to merge local bus services is ‘problematic’

By Scott McCaffrey
Front view of a blue city bus with DASHBUS.COM on its sign, stopped on a street beside a walkway and wooden railing, trees in the background
A DASH bus driver leaves the Braddock Road Metro station (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria leaders have joined counterparts from across the region in voicing reservations about a proposed consolidation of local bus systems in Northern Virginia.

If enacted, the proposal would roll Alexandria’s DASH system into a broader future operation spanning two counties and two cities that would have a service area totaling about 450 square miles and a population of more than 1.5 million.

Go to Alexandria leaders say proposal to merge local bus services is ‘problematic’ Read more
News

Morning Notes for October 23, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Boats docked at the Old Town waterfront (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Hydrofoil Ferry Talks Revived — “There have long been talks about running ferries on the Potomac and Anacostia, but concerns like costs and feasibility previously waylaid plans … Officials last week presented an early feasibility study envisioning a commuter service using hydrofoil ferries,” with Old Town Alexandria among the potential stops. [Axios DC]

Ground Breaks on Second Heritage Building — “Jair Lynch Real Estate Partners broke ground Tuesday on the second apartment building at The Heritage at Old Town, a 288-unit project at 535 S. Alfred St. that the developer says will be finished in 2029.” Construction on the project’s first building, which will deliver 310 apartments, began in June 2025. [Alexandria Brief]

Maintenance to Affect Duke and King Streets — “Two upcoming maintenance projects beginning the week of October 26 near the railroad tracks along Duke Street and King Street are expected to result in limited traffic impacts to the area. Bridge maintenance work will take place on the deck of the Duke Street bridge over the CSX railroad tracks beginning the week of October 26th.” Virginia Railway Express is also planning track maintenance starting Oct. 28. [City of Alexandria]

State Legislators Consider Building Reforms — “Every three years, Virginia updates its building code, requirements for new construction that account for safety standards and energy efficiency. As the state readies for its next update cycle in 2027, some lawmakers are flagging a series of reforms they argue can help increase housing supply and address affordability issues.” [Virginia Mercury]

Local Man Sentenced for Drug Ring — “Three more men have been sentenced in connection with a drug and prostitution ring operated out of a hotel in Dumfries. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, two men were sentenced on Wednesday in connection with the Red Carpet Inn’s third-floor drug den,” while a third man from Alexandria was sentenced to over 15 years in prison on Sept. 18. [Patch]

Alexandria Business Leaders Recognized — “The Washington Business Journal released its annual ‘Power’ list Tuesday, a list of the region’s most influential business leader with a twist this year, increasing the number from its usual 100 to a list of 250 in honor of the sesquicentennial. Alexandria is well represented. Here’s a look at the leaders who work in Alexandria or have strong ties to the city.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

It’s Friday — Sunny with a high near 63 and northeast winds around 6 to 8 mph. Friday night will be clear, with a low around 40 and a light northeast wind. [NWS]

No time to read? Now you can listen to your local news. Subscribe to the ALXnow Daily Update on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.

News

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Oct 22, 2026

By ALXnow.com

Good Thursday evening, Alexandria. Here’s a look back at today’s most-read stories and a look ahead to tomorrow.

📈 Today’s most-read stories

  1. Pedestrian taken to hospital after crash yesterday in Old Town (1,845 views)
  2. Health food cafe to celebrate grand opening in Carlyle tomorrow
  3. New Freedom House Museum exhibit explores legacy of freed man who enslaved family

🕗 More from today

Everything else we published today, Oct 22, 2026.

📣 Announcements

Alexandria Fitness Studio for People Over 50 Closes Fall Into Fitness Program in 11 Days
Revolutionary Fitness, the semi-private strength and longevity studio at 215 N. Payne St. in… [Announcement]

Army Navy Game Day 5k and 10k Run, sponsored by the Washington, D.C. Foreign Area Officers Association
Attention all runners, joggers, and Army Navy fans! Come join us on Saturday, 12 December 2026… [Announcement]

📅 Upcoming events

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

⭐ Featured events

🎭 Halloween Improv Comedy Show with the Auxiliary
Oct 24: Join the Auxiliary Improv for a night of Halloween-themed comedy in Old Town, Alexandria VA! [Event]

CatRad Halloween Eve!
Oct 30: Join us for our second annual CatRad Halloween Eve! A night of ghoulish fun, spooky treats… [Event]

Imperium Open House: Discover a Smarter Way to Get Stronger
Nov 1: Explore a different approach to strength training at Imperium’s free open house in Old Town Alexandria. [Event]

Dialogue for Democracy
Nov 3: Dialogue for Democracy invites high school students from across the DMV to George Mason University. [Event]

How Retirement Communities Work – A Free Workshop
Nov 4: Interested in learning about how Continuing Care Retirement Communities work, but don’t know where to start? Join us on 11/4 to learn more! [Event]

Submit events, announcements, or home listings to ALXnow.

🌤️ Weather update

Today: Alexandria saw a high of 59° at 8:25 p.m. (8° below normal), a low of 45° at 7:35 a.m. and no rain.

Tonight: Clear, with a low around 47. North wind around 8 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 64. Northeast wind around 9 mph.

About 753 Dominion customers are without power.

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thursday’s sunset

The photo above is from the City of Alexandria’s marina webcam.

Thanks for reading!

News

Prescription Drug Take Back Day returns to Alexandria this Saturday

By Angela Woolsey
Assorted pills, capsules, and tablets in various colors and shapes scattered together.
Mix of pills and medications (Photo by Myriam Zilles on Unsplash)

The Alexandria Police Department’s headquarters and other sites in the city will once again participate in National Prescription Take Back Day, which is returning to communities across the country this Saturday (Oct. 24).

Led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the initiative encourages people to clean out their medicine cabinets and safely dispose of unneeded prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Go to Prescription Drug Take Back Day returns to Alexandria this Saturday Read more
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