Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire honored his 15 predecessors this week with the unveiling of a wall of their portraits.
In the city’s history, there have only ever been 16 police chiefs, and McGuire said the wall recognizes the men who sat in his seat.
City Council will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, July 29 to approve more investigation into the August 2025 death of a man in Alexandria Police Department custody.
Earlier this month, the city’s Independent Community Policing Review Board (ICPRB) voted unanimously to send back an “incomplete” report on the death of Allan Tucker II. Board Chair Deborah Porter told City Council in a July 17 letter that it needs the council’s go-ahead to approve an additional investigation into a sergeant supervisor’s actions, more details on the auditor’s interaction with the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office and clarity behind Independent Police Auditor Ameratu Kamara’s decision to not publicly share disciplinary recommendations against the officers that she gave to Police Chief Tarrick McGuire.
No matter your age, having a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family. A properly prepared will ensures your wishes are carried out, helps reduce family disputes, and can make the estate administration process much smoother.
Unfortunately, many Virginians make avoidable mistakes that can create unnecessary stress and expense for their loved ones. Here are five of the most common.
Online templates and DIY wills may seem like an easy way to save money, but they often create bigger problems later. Virginia law has specific requirements for a valid will, including proper signatures and witness requirements. Even small mistakes can leave a will open to challenges or delay the administration of an estate.
A will shouldn’t be something you create once and forget. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, buying a home, or losing a loved one can all affect your estate plan.
Reviewing your will every few years—or after a major life event—helps ensure it still reflects your wishes and keeps your loved ones protected.
Virginia no longer has a state estate tax, but federal estate taxes may still affect larger estates. As home values and investments continue to grow, more families may find themselves closer to the federal exemption than they expected.
Planning ahead can help minimize tax consequences and preserve more of your estate for your beneficiaries.
For parents, a will does more than distribute assets—it allows you to name a guardian for your minor children. Without that designation, a court may ultimately decide who will care for them.
Many families also choose to establish a trust so inherited assets can be managed responsibly until children reach an age or milestone they determine is appropriate.
Your executor is responsible for carrying out your wishes, paying debts, and distributing your assets. Selecting someone who is organized, trustworthy, and capable of handling those responsibilities is just as important as deciding who inherits your property.
It’s also essential to clearly identify your beneficiaries. Vague language or outdated information can create confusion and, in some cases, disputes among family members.
A will is only one part of a comprehensive estate plan. Depending on your circumstances, you may also benefit from:
Together, these documents can help protect your finances, outline your healthcare wishes, and simplify matters for your family if you’re ever unable to make decisions yourself.
A well-prepared estate plan provides peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. By avoiding these common mistakes and keeping your documents up to date, you can help ensure your wishes are honored while reducing stress for your family in the future.
If it’s been several years since you’ve reviewed your will—or you’ve never created one—it may be time to speak with an experienced Virginia estate planning attorney about your options.
At PJI Law, PLC, we work with clients across Fairfax and Northern Virginia to build estate plans that reflect their intentions and align with Virginia law. Our estate planning attorneys take the time to review your assets, beneficiary designations, business interests, and family structure so your plan works as intended.
Whether you’re creating your first will or revisiting an existing one, our team will help you avoid the mistakes that can undermine your entire estate plan.
Call (703) 865-6100 or contact us online to schedule your complimentary consultation today.
PJI Law, PLC
3900 Jermantown Rd, 2nd Floor
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
(703) 865-6100
https://pjilaw.com
Finding a restaurant that works for the whole family — from picky toddlers to adults seeking variety — can be a challenge in any city. Alexandria has no shortage of family-friendly dining options, from casual spots with children’s menus to restaurants with activities to keep little ones entertained.
Here are the nominees for “Best Family Dinner Spot in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.
Did we miss your go-to restaurant? Write them in!
Voting will close in two weeks.
Voting for the Best Race for Runners 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 Food Truck in Alexandria. The results are now official:
1. La Tingeria
2. Flavor Hive
3. Flavor of Mexico Taco Truck
Meet Ares, a large dog with lots of love to give.
This 4-year-old dog at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria offers a good balance of an energetic and chill nature. Ares enjoys running and playing but won’t want to miss his cuddle time too.
🏡 Ready to Stop Dreaming and Start Planning for Homeownership?
Whether you’re thinking about buying your very first home or preparing for your next move, this FREE Home Buying Class is designed to give you the knowledge and confidence you need to take the next step.
On This Day in Alexandria History — “On July 24, 1946, court approval was sought by the owners of the former residence of Dr. and Mrs. Hugh McGuire at 201 S. Washington Street to demolish the historic structure to make way for contemporary office development of the site. This action prompted a major citizen effort to preserve the structure, built in 1837 as a center for learning and knowledge known as The Lyceum. The original concept to build such a structure in Alexandria was led by local schoolmaster Benjamin Hallowell, and when finished the building included the Alexandria library, exhibits of natural history and science and a large lecture hall on the second floor. Today, the building houses The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, and is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the city.” [Historic Alexandria]
Key Deadlines for Aug. 4 Primaries — July 24 is the deadline for voter registration and to request a mail ballot for the Aug. 4 Democratic and Republican primary elections. After that date, same-day registration will allow new voters to cast a provisional ballot. [ALXnow]
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 — Jul 23, 2026.
Here are today’s most-read articles:
Here is what’s going on Friday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
Expect mostly sunny weather with a high of about 82 degrees, and a calm wind that will pick up to 5 to 8 mph from the east in the morning. Friday night will be mostly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 65 degrees. The east wind of about 6 mph will become calm in the evening. See more from Weather.gov.
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”
– Walt Disney
Thanks for reading!
Alexandria’s uptick in violent crimes this summer has caught the attention of the police chief.
Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire said the city has seen a significant spike in felonious assaults, including a stabbing on July 22 in the city’s West End and an unrelated stabbing near the Braddock Road Metro Station on July 21. A man was also arrested after allegedly brandishing a knife and assaulting a man in Old Town on July 20.
Old Town stationery store Penny Post is getting ready for its biggest day of the year.
Penny Post (1201 King Street) will hold its fifth annual Stationery Store Day, an in-store-only event to celebrate all things pen, paper and analog. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1.
With food costs on the rise, Bishop Ireton High School summer campers are contributing to a local charity’s goal of collecting 25,000 pounds of food every month this summer.
The drive is part of the Catholic Charities St. Lucy Food Project‘s “Summer for Hungry Children” campaign. On Friday (July 24), kids participating in summer camp at Bishop Ireton High School will donate canned fruit, vegetables, peanut butter and other shelf stable items.
