The Alexandria Brief: Tuesday, November 25
Student journalists win national honor, zoning battle may be heating back up, and more.
Good morning, Alexandria.
While rain moves in this afternoon, there’s plenty brewing in our city beyond the weather. Student journalists at Alexandria City High School are being recognized nationally for standing up for press freedom, a local coalition is racing to raise funds to challenge the city’s zoning overhaul, and Mayor Gaskins is planning to participate in a public discussion on affordable housing.
Plus, the City Council meets tonight with updates on economic development plans, a work session with members of the General Assembly, and more.
Here’s what you need to know for Tuesday, November 25.
Essentials
Weather: Rain, mainly after 5 p.m. High near 60 degrees. South wind 3 to 7 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%—new precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch are possible.
Rain and thunderstorms tonight before 3 a.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m., then showers likely after 4 a.m. Low around 54 degrees. South wind 6 to 9 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%—new rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
The sun will rise at 7:01 a.m. and set at 4:48 p.m. High tides at 11:20 a.m. and 11:26 p.m. Low tides at 5:41 a.m. and 5:26 p.m. There will be 9 hours and 46 minutes of sun.
What’s happening in Alexandria today: Friends Giving Event, City Council Legislative Meeting, trivia, live music, and more. For a roundup of events, entertainment, meetings, and more today, visit the link below.
1️⃣ Fundraising for an appeal
The Coalition for a Livable Alexandria is seeking to raise at least $43,000 within the next two weeks to preserve the possibility of appealing a circuit court ruling that upheld the city’s elimination of single-family zoning protections.
In fundraising emails sent to supporters, the coalition said total litigation expenses have reached $252,000, with $86,000 in legal fees still outstanding. The group said it needs to secure at least half of the unpaid balance within two weeks to keep an appeal viable, with the remainder due by year’s end.
2️⃣ City-schools subcommittee to try a new approach in 2026
Alexandria’s joint city-school committee will overhaul its format for 2026 after spending eight months on a transit proposal the school board ultimately rejected.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins questioned whether the City Council-School Board Subcommittee should continue during Monday’s meeting.
3️⃣ Theogony journalists win national press freedom award
Student journalists at Alexandria City High School have won the 2025 Courage in Student Journalism Award, a national honor recognizing their fight against district attempts to impose prior review on their newspaper.
The Student Press Law Center and the National Scholastic Press Association announced the award on Nov. 15 at the Fall National High School Journalism Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. The honor, which includes a $1,000 prize, goes annually to student journalists who demonstrate exceptional determination in supporting press freedom despite resistance.
4️⃣ Developments take home four honors
The city had a strong showing at the 2025 NAIOP Northern Virginia Awards, taking home four honors at the ceremony held on Thursday, November 20, at the Ritz-Carlton in Tysons.
Projects spanning Potomac Yard’s burgeoning Innovation District to Old Town earned recognition from the commercial real estate industry group, which presented 31 awards across membership, transactions, interiors and buildings categories.
5️⃣ Zoning for Justice and Affordability
Mayor Gaskins will join journalist and author Yoni Appelbaum for a public forum on housing affordability and zoning reform on Monday, December 8, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St.
The forum, titled “Let’s Talk About Housing: Zoning For Justice and Affordability”, comes as the city grapples with a deepening housing crisis. Alexandria has lost nearly two-thirds of its market-affordable housing since 2000, with the stock plummeting from 18,000 units to just 6,900 today. City officials recently unveiled a 40-strategy plan to preserve affordable housing and protect tenants, though many key measures require state legislative approval.
Extra Extra!
A senior federal judge in Alexandria dismissed charges Monday against two public officials with long-running public disputes with President Donald Trump, saying the controversial appointment of the president’s former personal attorney as a prosecutor doomed the cases. (Virginia Mercury)
The Alexandria City Council will hold its regular legislative meeting tonight at 7 p.m. Three major oral reports from city staff will include a General Assembly work session, economic development framework, and Alex311 five-year update. (The Alexandria Brief)
The Alexandria Turkey Trot is set to celebrate a milestone 50th anniversary this Thanksgiving, continuing a Del Ray tradition that has drawn runners and walkers to the neighborhood for five decades. (The Alexandria Brief)
In observance of Thanksgiving, DASH will operate a weekend schedule on Thursday, November 27. Lines 102, 103 & 104 will not be serviced. Regular weekday service will resume on Friday, November 28. (Dash on Facebook)
DASH Administrative Offices will be closed November 27 & 28, including the Customer Service phone line.
Not ready to tackle all that Thanksgiving entails this year? Or maybe you need some help with some side dishes or pies? Many Alexandria restaurants are standing by to help out with a variety of options. (Alexandria Living Magazine)
Plaid Friday is Alexandria’s alternative to Black Friday. “Avoid the frenzy of the big box stores and the malls and shop amazing discounts and beautifully curated shops in the DMV’s best destination for shopping local — Alexandria, Virginia!” (Old Town Boutique Community)
Find seasonal information on holiday happenings in Alexandria, gifts and decorations, charitable giving opportunities, safety tips, how to make your holiday “greener,” and more. (City of Alexandria)
Following the Taylor Run Infrastructure Stabilization Project community meeting held on Thursday, November 13, the City of Alexandria invites community members to provide input on the project’s 30% design plans. Feedback may be submitted using the form below through Friday, December 5. (City of Alexandria)
Registration for the George Washington Birthday Parade to be held Saturday, February 14, in Old Town is now open. (Washington Birthday)