🌱 How will ACPS’s new $282 million plan reshape your neighborhood schools?
Good morning to you Alexandria! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How will ACPS’s new $282 million plan reshape your neighborhood schools?
- How you can influence Old Town North’s trail and waterfront upgrades
- Did you buy a ticket at this lucky Alexandria shop?
Also on today's calendar: Holiday Flea Market - Arts & Crafts Fair and 10 more events.
Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Friday: Showers early in the morning, with a high of 63 and low of 26 degrees.
- Saturday: Partly sunny and cooler, temps: high: 47, low: 36.
- Sunday: Breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 53 and low of 25 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. New ACPS budget proposal defers Cora Kelly project, schedules K-8 conversions in 2030 (alxnow.com) — Alexandria families should know that a new $282 million ACPS capital budget would delay long-promised renovations at Cora Kelly Elementary until 2036 while locking in controversial K-8 conversions at Jefferson-Houston and Patrick Henry for 2030. The School Board is set to vote on the plan and several school facility renamings, decisions that will shape capacity, equity concerns, and neighborhood school identities for the next decade. 
2. National Park Service wants public input on improvements in Old Town North (wjla.com) — Alexandria residents are being asked to help shape major trail, safety, and waterfront upgrades in Old Town North tied to redevelopment of the former power plant site. A virtual public meeting on Jan. 12, 2026, will cover proposed improvements to the Mount Vernon Trail, Potomac River access, and nearby intersections, with public comments accepted through Feb. 12.
3. Powerball Ticket Bought In Alexandria Wins $50K (patch.com) — A Powerball ticket sold at Tiger Market and Bakery on Mt. Vernon Avenue in Alexandria just won a $50,000 prize in Wednesday’s drawing. It was one of five such winners in Virginia, while the massive $1.5 billion jackpot remains unclaimed and still up for grabs.
4. Trump's DOJ Humiliated Again After Judge Exposes Third Failed Indictment Against James (dailyboulder.com) — A federal grand jury in Alexandria recently rejected a third proposed indictment against New York Attorney General Letitia James, adding to earlier failed efforts in Alexandria and Norfolk. The judge refused to fully seal records of the ‘no true bill,’ underscoring transparency concerns as critics portray the Trump-era Justice Department’s pursuit as politically driven and increasingly ineffective.
📸 Around Alexandria
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓
Upcoming Events in
Alexandria
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
-
Holiday Flea Market - Arts & Crafts Fair
8717 Fort Hunt Rd, Alexandria
8:00 am -
Frosty Fun Workshop on December 20th!
Mount Vernon Community School, 2601 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria
8:30 am -
Gustave Marché de Noël Market
Gustave Boulangerie & Brasserie, 2213 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria
10:00 am -
The Holiday Project
Cherrydale Health & Rehabilitation Center, 3710 Langston Blvd., Arlington
3:00 pm -
The 58th Annual Patrons’ Show
The Art League, 105 N Union St, Alexandria
6:00 pm
Saturday December 20
Monday December 22
Sunday February 15
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
-
Court of Fiction Book Club: "The Bear and the Nightingale"
Courthouse Library Dogwood Conference Room,
11:00 am -
Chris DeChiara-Percussionist: Alexandria Symphony Holiday Pops
Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center (AS) , 4915 E Campus Dr , Alexandria
7:30 pm -
A John Waters Christmas
The Birchmere , 3701 Mt Vernon Ave , Alexandria
7:30 pm -
Holiday with a Twist (Alexandria Symphony Orchestra) — Victoria Gau
Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center (AS) , 4915 E Campus Dr , Alexandria
7:30 pm -
The YoYo Club
Central Library Bluemont Room,
1:00 pm -
Preschool STEAM Play at Courthouse
Courthouse Library Children's Area ,
10:00 am -
Italian Conversation (Online)
Shirlington Library , 4200 Campbell Boulevard , Arlington
6:00 pm -
English Conversation (Online)
Shirlington Library , 4200 Campbell Boulevard , Arlington
2:00 pm
Saturday December 20
Sunday December 21
Monday December 22
Tuesday December 23
📣 Alexandria Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Alexandria PatchAM possible:
- Essen Alexandria — (571) 630-3977
Essen Apartments Offers 2 Months Free in Alexandria, VA
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- On the hunt for an amazing brownie sundae 🍨 in Alexandria.
⭐Warm brownie. ⭐Cold ice cream. ⭐Bonus points if the brownie has nuts. I’m including a photo of a brownie sundae from Ramparts Tavern & Grill as a… (Nextdoor Kingstowne and Hayfield) - Purrfect Pair ISO Loving Home
Jake is a sweet, affectionate lovebug. He happily follows his foster mom around the house, rubbing against legs and isn’t shy about jumping in a lap… (Nextdoor Fairlington/Shirlington)
- PetSmart posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate Part Time in Alexandria. Apply here.
- Domino's Pizza posted a job opening for Assistant Manager - 4342 in Alexandria. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Alexandria here.
Ok Alexandria! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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