News

ALXnow Daily Debrief for May 22, 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 — May 22, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. NEW: Alexandria man claims self-defense in fatal West End apartment shooting (1872 views)
  2. Alexandria teachers union candidate disqualified less than 12 hours before officer elections (1231 views)
  3. Alexandria launches passport program to boost support for Duke Street businesses (555 views)

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

  1. Old Town North power plant redevelopment and funding plans heading to city review (9385 views)
  2. UPDATE: Police fatally shoot suspect following shooting of female victim in Alexandria (9372 views)
  3. APD recovers video of sexual assault suspect allegedly spiking victim’s drink at Old Town bar (9319 views)
  4. Divided City Council upholds Braddock Road redesign after 11-hour hearing (5705 views)
  5. Driver arrested after alleged road rage incident in West End parking lot (5451 views)
  6. Italian restaurant and new café aim for early 2027 openings in Old Town North (5029 views)
  7. Alexandria man claims ‘wrong house’ after alleged break-in at co-worker’s relatives’ home (2692 views)
  8. ACPS enrollment projected to drop as Alexandria birth rates decline (1885 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

🌧️ Saturday’s forecast

Expect rain and areas of fog with a high near 61 degrees today and an east wind around 11 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100%, with new rainfall between a quarter and half an inch likely. Rain continues into Saturday night, with a low around 55 degrees and an east wind of 6 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation remains high at 90%, with similar new rainfall amounts expected. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.”
– Amelia Earhart

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

We hope you have a great weekend, Alexandria!

News

Alexandria teachers union candidate disqualified less than 12 hours before officer elections

By James Cullum
A second grade classroom at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School (staff photo by James Cullum)

A candidate for president of the Education Association of Alexandria was informed via Zoom that he was disqualified from the race less than 12 hours before the union’s officer elections, and that there was “not time” to go through a democratic process, according to audio obtained by ALXnow.

On Wednesday night (May 20), ACPS middle school teacher David Paladin-Fernandez was informed of his disqualification from the union president race. All candidates running in the election were on the call. Andrea Hill, chair of the EAA Credentials/Election Committee, told the candidates she had conducted an investigation and that the union’s executive committee had voted to disqualify Paladin-Fernandez.

Go to Alexandria teachers union candidate disqualified less than 12 hours before officer elections Read more
Around Town

Alexandria launches passport program to boost support for Duke Street businesses

By Emily Leayman
Duke Street near Landmark and Cameron Run (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

A new “passport”-inspired promotion to generate support for Duke Street businesses has launched, the city announced Friday (May 22).

The program encouraging residents to shop local is a lighter side of the Duke Street Land Use Plan, a process updating the land use vision for the Duke Street corridor. Christian Brandt, an urban planner for the city, told ALXnow 19 businesses have signed up to participate in the Duke Street Business Passport Program, with more to be added. Businesses within a half-mile of Duke Street are eligible to join.

Go to Alexandria launches passport program to boost support for Duke Street businesses Read more
Announcement

Real stories. Real people. Real connection. A community conversation on mental health.

By Rock Recovery

Mental health shapes how we lead, love, work, parent, communicate, and show up in the world—yet too often, these conversations stay hidden.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, join local nonprofit Rock Recovery for Strength Not Stigma—an unforgettable evening of honest conversation, community, and impact.

Go to Real stories. Real people. Real connection. A community conversation on mental health. Read more
News

School Board approves 2026 ACPS Athletic Hall of Fame inductees

By James Cullum
Claire Constant, an Alexandria native and captain of the DC Power women's soccer team, scores (via DC Power FC/Instagram)

Alexandria native Claire Constant, captain of the DC Power women’s professional soccer team, is heading to the hall of fame.

The Alexandria City Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame, that is.

Go to School Board approves 2026 ACPS Athletic Hall of Fame inductees Read more
Event

Healthy at the Harbor (Prince George’s County, MD)

National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland

165 Waterfront St.

National Harbor, Maryland 20745

Website Social

Join Kaiser Permanente for Healthy at the Harbor, a free community health and wellness event taking place Saturday, June 6, from 11 am to 4 pm at National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Bring your family and friends for free full day of fun, fitness, and preventive care along the waterfront.

Throughout the day, Kaiser Permanente nurses and physicians will offer no-cost health screenings, alongside a health and wellness expo focused on preventive care education. A lively Kids’ Zone will keep children active and entertained with spin-art bikes, face painting, balloon art, games, and more.

Go to Healthy at the Harbor (Prince George’s County, MD) Read more
Opinion

Poll: The best florist in Alexandria

By ALXnow.com

Whether you want to send flowers to a loved one or brighten up your space or event, local florists are there to help get flowers customized for your needs. Alexandria has a range of florists to provide arrangements for anniversaries, funeral services and everything in between.

Here are the nominees for “Best Florist in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your go-to florist? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Car Wash/Auto Detailing Service in Alexandria 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 Brunch Spot in Alexandria. The results are now official:

  1. Matt & Tony’s All Day Kitchen and Bar
  2. Del Ray Cafe
  3. (tie) Jula’s on the Potomac and Ada’s on the River
News

NEW: Alexandria man claims self-defense in fatal West End apartment shooting

By James Cullum
A male was shot in an apartment at 3450 Berkeley Street on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

This story has been updated to provide the latest timeline on the jury verdict.

A 27-year-old Alexandria man charged with first-degree murder in the death of his former roommate has pleaded not guilty and now awaits a jury’s verdict.

Go to NEW: Alexandria man claims self-defense in fatal West End apartment shooting Read more
Around Town

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Ginger seeks a quiet home to fit her gentle nature

By Emily Leayman
Ginger, an adoptable pup from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (via AWLA)

Meet Ginger, a young dog looking for a calm environment to make her home.

This petite pup has a gentle spirit and has plenty of love to give once she warms up to you. An AWLA volunteer told ALXnow she needs a family with a bit of patience and would like to avoid loud, chaotic settings.

Go to Adoptable Pet of the Week: Ginger seeks a quiet home to fit her gentle nature Read more
News

Morning Notes for May 22, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Walking in the summer rain near the Torpedo Factory Art Center along the Alexandria waterfront (staff photo by James Cullum)

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On May 22, 1802, Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, wife of the nation’s first president, died of a severe fever at age 70, in the small, third-floor bed-chamber at Mount Vernon that she had moved to after her husband’s death in 1799. In the extended period of her bereavement, her health declined steadily, and a visitor to Mount Vernon in 1801 remarked, “She speaks of death as a pleasant journey.” Although technically America’s first “First Lady” that term was not in presidential jargon at the time George Washington served as Commander in Chief, and she was instead referred to simply as “Lady Washington.” A year after Washington died, his widow freed all slaves previously under his ownership and closed up their former bedroom on the second floor of the expansive residence, moving to a small room on the third floor. She was interred beside the “Father of Our County” on the grounds of the estate.” [Historic Alexandria]

Memorial Day Travel Forecast — “In its Memorial Day Weekend travel forecast, AAA said a record 45 million Americans are expected to travel 50 or more miles from home for Labor Day Weekend, Most of them — 39.1 million — will be driving. All modes of travel are expected to increase this year.” [Patch]

Go to Morning Notes for May 22, 2026 Read more
News

ALXnow Daily Debrief for May 21, 2026

By ALXnow.com

Good Thursday 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 — May 21, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. APD recovers video of sexual assault suspect allegedly spiking victim’s drink at Old Town bar (4232 views)
  2. Alexandria man claims ‘wrong house’ after alleged break-in at co-worker’s relatives’ home (1208 views)
  3. Little Birdie to offer sneak peek of menu at Del Ray Farmers’ Market (621 views)
  4. Morning Notes for May 21, 2026 (612 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

  • No events today. Have one to promote? Submit it to the calendar.

🌧️ Friday’s forecast

Expect rain before 5 p.m., followed by showers, with a high of around 61°F. East winds will be 9 to 14 mph, with gusts up to 18 mph, and an 80% chance of up to a quarter-inch of precipitation. Friday night will have showers until 11 p.m., then more rain, with a low of about 51°F, east winds at 8 to 13 mph, and a 100% chance of similar rainfall. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”
– Albert Einstein

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!

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