Emily Leayman | ALXnow

JUST IN: ACPS launches superintendent search ahead of Melanie Kay-Wyatt’s resignation

Published June 1, 2026 at 4:40PM

ACPS Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt speaks at Alexandria City High School's 25th anniversary celebration of the film Remember The Titans, Sept. 19, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City Public Schools is officially searching for a new superintendent ahead of Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt’s resignation on Oct. 1.

The search process launched Monday (June 1), about two months after Kay-Wyatt submitted her resignation. The Alexandria City School Board has brought on executive search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates to lead the recruitment effort.

News

AEDP seeks tech startups to join business accelerator program starting this summer

By Emily Leayman

Published June 1, 2026 at 3:45PM

The Alexandria skyline viewed from Belle View (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

As Alexandria seeks to increase the presence of high-growth tech businesses, it is inviting startups to participate in Accelerate ALX, the city’s first business accelerator program.

The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership opened applications for its first cohort of tech startups. The program, led by Arlington-based FedTech, will offer one-on-one mentorship, workshops and networking support for Alexandria-based startups in artificial intelligence/machine learning, cybersecurity, defense, quantum, energy, aerospace, robotics, and computer services. Accelerate ALX will be offered to startups at no cost or equity taken.

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Rabid raccoon prompts Alexandria Health Department warning in Potomac Yard

By Emily Leayman

Published June 1, 2026 at 10:00AM

The entrance of the Alexandria Health Department (courtesy of the Alexandria Health Department)

After a raccoon that later tested positive for rabies came into contact with a dog and its owner in Potomac Yard, the Alexandria Health Department is urging caution around wildlife.

The health department said the raccoon was aggressive when it had contact with the dog around E. Glebe Road in Potomac Yard on May 23. The dog’s owner was also potentially exposed while relocating the dog to a safe area. Officials say the dog and owner are safe, and the dog is being monitored for symptoms.

Around Town

From spring markets to Little Birdie preview: Guide to Alexandria’s May 29-31 weekend events

By Emily Leayman

Published May 29, 2026 at 3:45PM

Arts and Craft Fair at Tavern Square (via Made in ALX/Facebook)

The last weekend of May brings a variety of activities, from spring markets to the city’s D-Day tribute.

Shoppers can check out the Carlyle Crossing Spring Hue Market Friday and Volunteer Alexandria and Made in ALX Arts & Crafts Fairs Sunday. Foodies will get a chance Saturday to try Little Birdie before it opens in Del Ray later in June.

Around Town

Adoptable pet of the week: Former stray Slim seeks home of her own

By Emily Leayman

Published May 29, 2026 at 9:15AM

Adoptable Slim at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (via AWLA)

Meet Slim, whose love for her human companion is anything but slim.

Slim came to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria animal shelter as a stray and wants to find a home to call her own, an AWLA volunteer told ALXnow. The pup has a soft tan coat and golden eyes, and she weighs 36 pounds.

News

UPDATED: Man injured in accidental shooting with no other injuries in Taylor Run

By Emily Leayman

Published May 28, 2026 at 3:40PM | Updated May 28, 2026 at 7:00PM

Alexandria Police cruiser (staff photo by James Cullum)

This story has been updated with additional details from APD.

The Alexandria Police Department and Alexandria Fire Department responded to an apparent accidental shooting in a Taylor Run apartment this afternoon (May 28).

Around Town

Volunteer musicians to play for Alexandria shelter animals through new program

By Emily Leayman

Published May 28, 2026 at 2:45PM

Musician plays at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (via AWLA)

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s animal shelter will now regularly be filled with the sound of live music.

AWLA is partnering with Wild Tunes, a nonprofit started by 10-year-old Yuvi Agarwal, to introduce live music by volunteer musicians at the animal shelter (4101 Eisenhower Avenue). The program kicked off Thursday (May 28).

News

Next road closure for VRE project at Alexandria Union Station starts tonight

By Emily Leayman

Published May 28, 2026 at 10:00AM

Alexandria Station in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

Road closures will resume around Alexandria Union Station (110 Callahan Drive) starting tonight (Thursday) as Virginia Railway Express continues bridge work over King Street and Commonwealth Avenue.

King Street will be closed between Russell Road and Daingerfield Road from 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28 through 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 3. Commonwealth Avenue will remain open with a single alternating lane controlled by a flagger. Sunset Drive will remain open. Traffic detours run on Duke Street.

News

Alexandria’s D-Day commemoration moves to new location during City Hall construction

By Emily Leayman

Published May 27, 2026 at 2:45PM

World War II reenactors at a past D-Day commemoration at Market Square (via Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee)

Alexandria’s annual D-Day Commemoration won’t be skipped this year even as City Hall and Market Square construction moved it out of its normal location.

The 16th Annual D-Day Commemoration will take place from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, May 31 at Carlyle Square (300 John Carlyle Street). Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley, Council Member John Taylor Chapman, Council Member Jacinta Greene and representatives from the French and British embassies, the U.S. military and veterans organizations are expected to provide remarks.

News

City Council considers special committee to discuss School Board election reform, more ACPS funds

By Emily Leayman

Published May 27, 2026 at 12:30PM

Alexandria City Council on May 12, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City Council took a step Tuesday (May 26) to consider changes to the School Board’s terms and the size of the nine-member board. The council is also considering using potential contingent funds that will be available in the new fiscal year to fund Community in Schools of Northern Virginia at Alexandria City Public Schools.

Mayor Alyia Gaskins received support from a majority of City Council members on the proposal to form an ad hoc committee on election reform. City Council’s request will direct City Manager Jim Parajon to prepare a resolution to create the committee that two City Council members would be in. Gaskins said the committee’s scope would allow it to look at staggered terms and other election reform items such as board size, timing of terms or representation. The two City Council members would work with two School Board members to bring forward election reform recommendations.

Around Town

Alexandria kicks off World Cup welcome with Croatian cultural celebration at Waterfront Park

By Emily Leayman

Published May 27, 2026 at 11:45AM

A bench at Waterfront Park in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

The City of Alexandria will celebrate the Croatian National Team’s use of the city as a home base during the World Cup with a welcome event next month.

The city will host “Flavors & Sounds of Croatia – Alexandria” from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, June 6 at Waterfront Park (1 Prince Street) to celebrate Croatian heritage. The event is free to attend. The Croatian National Football Team will not be in attendance.