Emily Leayman | ALXnow

Gun restrictions, paid leave and foam container ban: Virginia bills taking effect on July 1

Published June 30, 2026 at 1:45PM | Updated July 1, 2026 at 10:20AM

Del. Charniele Herring at her campaign kickoff at Clyde's at 1700 N. Beauregard Street on April 3, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Over 1,100 bills made it out of the latest General Assembly session, and many will take effect Wednesday (July 1).

As Democrats gained a trifecta with the election of Gov. Abigail Spanberger and control of the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates, legislators’ bills focused on priorities like immigration enforcement, gun control, housing and tenant protections, reproductive rights and more. Democrats also passed Virginia’s first-ever paid sick leave, paid family and medical leave, and child care assistance programs for workers.

Around Town

Mayor Gaskins launches Art In Every Space initiative to display art in more businesses

By Emily Leayman

Published June 30, 2026 at 9:15AM

Mayor Alyia Gaskins speaks before City Councilwoman Sandy Marks is sworn into office on May 12, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Mayor Alyia Gaskins announced her new initiative Art In Every Space, piloted yesterday (Monday), to bring art to more businesses in Alexandria.

The initiative places original artwork by Alexandria-area artists in local businesses at no cost to either the artists or businesses. According to the mayor, the initiative supports the work of Alexandria’s art organizations by providing additional locations for artists to display their work.

News

Rep. Beyer says President Trump shouldn’t be impeached just as a ‘messaging exercise’

By James Cullum and Emily Leayman

Published June 29, 2026 at 3:45PM | Updated June 29, 2026 at 4:06PM

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-8) in his office in the Longworth House Office Building in D.C. (staff photo by James Cullum)

With the November midterm elections just four months away, Northern Virginia Rep. Don Beyer (D-8) is considering the implications of a Democratic takeover of the House of Representatives.

In his office at the Longworth House Office Building, Beyer told ALXnow in an interview that President Donald Trump deserves to be impeached a third time, but not as a messaging exercise that will result in an acquittal from a divided Senate. He also said that no matter the outcome of the November midterms that the country will still have two years left of an administration that operates under the unitary executive theory of the presidency.

News

Fourth of July brings holiday closures and schedule changes to Alexandria

By Emily Leayman

Published June 29, 2026 at 1:45PM | Updated September 1, 2026 at 11:00AM

America’s 250th anniversary flag in Old Town (staff photo by Emily Leayman)

As residents prepare to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, cookouts and beach getaways, the City of Alexandria and other agencies serving the city have announced closures and other schedule changes for the holiday weekend.

Because July 4 falls on a Saturday, the observed holiday for city government and other agencies is Friday, July 3. All City of Alexandria government offices will be closed for the Independence Day observance (Friday, July 3).

Around Town

Long-running Rosemont Fourth of July returns after cancellations in last two years

By Emily Leayman

Published June 29, 2026 at 9:15AM

Rosemont Fourth of July in 2023 (via Rosemont Citizens Association)

After cancellations in the last two years, the Rosemont Fourth of July event is bringing community spirit back to Independence Day.

The Rosemont Citizens Association event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 4 at Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School (600 Russell Road). The events had been cancelled in 2024 and 2025 due to the elementary school’s window replacement and library renovation projects.

Around Town

Alexandria buzzes with Pride events and kitten scavenger hunt this June 26-28 weekend

By Emily Leayman

Published June 26, 2026 at 3:45PM

Alexandria’s 8th Annual Pride Fair at Market Square on Saturday, June 28, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Pride celebrations and World Cup watch parties will continue this weekend as the last weekend of June brings numerous events to Alexandria.

The Croatian National Football Team, which has used Alexandria as its World Cup home base, will play Ghana on Saturday. Continues Arcade will gather fans to cheer on the Croatian team.

Around Town

Finn & Fire brings Peruvian Nikkei cuisine to Old Town with soft opening

By Emily Leayman

Published June 26, 2026 at 12:30PM

Seating at Finn & Fire at 111 N. Pitt Street, June 25, 2026 (staff photo by Emily Leayman)

Finn & Fire, an upscale Peruvian and Japanese fusion restaurant focused on steak and seafood, began its soft opening in Old Town.

The restaurant at 111 N. Pitt Street comes from owner Ghazal Amir, who also owns Crab Cab Bar and Kitchen in Fairfax County. It replaces Kismet Modern Indian, which closed in 2025 after nearly four years.

Around Town

Adoptable pet of the week: Social Rufus is living out his golden years

By Emily Leayman

Published June 26, 2026 at 9:15AM

Adoptable Rufus (via AWLA)

Meet Rufus, a handsome older dog looking for a home for his golden years.

This 10-year-old dog is outgoing and loves to make new friends, according to an Animal Welfare League of Alexandria volunteer. He is eager to make a loving companion for his next family.

News

Alexandria City Council forms committee to consider School Board election reforms

By Emily Leayman

Published June 25, 2026 at 3:45PM

The Alexandria City Council (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City Council voted Tuesday to create an ad hoc committee to discuss possible Alexandria City School Board election reforms such as terms and the size of the nine-member board.

City Council’s approval allows the committee to discuss term lengths, staggered term elections and overall board size and composition. The action comes after School Board Chair Michelle Rief requested the joint committee to seek city charter amendments on School Board terms. Specifically, the School Board is requesting moving members from three-year terms to four-year staggered terms, with one member from each of the three School Board districts being elected each year.

News

Virginia American Water to relocate water lines due to Alexandria stormwater capacity work

By Emily Leayman

Published June 25, 2026 at 1:45PM

Water faucet (via Imani/Unsplash)

As Alexandria pursues stormwater capacity projects to combat flooding in the north end, its drinking water utility will begin water line relocation in early July.

During the week of July 6, Virginia American Water will start work to relocate water service lines and parts of existing 6-inch and 12-inch ductile iron pipe. The work will happen on W. Reed Avenue from Mount Vernon Avenue to Commonwealth Avenue.

News

After BID failures, City Council looks for other options to support Old Town business corridor

By Emily Leayman

Published June 25, 2026 at 9:15AM

Shops in the 200 block of King Street in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

After multiple failed attempts over the past decade to bring a Business Improvement District to Old Town, Alexandria City Council is asking for other strategies to give the corridor an economic boost.

On Tuesday (June 23), City Council endorsed a memo from Council Members Sandy Marks and John Taylor Chapman directing the city manager to assess “how we can address the needs of the Old Town business corridor a little more intentionally.” City staff will review existing research on services and financial investments the city is making in Old Town and alternative options to boost tax revenue.