Emily Leayman | ALXnow

UPDATED: Residents escape house fire in Del Ray

Published June 3, 2026 at 3:30PM | Updated June 4, 2026 at 8:56AM

Firefighters on the roof of the house fire in Del Ray on June 3, 2026 (via AFD/Facebook)

The Alexandria Fire Department say there were no firefighter or resident injuries from a house fire in Del Ray Wednesday afternoon (June 3).

Around 3:05 p.m., AFD was dispatched to the 2600 block of E. Randolph Avenue. According to AFD, firefighters found the blaze in the backyard area that had extended into the home.

News

ACPS Early Childhood Center courtyard dedicated as ‘Owen’s Place’ in tribute to principal’s late son

By Emily Leayman

Published June 3, 2026 at 2:45PM

The new "Owen's Place" dedication at the Early Childhood Center on June 2, 2026 (via ACPS)

A courtyard at Alexandria City Public Schools’ Early Childhood Center is now named in honor of the principal’s late son.

ACPS held a naming ceremony Tuesday (June 2) for the courtyard at the Early Childhood Center (5651 Rayburn Avenue). The name “Owen’s Place” references Owen Michael Wagner, the late teenage son of the center’s first principal, Heidi Haggerty-Wagner.

News

JUST IN: Voluntary water conservation recommended in drought watch issued in D.C. region

By Emily Leayman

Published June 3, 2026 at 1:45PM

Water faucet (via Imani/Unsplash)

A drought watch with a call for voluntary water conservation has been issued for the D.C. region today (June 3).

The Metropolitan Council of Governments Drought Coordination Committee recommended the drought watch, which increases coordination, communications and monitoring of the water supply. Precipitation, groundwater levels, streamflow and reservoir levels are factors in COG’s decision to declare a drought watch.

Around Town

West End Business Association brings expanded ‘Best of the West’ festival to Ben Brenman Park

By Emily Leayman

Published June 2, 2026 at 3:45PM

Beeliner Diner at Best of the West in 2023 (via West End Business Association/Facebook)

The West End Business Association continues to look for ways to raise the visibility of West End businesses with its returning festival in a larger-than-ever format.

Best of the West will return for a third year from 12-6 p.m. Saturday, June 6 in Ben Brenman Park (4800 Brenman Park Drive) in the Cameron Station neighborhood. The free event will have restaurants and other business vendors, community organization booths, a Port City Brewing Company beer garden, arts and crafts and a live music stage. Ben Brenman Drive will be closed for booths leading up to the park’s gazebo.

Around Town

Thai Peppers to close after more than 27 years in Del Ray

By Emily Leayman

Published June 2, 2026 at 11:45AM

Thai Peppers Restaurant (via Google Maps)

Thai Peppers Restaurant will say farewell to Del Ray after more than 27 years.

The restaurant, located at 2018 Mount Vernon Avenue and dating back to 1998, announced it will have its final day of business on Monday, June 15. The owners cited their plans to retire and “hopefully relax on a beach in Phuket sipping Singhas and Mai Tais.”

News

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

By Emily Leayman

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.

News

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).