Author: Emily Leayman

Emily Leayman is the editor of ALXnow and contributes reporting to ARLnow and FFXnow. She was previously a field editor covering parts of Northern Virginia for Patch for more than eight years. A native of the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania, she lives in Northern Virginia.

News

Fourth of July brings holiday closures and schedule changes to Alexandria

By Emily Leayman
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).

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Around Town

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

By Emily Leayman
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.

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Around Town

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

By Emily Leayman
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.

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Around Town

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

By Emily Leayman
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.

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Around Town

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

By Emily Leayman
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.

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News

Alexandria City Council forms committee to consider School Board election reforms

By Emily Leayman
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.

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News

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

By Emily Leayman
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.

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News

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

By Emily Leayman
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.

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News

Alexandria fire chief reports morale boost, staffing gains with new 49-hour work week

By Emily Leayman
Alexandria Fire Chief Felipe Hernandez (on left) at APD’s Public Safety Summit, June 18, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Morale and staffing are improving at the Alexandria Fire Department after a 49-hour work week was implemented, according to an annual presentation to City Council by Fire Chief Felipe Hernandez Jr. yesterday (Tuesday).

AFD implemented the 49-hour work week in October 2025, reducing weekly hours from 56 as a strategy to improve retention and recruitment. The department achieves the 49 hours with a fourth-shift schedule and “debit day” system. That means firefighters work a 42-hour work week and work an extra day every 24 days to average 49 hours weekly.

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News

City Council considers extending Torpedo Factory leases amid operator bid process

By Emily Leayman
The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

As the city reviews an operator proposal for the Torpedo Factory Art Center, Alexandria City Council will consider extending leases to current artists and galleries.

City Council will have a July 1 public hearing on extending leases in good standing for artists through March 31, 2027 and for founding members and galleries through Sept. 30, 2027. The proposal is for leases that would expire Sept. 30, 2026.

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News

Traffic and Parking Board adds Old Town parking spaces amid Market Square Garage closure

By Emily Leayman
Parking meter in Old Town (staff photo by Emily Leayman)

Amid parking challenges for residents and visitors in Old Town, the Traffic and Parking Board approved additional parking spaces yesterday (Monday).

The changes respond to concerns from several businesses about parking availability east of Washington Street in Old Town. One of the major factors was the City Hall and Market Square renovation project, which temporarily closed the 180-space Market Square Garage in early 2026 and requires construction staging areas on surrounding streets.

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