News

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Jun 1, 2026

By ALXnow.com

Good Monday 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 — Jun 1, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Alexandria fights 27% proposed rate increase from Virginia American Water (1118 views)
  2. New 20-foot sculpture quietly installed at TideLock development in Old Town North (863 views)
  3. Rabid raccoon prompts Alexandria Health Department warning in Potomac Yard (663 views)
  4. Alexandria’s ‘Wear Orange’ gun violence awareness rally moves to new park this week (545 views)
  5. Morning Notes for June 1, 2026 (535 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

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

☀️ Tuesday’s forecast

Expect sunny skies with temperatures reaching a high of around 75°F and northeast winds blowing at 7 to 9 mph. Tuesday night will be mostly clear with a low temperature near 57°F and a gentle north wind. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!

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

By Emily Leayman
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.

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

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

By Emily Leayman
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.

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

Alexandria fights 27% proposed rate increase from Virginia American Water

By James Cullum
Tap water in Alexandria (staff photo by James Cullum)

This story was updated to clarify that Virginia American Water provides drinking water services, and AlexRenew provides wastewater services in Alexandria.

Alexandria is in the midst of another water fight over a proposed rate increase by drinking water utility Virginia American Water.

Go to Alexandria fights 27% proposed rate increase from Virginia American Water Read more

Alexandria’s ‘Wear Orange’ gun violence awareness rally moves to new park this week

By James Cullum
Wear Orange Day rally (via Moms Demand Action/Facebook)

The annual Wear Orange rally against gun violence will be held at a new location in Alexandria on Friday (June 5).

The Moms Demand Action Alexandria is hosting the rally at John Carlyle Square Park (300 John Carlyle Street) due to the City Hall and Market Square renovation project. Friday is also Gun Violence Prevention Day, and the annual rally is part of Wear Orange Weekend. Hundreds of similar events will be held throughout the country, including in neighboring Arlington,

Go to Alexandria’s ‘Wear Orange’ gun violence awareness rally moves to new park this week Read more

Rabid raccoon prompts Alexandria Health Department warning in Potomac Yard

By Emily Leayman
The entrance of the Alexandria Health Department (Credit: Alexandria Health Department)
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.

Go to Rabid raccoon prompts Alexandria Health Department warning in Potomac Yard Read more

Alexandria’s rents up nearly 4% since start of year but remain lower than 2025 figures

By Scott McCaffrey
The Alexandria skyline (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Alexandria’s median apartment rental cost is up 3.7% since the start of the year and stands about 3.6% higher than the metro area’s median costs, according to new data.

The city’s median apartment rental cost of $2,239 in May — $2,050 for one-bedroom units and $2,518 for two bedrooms — was up 0.6% from April, another sign that the market ramped up as winter gave way to spring.

Go to Alexandria’s rents up nearly 4% since start of year but remain lower than 2025 figures Read more

Morning Notes for June 1, 2026

By ALXnow.com
An airliner approaches Ronald Reagan National Airport, viewed between the spans of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge at Jones Point Park (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Reminder on Housing 2040 Review by Planning Commission Tuesday — “The Office of Housing is pleased to announce the release of the Draft Housing 2040 Plan for public review. The Draft Plan will be heard by the Planning Commission as part of the June 2, 2026 docket.” [City of Alexandria]

I-395 Road Work This Week — “Heads up! Crews will be at work along the I-395 ramp and eastbound Duke Street from June 1-5 to conduct site surveys. Mobile single-lane closures may occur while work is underway between 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.” [Alexandria T&ES/X]

Go to Morning Notes for June 1, 2026 Read more

ALXnow Daily Debrief for May 29, 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 29, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. ARHA interim CEO resigns seven months after predecessor’s ousting (1006 views)
  2. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream to have $1 scoops at Old Town opening in June (667 views)
  3. Poll: The best outdoor dining spot in Alexandria (592 views)

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

  1. Fresh Market’s Alexandria store is staying put as other N. Va. location closes (8162 views)
  2. JUST IN: Jury finds Alexandria man guilty of manslaughter in West End shooting (3133 views)
  3. Alexandria kicks off World Cup welcome with Croatian cultural celebration at Waterfront Park (3017 views)
  4. UPDATED: Man injured in accidental shooting with no other injuries in Taylor Run (2706 views)
  5. Former VP of Alexandria firm indicted for allegedly embezzling $4.5M (2661 views)
  6. Increased building heights, more housing areas considered in Duke Street Land Use Plan (1478 views)
  7. Holland Lane overhaul brings two-way bike lanes, traffic calming to Carlyle neighborhood (1432 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

Here are the events planned for Sunday:

☀️ Saturday’s forecast

Expect sunny conditions with a high around 72°F, along with a north wind blowing at 13 to 15 mph and gusts reaching up to 23 mph. Saturday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to about 52°F and a lighter north wind ranging from 3 to 8 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
– George Eliot

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

We hope you have a great weekend, Alexandria!

Hotel Heron in Old Town wants live DJ music at its rooftop restaurant

By James Cullum
The proposed area for live entertainment at the Hotel Heron’s rooftop restaurant at 699 Prince Street in Old Town (via City of Alexandria)

The Hotel Heron in Old Town wants to add live DJ entertainment at its rooftop restaurant, according to a plan going before the Planning Commission next week.

The 134-room boutique hotel at 699 Prince Street, near the intersection with S. Washington Street, opened in 2024 and is owned by the Aparium Hotel Group. The hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Good Fortune, opened soon after, and now the hotel owners are asking the city to approve DJ and live music Thursday to Sunday nights.

Go to Hotel Heron in Old Town wants live DJ music at its rooftop restaurant Read more

ARHA interim CEO resigns seven months after predecessor’s ousting

By James Cullum
ARHA properties in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

The interim CEO of the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority is stepping down from her role, according to a letter submitted to the organization’s board of commissioners.

On May 20, Rickie C. Maddox informed the board in a short letter that her last day would be Friday, June 19.

Go to ARHA interim CEO resigns seven months after predecessor’s ousting Read more
View More Stories