News

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Aug 5, 2026

By ALXnow.com
ALXnow Daily Debrief banner for Aug 5, 2026 over a floral background with pink blossoms

Good Wednesday 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 — Aug 5, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Mayor, Alexandria City Council ask Fairfax County to reject substation tied to data center (746 views)
  2. Bookstore Long Dark House, Madame Coco’s Emporium aim for September opening in Old Town (636 views)
  3. Here’s how Alexandria voted in Tuesday’s Democratic and Republican primaries (515 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

⛈️ Thursday’s forecast

Showers and thunderstorms are possible after 5 p.m., with mostly sunny skies and a high of 91°F, though it may feel like 100°F. Winds from the south at 8-10 mph may gust up to 18 mph, with a 30% chance of rain. Thursday night, expect a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., with partly cloudy skies and a low of 74°F. Southwest winds will be around 6 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
– Steve Jobs

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!

News

Here’s how Alexandria voted in Tuesday’s Democratic and Republican primaries

By James Cullum
Red political sign reading 'VOTE HERE' with a white arrow, placed outdoors near a brick building entrance.
Voting sign at Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center in Arlandria, Aug. 4, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

 

Alexandria’s Rep. Don Beyer handily won his party’s nomination Tuesday night to run for his seventh term representing Virginia’s 8th Congressional District, and retired Army Maj. Gen. Bert Mizusawa won the Republican nomination to run against U.S. Sen. Mark Warner in the Nov. 3 general election.

Go to Here’s how Alexandria voted in Tuesday’s Democratic and Republican primaries Read more
Sponsored

Local business is what makes Alexandria, Alexandria

By Jordan Ciminelli
Image from Local business is what makes Alexandria, Alexandria

The corner coffee shop. The family dentist. The realtor who knows every block. They’re a part of what makes Alexandria feel like home. The same neighbors who read ALXnow every day aren’t just part of the community, they’re looking to support it, one local business at a time.

Since 2019, ALXnow has been Alexandria’s go-to source for local news, now reaching 400,000 readers a month. People come here for what’s happening around the city, and along the way, they discover the businesses that serve it.

Advertising here feels different, and readers tell us so: according to our 2025 reader survey, 84% say they like seeing local ads on ALXnow, and 43% have taken action after seeing one. When businesses appear alongside the news your neighbors trust, it becomes part of the community conversation rather than an interruption to it.

There are a few ways to take part, whether you want to introduce your business, promote an event, or tell your story. And because ALXnow is independent local journalism, your support also helps keep Alexandria informed.

If you’ve been thinking about reaching your neighbors, we’re glad to help you find the right fit.

Explore every option at lnn.co/advertise, email [email protected], or call 703-348-0583.

Around Town

Del Ray Farmhouse Market and Garden seeks city permit for small live music stage

By James Cullum
Street view of a small-town street with a crosswalk, storefronts, and string lights overhead on a sunny day.
A new stage at the Del Ray Farmhouse Market and Garden at 1913 Mount Vernon Avenue (via City of Alexandria)

The owner of the Del Ray Farmhouse Market and Garden (1913 Mount Vernon Avenue) is asking the city for permission to use a small entertainment stage for live music or a DJ.

Jay Portlance is asking the city for permission to use the small stage at the corner of Mount Vernon Avenue and E. Howell Avenue for groups of musicians no larger than two pieces.

Go to Del Ray Farmhouse Market and Garden seeks city permit for small live music stage Read more
News

Digital exhibition of 1939 Alexandria library sit-in for civil rights in development

By James Cullum
(Left to right) William “Buddy” Evans, Otto Tucker, Edward Gaddis, Morris L. Murray and Clarence “Buck” Strange being led out of the Barrett Branch Library by police on Aug. 21, 1939. (via Alexandria Library)

Alexandria Library is partnering with the Office of Historic Alexandria and D.C.-based think tank New America to create an immersive digital exhibit commemorating the historic 1939 civil rights sit-in at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library.

New America was awarded a two-year $250,000 grant for the project and plans to launch the exhibit in 2027.

Go to Digital exhibition of 1939 Alexandria library sit-in for civil rights in development Read more
Event

College Counseling Workshop — Saturday, August 29, 10:15-11:30

College Sage logo: green wordmark with a three-leaf green icon on the right.

Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Website Contact

Learn how to make your essay stand out in the competitive college application process. Workshop led by Sheila McGrory, College Counselor with the College Sage. For seniors and accompanying parent in Old Town Alexandria. Free but register by emailing [email protected] for specific location and more details.

Go to College Counseling Workshop — Saturday, August 29, 10:15-11:30 Read more
News

Mayor, Alexandria City Council ask Fairfax County to reject substation tied to data center

By Emily Leayman
Members of the Alexandria City Council at the Chamber ALX's annual City Council Breakfast at the Hilton Alexandria Old Town on May 14, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City Council has joined a growing number of local residents asking Fairfax County to deny a substation associated with data center development just outside city limits.

In a letter to the Fairfax County Planning Commission, City Council cited “the incompatibility of heavy industrial use” near densely populated Alexandria. The letter was sent by Mayor Alyia Gaskins on behalf of the entire City Council.

Go to Mayor, Alexandria City Council ask Fairfax County to reject substation tied to data center Read more
Around Town

Bookstore Long Dark House, Madame Coco’s Emporium aim for September opening in Old Town

By Beth Lawton
Two women smile for a selfie at a festive party; the woman in front wears a large ornate gold crown and a patterned gold hat, with bar bottles in the background.
Long Dark House’s Chanthal Harris and Madame Coco’s Meshelle Armstrong (courtesy of Meshelle Armstrong)

Madame Coco’s Emporium will return to Old Town in mid-September alongside Long Dark House, a new bookstore focused on science fiction, horror and dark titles.

The new businesses will share space at 1510 King Street. Madame Coco’s Emporium is the brainchild of Meshelle Armstrong, while Long Dark House is the realization of a lifelong dream by Chanthal Harris.

Go to Bookstore Long Dark House, Madame Coco’s Emporium aim for September opening in Old Town Read more
News

Morning Notes for August 5, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Blooming buds in Old Town North (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On August 5, 1774, Alexandria’s first volunteer fire company was established as the Friendship Fire Company. Initially the company was provided space in the Market Square area, but over time, several moves ensued as the needs of the company grew. In 1855 the company moved to a new firehouse built on South Alfred Street, with was a tall pointed steeple that could be seen from miles away. During the Civil War the firehouse was neglected, and by 1871, the impact of wind and weather on the steeple was so devastating that the building was closed and rebuilt. The steeple was removed and replaced by the lower cupola still in place today.” [Historic Alexandria]

Inova Alexandria Hospital Ranked Among Top in Va. — Alexandria’s hospital ranked on the  new 2026-2027 Best Hospitals ranking from U.S. News and World Report. This year, the report added regional specialized rankings for cancer, cardiology, heart and vascular surgery, orthopedics and rehabilitation. [Patch]

Go to Morning Notes for August 5, 2026 Read more
News

Rep. Don Beyer wins nomination in 8th Congressional District Democratic primary

By Emily Leayman
U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-8th) speaks at the Alexandria Democratic Committee’s Labor Day Picnic at The Garden Alexandria, 5380 Eisenhower Avenue, Sept. 1, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Rep. Don Beyer has earned the Democratic nomination for the 8th Congressional District in Tuesday’s primary election.

The congressman, who is seeking his seventh term, defeated four challengers — former Alexandria City Council Member Mo Seifeldein, fired State Department worker Michael Duffin, veteran and former CIA officer Adam Dunigan and military family advocate Lorena Bruner. The Associated Press called the race at 7:34 p.m. after polls closed.

Go to Rep. Don Beyer wins nomination in 8th Congressional District Democratic primary Read more
News

ALXnow Daily Debrief for Aug 4, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Voters seated at a polling station with I Voted ballot boxes on a table in the background.

Good Tuesday 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 — Aug 4, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. New kayak launch washes away after rainstorms at Four Mile Run Park (1363 views)
  2. West End townhouse project lauded as a regional model for affordable housing (1211 views)
  3. APD seeks suspect in struggle over vehicle in Old Town (857 views)
  4. Morning Notes for August 4, 2026 (510 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

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

⛈️ Wednesday’s forecast

Expect showers and thunderstorms, especially before 3pm and again after 4pm, with mostly cloudy skies and a high of 87°F. Winds will be light, becoming south at 5 to 7 mph, and there’s a 60% chance of precipitation, with rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch possible. Wednesday night will have a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a slight chance of showers until 2am, with a low around 74°F and a south wind at 6 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”
– Marie Curie

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!

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