The Alexandria/Arlington Regional Workforce Council has been awarded $150,000 in state funding to provide executive coaching services to higher-skilled job seekers in the region.
The grant, announced today by Governor Glenn Youngkin, is part of over $1 million in workforce development funding distributed across Virginia through the “Facilitating Career Pivots into High-Demand Occupations” program.
It’s been a busy week in Alexandria! Here’s our recap of the most-read stories.
This week’s top story is on an Inova Alexandria Hospital employee getting fired after allegedly stealing a patient’s credit cards from a room at the hospital and using them at a nearby store.
Visit Alexandria’s President & CEO Todd O’Leary leads with the belief that travel is a force for good, inspiring visitors to deepen their travel experiences by connecting with Alexandria’s myriad stories. That’s why 2026 National Travel and Tourism Week (May 3-9, 2026) isn’t just any week. It’s a time to reflect and celebrate the important role that tourism plays in bringing people together across cultures and geographies, creating shared understandings and memories that last a lifetime. This year’s theme, “Postmarked: Essential,” takes on special significance as Alexandria prepares to host several major events this summer, bringing the stories of our local community onto the world stage.
“This year’s National Travel and Tourism Week celebrations seem particularly fitting, given all the momentum we’re seeing in Alexandria’s hospitality industry,” said Visit Alexandria’s President & CEO Todd O’Leary. “As tourism grows in importance here, the dividends from visitor spending support our small business owners and ultimately our residents. Visit Alexandria is proud of the work done by our local industry to keep this city top of mind for domestic and international travelers.”
Last fall, Visit Alexandria announced that Alexandria’s tourism spending from travelers residing more than 50 miles away grew to $1 billion for the first time in history during calendar year 2024. Additionally, Fiscal Year 2025 city consumption tax revenues reached a record $88 million—supporting core city services, saving the average Alexandria household $832 annually, and sustaining more than 5,700 local jobs.
In conjunction with this year’s America 250th commemorations, Alexandria will host programs, exhibitions, historic tours and signature events, including the three-day Sails on the Potomac festival—all of which showcase Alexandria’s renowned historic character and ever-evolving progressive nature. As Alexandria continues to make waves on the world stage, especially as a destination for sports tourism, the city will serve as the official Team Base Camp for the Croatian National Football Team, a FIFA top ten ranked team, during the World Cup. With state-of-the-art facilities, a wide range of accommodations, a wealth of visitor experiences and incredible transportation access, Alexandria’s prominence in sports tourism is growing. (more…)
There were no injuries after lightning struck the roof of an Alexandria home on Wednesday night (July 9).
The Alexandria Fire Department was notified at around 6:40 p.m. by the homeowner that the roof of their two-level townhouse was smoking, according to dispatches. Inside, firefighters found and extinguished smoke and fire in the attic.
State Department Federal Credit Union marked a significant milestone this week, celebrating 90 years of service while debuting its newly renovated Alexandria branch as a centerpiece of the commemorative festivities.
The credit union held its anniversary celebration on Tuesday, July 8, bringing together members, community leaders, and employees at its headquarters location at 1630 King Street. The branch renovation represents SDFCU’s continued investment in Alexandria, where the institution is also headquartered.
Come celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s War for Independence with renowned music historians David & Ginger Hildebrand for performances of special period music. The Hildebrands will don period attire to discuss and perform music associated with Alexandria’s sister cities: Caen, France; Dundee, Scotland; Helsingborg, Sweden; and Gyumri, Armenia. Scottish music was especially influential in the American colonies, and once the French joined the Revolutionary cause there were musical celebrations for Generals LaFayette, Rochambeau and other French leaders. This concert event is part of the “Alexandria commemorates America’s 250” campaign. David & Ginger specialize in researching, recording, and performing early American music. Since 1980 they have presented concerts and educational programs throughout the country and abroad at museums, historic sites, schools and universities. Mount Vernon, The National Gallery of Art, The National Archives, and Colonial Williamsburg are among their many past sponsors.
Tickets are $20.
Talking to the MAYSUNS outside at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray feels like you’re sitting in their living room.
Sitting at a table in front of a mural of iconic musicians (Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison), just around the corner from the music school they attended for years, four out of the six bandmates sat with ALXnow to discuss the latest.
Despite being “cute as a button” and possessing all the charm of a young puppy, Connie has been waiting at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) for her forever family to find her. The 37-pound black and white pup, who came to the shelter as a local stray, is ready to bring joy and energy to the right household.
At just 10 months old, Connie embodies everything people love about puppies—she’s playful, affectionate, and eager to please. Her favorite pastimes include chasing squeaky toys (which “hate to see this playful pup coming,” according to AWLA), going on walks and runs, and being the center of attention with new people she meets.
James ‘David” Bailey, one of the last surviving veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, died at home in Alexandria on July 5. He was 103 years old.
Bailey was awarded two Bronze Stars, the French Legion of Honor, and the Order of St. Maurice for his service in World War II. During the Battle of the Bulge in late 1944, Bailey and his unit were taken prisoner by German soldiers. Bailey escaped and later appeared on the cover of Stars and Stripes.
The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for its fall Community Academy, providing residents and city workers with a free opportunity to learn about local law enforcement operations.
Sheriff Sean Casey announced Thursday (July 10) that the program will run for four consecutive Saturday mornings, from September 6 to September 27, with sessions held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Applications are due by Friday, August 29; however, officials warn that space is limited.
Good morning, Alexandria! Today is Friday, July 11, the 192nd day of 2025. There are 173 days left in the year.
⛈️ Today’s weather: Patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Light and variable wind.
