News

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On March 4, 1827, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the oldest Catholic parish in Virginia, was officially consecrated. The cornerstone had been set the summer before and when completed, the church building measured 45 feet by 60 feet. The church is said to have been started in 1795 when Colonel John Fitzgerald, a close friend and associate of George Washington, and an early mayor of Alexandria, took up a collection to fund construction of a small chapel at the southern end of South Washington Street, now the site of St. Mary’s Cemetery, where the street ended at the edge of Great Hunting Creek.” [Historic Alexandria]

AEDP Launching ‘Tech Accelerator’ — “The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership is set establish its first tech accelerator to shore up the city’s standing in the increasingly competitive Northern Virginia technology sector. Marian Marquez, senior vice president at AEDP, told [WBJ] a request for proposals seeking candidates to run an accelerator — similar to a business consultancy service for early-stage companies — is expected to open on Wednesday.” [WBJ]


News

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 — Mar 3, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Alexandria joins N. Va. opposition to bill that would allow by-right housing in commercial zones (870 views)
  2. Morning Notes for March 3, 2026 (527 views)
  3. Grand Opening Spotlight: A new standard of luxury living at The Whitley (411 views)
  4. Acclaimed Old Town-based marketing CEO Maurisa Potts is focused on expansion (311 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 rain after 4pm, with a cloudy sky and a high near 52, accompanied by a calm wind transitioning to northeast at 5 mph. There’s a 60% chance of precipitation with less than a tenth of an inch possible. On Wednesday night, rain remains likely, with a cloudy low around 49 and a 70% chance of precipitation, again with less than a tenth of an inch possible. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
– Nelson Mandela

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!


News

Despite opposition from Alexandria and other Northern Virginia localities, bills permitting by-right multifamily development in commercial zones are advancing in the Virginia General Assembly.

HB 816 by Del. Dan Helmer (D-10) and SB 454 by state Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg (D-16) would require local zoning ordinances to permit by-right multifamily and mixed-use residential development on a portion of commercial or business zoning district land. The amended bills calls for localities to allow by-right development on at least 50% of commercially zoned land, which is less than the 75% originally proposed.


Around Town

Maurisa Potts’ award shelf is getting crowded.

Earlier this month, the founder and CEO of the Old Town-based Spotted MP marketing firm was named to the 2026 Virginia Black Leaders list by Virginia Business magazine. The award is the latest in a string of honors for Potts, who last fall was named to the PR Net 100 2025, a recognition for the top-performing firms in the world of public relations and well as MarComms Most Influential by the same outlet.


Event

Join us Saturday June 13 for a special edition of the Gustave Art & Craft Market, celebrating Father’s Day and the 2026 World Cup! Find that special gift for Dad from local artisans & crafters and enjoy family fun, community & Gustave’s delicious World Cup specialties. Plus, singer songwriter Chris Fotos performs before the game.

Gustave Art & Craft Market takes place the Second Saturday of the month at Gustave Boulangerie, 2213 Mt. Vernon Avenue in the heart of Del Ray. Each month features special kids’ activities. Mark your calendars for the Second Saturday and see you at Gustave!


Around Town

Artwork “that reflects civic pride, historical connection, and optimism for the future” is the theme of a new poster contest in Alexandria.

As the City of Alexandria continues to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it is joining the America 250 City Art Poster Project, sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Endowment for the Arts.


News

Shannon Steene says that a ritual with keys is his favorite part of the job as executive director of Carpenter’s Shelter.

On the days when clients at the homeless shelter move out to transition into newfound housing, staff and other residents will say goodbye to them by jingling their keys. Now after 11 years leading the nonprofit, Steene said he’s looking forward to his own departure ceremony of sorts, as he’s stepping down later this month to lead Reston-based nonprofit Cornerstones.


News

The executive director of Sheltercare, a short-term group home that provides services to youth in the city’s West End, says she may have to consider cutting staff, services or beds, despite nearly $2 million in funding included in the city’s proposed 2027 budget.

The city manager’s budget fulfills a funding request from the Juvenile Detention Commission of Northern Virginia, which oversees the 14-bed Sheltercare facility. However, the program’s planned budget of $2.14 million is scaled down from executive director Annie Reiney’s initial $2.7 million proposal, which included a 40% increase in funding to pay for extra staffing and building improvements.


Around Town

A women’s bar crawl and fundraiser is coming to Del Ray this Saturday as Women’s History Month is now underway.

The bar crawl is scheduled from 2-7 p.m. Saturday, featuring all woman-owned spots like Rosemarino D’Italia and Piece Out Del Ray. The crawl is being hosted by Del Ray Psych and Wellness (1900 Mount Vernon Avenue).


News

ACPS On Regular Schedule Today — “All Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) schools and offices will open on time with normal schedules and operations today, March 3, 2026. All school activities and transportation will operate as scheduled.” [ACPS]

Bagel Uprising Expanding to Arlington — “Bagel Uprising, based in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood, plans to open its second location at 901 N. Glebe Road in May, co-founder Chad Breckinridge told ARLnow. That’s just half a mile from D.C.-based bagel chain Call Your Mother’s planned location at 4000 Wilson Blvd. Although Bagel Uprising’s announcement comes less than a week after its competitor’s, Breckinridge says he’s not planning on any schmear campaigns.” [ARLnow]