News

The Alexandria City School Board gave the green light to its $401.18 million combined funds budget on Thursday night, capping months of public meetings and conversations during what Board Chair Michelle Rief described as “an extraordinarily difficult budget year.”

“This year’s budget development process occurred amid significant uncertainty,” Rief said before the budget’s passage, “including federal workforce reductions that disproportionately affect Alexandria, slowing City revenue growth, continued inflationary pressures, the complexity of negotiating our first collective bargaining agreement and the delayed adoption of the state budget.”


Around Town

As the second weekend of June arrives, Alexandria City Public Schools students are off for the summer and families will be heading out to enjoy events around the city and region.

Sails on the Potomac will coincide with ALX Jazz Fest from June 12-14 at Waterfront Park (1A Prince Street). Highlights of the event include tall ship tours, fireworks, ALX Jazz Fest performances and the VA250 Mobile Museum.


Sponsored
This recurring Most and Least Expensive Home feature is sponsored by Adrianna Vallario of Compass. Based in the North Ridge area of Alexandria City, Adrianna is more than just a real estate agent – she is a trusted advisor, relocation expert, and community advocate.

In October 2026, 26 detached homes sold, 50 condos sold, and 41 townhomes sold. Detached home sales are down 40% when compared to the same time period last year, condos are down 52%, and townhomes are down 18%.

Most Expensive Detached Home Sales:

Least Expensive Townhome Sales:

3400 Saylor Pl - Listed by DSA Properties, photo from Bright MLS
3400 Saylor Pl – Listed by DSA Properties, photo from Bright MLS

If you have any questions about these listings, or are looking to make a move in the DMV, please contact Adrianna Vallario – Your Alexandria Real Estate Agent.


News

As it prepares to open later this month, Little Birdie in Del Ray wants to add more outside seating.

Restaurant owners Matt Sloan and Eric Brannon are asking the city for permission to install 16 additional outdoor seats in an unused alley, adding to the 10 seats already approved. In March, the city approved the change in ownership at the venue. The space at 1504B Mount Vernon Avenue was formerly occupied by Benny DiForza’s Pizza, which opened in February 2024 and closed last October.


Announcement

Revolutionary Fitness is a semi-private strength and longevity training studio for adults 50+ at 215 N. Payne St. in Old Town. Registration for its 21-day Fall Into Fitness program closes this Saturday, October 31. Two spots remain.

The program is built for adults who never trained seriously, haven’t trained in years, or keep starting programs that don’t stick. Members get:


News

A 23-year-old Arlington man faces a felony charge after a two-car crash that killed an Alexandria man last December.

Mohammad Mohammadi has been charged with involuntary manslaughter (a Class 5 felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison) and one misdemeanor count of reckless driving.


Event

High school students from across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region are invited to participate in Dialogue for Democracy at George Mason University!

Hosted by the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, this event offers high school students an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about democracy, civic engagement, and the importance of understanding different perspectives.


Opinion

On the warm summer days, Alexandrians will venture out to their favorite ice cream shop to enjoy a frozen treat. The city has no shortage of options, from classic ice cream parlors to gelato and frozen custard shops.

Here are the nominees for “Best Ice Cream Shop in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your go-to ice cream shop? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Summer Camp in Alexandria is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Outdoor Dining Spot in Alexandria. The results are now official:

  1. BARCA Pier & Wine Bar
  2. Ada’s on the River
  3. Vola’s Dockside Grill & Hi-Tide Lounge

News

Virginia American Water, the drinking water utility for Alexandria, has agreed to a settlement that sets a lower rate increase than originally proposed.

The June 5 settlement with the State Corporation Commission, City of Alexandria, City of Hopewell and Prince George County allows Virginia American Water to increase its revenues by $16 million annually, which is less than the $22 million the utility requested.


News

Prepare for Sails on the Potomac — “Sails on the Potomac and Alexandria Jazz Fest kicks off this Friday! The more you know ahead of time, the more fun you’ll have. Read the full FAQ on alexandriava.gov/Sails250.” [City of Alexandria/Bluesky]

Alexandria Resident Dies in Springfield Crash — The 49-year-old resident of Alexandria, was driving a Toyota Camry Old Keene Mill Road when the car veered off the road and hit a guardrail, the Fairfax County Police Department said. [FFXnow]


News

Michael Burch, the ACHS lead administrator for operations and student support, has been hired as the next principal of Alexandria City High School.

Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt made the announcement at tonight’s School Board meeting. With approximately 4,500 students and hundreds of staffers spread across four campuses, Burch will will lead the largest public high school in Virginia starting on July 1.