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Daily Brief | July 3
Alexandria's CBA remains unfinished, Croatia's World Cup ends in Toronto and closes a month unlike any other, dangerous heat holds through the holiday weekend, and here's what's happening in Alexandria July 3-5
The submarine named for Alexandria decommissions on her 35th birthday
USS Alexandria (SSN 757) was commissioned June 29, 1991. She held her inactivation ceremony June 29, 2026.
Alexandria stormwater commission wins city's Commission of the Year award
A resident who started out "just being loud" after her home flooded with sewage now helps lead the panel
Alexandria Symphony Orchestra executive director George Hanson steps down after seven years
Hanson's departure adds an administrative transition to the orchestra as it prepares to name a new music director and executive leadership team in 2027.
ALIVE! names new executive committee members as annual leadership transition takes effect
The Alexandria anti-hunger nonprofit added four members to its governing committee July 1 and elected a new secretary, while thanking four departing leaders.
Fox 5 to air live from Taqueria Picoso ahead of Croatia-Portugal watch party
Ahead of Croatia's Round of 32 match against Portugal on Thursday, the West End restaurant hosts a watch party — with Fox 5 DC planning live pre-game coverage. Fans are encouraged to arrive early.
As Croatia leaves Alexandria, its players say what they'll miss: the people, the place, the month
On their final morning in the city, Marin Pongračić and Nikola Vlašić reflected on the hotel and training-center staff, Episcopal's "crazy" facilities, and a month that ends Tuesday — as the team departs for its Round of 32 match against Portugal.
"Exposure that money can't buy": What hosting Croatia did for Alexandria
Visit Alexandria president Todd O'Leary says a month as Croatia's World Cup home gave the city global visibility it could never have afforded — and "rocket fuel" for its sports-tourism push. The full economic picture will come by year's end.
As Croatia prepares to leave, Episcopal reflects on the month it hosted a World Cup team
The Alexandria boarding school beat out more than 60 sites to become the Vatreni's home base. With the team departing this week, director of auxiliary programs Dan O'Neil looks back on golf-cart rides, ice shortages — and a choice he didn't see coming.
School Board chair addresses budget, unfinished CBA, superintendent transition
In written responses to The Alexandria Brief, Chair Dr. Michelle Rief confirmed the collective bargaining agreement has not been ratified, named the administrator now running the division and made the case that ACPS's budget pressures are structural. Her full responses appear below.
ECC principal Heidi Haggerty-Wagner among Virginia's inaugural Principals of Distinction
The state completed its first class of the recognition program this week. Alexandria's Early Childhood Center principal, named in the spring, is the division's lone honoree.
Superintendent Kay-Wyatt is on leave, school board chair says, citing 'a matter that arose unexpectedly'
In a message to families and staff, Board Chair Michelle Rief said board-approved designees will run the division and asked the community to respect Dr. Kay-Wyatt's privacy. ACPS did not specify the reason for the leave or its expected length.
City Council votes to create a joint committee on school board election reform
The ad hoc body will study staggered terms, board size and composition, with a report due November 10 — but the 6-1 vote exposed deep skepticism about whether any of it will move the needle for students
Fox 5 to air live from Taqueria Picoso ahead of Croatia-Portugal watch party
Ahead of Croatia's Round of 32 match against Portugal on Thursday, the West End restaurant hosts a watch party — with Fox 5 DC planning live pre-game coverage. Fans are encouraged to arrive early.
New record store, run by Neighborhood Restaurant Group, to open on Mount Vernon Avenue this summer
2016 Mount Vernon Ave. shop comes as Del Ray awaits word on Crooked Beat Records' possible return
Finn & Fire to open on Thursday in Old Town
A new seafood and steak restaurant is set to open its doors in Old Town.
Little Birdie opens in Del Ray, drawing officials and a caviar-topped chicken menu
Officials joined the Del Ray Business Association to welcome the chicken-focused spinoff from the Matt & Tony's team
Alexandria quietly launches mold resource website for renters
Health Department says a formal public rollout is still planned — but the site is live and available now
Alexandria City Council denies Virginia Paving's extension request, upholds 2027 closure deadline
Alexandria City Council denies Virginia Paving's extension request, upholds 2027 closure deadline
'A brighter future': Alexandria dedicates RiverRenew, ending a sewage problem dating to the 1800s
For generations, a hard rain over Old Town meant raw sewage in the river. As of Wednesday, it no longer does.
Heat Advisory takes effect at 11 a.m. Wednesday; NWS warns severe storms possible Friday through Monday as heat risk extends into next week
Heat index up to 107 today, up to 112 Thursday and Friday, and severe storms possible through Monday. Alexandria's cooling resources begin today.
Dangerous heat continues through the Fourth of July as Alexandria's warning holds
An extreme heat warning runs Friday and Saturday, with the heat index reaching 113 today. The city's cooling locations remain open through the holiday weekend.
Alexandria quietly launches mold resource website for renters
Health Department says a formal public rollout is still planned — but the site is live and available now
Tucker case returns to auditor as Alexandria's civilian police board finds investigation incomplete
The unanimous vote identifies gaps around the supervising sergeant, disciplinary recommendations, and body camera compliance
Heat Advisory takes effect at 11 a.m. Wednesday; NWS warns severe storms possible Friday through Monday as heat risk extends into next week
Heat index up to 107 today, up to 112 Thursday and Friday, and severe storms possible through Monday. Alexandria's cooling resources begin today.
Publisher's Note: Punching above our weight
A World Cup team made Alexandria home for a month. As Croatia prepares to leave, here's a case for making the friendship last — starting with a fifth sister city.
Publisher's Note: No one took the easy route
Nobody's ever happy with a budget. That's not the same as nobody trying.
Publisher's Note: What it really costs to cover Alexandria
Seven months in, an honest look at the numbers behind your community newsroom
Publisher's Note: Sometimes what's best for all of us isn't best for any one of us
The Braddock Road vote is settled. How a divided neighborhood lives with it is not.
Americans step out for their nation's 250th in a proud moment sown with division and doubt
Whether all the partying to come gives the nation a breather from disunity or aggravates it is an open question.
America 250 celebrations bring extraordinary security challenge to Washington
Federal law enforcement authorities are preparing for one of Washington, D.C.'s, largest and most complex security operations as the nation’s capital gears up to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s freedom.
Touring Trump's Washington: How the president is putting his imprint on the nation's capital
Since returning to office 17 months ago, Trump has demonstrated a continuing fixation with the District of Columbia.
NFL releases dates and details for the 2027 NFL draft to be held on National Mall in Washington
The NFL announced dates and details on Thursday for the 2027 NFL draft to be held in Washington, D.C.
Croatia's World Cup ends in Toronto, closing an unlikely month in Alexandria
Portugal rallied for a 2-1 win on a stoppage-time header, and a last-second Croatia equalizer was waved off for offside — a bitter end for the Vatreni, and for the Northern Virginia city that hosted them for a month.
Shakira Austin scores 21, Kiki Iriafen gets a double-double and the Mystics beat the Dream 81-76
Shakira Austin had 21 points and nine rebounds, Kiki Iriafen added 14 points and 10 rebounds for her eighth double-double this season, and the Washington Mystics beat the Atlanta Dream 81-76 on Thursday night.
Alex Ovechkin declares 'I'm back!' and re-signs with Capitals to return for a 22nd NHL season
Alex Ovechkin is returning for a 22nd NHL season after re-signing with the Washington Capitals on Thursday.
James Woods hits a 3-run homer as the Nationals beat the Red Sox 10-2 to take the series
James Woods belted a three-run homer for his 22nd of the season, Andrés Chaparro and Nasim Nuñez each hit their first and the Washington Nationals beat the Boston Red Sox 10-2 on Wednesday afternoon at steamy Fenway Park to take the series.
King Street work begins July 6 near Alexandria City High School
Project will add protected bike lane, expand bus stops and reconfigure lanes to improve safety for students
Parking meter rates, fines going up Wednesday in Alexandria
The changes, approved as part of the city's FY 2027 budget, mark the first increase to parking fines since 2007
VRE acquires Seminary Yard for $35.8 million
Purchase from state rail authority gives commuter rail service greater control over infrastructure as it prepares for expansion
Weekend overnight lane closures begin on I-395 north near Alexandria this weekend
VDOT bridge work spanning the Fairfax County–Alexandria line will close a single northbound lane on weekend nights through Aug. 9, skipping the July Fourth holiday
Editors’ Picks
What's happening in Alexandria this weekend: July 3-5
Cooling centers open, Aces host Senators, Swedish marching band and Fourth of July celebrations
As Croatia leaves Alexandria, its players say what they'll miss: the people, the place, the month
On their final morning in the city, Marin Pongračić and Nikola Vlašić reflected on the hotel and training-center staff, Episcopal's "crazy" facilities, and a month that ends Tuesday — as the team departs for its Round of 32 match against Portugal.
Tucker family members call for officers to be criminally charged at emotional public hearing; civilian board recesses without a decision
Family members spoke directly to the board during public comment; board votes to continue deliberations Wednesday
"Exposure that money can't buy": What hosting Croatia did for Alexandria
Visit Alexandria president Todd O'Leary says a month as Croatia's World Cup home gave the city global visibility it could never have afforded — and "rocket fuel" for its sports-tourism push. The full economic picture will come by year's end.
As Croatia prepares to leave, Episcopal reflects on the month it hosted a World Cup team
The Alexandria boarding school beat out more than 60 sites to become the Vatreni's home base. With the team departing this week, director of auxiliary programs Dan O'Neil looks back on golf-cart rides, ice shortages — and a choice he didn't see coming.
Dalić reveals how he steadied Croatia — as the team's Alexandria countdown begins
At a press conference in Alexandria, the coach explained how he took public responsibility to restore the team's confidence — and the federation confirmed the Vatreni will leave the city for good after Tuesday.