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Good morning, Alexandria.
Yesterday was the kind of news day that reminds me why this work matters. A police chief's press briefing on a fatal officer-involved shooting. A school board chair's letter that the city's superintendent is suddenly on leave. Coverage of a city council vote on whether and how to change school board elections. A press conference with the head coach of a national World Cup team at Episcopal High School. A national maritime museum that may be coming to the waterfront. All in one day. All in one city. Covered here because nobody else was covering all of it.
A few specifics worth surfacing: the Canterbury Square footage release names Emily Ramirez, 27, as the victim of a fatal domestic violence incident before officers arrived; Hector Amaya, 38, was shot by officers and pronounced dead. School Board Chair Dr. Michelle Rief described Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt's leave as "a matter that arose unexpectedly" and asked for privacy; ACPS will operate without interruption through School Board-approved superintendent designees. And Croatia plays Ghana on Saturday at 5 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia — both teams spent time based in Alexandria this month before the tournament, and the Brief has the story behind Saturday's match. I'll be at Croatia's training again today.
Tonight at 7 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory: Tiles & Type, the unveiling of the Local News Day community artwork from April's pop-ups at St. Elmo's, Old Town North, and Four Mile Run. The Brief participated in those pop-ups and covered them. Come find me there.
The Brief crossed 6,000 readers this week — thank you for being part of this. Become a recurring monthly or annual supporter to keep this work going.
Here's what's happening in Alexandria.
1️⃣ Dalić calls Alexandria "beautiful" and "peaceful" as Croatia readies for decisive Ghana match
As the Croatian national football team entered its final days based in Alexandria, head coach Zlatko Dalić had nothing but praise for the city that has hosted his squad for the better part of a month.
Asked by the Brief what he would take away from the stay, Dalić — speaking in Croatian through the team's interpreter — said the team is genuinely happy in Alexandria, describing excellent conditions "in every way" and calling the city beautiful and peaceful. He had, he said, no objections whatsoever to the team's time there — a warm assessment from a coach whose squad's future in the city, like its World Cup, now hinges on Saturday's result.
Read more: Dalić calls Alexandria "beautiful" and "peaceful" as Croatia readies for decisive Ghana match
2️⃣ Superintendent Kay-Wyatt is on leave, school board chair says, citing 'a matter that arose unexpectedly'
Alexandria City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt is on leave, School Board Chair Dr. Michelle Rief announced Wednesday, describing it as the result of "a matter that arose unexpectedly" and asking the community to respect the superintendent's privacy.
In a message to families and staff posted the morning of June 24, Rief said the school division "will continue to operate without interruption" during the leave, with "School Board-approved superintendent designees" working together to oversee day-to-day operations and ensure continuity of leadership and services.
Related and recently updated: As Kay-Wyatt's final months begin, a look back at a consequential year for ACPS
3️⃣ City Council votes to create a joint committee on school board election reform
The Alexandria City Council voted Tuesday to create a joint committee with the Alexandria City Public Schools School Board to study changes to how and when board members are elected, with Councilman John Chapman casting the lone dissenting vote and warning that the effort risks opening the city charter in Richmond without a clear connection to better outcomes for students.
The resolution, approved at the June 23 legislative meeting, creates a four-member body: two council members and one alternate appointed by Mayor Alyia Gaskins, and two school board members and one alternate appointed by Board Chair Dr. Michelle Rief. The committee is directed to begin meeting in July and deliver a report to both bodies by November 10, at which point it dissolves. Gaskins announced that Councilman Canek Aguirre and Councilwoman Sandy Marks will serve as the council's two representatives, with Councilman Abdel Elnoubi as the alternate.
Read more: City Council votes to create a joint committee on school board election reform
4️⃣ Alexandria police release body cam footage from fatal May 18 Canterbury Square officer-involved shooting
Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire on Wednesday released body-worn camera footage from a May 18 officer-involved shooting at Canterbury Square, offering the public its first detailed look at what officers encountered when they arrived at the scene in the early morning hours following a fatal domestic violence incident.
McGuire identified the victim as Emily Ramirez, 27, an Alexandria resident and former student of what is now Alexandria City High School. Officers responding to the scene found Ramirez inside the apartment suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, which McGuire said were inflicted before officers arrived. The suspect, identified as Hector Amaya, 38, also an Alexandria resident, was subsequently shot by officers and later pronounced dead. McGuire said the two were in a relationship and lived together in the apartment.
5️⃣ A national maritime museum may be coming to Alexandria's waterfront — and could take over the Tall Ship Providence
Days after the Tall Ship Providence Foundation announced it is suspending operations amid mounting losses and debt, a connected nonprofit has gone public with plans for a national maritime museum on Alexandria's waterfront — and says it is assessing whether to acquire the historic vessel as part of the project.
The United States Maritime Foundation is under contract to acquire a site at 1 Prince St., adjacent to Waterfront Park, for a planned museum of approximately 50,000 square feet, according to the Washington Business Journal. The nonprofit, formed last June, is aiming to raise between $30 million and $50 million for the project, which could involve demolishing and redeveloping the existing 1980s-era building on the site, pending city approval.
📰 In brief
Finn & Fire begins its soft opening Thursday at 111 N. Pitt St., the former home of Kismet Modern Indian. (The Brief)
The Dog Store may not be leaving Mount Vernon Avenue just yet. (The Brief)
The Alexandria Fire Department is operating with near-full staffing, improving morale and an eye on a rare national rating that could lower insurance costs for residents and businesses. (The Brief)
Alexandria's rugby community is heading back to Dundee, Scotland, this August to reclaim a trophy that has been sitting across the Atlantic since the original series — and there are two chances to send them off before they go. (The Brief)
The U.S. Postal Service released a list of post offices still operating today that date back to 1776 — and Alexandria's station at 1100 Wythe Street is on it, one of only a handful in Virginia. The list is part of USPS's 250th anniversary celebrations, which include a Declaration of Independence Forever stamp debuting July 4 in Philadelphia, patriotic collection boxes at 30 sites in 24 cities, and a special 250th anniversary postmark on mail processed July through August. (USPS)
The second phase of maintenance work on the Hooff’s Run Culvert will begin Monday, July 6 (weather permitting) in the park located between East Oak Street and East Walnut Street. (City of Alexandria)
“Columbia Capital, the venerated Alexandria venture capital firm founded in 1989 by Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, has agreed to be acquired by data center giant Digital Realty” for $775 million. (Washington Business Journal)
VRE will implement a fare increase effective July 1, 2026. Tickets purchased prior to July 1 at the current rate will be honored until they expire. (VRE)
Sports
The Alexandria Aces beat the D.C. Grays 7-2 on Wednesday night at Robert J. Talbot Field on the campus of Catholic University, pushing back over .500 in the Cal Ripken League.
The Washington Wizards moved up in the second round of the NBA draft to pick Tennessee forward Felix Okpara on Wednesday night. (The Brief)
The Minnesota Lynx rallied from a 12-point deficit Wednesday night to beat the Washington Mystics 78-76. (The Brief)
Derek Hill hit a two-out, two-run pinch home run in the ninth inning to lift the Phillies past the Nationals, 5-4 on Wednesday night. (The Brief)
Disgruntled receiver Brandon Aiyuk said he would sign immediately with the Commanders if the 49ers grant his wish and release him. (The Brief)
The Buffalo Sabres have agreed to a sign-and-trade deal to send veteran forward Alex Tuch to the Washington Capitals. (The Brief)
Today in Alexandria
⛅ Weather
Today: Mostly cloudy through mid-morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 88 degrees. South wind 6 to 13 mph.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69 degrees. South wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
🌖 Sun, Moon, & Tide
Sunrise at 5:44 a.m., sunset at 8:37 p.m. 14 hours & 53 minutes of sun. High tide at 5:47 a.m. & 6:17 p.m. Low tide at 12:27 p.m. The moon phase is a Waxing Gibbous.
🗓️ Things To Do
- 3 p.m.: Old Town North Farmers’ Market at 901 North Royal Street
- 5 p.m.: Finn & Fire opens at 111 N. Pitt St.
- 5 p.m.: Whole Bluefin Tuna Cutting Ceremony at Pak Soii Izakaya & Bar
- 5 p.m.: Nepenthe Brewing Co Tap Takeover at Lost Dog Cafe
- 6:30 p.m.: Alexandria Aces vs. Bethesda Big Train at Frank Mann Field
- 7 p.m.: Tiles & Type: Local News Day Artwork Unveiling & Reception at Torpedo Factory
- 7 p.m.: Pop Culture Trivia - Bravo Edition at Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
🎶 Entertainment
- 219 Restaurant: Mike Kelley & Friends at 9 p.m.
- Alexandria Bier Garden: Trivia at 7 p.m.
- Aslin ALX: Trivia at 7 p.m.
- Atlas ALX: Bingo at 7 p.m.
- Augie's: Mackenzie Ryan at 5 p.m.
- Blackwall Hitch: Steel drums at 5:30 p.m.
- Evening Star Cafe: BW & The Danger at 7 p.m.
- Galactic Panther: Brookhouse, Barkely Cove, & The Fretters at 7 p.m.
- Hops N Shine: Trivia at 6:30 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant: Ken Kilpatrick Trio at 6 p.m.
- Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap: Dave Manley & Mauricio Miranda at 6 p.m.
- Lost Boy Cider: Trivia at 7 p.m.
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Rook Richards & Pat Garvey at 8:30 p.m.
- O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Culp at 9 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
- The Birchmere: Stella Cole at 7:30 p.m.
- The Study at Morrison House: Live Piano Music at 6 p.m.
🏛️ City & Schools
- City Government: Open | Flag: Full Staff
- Trash, Recycling, & Yard Waste Collection: On Time
- 6 a.m.: Chinquapin Pool Open
- 7 a.m.: Minnie Howard Pool Open
- 10 a.m.: Memorial Pool Open
- 11 a.m.: Warwick Pool Open
- noon: Old Town Pool Open
- 6:30 p.m.: Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin at Del Pepper Community Resource Ceneter
- (City of Alexandria calendar) (ACPS calendar)
📚 Alexandria Library
- 10:15 & 11:15 a.m.: Bilingual Story Time — Cuentacuentos Bilingüe at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
- 10:30 a.m.: Storytime in the Reading Garden — Cuentos en el jardín de lectura at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
- 11 a.m.: Rocknoceros at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
- 11 a.m.: Line Dancing 101 at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
- noon: Line Dancing 201 at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
- 1:15 p.m.: Baby Bounce at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
- 1:30 p.m.: Film Screening — "Weapons" at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
- 2 p.m.: American Style Mahjong at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
- 3 p.m.: Let Your Pride Fly at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
- 5:30 p.m.: Tai Chi at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
- 6 p.m.: Dungeons and Dragons Adult Group at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
- 6:30 p.m.: Pollinator Talk with Ecologist Dr. Sally Valdes at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
- (Alexandria Library calendar)
⚽ Sports
- 4 p.m.: FIFA World Cup — Ecuador vs. Germany at MetLife Stadium (FOX); Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (FS1)
- 6:30 p.m.: Alexandria Aces host the Bethesda Big Train at Frank Mann Field
- 6:45 p.m.: Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park
- 7 p.m.: FIFA World Cup — Japan vs. Sweden at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (FS1); Tunisia vs. Netherlands at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City (FOX)
- 10 p.m.: FIFA World Cup — USA vs. Türkiye at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California (FOX); Paraguay vs. Australia at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California (FS1)
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Publisher: Ryan Belmore, an Alexandria resident and journalist. See something we should cover? Reply to this email or send tips, photos, and story ideas to ryan@alexandriabrief.com. The best stories come from readers.
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