After pool drownings of children 5 and under reached a five-year high last year in Virginia, state health officials are urging families to take a “safe swimming pledge” as pools open for the season.
In 2025, there were 12 accidental drownings of children aged 5 and under in Virginia — more than the nine reported over the prior three years: three in 2024, two in 2023 and four in 2022. Virginia reported 473 drownings in all bodies of water between 2020 and 2024.
An Alexandria man faces illegal entry and public intoxication charges after allegedly breaking into the Seminary Hill home of a co-worker’s relatives, rummaging around and stealing clothing, according to a recently released search warrant affidavit.
On April 9, the homeowners provided police with video surveillance showing the suspect entering the home in the 200 block of N. Quaker Lane, as well as audio of him allegedly opening kitchen cabinets, according to the affidavit. The suspect was arrested less than a mile away on a public intoxication charge, a Class 4 misdemeanor with a $250 fine. He was later charged with entering a property to damage, a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Noteworthy: Combination of historic character & modern luxury
Two blocks from the heart of Old Town, this home offers a rare combination of historic character, modern luxury, and livable space. Just minutes from King Street, the waterfront, restaurants, shops, and parks, you will be directly in the center of it all. This 3-bedroom, 3-bath residence spans approximately 2,600+ square feet and has been thoughtfully updated to support both everyday living and effortless entertaining. The home features high-end appliances, including Miele, Sub-Zero, and Viking, paired with a layout that feels intuitive, comfortable, and functional. Built in the early 1800s, the home is an example of Alexandria’s historic “flounder house” style, though what stands out most is how seamlessly that history has been adapted for modern living. Original hardwood floors anchor the heart of the home, while preserved architectural details, particularly in the family room, highlight its 200-year legacy. The upper level includes a flexible primary suite with an adjoining office or sitting room, offering an ideal work-from-home setup or private retreat. A standout feature is the redesigned, two-tier courtyard, creating a true outdoor living environment rarely found in Old Town. Entered through a private gate and enhanced with thoughtful landscaping, the space includes both an upper courtyard and a lower patio with direct access from the kitchen, allowing for seamless indoor-outdoor living and entertaining. Additional features include a copper roof and six fireplaces, further reinforcing the home’s blend of enduring craftsmanship and modern updates.
More details have been released regarding the former D.C. police officer facing more than two dozen felony sexual assault charges in Alexandria.
Timothy Valentin, 30, of Fort Washington, Md., goes to court in August on charges of rape by force, rape by incapacitation and abduction with intent to defile after a sexual assault that allegedly occurred in the overnight hours between Saturday, April 12, and Sunday, April 13, 2025.
The League of Women Voters of Arlington and Alexandria City invites the community to attend our Alexandria Post-Legislative Town Hall on Thursday, May 28.
Post-legislative town halls give residents an opportunity to hear directly from their General Assembly representatives about the recently completed legislative session and ask questions about issues affecting our communities.
An earlier version of this article said the Little Birdie preview will happen Saturday, May 23. The preview is being rescheduled for next Saturday, May 30.
Little Birdie, the sister restaurant of Matt & Tony’s All Day Kitchen + Bar, will host a preview ahead of its June opening in Del Ray.
Join us for a delightful Sunday afternoon at the BlackRock Center for the Arts as Cruise Planners Beth & Rod present a special travel-inspired matinee featuring the beloved film Under the Tuscan Sun.
Date & Time: Sunday, May 31 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
On This Day in Alexandria History — “On May 21, 1947, the Virginia Theatre located at 601 First Street was dedicated with a special ceremony. The program included official remarks, playing of the National Anthem, and the feature film “Carnival in Costa Rica.” With 1,200 seats, it was the largest theater in Alexandria at the time.” [Historic Alexandria]
Spanberger Approves, Rejects Set of Immigration Enforcement Bills — “The governor announced (Wednesday) that she has signed SB 352 and its House of Delegates companion HB 1482, which ban law enforcement officers from covering their faces, while vetoing legislation (SB 351 and HB 650) that would restrict federal immigration agents from conducting civil arrests in certain public places, including courthouses, schools and health care facilities.” [FFXnow]
Good Wednesday evening, Alexandria. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — May 20, 2026.
Here are today’s most-read articles:
Here is what’s going on Thursday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
Expect showers and possibly a thunderstorm today, with a high of around 67°F. Northeast winds will be 9 to 13 mph, and there is a 90% chance of rain, with new rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, potentially more in thunderstorms. Thursday night will be cloudy with showers likely before 11 p.m. and a slight chance after 5 a.m., with a low of around 54°F. Northeast winds will range from 7 to 10 mph, and there’s a 60% chance of rain with less than a tenth of an inch expected. See more from Weather.gov.
“Happiness is not the absence of problems, it’s the ability to deal with them.”
– Steve Maraboli
Thanks for reading!
A 27-year-old Alexandria man was arrested and charged with brandishing or pointing a firearm during what police are describing as a road rage incident in the West End.
Around 11:40 p.m. on Friday, April 24, the Alexandria Police Department responded to the Wendy’s restaurant at 229 S. Van Dorn Street to investigate a report of a brandished firearm, according to a recently released search warrant affidavit. In the parking lot, the victim told police that the suspect — who was in a silver Toyota in the Wendy’s drive-thru when police arrived — had pointed a handgun at him while they were across the street in the parking lot of the Van Dorn Plaza.
The City of Alexandria has fully transitioned from gas-powered to electric leaf blowers as it prepares to implement a citywide ban on the gas devices later this year.
The city reported this week that it has completed the transition to electric devices for city maintenance and operations. The May 17 phase-out came one year after City Council approved the ban, which made Alexandria the first locality in Virginia to approve such a measure.
The Education Association of Alexandria’s upcoming officer elections were postponed this week due to alleged campaign or election violations, according to the union’s communications to members.
The EAA broadly cited campaign or election violations in a Sunday (May 17) email update to its members on officer elections. Andrea Hill, chair of the EAA Credentials/Election Committee, told members the virtual elections — originally scheduled from Monday (May 18) to Wednesday (May 20) — would be postponed to Thursday (May 21) and Friday (May 22). Hill said an investigation into the allegations had taken place.
