Last year, the owners took that mission to the , organized by the DowntownDC Business Improvement District and The , a woman-founded market operator dedicated to promoting equity, sustainability, and small business growth, for the first time. During the month-long event, the book store sold everything from their inventory, and for Young, there was no question they would return this winter. 

“That type of exposure for a small business is unheard of,” Young said. “The market is a tremendous boost for us.”

Before knowing their first year at the market would be a success, Young said they were scared they wouldn’t sell everything or have enough for the entire month. This year is different, she said. 

Over the past year, the business owner spent time budgeting the inventory necessary for the four-week market, in an attempt to not “scurry and try to order something that may take a week to arrive.”

They have gathered data around what was popular, what wasn’t so popular and what customers requested often. Now, Young said, they are ready. 

From Nov. 21 through Dec. 23, Mahogany Books and 114 other vendors, including over 20 first-timers, will take over between 7th and 9th Streets. 

The market is open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. 

Young said many customers who have visited Mahogany Books over the past year have credited the market, adding that she noticed the event’s diversity allows for different cultures and communities to combine and learn more about each other, including Black history. 

“It’s crucial at a time when I feel like so many people’s ideas get isolated,” Young said. “this market, to me, really reflects all the different cultures, all the different values, all the different communities in D.C.”

The Youngs started the online book store in a one-bedroom apartment, hoping to make Black history and stories accessible. But being a business owner doesn’t come without its hurdles. 

Young said many people didn’t believe in their mission, but they decided to mute the “naysayers.” 

The couple commonly heard questions such as “Are people even buying books?” Ramunda’s answer is yes. Mahogany Books’ location at the National Harbor sees 55,000 people a year.

“The proof is in the pudding now,” Young said. “This little Black bookstore is rocking.”

Young said the preparation for the market starts months in advance. 

for vendors interested in participating in the market open between February and March. After that, The Makers Show chooses the 115 vendors who will participate at the market. 

Gerren Price, the CEO of the DowntownDC BID since 2022, said “a mix of different types of vendor options” and ensuring diversity among them are key factors behind the decision making. 

This year, 70% of the market’s vendors will be women, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC and locally owned. 

The market celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024, and Price said it was a reset moment for the event. With a change in the aesthetics, a greater focus on supporting small businesses and the addition of more vendors, the event brings foot traffic to Downtown, an area still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Since 2020, fewer people have visited local businesses and restaurants in the area, Price said. Beyond remnants of the pandemic, he said federal layoffs and the 44-day government shutdown also impacted foot traffic in downtown. 

However, the holiday market helps shift that dynamic. Price said the DowntownDC BID did an economic development analysis after the 2024 Holiday Market and found that for every $1 people spend in the market, they tend to spend $1.50 in activities downtown. 

“It’s important that we’re bringing as many people as we can into the downtown core just to support that broader economic infrastructure,” Price said. “So it’s fun and it’s festive, and it’s all about bringing joy, but it’s also dollars and cents and it helps the baseline of the economy in the city.” 

The market broke a record in 2024, with more than 347,000 visitors in 31 days, according to the CEO. He said he expects even higher numbers this year based on previous success and “positive word of mouth.”

For the small female-owned business those numbers make a difference. 

Angelika O’Reilly, owner of Eliana Curated, a jewelry store in Old Town Alexandria, has been a customer at the market from the start. Since opening her business in 2020, one thing was certain: She wanted to have a pop-up in the DowntownDC Holiday Market.

For three years, O’Reilly applied to join the market, with no success. However, things changed in 2024, when the DowntownDC BID partnered with The Makers Show. 

“That was the best thing that ever happened to me,” O’Reilly said. “It was transformative. I can tell you, 30% of our revenue last year came from the DowntownDC Holiday Market.”

O’Reilly was born in Eastern Europe, and when she was 5, her parents made a choice: to move to the U.S. and give their daughter an “American education.” Her interest in entrepreneurship flourished early. 

During her time in middle school and high school, O’Reilly started a “babysitting club” and a driver’s ed school for 16-year-olds. However, she spent 18 years of her adult life in the tech industry before launching Eliana Curated, and she didn’t do it alone. 

The business is a family affair. In 2020, when O’Reilly was pregnant with her first daughter, her parents moved to D.C. to be present for their only daughter and the first granddaughter. But they weren’t ready to retire; they needed a project.  

So, O’Reilly, who wasn’t prepared to leave the tech industry just yet, had an idea in mind: to buy designer brand garments from antique shops, collectors and state sales and “cycle the buttons.” They filled the buttons with 14 karat gold posts and made them into earrings.

O’Reilly said she still remembers the business’s first pop-up in Virginia, when no one bought an item. Her father, who shapes the designs alongside her mother, stayed positive and encouraged O’Reilly to “stay consistent,” she said.

After four years of juggling her job in the tech industry, being a business owner, a wife and a mother of two, O’Reilly said she decided to focus on her business full-time in October of 2024.

“We kept showing up,” O’Reilly said. “Then, we did the DowntownDC Holiday market last year, and it blew up.” 

Since then, the business owner has opened a physical store in Old Town Alexandria, where she said many tourists and locals who stop by credit the holiday market for introducing them to Eliana Curated for the first time. 

For the store’s second year in the event, O’Reilly said customers expect a new line of waterproof jewelry and new vintage designer buttons. But for her, what she looks forward to the most is connecting with new customers.

“What I love about being a woman-run business is getting to meet all of you in person and like having new relationships,” O’Reilly said. “I feel like I have 100 new friends that I make every single month.”

The post At DowntownDC’s Holiday Market, vendors drive profit as foot traffic rebounds first appeared on 91����.

Gaskins’ leadership comes at a time when Alexandria’s neighborhoods, schools, and housing policies still reflect the legacy of segregation, restrictive zoning, and systemic inequality.

Throughout her campaign, the 35-year-old mayor-elect said she faced resistance over her age and relatively short time living in Alexandria.

“The biggest pushbacks that I got on the campaign were often an argument that she’s not old enough, and she hasn’t lived here long enough,” she said.

“I can’t help where I was born, and I can’t help when I was born, and so my age is actually my strength. It allows me to bring a new energy, and also I’m not new. I’ve lived here over eight years, but I chose Alexandria as my home,” she added.

As a working mother of two young children, Gaskins also addressed assumptions about balancing family life with leadership.

“I often was met with a very old-school mentality of, how are you going to do it all, or what’s going to happen to your children?” she said.

“Being able to do this alongside my kids and be an example for them of what’s possible is one of my greatest joys.”

Gaskins will take office Jan. 2 as Alexandria’s mayor, following her three years serving as a city council member.

While her historic election reflects shifting dynamics, questions persist about how fully Alexandria has moved toward acceptance and equality.

“I have a number of people sort of commenting on just our city’s history, where we’ve been, where we are, and sort of whether or not a Black woman could be accepted or rise to leadership in our city,” she said.

This reaction speaks to the larger issue of Alexandria’s racial history, which has shaped the development of key neighborhoods, the structure of its schools, and access to housing. 

From the establishment of historically black communities to the legacy of redlining, and these historical patterns continue to influence community dynamics today.

Gaskins’ election marks a historic moment as she becomes the first black woman to serve as mayor in the city’s history, building on the legacy of William D. Euille, who, in 2003, became Alexandria’s first Black mayor. It also raises questions about how Alexandria can address its deep-rooted inequalities and move toward a more inclusive future.

“I think it’s a wonderful achievement. It’s exciting for us to have an African American mayor, as it was very exciting for us to have Bill Euille when he was elected the first African male mayor for the city of Alexandria,” said Audrey Davis, director of Alexandria’s African American History Division.

“Of course there will always be challenges, but I’m sure she’s going to face those head on, and we’re looking forward to seeing the work that she does with the city.”

After the establishment of the town of Alexandria in 1780, numerous mayors led its governance through significant historical milestones. Robert Townshend Hooe, the newly established town’s first mayor, was a prominent merchant whose ties to slavery reflect the era’s complexities.

show that Hooe arranged an apprenticeship for an enslaved boy in 1800, highlighting the profound connection of slavery to Alexandria’s leaders and in shaping its early economic and social structures.

The Freedom House Museum located at 1315 Duke Street holds a chilling legacy behind its dilapidated brick structure. It was once the hub of , one of the largest slave trading operations in the United States.

Enslaved individuals were held within its walls, awaiting their fate, whether to be sold at auction or shipped to the south, a process that tore countless families apart, some having never reunited again.

Between 1810 and 1860, traders like trafficked nearly enslaved people.

The pen represented despair for those held there but also resilience, as seen in the story of Mary and Emily Edmonson, enslaved sisters who attempted to escape slavery in 1848.

Today, the building stands as a poignant reminder of the city’s harrowing history.

“I think we’ve made tremendous changes, African American history is not just siloed at the Black History Museum or, say, the African American Heritage Park, but is represented in all of our historic sites,” said Davis.

“We also have social justice initiative, the community remembrance project, where we highlight our city’s history of racial terror, so we are committed to making sure the city is educated about those crimes, and that we are working to make sure that Alexandria is a welcoming community for people of all races, of all ethnicities, as they come to the city,” she said.

The legacy of slavery persisted long after its in late 1865, with racial segregation shaping the city’s neighborhoods and daily life.

“Everything was separate, whatever you needed, separate schools, separate churches, separate restaurants, separate stores, separate areas to live in, separate ways of travel, everything,” said fourth-generation Alexandrian Lillian Stanton Patterson.

Patterson, who lived during the era of segregation, still vividly recalls how it impacted every aspect of life.

“When you rode on the bus, White people sat in the front and Black people sat in the back. And if the bus got crowded, White people could move and sit in the section where African Americans sat, but African Americans could not move up and sit in the other seats.” she said.

The segregation that defined daily life in Alexandria was a complex and deeply ingrained system. It influenced every aspect of life, from education and jobs to housing and transportation. For African Americans living in the city, this meant navigating a web of rules and restrictions that governed their lives back then.

“You get used to what it is. Now, how do you like it? It’s not fun. You don’t like it, but there’s little that you can do, until there comes a time when you said, “Enough is enough,” said Patterson.

“Segregation was a horrible thing, and you can still see the impact of segregation in neighborhoods or enclaves that are still primarily African American,” said Davis.

Significant milestones marked the fight for racial justice in Alexandria. The historic 1939 sit-in at the segregated Alexandria Library, one of the earliest of its kind in the country, challenged racial segregation in public spaces and set the ground for ongoing civil rights advocacy in the city.

In recent years, initiatives like “ALL Alexandria” have sought to address systemic disparities in areas such as housing, education, and economic opportunity.

These initiatives coincide with a historical analysis of restrictive covenants and zoning policies in Alexandria. A titled, The History of Restrictive Covenants and Land Use Zoning in Alexandria, found detailed evidence on how policies like redlining, racial covenants, and urban renewal directly impacted Black communities in Alexandria. 

These policies systematically restricted black people’s ability to build generational wealth. For example, early 20th-century racial covenants in neighborhoods like Rosemont explicitly prohibited property ownership by anyone who wasn’t white. These restrictions were extended to areas like George Washington Park and Uptown, reinforcing segregated housing patterns into the mid-20th century.

“I really commend the city for kind of taking a hard look in the mirror at what their past policies have contributed to the racial wealth gap and inequities,” said Jill Norcross, executive director of the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance.

“To be honest with you, just recognizing and doing the research on where those existed is really eye opening,” Norcross said.

“We have to really take a look at past practices and to make the connection for current residents about this is how we got here, and we have to kind of blame ourselves.”

Another study included redlining maps created in the 1930s classified Black neighborhoods as high risk for loans, which led to disinvestment and hindered home ownership. In later decades, urban renewal projects displaced black communities causing further disruption to community stability and economic growth​.

“In Virginia, we can’t necessarily pass an inclusionary zoning policy. We can’t require a developer to put in affordable housing. Instead, we have to offer incentives for them to do that, or we have to offer voluntary programs,” said Gaskins

These challenges are compounded by the immediate need for shelter. As of August 2024, Alexandria’s emergency shelter waitlist includes 103 individuals and 40 families, including 71 children, underscoring the pressing demand for innovative solutions.

“I want people to see Alexandria as an example, not just of how we bring people to the table, because diversity is only one piece but of how we change the systems and structures that make it difficult for other perspectives, cultures, and people to engage and be part of decision making,” said Gaskins.

Gaskins upcoming inauguration has sparked both optimism and debate.

“I think it’s a very exciting time that we have another strong leader who will be inaugurated and will become our mayor in January. So, we’re all excited about that, and I think the possibilities are endless,” said Davis.

“Of course there will always be challenges, but I’m sure she’s going to face those head on, and we’re looking forward to seeing the work that she does with the city.”

For some residents, her election signals a turning point, with hopes for transformative policies to tackle long-standing inequities, particularly in housing.

Housing prices are too expensive, said Andniello Rodriguez, a 20-year resident of Alexandria.

“I hope the new mayor will look out for marginalized people like us,” he said.

Rodriguez, currently rents a three-bedroom apartment for over $2,000 a month, he said despite working two cleaning shifts and his wife taking on part-time cleaning jobs, the couple struggle to meet their family’s basic needs.

 Yet, not everyone views Gaskin’s election as a big shift in addressing systemic challenges.

“Having a black mayor is not as significant. It’s not as earth shaking,” said Patterson.

Patterson, who currently works as an educator at the Alexandria Black History Museum, said that the city works to push forward for a “diverse climate” while she refrains from using terms like equal rights.

“I don’t want to say equal rights, because that’s not what it is, to make sure that the climate of the city is diverse. Yeah, but is it equal? Nothing is ever equal, even in the best of times,” she said.

Patterson described equality as ensuring that everyone has fair opportunities, emphasizing that “equalism” is about making sure those opportunities are not restricted or diminished for anyone.

“When they say equal you want to make sure that everybody has the opportunity, and that the opportunity is not cut short. That’s what equal is,” Patterson said.

The post Has Alexandria reconciled with its past? Gaskins’ historic election sparks reflection” first appeared on 91����.

According to the organization, the event, which includes an open house from 2 to 4 p.m., “marks a pivotal moment for the city’s homeless community. “

The redesign aimed to create comfortable and safe living spaces, encourage community, and support healing and mental well-being.

“At Carpenter’s Shelter, we believe that people respond to their environment. It is great to see how these changes add a warm and serene feeling for our residents as they navigate through a very trying time,” stated Carpenter’s Shelter Executive Director Shannon Steene in a statement shared with 91����.

“When Carpenter’s Shelter first assumed the operations of ACS in December 2023, the walls were industrial gray, and the building was dark. With this makeover, the shelter is brighter and has a more comfortable atmosphere that feels more like a home,” said Steene

In March 2023, the City of Alexandria entrusted Carpenter’s Shelter with managing operations at ACS, a 64-bed facility.

This partnership underscores the city’s recognition of the shelter’s impactful work. Both shelters provide emergency residential services, while ACS also hosts a winter shelter program that offers 50 additional beds during the cold months, ensuring no one is left vulnerable to harsh weather conditions.

In addition to shelter, Residents receive meals, toiletries, baby supplies, and other essentials. “Our goal is to meet their basic needs while helping them move toward stability,” said Michiko Yoon, a communications specialist for the organization.

Yoon said the Carpenter’s Shelter offers job coaching, educational scholarships, and on-site therapeutic services.

“It aims to address the root causes of homelessness and create lasting change,” She told 91����,“The Leeford Junior Educational Scholarship supports residents pursuing education or certifications, such as nursing or CDL licensing. In fiscal year 2024, $20,367 was awarded to five recipients.”

According to Yoon, this program includes financial support for moving expenses and assistance in finding employment.

Carpenter’s Shelter began in the basement of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church when a priest welcomed two homeless individuals seeking refuge from the cold.

“What started as a small act of kindness evolved into a nonprofit organization serving over 900 individuals annually across multiple programs,” said Yoon

Carpenter’s Shelter also operates David’s Place, a day shelter for chronically homeless individuals. Open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, it offers laundry facilities, showers, snacks, and referrals to housing programs.

In a document shared with 91����, last year, Carpenter’s Shelter delivered over $1 million in rental assistance subsidies through its Rapid Re-Housing program, helping clients secure stable housing.

The post A new chapter for Alexandria’s homeless: Carpenter’s Shelter unveils renovated community shelter first appeared on 91����.

Data from Alexandria city showed that Evictions in Alexandria are approaching pre-pandemic levels. 

During the pandemic, eviction rates dropped significantly due to protections like eviction moratoriums and rental assistance programs. However, with those protections lifted, eviction filings have steadily increased in recent years.

Eviction notices in Alexandria issued this year reached 3,564 cases, according to data from Public Tableau.

In a recent webinar hosted by Alexandria’s Office of Housing, officials highlighted the alarming state of rental affordability and eviction rates, signaling a crisis that significantly affects marginalized communities.

For renter Tawfik Haqi, the rising costs are becoming unbearable. “I’ve lived in Alexandria for over more than three years, and the rent increases have been crazy,” Haqi said.“Each year, the rent goes up in an unacceptable way.”

Rent hikes squeeze Alexandria renters

As of November 2024, the rent in Alexandria is 13% above the national average, according to a connecting renters with property managers and landlords across the United States and Canada.

The latest data from the in Alexandria reveals significant increases in rental costs across all unit types.

This year, rent for apartments in Virginia surged by about 9%. According to the data, these increases, combined with monthly utility costs between $100 and $400, place unprecedented tension on renters​.

“My rent went up from $2000 to $2600 in the last 5 years,” said Gazwan Madani, who has been living in the area for the last 8 years.

According to a published by Alexandria City, nearly 44% of renters in Alexandria are considered housing cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing expenses. 

This burden is particularly acute among low-income households, with more than 12,500 renter households earning below 40% of the Area Median Income (AMI) falling into this category.​

Economic Disparities by Race and Ethnicity

The average household income for Black or African American households in Alexandria is $78,942, while it is $79,583 for Hispanic or Latino households.

In contrast, non-Hispanic white households earn an average of $145,083. These disparities exacerbate the financial vulnerability of minority renters, making them more susceptible to housing instability, according to a document published by the Alexandria government.

“Many of my neighbors are facing similar struggles,” Haki added. “We’re all trying to hold on, but it feels like the system isn’t built for people like us.”

These filings contribute significantly to housing instability, particularly in large, multi-unit rental properties.

For Haki, the prospect of eviction is a constant source of anxiety. “It’s terrifying to think about losing your home,” he said. “I’ve seen one family in my neighborhood get evicted, and it could happen to any of us if things don’t change.”

Last month, Alexandria announced 2040’s Education Month to raise awareness as the city began updating its Housing Master Plan.

The post Rising rents, rising tensions: Alexandria’s housing crisis deepens first appeared on 91����.

“When I think about the future, our city is now home to hundreds of different ethnic nationalities, cultures and backgrounds, and so the work ahead for us is really figuring out how we integrate new communities into our city and make sure their perspectives, are a part of shaping our future moving forward,” Gaskins told 91����. 

The housing crisis has become an inescapable reality for many who are struggling for a place to call home. Once a haven for people seeking proximity to Washington, D.C., Alexandria is now struggling with skyrocketing rents, insufficient affordable housing, and the displacement of middle- and low-income residents.  

“We have not been keeping up with our housing goals, especially when it’s regarding building housing for people with incomes that are below the low to moderate income families,” said Jill Norcross, executive director of the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance. 

Many are hopeful yet wary that Gaskins, backed by a diverse city council, will be able to navigate a future where equitable solutions are urgently needed. 

“I think it’s fantastic! As a council member, Mayor Gaskins demonstrated strong support for equity issues, including housing,” said Norcross. 

However, Norcross said that having a new person in leadership doesn’t automatically resolve long standing challenges.  

“Mayor Gaskins will face similar hurdles to previous mayors and council members, particularly in balancing budgets and managing limited resources,” she said. 

Alexandria is committed to the Regional Fair Housing Plan set by the . , The plan focuses on addressing the housing crisis on a regional level. Alexandria has set ambitious goals in line with this plan, aiming to expand housing production while taking into consideration equity and inclusion. 

Despite these commitments, the city has struggled to meet production targets. Key obstacles include exclusionary zoning, limited land availability, high development costs, and challenges in securing funding. 

“I think it’s, primarily, always has been, it might always be like a resource issue, right? There’s not enough dollars to meet the needs, the housing needs for all,” said Norcross. 

The Alexandria City Council has recently adopted to address housing issues, particularly tenant displacement. The plan includes provisions for relocation support.  

Focusing on the west side of Alexandria, particularly west of I-395, Gaskins said she advocated for the to include tenant relocation support, in addition to pushing for more resources toward preserving existing affordable housing to maintain stability for current residents. 

“I think, for me, when I think about where I really want to focus, there’s always three legs to the stool. The first leg is the units we produce and trying to produce new units at deeper affordability levels. The second is preservation.  And then the third part is really tenant protections,” said Gaskins 

The is another multi-year initiative that aims to address the city’s housing challenges. The plan outlines strategies to increase housing affordability including inclusionary zoning policies and accessory dwelling units in addition to educating the community about the role of affordable housing in supporting Alexandria’s social and economic life. 

Although these plans are in place, residents in Alexandria’s vulnerable neighborhoods feel underserved when it comes to affordable housing, particularly in terms of adequate space and hygiene standards. 

For Monci Herrera, who lives in a one-bedroom apartment in the Arlandria neighborhood with her single mother and two siblings, this reality hits home. Despite her mother working as a caregiver and managing to pay $1,500 a month, the challenges of limited space and basic living conditions remain a daily struggle. 

“Rent is going high everywhere, so I think we’re good how we are now, but we had to do some renovation out of pocket,” said Herrera. 

She said she even keeps cats to fend off persistent rats, a common issue plaguing many residents, including her neighbor, Michelle Coberro 

“I think nobody deserves to live in housing. Just for housing sake. We want housing that is high quality, that promotes people’s health and well-being, and so making sure we’re putting in resources to help keep up these properties,” said Gaskins 

For Coberro’s family, the situation is even more challenging. With five family members, they had to rent two apartments, breaking through a wall to create a livable space. The combined rent of nearly $2,000 is split between her single mother and uncle.  

“We paid for the renovation, and we now pay extra in rent. But we did what we had to do to have enough room for everyone,” said Coberro. 

Arlandria neighborhood is included in the city’s redevelopment plans focused on the west side of I-395. The neighborhood, which has a large Spanish-speaking population, has been in the spotlight due to the pressing need for not only affordable but also quality living housing. 

“We’ve had plans on moving out, but in the meantime my mom is a single mom, and she can’t do everything on her own,” said Harrera. “So far for now, this is all we could probably afford.” 

Gaskins reflected on her personal experiences growing up with a single mother who faced financial hardships. 

“There were many times where we just struggled to make ends meet, and that looked like nights when there was no food in the fridge, that looked like the eviction notice on the door when coming home from school when the lights being shut off,” she said 

Gaskins said her upbringing shaped her commitment to addressing inequality and improving support for vulnerable families.  

“All of my leadership is really a reflection of trying to make sure that no other child or no other family has to deal with those challenges,” she said. 

The post New leadership, old problem: Alexandria’s persistent housing crisis tests first black female mayor, new city council first appeared on 91����.

In a unique fusion of technology and creativity, the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative is bringing cybersecurity to life through an exhibit that aims to change how visitors perceive the digital world around the

“I was blown away by how the artists made such a complex subject like cybersecurity feel so tangible,” said Fouad Medni, who visited who is visiting the exhibit. “It’s not every day you see something that makes you think deeply about what happens with your personal data,” Medni said.

The exhibit, funded by the Commonwealth, a statewide consortium of more than 40 universities and colleges across Virginia, features thought-provoking installations that delve into privacy, artificial intelligence (AI), misinformation, and surveillance themes.

This initiative combines the expertise of researchers and artists from institutions like Virginia Tech, George Mason University, and Old Dominion University to showcase projects that challenge people’s understanding of their relationship with digital technology.

This exhibit shows how the Internet of Things devices use artificial intelligence to create an image of us and how we can become invisible by using an invisible trigger, such as a sticky note, to activate a backdoor in the system.��

Engaging with the Digital World’s Hidden Risks

After purchasing nearly 90 used phones from eBay, Michael McDermott, an assistant professor of graphic design at George Mason University, used a program called XRY to extract any available data.

He then meticulously reviewed the recovered files, selecting content from the phones’ previous owners to produce the videos.

An installation featuring 80 video displays in a wall full of phones confronts viewers with the reality of how easily their digital footprints can be exposed.

McDermott wants people to see themselves in the information presented from the phones as many don’t realize how much data remains on their devices, even after a reset.

Are you replacing your smartphone with a newer model? Remember to wipe it clean. “All those photos, texts, voicemails, and other personal information could end up in the wrong hands,” said a paper hanging on the wall near the phones.

Our emotions can be tracked

On another wall, Sentiment Voice, a project from Virginia Commonwealth University, explores how emotion-tracking AI is used to analyze facial expressions and vocal tones.

Typically employed for commercial purposes or surveillance, this technology is repurposed in the exhibit to share stories from Richmond’s immigrant communities through a live virtual reality performance.

The installation fosters empathy between performers and audiences by blending virtual and real-world experiences.

Medni, who is an Alexandria resident, was especially moved by Sentiment Voice, saying, “It made me realize how easily our emotions can be tracked and interpreted by AI”.�� The exabit made him think about the potential for both harm and connection in these technologies.

Art reflecting digital concerns

Virginia Tech’s installation uses the concept of steganography—hiding information within digital media. While no real data is hidden within the exhibit, the artwork explores the potential for concealing sensitive information within images and sound.

The installation features dancer Davian Robinson and the Gregory Guard, Virginia Tech’s silent drill team, alongside visual elements inspired by the Amazon rainforest and advanced sound technology.

The exhibit also tackles the issue of online misinformation by designing next-generation security warnings to mitigate social media misinformation.

The team behind this installation from James Madison University developed new warning systems for social media, using eye-tracking and brainwave-scanning technology to ensure that users notice and respond to alerts about misinformation.

The organizers hope the exhibit will inspire future cybersecurity professionals while offering a new perspective.

Bringing cybersecurity issues to the public

The exhibit also features interactive installations like Unveiling Invisible Sight from Old Dominion University. As Rui Ning, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Old Dominion University, told 91����, “The project is about unveiling how IoT devices, like smartphones and smart cameras, see us from their perspective.”

Ning highlights that their research demonstrates how these devices collect various inputs to generate images that represent how they perceive humans.

Beyond showcasing this perspective, the project delves into the risks of AI manipulation. “We also created a backdoor in the AI model, which uses a trigger—like a pink sticky note—so when it is presented in front of the camera, the generated image will make it disappear,” Ning explains.

He adds that the message is clear: while AI models are powerful in recognizing faces and processing data, “they are also very dangerous and can be easily fooled by such a backdoor trigger.”

Visitors can interact with AI-generated avatars and learn about countermeasures that protect their data in a world of interconnected technology.

Ning hopes to convey to the audience that while “a model is very useful and interesting… it is also very dangerous,” urging caution when using AI for security-critical applications.

In addition to tech-driven projects, the exhibit offers Performances to reduce online scams, a Virginia Tech initiative aimed at helping older adults avoid online scams through interactive theater.

This project collects data directly from seniors and turns their experiences into a play, offering a unique way to educate the public about digital safety.

Reflecting on the exhibit, Medni said that he had never considered cybersecurity this way before. “It’s usually something you read about in the news or hear from experts, but seeing it through art made it feel more personal and real.”

From a Torpedo factory to the art center

The exabit is hosted by The Torpedo Factory Art Center, which began as a World War I-era munitions plant before evolving into a bustling art hub in Old Town Alexandria, housing more than 80 studios and galleries.

“The Torpedo Factory will be a place where visitors can see a diversity of art that reflects our evolving digital world,” said France Brou, who works for the center.

Brou said the Torpido factory has been working with a team of professors and students from Virginia “for about a year now, and they’ve been exhibiting different kinds of arts.”

The post Hacking Reality: Virginia’s art exhibit reveals the hidden world of cybersecurity first appeared on 91����.

This figure surpasses the previous record of $81 million set in 2023 and marks a 30% increase over pre-pandemic levels, according to the organization’s.

The organization shared a press release with 91���� stating that Alexandria’s lodging sector is finally making a solid comeback after years of lagging in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.��

From the $86 million consumption tax revenue, including sales, meals, and lodging this year, the city’s lodging tax revenues reached nearly $15 million, a significant milestone for an industry struggling during recovery by Surgeing by $3 million.

The average revenue per available hotel room rose to $118 in 2024—a record high that puts Alexandria ahead of its neighbors, including Arlington and Fairfax.��

This increase shows that more people stay in the city and spend more money on their visits.

For Allie Lee, a salesperson at the newly opened HOTEL, AKA Alexandria, growth is more than just numbers on a page.

“In my opinion, there was definitely a rise in the market, especially this year compared to last year,” she said.��

The hotel, which opened in 2023, has already felt the effects of Alexandria’s tourism rebound, welcoming a steady flow of business and conference guests. “What attracts people to Alexandria is definitely the history,” Allie adds. “It’s what makes this place special.”

Jim Blanco, the owner of The George of Old Town Hotel, also shared his perspective on Alexandria’s thriving tourism industry. “It’s fantastic,” Jim said of the current business state.

��“The city has fully recovered from COVID, and I think we’re at pre-pandemic levels or even higher now.”��

Having purchased his property during the pandemic, Jim has witnessed firsthand how the city has bounced back and thrived beyond expectations. “People come for the history, but they stay for the great restaurants, the shops, the events—it’s a place that just makes you feel good,” Jim explained.

Blanco told 91���� the charm of Alexandria lies in its year-round appeal.��

“Every Saturday, there’s a farmer’s market at the square—the oldest farmers market in the country, where George Washington himself brought his produce,” Blanco shared.

“Then there are events like New Year’s Eve celebrations, Independence Day week, and countless others throughout the year that keep people coming back. It’s a community that knows how to celebrate its history and its people,” he added.

The resurgence of tourism has brought a renewed sense of energy to the city—cobblestone streets are bustling again, local cafes are filled with visitors, and live music can be heard drifting from local restaurants.��

Local Benefits: How Tourism Helps the Community

From the $86 million, Alexandria’s non-residents paid $61 million, an estimated 71% of consumption taxes. “Alexandria’s 160,000 residents also appreciate the amenities that come along with a vibrant visitor economy, ” said Kate Ellis, a board chair, in a letter shared with the organization’s annual report.

These funds are crucial for supporting city services, like maintaining parks and welcoming public spaces. “which means that tourism directly saves the average Alexandria household $822 per year,” according to the report.

Tourism in Alexandria improved the employment sector by 6%, with 5,611 jobs created in 2023 compared to 4,142 in 2020, according to a presentation shared with 91���� by email from the Visit Alexandria organization.

A Vision for the Future

According to the press release, Todd O’Leary, the new President and CEO of Visit Alexandria, optimized promotional plans and expanded the neighborhood program to distribute the benefits of tourism across the city.

Visit Alexandria also plans to leverage significant events like the U.S. presidential inauguration, WorldPride DC in 2025, and America’s 250th birthday in 2026 while boosting mid-week business through meetings and group travel.

91���� tried to obtain more information about the organization’s plan for promoting the city, but it was referred to documents shared with 91���� through emails.

��

The post Tourism Boom: Alexandria’s lodging sector rebounds to record highs first appeared on 91����.

Hundreds of fans, city officials, and school leaders gathered at Lyles’ Alexandria City High School on Sunday afternoon to honor the 27-year-old track and field star.

Lyles, a 2016 Alexandria City High School graduate, began the celebration in the back of a red convertible car during a rally at Chinquapin Park. Later, he was honored with commendations from the city leaders in the school gymnasium.

Noah Lyles, an American sprinter, won a gold medal in the men’s 100m at the 2024 Paris Olympics and earned a bronze medal in the 200m.

The city Mayor, Justin Wilson, told the crowd at the gymnasium following the rally, “We all remember where we were… when he came on that track, and the screen said Noah Lyles, Alexandria, Virginia.”

Lyles attributed his success to his high school during his speech at the gymnasium, emphasizing the school’s crucial role in his journey. “I’m thankful I have a city that supports me,” said Noah.

He acknowledged the school’s unwavering support and the opportunities it provided him to compete at the highest levels.

He mentioned that the school allowed him and his brother to travel for competitions and set up specific track meets to prepare them for the Olympic trials.

Fighting back tears, Lyles remembered his late high school assistant track and field coach, Rashawn T. Jackson, who passed away during the Olympics. “I’m very thankful for him,” said Noah.

Lyles, refused to answer 91���� questions when the reporter tried to approach him during during the rally.

The City of Alexandria organized the event in partnership with Alexandria City Public Schools and The Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation.

The event also served as a platform for the Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation to host a coat drive, highlighting Lyles’ commitment to giving back to his community.

“Noah Lyles is our official Olympian. He’s from this high school, from our city, so this commemorates his work in Paris about a month ago,” said Alexandria Town Crier, Ben Fiore-Walker.

“It means a lot to the city. It means a lot to the residents of Alexandria,” said Walker, who was wearing a colonial uniform.

Walker said, “Not only is the first president from Alexandria and other presidents since that, but we also have Olympians, and so it’s the idea of yet another thing that Alexandria has to draw attention to itself.”�� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� ����

Lyles is considered the world’s fastest man. He is an American professional track and field sprinter renowned for his 100-meter and 200-meter prowess. His recent triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he clinched gold in the 100-meter sprint, further solidified his position at the pinnacle of the sport. Lyles’ athletic achievements extend beyond the Olympics, with multiple World Championship titles and an American record in the 200 meters under his belt.

��

The post Hometown hero’s homecoming: Alexandria embraces its olympic champion Noah Lyles first appeared on 91����.

While recovered, the car now “smelled like fricken’ dirtweed,” said the man who did not want to be named for privacy and concerns about retribution.

“Someone smoked a blunt and drank a Big Gulp and left it less than a mile from my house,” the man said.

The abandoned vehicle sat for weeks, unbeknownst to the owner and Alexandria Police Department. The victim discovered the location of the vehicle after receiving the ticket in the mail.

Parking Enforcement issued the ticket four days after the owner reported his car stolen. The ticket arrived in the mail a week later.

Authorities never connected the ticket with the missing vehicle report in that time.

The man was critical of how the APD and its Parking Enforcement division were unable to communicate. He questioned why the issuing of a ticket did not immediately flag the officer to the vehicle’s missing status.

“They kind of dropped the ball,” he said.

The ticket was for an expired inspection sticker. The victim said the car had been unused in his driveway while he was in the process of addressing the situation.

Locating the car sooner may have aided the investigation, such as with security cameras that delete footage after a certain period of time, according to the car owner.

The police officer investigating the theft said she would “take car of it,” referring to the ticket, according to the man.

Mobility Services oversees the programs and policies surrounding parking, according to Division Chief Katye North. This includes the ParkMobile app as well as zones and regulations.

“Mobility Services is not involved with the day-to-day enforcement of these restrictions and does not review any tickets that are issued by APD,” North said.

The Alexandria Police Department was unable to provide answers to written questions in time for publication.

Aside from “blunt ashes all over the dashboard” and $250 in cleaning fees to get rid of the odor, the man considered himself “lucky” that he was able to get his car back.

Motor vehicle theft trends

As of December 10, 2023, 451 cars have been reported stolen in Alexandria, according to city . That is the most since 2005.

The FBI national auto theft, on a per capita basis. Using these figures, we can compare the rate of car theft in Alexandria to how many thefts would be expected given the number of residents.

Annual theft rates remained steady between 2011 and 2019, but have ticked upward since 2020. Fewer cars are stolen in Alexandria than the national averages based on population.

Alexandria police have not caught the Big Gulp burglar, as of publication. The case is unsolved and still open. This is the norm.

Only 32 of the 451 vehicle theft cases have ended in arrests thus far in 2023. That closure rate is 32% higher than last year’s national average.

Alexandria has routinely been ahead of the national average in solving car theft.

While Alexandria’s data are more erratic than national averages, the trend line is relatively straight and indicates that APD solved this particular type of crime at a better rate than national averages.

The post Local man “lucky” to have stolen car back despite law enforcement gaffe first appeared on 91����.

The Arlington County government recognized the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) as the representative of its labor and trades employees in September 2022. The two sides then negotiated through 2023 until the end of October, when these employees ratified their contract.����

Alexandria labor and trades workers voted to form the union in September 2022 as well, and negotiated until the beginning of October 2023. Union members ratified that contract ��

The contracts in Arlington and Alexandria are the first two ratified since former Gov. Ralph Northam signed a new collective bargaining law in 2020 that took effect in May 2021, allowing counties, cities, and towns to recognize labor unions or other employee associations as bargaining agents for public officers and employees. The law also permits collective bargaining contracts between the union and employers.��

The law reverses a 1977 Virginia Supreme Court decision saying Arlington County Board policies permitting collective bargaining were . That ruling also prevented the local government from recognizing labor unions that represented city employees.

The two contracts secured wage increases for three years for both Arlington and Alexandria labor and trades employees, including water treatment workers, traffic enforcement, parks and recreation workers, and Arlington County department of environmental services workers.��

According to Anthony Pistone, president of AFSCME Local 3001 and an employee with Arlington County water, sewer and streets, the public can expect to see a more efficient and unified workforce in the next several months.��

Arlington AFSCME union members will receive a 4.75% wage increase during the first year of the contract on July 1, 2024, a 4% wage increase the second year and a 3.5% wage increase the third year.��

Alexandria members negotiated a 2.5% wage increase for each of the three years with a $1,000 2024 bonus.��

Pistone said workers received raises before the union was even recognized because the governments realized the union was coming.

“I don’t want to frame it like it’s union busting,” Pistone said. “It’s just they figured they better come up with some more cost of living before we sat down the contract.”

Pistone said the wage increases are great, but labor management committees are the best benefit of the contract. Pistone said these committees allow members to voice their concerns in meetings with management.��

“We will be able to get information and put our input into what’s going on in certain areas,” Pistone said. “Like healthcare, timing, career ladders and stuff like that.”��

He said this is unique to the AFSCME union in Arlington and Alexandria.��

“No other union has this,” Pistone said. “The reason why we did it this way is because the laws and the labor agreements for Virginia are so different than they are for D.C.and Maryland and places like that.”��

Pistone said these laws prevent employees from giving their input on topics such as scheduling and what kind of work employees perform.��

“There would be no way that we could actually negotiate about some of these things because it’s basically against the law in Virginia,” Pistone said.��

Robert Combs, a labor and employment legal analyst for Bloomberg Law, said laws like this are “standard responsible government procedures.”��

“They’re going to want to make sure that their workers aren’t being taken advantage of and aren’t being left behind,” Combs said. “It seems, to me, pretty likely that there are some laws in place that might hinder what an individual union contract in the public sector in Virginia can and can’t do.”��

AFSCME is a public-sector union, meaning that members had to negotiate with authorities to ratify their contracts.��

Combs said public-sector unions are gaining more members than private-sector unions.��

“There’s been a definite trend downward,” Combs said. “The one workplace where the trend has been upward, well at least it hasn’t gone that far down, is government employees. So, in the private sector, membership in the building trades has gone down. But it stayed pretty constant in government employment.”��

Arlington resident Michael Cantwell said he is somewhat opposed to public-sector unions. He said he thinks they contribute to local government corruption.��

“They also inhibit the implementation of, what many believe, including myself, much needed reforms in policing and firefighting and teaching,” Cantwell said. “Local politicians are not only just getting money, but also their feet on the ground for their campaigns. Most local labor unions support democratic candidates, so they’ll turn around and they will support the local candidate and then it just goes around and around.”��

Cantwell said unions protect employees from termination, even if they do not deserve protection.��

“Many times unions will protect poor performers or outright criminal behavior,” Cantwell said.��

Cantwell advocates for a program that he says will make leaf collection in Arlington more efficient and effective by outsourcing the process to other businesses, instead of employing Arlington county workers to take care of the leaf, litter to mulch process.��

“I could see a county trades employee say, oh no, no, no we don’t want to eliminate any jobs,” Cantwell said. “So even though what I’m describing, I think would be much more efficient and effective, saving county money, saving taxpayers money. I could see a union resisting that improvement.”

Combs said because of outsourcing, there are fewer private manufacturing sites in the United States.��

“Government workers, regardless of where they work, whether in offices or whether it be building trades like this, or police or schools, they’ve stayed pretty constant in their union membership, as opposed to private sector,” Combs said.����

Susan Carle, professor of Law at American University’s Washington College of Law, said these union contracts will protect both Arlington and Alexandria employers and employees.��

“So the default rule in the United States for terminating an employee is that an employer can do it for any reason at all,” Carle said.��

This is called “at-will” employment.��

“The employer can wake up one day and say, I don’t like the way you look, I don’t like your face, I’m going to fire you,” Carle said. “There’s no recourse, unless they’re discriminating on the basis of a protected characteristic, which is basically race, sex, national origin, age, religion and disability.”��

“When you bring in a labor union, you no longer have ‘at-will’ employment,” Carle said. “That’s one very important protection.”��

The post Arlington, Alexandria workers ratify first public-sector union contract since 1970s first appeared on 91����.