Author: Emily Leayman

Emily Leayman is the editor of ALXnow and contributes reporting to ARLnow and FFXnow. She was previously a field editor covering parts of Northern Virginia for Patch for more than eight years. A native of the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania, she lives in Northern Virginia.

Around Town

Spanish immersion child care to open at Landmark Mall redevelopment

By Emily Leayman
WestEnd Alexandria development construction site (staff photo by James Cullum)

A child care center is slated to be part of the future WestEnd development replacing the former Landmark Mall.

Tierra Encantada, a Spanish immersion day care, confirmed to ALXnow that it will open at the WestEnd Alexandria development.

Go to Spanish immersion child care to open at Landmark Mall redevelopment Read more
News

Alexandria Health Department advises of measles case at more N. Va. locations

By Emily Leayman
Alexandria Health Department (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

The Alexandria Health Department is advising residents of another measles case, the seventh in the Northern Virginia region.

An adult who recently traveled abroad was diagnosed with measles after visiting a local grocery store and two Inova facilities, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

Go to Alexandria Health Department advises of measles case at more N. Va. locations Read more
News

Former Councilman Frank Fannon runs as independent in City Council special election

By Emily Leayman and James Cullum
Frank Fannon for Alexandria City Council (courtesy photo)

Frank Fannon, the last Republican to be elected to Alexandria City Council, will run for the office again in the April 21 special election.

Fannon announced his City Council campaign at the annual Friendship Firehouse Breakfast yesterday (Monday). The former councilmember told ALXnow he is running as an independent for the seat formerly held by Kirk McPike (D), who won the special election for Virginia’s 5th House District seat.

Go to Former Councilman Frank Fannon runs as independent in City Council special election Read more
News

City officials mull snow response improvements as ‘snowcrete’ removal continues

By Emily Leayman
Snow and 'snowcrete' in February 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

As cleanup of “snowcrete” continues from the Jan. 25 winter storm, Alexandria officials discussed progress of snow and ice removal and ways to improve the response during future winter weather events.

On Tuesday, City Manager Jim Parajon briefed City Council about the unprecedented conditions that led to a longer cleanup effort than a typical snowstorm.

Go to City officials mull snow response improvements as ‘snowcrete’ removal continues Read more
Around Town

Lunar New Year brings Year of the Horse events to Del Ray and Old Town

By Emily Leayman
Lunar New Year gold and red print card (via Jason Leung/Unsplash)

Festivals and other events in celebration of Lunar New Year have started in Alexandria, kicking off the Year of the Horse.

Lunar New Year officially begins on Tuesday, Feb. 17, but some festivities are happening before then. The holiday is celebrated in Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and numerous other Asian cultures, marking the start of the 15-day Spring Festival.

Go to Lunar New Year brings Year of the Horse events to Del Ray and Old Town Read more
News

Proposals to limit ICE activity and more Alexandria-supported bills advance in General Assembly

By Emily Leayman
Wendy Ginsberg, the City of Alexandria's legislative director, provided a mid-session General Assembly update to City Council (via City of Alexandria)

As the General Assembly reaches mid-session, the City of Alexandria is supporting nearly 400 proposed bills, including restrictions on immigration enforcement.

Wendy Ginsberg, the city’s legislative director, provided a mid-session General Assembly update to City Council yesterday (Tuesday). According to Ginsberg, city staff have reviewed 584 bills for potential impacts to the city. During the presentation, Councilman Abdel Elnoubi requested an update on the immigration enforcement-related bills, which Ginsberg said are continuing to make progress.

Go to Proposals to limit ICE activity and more Alexandria-supported bills advance in General Assembly Read more
News

ACPS proposal to scale back Chinese and Latin language programs draw public concern

By Emily Leayman
Francis C. Hammond Middle School, Jan. 6, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

A proposal to scale back Chinese and Latin language classes at Alexandria City Public Schools have drawn public concern as school officials prepare to make funding decisions.

The Alexandria City School Board discussed a proposal that would remove two middle school Latin teachers and one Chinese teacher due to low enrollment during a Jan. 27 work session.

Go to ACPS proposal to scale back Chinese and Latin language programs draw public concern Read more
News

Alexandria City School Board member suggests adding snow days after winter storm

By Emily Leayman
Cora Kelly Elementary School, 3600 Commonwealth Avenue, on Jan. 6, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

An Alexandria City School Board member has proposed starting discussions to bring back traditional snow days, after school buildings were closed for more than a week in the aftermath of last month’s winter storm.

Board member Ryan Reyna called for a discussion on potentially building snow days back into the calendar and examining flexibility of winter break start and end dates for the 2028-2029 calendar during the School Board’s Feb. 5 meeting.

Go to Alexandria City School Board member suggests adding snow days after winter storm Read more
News

Alexandria election officers, political parties rise to challenge of upcoming special elections

By Emily Leayman
Voters wait in line at the firehouse primary at Charles Houston Recreation Center in Old Town, Jan. 13, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria has experienced a domino effect of incoming special elections since last month, but city election officials and political party leaders are rising to the challenge amid tight deadlines.

Next Tuesday, voters will decide on special elections for seats in Virginia’s 5th House District and the 39th Senate District. Eventually, they’ll also select a new member of City Council, as Councilman R. Kirk McPike departs the post Monday to run for delegate.

Go to Alexandria election officers, political parties rise to challenge of upcoming special elections Read more
Around Town

Annual ‘Raclette Fest’ returns this month, celebrating melted tableside cheese in Del Ray

By Emily Leayman
Raclette, a type of Alpine cheese served at Cheesetique's Raclette Fest (courtesy of Cheesetique)

Cheese lovers can flock to Cheesetique in Del Ray this month for the returning “Raclette Fest,” a ski lodge-inspired event centered around the tableside cheese wheel and other specials.

Raclette Fest will run from Monday, Feb. 23 to Sunday, March 15, following a kickoff Après-Ski Party from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22 at 2411 Mount Vernon Avenue. The festival name references a type of Alpine cheese melted from a wheel and served tableside onto bread, seasonal vegetables and sausage.

Go to Annual ‘Raclette Fest’ returns this month, celebrating melted tableside cheese in Del Ray Read more
News

City-supported bills to expand housing have mixed progress in state legislature

By Emily Leayman
About 50 demonstrators outside City Hall called for affordable housing solutions in Alexandria, April 13, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Several priorities in Alexandria City Council’s latest state legislative package are making progress in the General Assembly.

The City of Alexandria is supporting proposals that aim to make it easier for localities to expand housing and increase its affordability. The latest General Assembly Legislative Package outlines state bills it would support, citing increasing housing costs for city residents and essential workers being priced out of the city.

Go to City-supported bills to expand housing have mixed progress in state legislature Read more
View More Stories