News

As Alexandria voters shuffled to the polls this morning (Tuesday), many said they were casting ballots motivated by the government shutdown and their views on the Trump administration.

At precincts in Old Town, Mount Vernon and near Seminary Hill/Landmark, several voters lamented the shutdown and told ALXnow they do not like the political direction the country is turning toward — a sentiment fueling their ballot box decisions, particularly in Virginia’s gubernatorial election.


News

Faced with uncertainty from the government shutdown and federal layoffs, Alexandria City Manager Jim Parajon says the city is facing a relatively flat Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

Parajon is asking all city departments for a 1% budget cut and 1.5% in growth for Alexandria City Public Schools. During Saturday’s annual City Council budget retreat, he said the city is “not in a negative situation” — but rather, aiming to adjust its sails in turbulent economic times.


News

State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi spoke with small business owners in Del Ray during a last-minute campaign stop today (Monday) as she vies to be Virginia’s next lieutenant governor.

Joined by State Sen. Adam Ebbin, (D-39), the Democratic candidate made appearances at Tops of Old TownSt. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, Stardust Vintage and Gift and others along Mount Vernon Avenue. There, she heard business owners’ concerns and lamented the effects of federal layoffs and the government shutdown in Northern Virginia.


News

A small fire was extinguished at the Mark Center Cleaners yesterday evening (Sunday).

The Alexandria Fire Department was called at around 5:45 p.m. and arrived at 1458 N. Beauregard Street to find flames coming out of the rear of the one-story building, according to dispatch reports. The fire was extinguished in 10 minutes.


Around Town

It was a festive Halloween in Old Town, and S. Lee Street was packed with Wicked Witches and Dorothys, superheroes and villains, fairies and giants, and ghouls and goblins.

All of S. Lee Street was shut down for the holiday tradition, with some locals spending thousands of dollars on decorations and candy.


News

Welcome to Friday, Alexandria! Here’s a look at ALXnow’s top stories of the week.

The most-read post is about Benny DiForza’s Pizza, which closed in Del Ray after being served with a legal notice barring access to its shop at 1504B Mount Vernon Avenue. The notice of no trespass, dated Oct. 26, was filed by a petitioner.


Around Town

Eighteen happy couples, some in costume, are tying the knot in a historic Old Town ballroom today (Friday) as part of a new “Hallowedding” ceremony with the Alexandria Clerk of Court.

Clerk Greg Parks and his staff donned 18th century-inspired costumes at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum to officiate the marriages, which took about 20 minutes each and came with gift bags that included local restaurant coupons, free entry to Alexandria museums and a one-night stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites on Richmond Hwy.


News

Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger appeared in a “Latinos for Spanberger” rally today (Thursday) in Alexandria.

Spanberger spoke at a packed event at Los Tios (2615 Mount Vernon Avenue) in Del Ray, flanked by Latino legislators Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Del. Alfonso Lopez D-Virginia House District 3), and City Council Member Canek Aguirre. Spanberger has a 10-digit lead against her opponent, Lieutenant Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, according to a recent Roanoke College poll.


Around Town

The Alexandria Police Department has a few tips for families to have a safe Halloween tomorrow (Friday).

Trick-or-treaters should wear light-colored or reflective costumes and carry flashlights or glow sticks for visibility, the department recommended. Families can also add contact cards inside their kids’ costumes in case they are separated, according to an APD flier distributed on social media this week.


News

Emmy and Grammy Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns unveiled his latest documentary series, “The American Revolution,” at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate on Wednesday.

The filmmaker spoke in a panel discussion before sharing an outdoor preview of the new six-part series, which features George Washington and his pivotal role in winning the Revolutionary War. Episodes will air on PBS at 8 p.m. nightly from November 16 to 21.


News

An annual walking tour with Old Town North’s Urban Design Advisory Committee this month will highlight several new developments in the area.

During the walk on Wednesday, Nov. 12, city staff will provide participants with information on the mixed-use development project at Robinson Terminal North, redevelopment of the Montgomery Center and the Ladrey Apartments, among other developments.


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