Katie Taranto | ALXnow

ACPS student performance holds steady behind state levels, new data shows

Published December 10, 2025 at 3:45PM

Alexandria City High School's graduation at George Mason University's EagleBank Arena, May 28, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Student achievement across Alexandria City Public Schools appears to be hovering steady compared to last year, according to new state data, but the district’s numbers still linger behind the commonwealth.

In the 2024-2025 school year, 62% percent of ACPS students passed state reading tests, up one percentage point from the year prior, according to Virginia Department of Education’s accountability system, the School Performance and Support Framework.

News

More Alexandria residents seek tax assistance amid ‘sluggish’ economy

By Katie Taranto

Published December 10, 2025 at 2:45PM

City Manager Jim Parajon provides a city economic update to City Council, Dec. 9, 2025 (via City of Alexandria)

Alexandria residents have continued to seek out local tax assistance as the city’s economy reels from federal layoffs, rising living costs and increased unemployment.

Alexandria has currently provided a total of 95 car tax payment plans averaging some $1,053 each, in addition to 12 real estate payment plans that average $4,189 per year.

Around Town

Washington Capitals bringing new youth street hockey league to Alexandria

By Katie Taranto

Published December 10, 2025 at 11:45AM

Capitals street hockey programming (courtesy of the Washington Capitals)

Francis C. Hammond Middle School is among three regional venues that will host a new, co-ed youth hockey league led by the Washington Capitals in the new year.

Registration has opened for the team’s first-ever Capitals Street Hockey League (CSHL), intended for kids ages 5-12. The season’s eight weekends of games, lasting from March through May 2026, will take place at three venues, including the middle school at 4646 Seminary Road, according to a release.

News

Ameratu Kamara appointed as Alexandria’s new Independent Policing Auditor

By Katie Taranto

Published December 10, 2025 at 10:30AM

Ameratu Kamara speaks at her appointment as Alexandria's Independent Policing Auditor on Dec. 9 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Ameratu Kamara has been appointed as Alexandria’s second Independent Policing Auditor.

Kamara was first appointed as the city’s acting auditor in January following the December 2024 death of former auditor Kim Neal, who had fulfilled the role since its commencement in 2022. City Council unanimously appointed Kamara to the role during its legislative meeting last night (Tuesday).

News

Biennial ‘AlexMoves’ transportation survey is taking responses through Dec. 28

By Katie Taranto

Published December 9, 2025 at 1:45PM

Alexandria Transit Company (photo courtesy DASH)

The city of Alexandria is seeking residents’ insights on how they are commuting and getting around the city.

The city released its 2025 AlexMoves survey yesterday (Monday), aiming “to gather a representative sample of trips made in the City of Alexandria.” The survey, also known as the Transportation Needs Assessment Survey, is conducted in partnership with firm Polco and will be open through Sunday, Dec. 28.

News

Gaskins discusses the future of Alexandria’s affordable housing with Atlantic editor

By Katie Taranto

Published December 9, 2025 at 12:00PM | Updated December 9, 2025 at 2:35PM

(From left to right) Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Yoni Appelbaum of The Atlantic and Laura Dobbs, Policy Director of Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia during a Dec. 8 affordable housing discussion at The Lyceum (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Mayor Alyia Gaskins shared possible initiatives to preserve Alexandria’s dwindling affordable housing supply during a conversation with an editor at The Atlantic last night (Monday).

Gaskins and Yoni Appelbaum, author of “Stuck“, met at The Lyceum to discuss affordable housing, the history of zoning laws and how Alexandria should approach ongoing efforts to update its Housing Master Plan.

News

Registration for Alexandria’s winter programs and activities opens next week

By Katie Taranto

Published December 8, 2025 at 2:46PM

Aquatics class at the Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility (via Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities, City of Alexandria, VA/Facebook)

The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities has released its Winter 2026 Program Guide, detailing new seasonal classes, activities and more.

Starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, Alexandria residents can sign up for RPCA’s winter programs, which start next month and run through April 2026. Registration for nonresidents opens two days later, on Dec. 19.

Around Town

‘Pink Pony Club’ and ‘Santa Jaws’: Holiday Boat Parade announces 2025 winners

By Katie Taranto

Published December 8, 2025 at 1:30PM

A view of the boat line up. Leading the pack is "Splish Splash, Taking a Bath" which was the winner of the 2025 category "Thinking Outside the Christmas Box" (via Visit Alexandria)

Alexandria’s 25th annual Holiday Boat Parade brought gleaming, spirited displays of holiday cheer to Old Town’s waterfront on Saturday night.

Visit Alexandria has announced the winners of the parade today (Monday), with exhibits ranging from a hot pink Chappell Roan theme that captured “Most Spirited Crew” to a playful “Hanukkah Octopus” named Happy that won “Hardiest Soul.” Here’s a look at this year’s winners and categories.

News

Alexandria traffic board to consider ‘no turn’ restrictions at intersection of October crash

By Katie Taranto

Published December 8, 2025 at 12:30PM

Proposed No Turn on Red restrictions (via City of Alexandria)

The Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board will consider new “No Turn on Red” restrictions at an intersection near Del Ray and North Ridge, after a vehicle struck a woman and her child there in October.

The restrictions would apply to all approaches at the five-legged intersection of Russell Road, Monroe Avenue and High Street, an area that connects single-family neighborhoods to churches and child care facilities, according to the city. The staff recommendation is part of the board’s consent agenda during its 7 p.m. meeting tonight (Monday).

News

‘Christmas in Camp’ Civil War program coming to Fort Ward this weekend

By Katie Taranto

Published December 8, 2025 at 11:45AM

Fort Ward Park, Jan. 6, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

The Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site’s annual Christmas in Camp program returns this Saturday, offering a glimpse into Civil War-era holiday celebrations.

The event includes historical reenactors interacting across the museum’s decorated winter camp settings, according to the Office of Historic Alexandria. The educational program lasts from noon to 4 p.m. at the museum — one of the Union Army’s best-preserved forts in the Defenses of Washington — located at 4301 W. Braddock Road.

News

New Alexandria bus route with service to downtown D.C. launches this month

By Katie Taranto

Published December 5, 2025 at 2:45PM

A Metrobus rides in the snow (via Metro Forward/Facebook)

A new Metrobus route in Alexandria will offer transfer-free service to downtown D.C. starting later this month.

The new A29 bus will begin service on Sunday, Dec. 14, with rides offered every 24 minutes in the morning and afternoon via the I-395 Express Lanes, including during rush hours. Morning service will operate north to Metro Center, with afternoon service running south toward Van Dorn Street.