Katie Taranto | ALXnow

Alexandria police recover firearm in child’s backpack, prompting investigation

Published March 4, 2026 at 4:01PM

4850 Mark Center Drive (via Google Maps)

A student “may have brought a loaded firearm” to Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School yesterday (Tuesday), according to an Alexandria City Public Schools message sent to the school’s community today.

The Alexandria Police Department recovered a firearm inside an 8-year-old child’s backpack yesterday in a Child Protective Services office at 4850 Mark Center Drive, the department told ALXnow. No injuries were reported, and officers are investigating the cause of the incident.

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Health officials suspect rabies after two people report raccoon attacks in Old Town

By Katie Taranto

Published March 4, 2026 at 2:30PM

The entrance of the Alexandria Health Department (courtesy of the Alexandria Health Department)

The Alexandria Health Department is advising residents to be cautious around wildlife after two people reported being bitten by a raccoon in Old Town yesterday (Tuesday).

According to AHD, two people said they were bitten by a raccoon near N. Henry Street, N. Patrick Street and Cameron Street in Old Town. It’s unclear if the bites came from the same raccoon, “but the incidents happened close together in time,” according to an AHD announcement this afternoon.

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Early voting in Alexandria begins Friday for City Council special election

By Katie Taranto

Published March 4, 2026 at 10:00AM

Voting at Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library in Alexandria's West End, Nov. 5, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria voters can begin casting early ballots this Friday to participate in the city’s April 21 special election.

This includes the City Council race and a proposed constitutional amendment to redraw Virginia’s congressional maps.

Around Town

Alexandria to accept entries for new America 250 poster contest

By Katie Taranto

Published March 3, 2026 at 3:17PM

The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

Artwork “that reflects civic pride, historical connection, and optimism for the future” is the theme of a new poster contest in Alexandria.

As the City of Alexandria continues to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it is joining the America 250 City Art Poster Project, sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Around Town

New Indian restaurant ‘The Bombay Canteen’ celebrates opening on Eisenhower Avenue

By Katie Taranto

Published March 2, 2026 at 2:45PM

A look inside The Bombay Canteen (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A new Indian restaurant celebrated its recent foray into the Eisenhower East neighborhood over the weekend with festivities alongside local city and business leaders.

The Bombay Canteen rolled out the red carpet at 2010 Eisenhower Avenue yesterday (Sunday) for a grand opening of its Mumbai-inspired dining room and kitchen. The new eatery, which soft opened last month, is led by D.C.-area restaurateur Asad Sheikh and chef Nishi Barua, replacing a vacancy left by Hunan Cafe.

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Three candidates meet filing deadline to run for Alexandria City Council

By Katie Taranto

Published February 27, 2026 at 5:20PM

Voters at Mount Vernon Recreation Center in Del Ray on Election Day, Nov. 4, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Three candidates have submitted the paperwork necessary to run for Alexandria City Council, meeting the city’s 5 p.m. deadline today (Friday).

Democrat Sandy Marks, independent candidate and former Republican City Councilman Frank Fannon, and independent Alison O’Connell have each turned in the necessary paperwork to be on the April 21 ballot, Director of Elections & General Registrar Angie Maniglia Turner confirmed to ALXnow shortly after 5 p.m. Friday.

Around Town

Volunteer Alexandria to honor dozens of community helpers at ceremony next month

By Katie Taranto

Published February 27, 2026 at 3:30PM

About 75 volunteers helped assemble the nearly 1,000 backpacks donated to the seven United Way of the National Capital Area community schools, including Alexandria’s Francis C. Hammond Middle School (courtesy photo)

Dozens of volunteers in Alexandria will be recognized next month for their contributions to the community last year.

Eighty-five honorees have been announced in Volunteer Alexandria’s annual awards program, Volunteers are the Heart of Alexandria, happening Thursday, March 12. The nonprofit, a top coordinator of volunteer services in the city, recorded more than 112,000 service hours in 2025 from over 4,260 volunteers — an estimated value exceeding $3.8 million.

Around Town

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Spike, a ‘softie at heart’ with a zest for life

By Katie Taranto

Published February 27, 2026 at 8:15AM

Spike (courtesy of AWLA)

Meet Spike, a happy dog at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria who is full of energy.

The three-year-old furry friend weighs 49 pounds and is known by his distinctive tri-colored coat “and a personality that can’t be beat,” an AWLA volunteer told ALXnow.

Around Town

Ballyshaners’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade returning to Old Town for 43rd year

By Katie Taranto

Published February 26, 2026 at 12:30PM

Alexandria's St. Patrick's Day Parade in Old Town, March 1, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

A festive afternoon of Irish dancing, pipe bands and emerald-green outfits and decorations is returning soon to Old Town.

The Ballyshaners‘ 43rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is expected to draw thousands of spectators to celebrate alongside a lineup of performers and community organizers. Local dignitaries plan to kick off festivities at noon Saturday, March 7, with the parade stepping off at 12:30 p.m.

News

Old Town Pool renovation updates expected at city meeting next week

By Katie Taranto

Published February 25, 2026 at 11:00AM

Old Town Pool (via City of Alexandria)

The City of Alexandria is expected to provide an update next week about ongoing plans to replace the Old Town Pool.

City staff will share updates on the project’s design and construction timeline, and attendees will be able to provide feedback at the meeting, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5 at the Oswald Durant Center (1605 Cameron Street).

News

Regional officials briefed about ongoing response to Potomac River sewage spill

By Emily Leayman and Katie Taranto

Published February 24, 2026 at 3:45PM

A sailboat on the Potomac River (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Regional officials were briefed yesterday (Monday) on continued repairs and efforts to mitigate health risks five weeks after a sewage pipe collapsed, releasing an estimated 243 million gallons of sewage into the Potomac River.

DC Water officials outlined steps it has taken since the Jan. 19 sewer pipe collapse, just east of the American Legion Bridge, during a virtual meeting with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments that included Vice Chair, Mayor Alyia Gaskins. The collapse happened in a section of the Potomac Interceptor, which carries about 60 million gallons of sewage daily from Fairfax and Loudoun counties, the towns of Vienna and Herndon, Dulles Airport and Montgomery County, Md.