Author: Katie Taranto

Katie Taranto is a reporter at ALXnow. She previously covered local businesses at ARLnow and K-12 education at The Columbia Missourian. She is originally from Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.

Around Town

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Drako, a playful companion

By Katie Taranto
Drako (courtesy of AWLA)

Meet Drako, a one-year-old pup at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria who is ready to explore the world with a new family.

Drako “would be a lovely companion on weekend road-trips and sniffy neighborhood walks,” an AWLA volunteer wrote. He’s also confident and easygoing around other dogs, and “never passed on making a new friend,” according to his pet profile.

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News

City Council candidates explain more policy stances in forum ahead of Democratic primary

By Katie Taranto
Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations hosts a City Council candidate forum (photo courtesy of James Minichello Photography)

Democratic candidates for Alexandria City Council shared their views on economic development, traffic and parking, housing growth and more during a forum last night (Wednesday).

The event was hosted by Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations at Immanuel Church on the Hill ahead of Saturday’s Democratic firehouse primary. About two dozen people turned out and several more attended via Zoom to the event, which was moderated by Bill Rossello, president of the Seminary Hill Association.

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News

Pedestrian safety project at two Alexandria schools slated to receive $2M in federal funds

By Katie Taranto
George Washington Middle School (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

A pedestrian safety improvement project near George Washington Middle School and Charles Barrett Elementary School is slated to receive $2.17 million in federal funding.

The project, phase two of the city’s Safe Routes to School Crossing Improvements, aims to bolster student safety and “strengthen connectivity to nearby neighborhoods” at the schools by installing curb extensions with crosswalks, shortening crossing distances, improving bus stops and removing a slip lane.

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Around Town

Annual chili cook-off brings competition and flavor to Del Ray this month

By Katie Taranto
Samples, beer and trophies at the Del Ray Chili Cook Off in 2024 (via Del Ray Citizens Association/Facebook)

Flavor, fundraising and friendly competition are coming to Del Ray with the return of the Del Ray Chili Cook Off this month.

The annual culinary competition by the Del Ray Citizens Association is open to individual and team entries from Del Ray residents. It will kick off at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 in the gymnasium at Commonwealth Academy.

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News

Avoid contact with Potomac River, Va. health officials say in new advisory

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

The Virginia Department of Health is advising people to avoid contact with the Potomac River following a massive sewage pipe rupture last month.

Recreational activities like swimming and kayaking should be avoided out of caution to prevent illness, VDH said in a release yesterday.

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Around Town

Hopkins House preschoolers share songs, crafts with seniors for Valentine’s Day

By Katie Taranto
Students from Hopkins House's k-prep class met with seniors on Friday, Feb. 6, for a Valentine's Day celebration (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, preschoolers from Hopkins House brought joy and laughter to The Senior Center at Charles Houston during an annual celebration last week.

The k-prep class from Helen Day Preschool Academy joined Alexandria seniors for a lively morning of crafts and dancing on Friday, Feb. 6. About a dozen students made handmade valentines for seniors, many of whom are regular visitors to the center.

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News

‘Agenda: Alexandria’ to host panel on housing and affordability this month

By Katie Taranto
Agenda: Alexandria hosts a panel on aging in November 2025 (via Agenda: Alexandria/Facebook)

Update: Agenda Alexandria has rescheduled this event to 7 p.m. March 23, due to inclement weather. 

Housing development and affordability will be the subject of Agenda: Alexandria’s next program, now expected to take place in March.

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Weekend Metro closures affecting Blue and Yellow Lines start tomorrow

By Katie Taranto
A train arrives at the Potomac Yard Metro station (staff photo by James Cullum)

Ten weekends of Metro closures between Pentagon City and Reagan National Airport start tomorrow (Saturday), affecting Blue and Yellow Line trains departing and entering Alexandria.

Metrorail service will be suspended between those stations for a three-day weekend between Feb. 14-16, with free shuttle buses connecting the stations. During impacted weekends, both lines are expected to operate in “two segments” outside the closed stations every 12 minutes.

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News

Alexandria city offices, public schools closing Monday for George Washington Day

By Katie Taranto
Thousands lined King Street for the George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town on President's Day, Feb. 20, 2023 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria government offices, libraries and public schools are closing Monday to observe Presidents Day, otherwise known in Virginia as George Washington Day.

Across the city, some services will close or operate on modified schedules in observance of the first president’s birthday. Trash, recycling and yard waste collection will be delayed one day next week, but curbside food waste collection will remain on-schedule.

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Around Town

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Leo, a polite and playful fellow

By Katie Taranto
Leo (courtesy of AWLA)

Meet Leo, a sweet dog who’s been spending his days at an area foster home through the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

At one year and seven months old, Leo carries the personality of a “polite young gentleman,” an AWLA volunteer wrote. He enjoys going on walks and playing with squeaky toys, and has a good time socializing with other furry friends.

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News

George Washington Birthday Parade returns to Old Town this weekend with adapted route

By Katie Taranto
The 1st Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line cries 'Huzzah!' at the George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town, Feb. 19, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria’s month-long celebration of the first president of the United States continues this Saturday with the return of the George Washington Birthday Parade.

Known as Washington’s adopted hometown, Alexandria has celebrated the Founding Father, born Feb. 22, 1732, with a birthday parade that dates back to 1801. This year, it will run from 2-4 p.m. this Saturday in Old Town with a modified route, due to ongoing renovations at City Hall and Market Square.

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