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

Super Bowl LX in Alexandria: 12 places to watch and find game day specials

By Katie Taranto
The bar at Joe Theismann's Restaurant (via Joe Theismann's Restaurant/Facebook)

There are plenty of spots in Alexandria to watch this weekend’s Super Bowl LX as the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots brawl it out.

The teams face off at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday in Santa Clara, Calif., at Levi’s Stadium, and Grammy Award-winning artist Bad Bunny performs at halftime. Here are 12 local spots that have publicized watch parties, events and menu specials — and how to get a free, sober ride home.

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JUST IN: ACPS will return to regular scheduling Thursday

By Katie Taranto
ACPS school buses in snowy, icy conditions, Jan. 30, 2026 (via ACPS/Facebook)

Alexandria City Public Schools is making a full return to regular scheduling tomorrow (Thursday) as the city continues to clear up streets and intersections.

Schools and offices will open on-time tomorrow, and all school activities and transportation plan to operate as scheduled, Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt announced this afternoon.

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Alexandria snow removal crews turn focus to intersections and West End today

By Katie Taranto
Alexandria crews continue to work on snow and ice removal in late January 2026 (via City of Alexandria)

Alexandria crews are continuing to remove snow throughout the city today (Wednesday), with plans to address snow piles affecting some of the city’s 2,000 intersections.

As of this morning, crews have already hauled out more than 5,000 loads of snow, Mayor Alyia Gaskins said on social media. Efforts today will zero in on clearing intersections and the city’s West End, she said.

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Around Town

Series of watch parties will show Ken Burns’ latest documentary on Revolutionary War

By Katie Taranto
Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns talks about his documentary 'The American Revolution' at Mount Vernon, Oct. 29, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

A series of weekly library watch parties spotlighting Ken Burns’ new documentary, “The American Revolution,” starts today (Wednesday).

The six-part PBS series focuses on the Revolutionary War and the “ideals and complexities of America’s founding.” The Alexandria Library plans to host episode watch parties on consecutive Wednesdays through March 11.

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One person transported to trauma center after firefighters respond to Duke Street crash

By Katie Taranto
Scene of a crash with injuries near Duke Street between between N. Ripley Street and S. Reynolds Street (via APD/Facebook)

At least one person was transported to a local trauma center last night (Tuesday) following a crash on Duke Street.

Alexandria firefighters extricated one passenger from a vehicle and transported one person to a trauma center following the crash, according to firefighters’ union IAFF Local 2141. The crash occurred at the intersection of Duke and N. Ripley streets shortly after 6 p.m., according to scanner traffic.

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JUST IN: ACPS will open with two-hour delay Wednesday

By Katie Taranto
ACPS school buses in snowy, icy conditions, Jan. 30, 2026 (via ACPS/Facebook)

Alexandria City Public Schools will open again tomorrow (Wednesday) with a two-hour delay, as impacts from the recent winter storm linger.

Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt made the announcement this afternoon (Tuesday), calling for students to report to school two hours later than regular opening time. Students who ride morning buses should arrive at bus stops two hours later than their regular pickup time.

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ICE actions in Minnesota prompt advocacy, donation efforts at Old Town businesses

By Katie Taranto
Stack of letters to legislators at Friends to Lovers Bookstore on Jan. 30, 2026 (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Some Alexandria businesses closed and others encouraged civic involvement last week during nationwide strikes protesting immigration enforcement.

In Old Town, businesses like fibre space, Friends to Lovers Bookstore and Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop made posts encouraging actions such as donating money or supplies and contacting lawmakers to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after agents shot and killed Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis and detained a 5-year-old child.

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Around Town

Cafe in Del Ray makes Eater DC list of ’16 Best Coffee Shops Around D.C.’

By Katie Taranto
Latte from Swing's Coffee (via Swings Coffee Roasters/Facebook)

Swing’s Coffee is one of the best coffee shops in the D.C. area, according to one ranking.

A new list from Eater DC lists the cafe in the top 16 coffee shops in the area, highlighting “the best drip java, pour-overs, and lattes in town.” The coffeehouse with historic local roots has two downtown D.C. shops and a flagship Del Ray roastery at 501 E. Monroe Avenue.

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Alexandria sidewalk enforcement resumes Tuesday, requiring snow removal within 72 hours

By Katie Taranto
Alexandria crews continue to work on snow and ice removal in late January 2026 (via City of Alexandria)

Sidewalk ordinance enforcement is back on the books in Alexandria tomorrow (Tuesday), according to a city announcement this afternoon.

Starting tomorrow, City of Alexandria residents, property owners, community associations and businesses are required to clear sidewalks, driveways and entrances within 72 hours, due to the storm’s “Level 3” severity. According to the city, residents should do the following to abide by City Code Section 5-2-21.

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Market Square Garage will close next week to allow for renovations

By Katie Taranto
Market Square parking garage (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

The Market Square Garage is closing next Monday, Feb. 9, to allow crews to begin renovations at City Hall and Market Square, according to a city announcement this afternoon (Monday).

Monthly pass holders “should have already been contacted” about new parking options, and a list of alternative locations in Old Town is available on the city’s website. The garage is closing as the project site will be secured with fencing this month, according to the announcement.

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JUST IN: ACPS will reopen schools, offices Tuesday with two-hour delay

By Katie Taranto
ACPS school buses in snowy, icy conditions, Jan. 30, 2026 (via ACPS/Facebook)

Alexandria City Public Schools will reopen with a two-hour delay for in-person learning tomorrow (Tuesday), according to an announcement this afternoon.

Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt said ACPS remains “mindful of student safety during school arrival and dismissal, particularly for those who walk to school or wait at bus stops,” according to the announcement. Students and staff are encouraged to dress warmly amid the cold weather.

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