Ryan Belmore | ALXnow

Alexandria mayor clarifies Flock camera policies amid immigration enforcement concerns

Published September 4, 2025 at 9:00AM

Alexandria police cruiser (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins addressed community concerns about the city’s use of Flock Safety surveillance cameras during a live one-on-one discussion with ALXnow on Tuesday, providing clarification and further details on Wednesday that new Virginia laws prevent the technology from being misused by federal immigration enforcement.

The mayor’s clarification came in response to a resident’s question about whether the Alexandria Police Department should discontinue its contract with Flock Safety, an AI surveillance company that has faced scrutiny over potential misuse by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

News

Notes: Community dance party to benefit Alexandria foster children set for Saturday

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 4, 2025 at 8:15AM

Pork Barrel BBQ School Dance (contributed photo)

Good morning, Alexandria! 👋 Today is Thursday, Sept. 4, the 247th day of 2025. There are 118 days left in the year.

☀️ Today’s weather: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5 p.m. Increasing clouds, with a high near 87 degrees. South wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%.

News

Volunteer Alexandria highlights Founders Park cleanup, disaster preparedness in latest opportunities roundup

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 3, 2025 at 10:30AM

Walking along the Potomac River at Founders Park in Old Town. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Volunteer Alexandria has released its latest roundup of community service opportunities, featuring everything from reading tutoring for elementary students to emergency preparedness training.

The nonprofit organization, which serves as Alexandria’s volunteer matching service, connects residents with meaningful ways to contribute to their community through its regular “hotlist” of opportunities.

News

Four Alexandria Girl Scouts earn Silver Award for community service projects

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 3, 2025 at 9:30AM

Evelyn, Taylor and Abby delivering donations from the Alexandria community to Comfort Cases, including more than 30 complete packs for kids and teens in foster care. (Photo Credit Emily Bryan)

Four eighth-graders from Alexandria Country Day School have earned the Silver Award, the highest honor available to Cadette Girl Scouts, for community service projects addressing Alzheimer’s disease awareness and foster care support.

Evelyn Bryan, Ellie Harris, Abby Michel and Taylor Reynolds were recognized by the Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital for achieving the distinction earned by fewer than 10% of all Cadettes.

News

Tons of Trucks event rolls into Alexandria on Sept. 20

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 3, 2025 at 8:35AM

Tons of Trucks Rolls into Alexandria in September (Credit: City of Alexandria)

The City of Alexandria’s “Tons of Trucks” event returns Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chinquapin Park, 3210 King St.

Hosted by the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities, the free event will occur rain or shine. The first hour, from 10 to 11 a.m., will be designated as a “sensory-friendly hour.”

News

Notes: AWLA offers dog training classes for community

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 3, 2025 at 7:00AM | Updated September 3, 2025 at 8:23AM

AWLA Offers Dog Training Classes for the Community (Credit: Animal Welfare League of Alexandria)

Good morning, Alexandria! 👋 Today is Wednesday, Sept. 3, the 246th day of 2025. There are 119 days left in the year.

☀️ Today’s weather: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82 degrees. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Mostly clear tonight, with a low around 64 degrees. South wind around 7 mph.

News

Virginia Theological Seminary welcomes 45 new students from 26 dioceses

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 2, 2025 at 7:43PM

Virginia Theological Seminary (Photo via Virginia Theological Seminary/Facebook)

Virginia Theological Seminary, the largest of the accredited seminaries of the Episcopal Church, welcomed 45 new students on Monday for the 2025-26 academic year, bringing total enrollment to 216 students from around the world.

The Alexandria seminary’s entering class includes students from 26 dioceses across the United States, as well as from Burundi and South Korea. The new students include 21 Master of Divinity candidates, seven Master of Arts students, seven Anglican Studies students, eight Pathway to Ministry students and two Diploma in Theology students.

News

Fatal single-vehicle crash claims life of Maryland woman on I-495

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 2, 2025 at 4:15PM

Alexandria police cruiser (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that killed a 34-year-old Maryland woman early Sunday morning on Interstate 495 in Alexandria.

Tyneeka L. Strickland of Capitol Heights, Maryland, died at the scene after her 2017 Cadillac XTS went off the left side of I-495 westbound at the 177-mile marker around 5:15 a.m. Aug. 31, according to a Virginia State Police news release.

Around Town

Things to do this week and weekend in Alexandria: Sept. 2 – 7

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 2, 2025 at 3:30PM

Annual dog swim at Warwick Pool (image via RPCA/Facebook)

Summer may be winding down, but Alexandria is heating up with an eclectic mix of events this week that showcase the city’s vibrant arts scene, family-friendly attractions, and thriving nightlife. From outdoor book clubs soaking up the last rays of summer sunshine to indoor poetry readings perfect for cozy September evenings, there’s something for every interest and age group across the city’s neighborhoods.

Music lovers will find plenty to celebrate, with live performances ranging from bluegrass jams at Port City Brewing Company to jazz trios at local restaurants. Meanwhile, families can enjoy everything from library storytimes and robotics workshops to farmers markets and outdoor yoga sessions. The week also brings several unique experiences, including antique appraisals in Del Ray, a hot wings showdown, and the second annual Chalk-A-Block festival that will transform Old Town North into an outdoor art canvas. Whether you’re looking to learn something new, support local artists, or simply unwind with friends, Alexandria’s packed calendar ensures you won’t be short on options.

News

Alexandria Mayor discusses federal funding risks, infrastructure projects during monthly ALXnow chat

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 2, 2025 at 1:45PM

Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins during a conversation with ALXnow on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins outlined the city’s preparations for potential federal funding cuts and addressed numerous infrastructure concerns during her monthly community conversation Tuesday, emphasizing the need for proactive planning as the City Council prepares to resume meetings Sept. 9.

The mayor detailed ongoing “scenario planning” efforts to assess the city’s vulnerability to federal funding reductions, noting that Alexandria receives more than $50 million in direct federal funding, with most supporting the Department of Community and Human Services.

Around Town

Adoptable Dog of the Week: Max seeks loyal companion for cuddles, belly rubs

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 2, 2025 at 9:45AM

Max (Credit: AWLA)

Max knows what he wants in life: a fenced yard to lounge in, puzzle toys to solve, and a devoted human to lean against for scratches behind his perfectly mismatched ears.

The 3-year-old, 73-pound tan and black mixed breed at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria describes himself as more of a cuddler than a long-distance walker. This social, people-loving pup has already mastered the commands for sit and down, and his treat-motivated nature means there’s no limit to what he could learn with the right person.