Author: Ryan Belmore

Ryan Belmore is a journalist based in Alexandria, Virginia. He served as Publisher of ALXnow from March to October 2025. He can be reached at [email protected].

Around Town

Music series continues Sunday with Dogtoberfest in Old Town North

By Ryan Belmore
Dogtoberfest A Celebration of all things Dog…And Cat!. (via Old Town North Community Partnership)

The Old Town North Community Partnership will host its annual Dogtoberfest celebration Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Montgomery Park, featuring live music, costume contests and activities for pets and families.

Local performer Mike Seti will perform from noon to 1 p.m. as part of the Music in Montgomery Park concert series. The free, pet- and family-friendly event will take place at 901 North Royal St. A rain date is scheduled for Nov. 2.

Go to Music series continues Sunday with Dogtoberfest in Old Town North Read more
News

Alexandria City Council to consider flood mitigation grant, parking enforcement review at Tuesday meeting

By Ryan Belmore
Alexandria City Hall sign (staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

The Alexandria City Council will meet Tuesday for its regular legislative session, with agenda items ranging from flood preparedness funding to an update on the city’s parking enforcement pilot program.

The meeting begins with a closed executive session at 5:30 p.m., followed by the public session at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber at 301 King St.

Go to Alexandria City Council to consider flood mitigation grant, parking enforcement review at Tuesday meeting Read more
News

Morning Notes for October 24, 2025

By Ryan Belmore
Visitors explore the new plaza on Saturday, October 18th (image courtesy of the Old Town North Alliance)

On This Day in History: Belle Pre Glass Company Plant Burns Down Under Mysterious Circumstances — On this date in 1921, the abandoned Belle Pre Glass Company plant on Madison Street burned down under mysterious circumstances—just one day before the four-acre property was set to be sold. Once one of America’s largest milk bottle manufacturers, Belle Pre opened in Alexandria in 1902 and employed over 250 workers at its peak before filing for bankruptcy in 1912. [Historic Alexandria]

FCPD: Hit-and-Run Victim Was Alive Before Being Hit by Fairfax Police Car — A Fairfax County police officer remains on restricted duty after striking a hit-and-run victim with his police cruiser last month in Hybla Valley. Alexandria resident Trina Jones, 62, who was crossing Richmond Highway outside the Mount Vernon Crossroads shopping center, was first struck by an unknown driver who fled the scene before being hit by the police cruiser on Sept. 24. [FFXnow]

Go to Morning Notes for October 24, 2025 Read more
News

Alexandria’s 4,400 SNAP families to receive November benefits under state emergency declaration

By Ryan Belmore
SNAP in Virginia (Courtesy photo)

Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency Thursday to authorize the use of state funds to continue providing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to more than 850,000 Virginians — including thousands of Alexandria residents — starting Nov. 1.

The emergency declaration comes as federal funding for SNAP is expected to run out after 22 days of a federal government shutdown that began Oct. 1.

Go to Alexandria’s 4,400 SNAP families to receive November benefits under state emergency declaration Read more
News

USPTO WARN Notice reflects October layoffs, no new December cuts

By Ryan Belmore
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria's Carlyle neighborhood (staff photo by James Cullum)

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification on Oct. 14, indicating 126 employees at its Alexandria headquarters will be removed from the payroll on Dec. 9, but a source familiar with the matter told ALXnow on Friday that these are not new layoffs.

The 126 employees were part of the reduction in force announced on October 1 and have been on administrative leave since then, according to the source. The WARN notice filed with the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement reflects when those employees will officially come off the agency’s books.

Go to USPTO WARN Notice reflects October layoffs, no new December cuts Read more
News

Warner urges Trump to “stay home” and resolve shutdown

By Ryan Belmore
Senator Mark Warner hosts remote media availability on Oct. 23, 2025. (Screenshot)

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s planned trip to Asia during a remote media availability Thursday, calling it “the height of irresponsibility” as the government shutdown enters its 23rd day.

Warner expressed frustration that Trump plans to leave the country for nearly a week while federal workers and contractors go without pay and Virginians face dramatic increases in healthcare premiums.

Go to Warner urges Trump to “stay home” and resolve shutdown Read more
News

New West Alexandria Transit Center to open Nov. 2, replacing Landmark facility

By Ryan Belmore
A diagram shows the bus bay layout at the new West Alexandria Transit Center, which opens Nov. 2. (Courtesy Metro)

A new transit hub will open its doors next month in Alexandria’s West End, marking the first phase of a major redevelopment project on the site of the former Landmark Mall.

The West Alexandria Transit Center, located on Hecht Avenue, will officially begin operations at 5 a.m. on Nov. 2, according to announcements Tuesday from DASH. The opening will coincide with the permanent closure of the temporary Landmark Transit Center, which will shut down at 2:05 a.m. that same day, with all DASH and Metrobus services relocating to the new facility.

Go to New West Alexandria Transit Center to open Nov. 2, replacing Landmark facility Read more
News

Beyer, Warner, and Kaine decline pay during shutdown

By Ryan Belmore
(Left to right) Del. Charniele Herring, Lamice Albaayno, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, Lance Collins, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin at the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus ribbon cutting, Feb. 28, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

As the federal government shutdown stretches into its third week, Alexandria’s congressman and Virginia’s two U.S. senators have all declined their salaries while approximately 13,000 federal workers in the city go without pay.

Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., announced he would have his pay withheld for the duration of the shutdown. During a telephone town hall, Beyer told a constituent that, while the 27th Amendment ensures members of Congress continue to be paid during shutdowns, he had requested that his salary be withheld in solidarity with federal workers.

Go to Beyer, Warner, and Kaine decline pay during shutdown Read more
News

StepALIVE! walkathon raises $125,000 for food, housing assistance

By Ryan Belmore
Hundreds of neighbors came together on Sunday, October 19 at George Washington Middle School for ALIVE!’s 44th annual StepALIVE! Walkathon, raising $100,000 to support families across Alexandria who face food insecurity and housing instability. (Credit: Jennifer Ayers, Executive Director of ALIVE!)

Hundreds of Alexandria residents gathered Sunday at George Washington Middle School for ALIVE!’s 44th annual StepALIVE! Walkathon, raising $125,000 to support families facing food insecurity and housing instability.

The event marked a milestone for the fundraiser, which moved to a new site for the first time since its inception. A total of 352 walkers participated, choosing between 5K and 5-mile routes through Del Ray and Old Town.

Go to StepALIVE! walkathon raises $125,000 for food, housing assistance Read more
News

Alexandria celebrates 26th annual Lights On Afterschool event tonight

By Ryan Belmore
Celebrate Lights On Afterschool (via City of Alexandria)

The City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities is participating in the 26th annual Lights On Afterschool celebration tonight, Thursday, Oct. 23, joining communities nationwide in showcasing the role afterschool programs play in children’s lives.

The national event, organized by the Afterschool Alliance and first launched in October 2000, highlights how afterschool programs help students explore interests in areas ranging from science and robotics to poetry and community service. The celebration also draws attention to children who need access to after-school care.

Go to Alexandria celebrates 26th annual Lights On Afterschool event tonight Read more
News

Morning Notes for October 23, 2025

By Ryan Belmore
Three pumpkins on a wall at Halloween on Lee Street in Old Town, Oct. 31, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Gustave Boulangerie Employee Charged With Hidden Camera Recordings in Employee Bathroom — An employee of Gustave Boulangerie has been charged with multiple counts related to hidden camera recordings in the restaurant’s employee bathroom, including felony charges involving children. [ALXnow]

Time Running Out to Register to Vote or Request Absentee Ballot — Time is running out for Alexandria residents who need to register to vote or request an absentee ballot for the Nov. 4 general election. Both deadlines fall on Friday, Oct. 24, giving eligible voters just two days to take action. [ALXnow]

Go to Morning Notes for October 23, 2025 Read more
View More Stories