Ryan Belmore | ALXnow

Flash Flood Watch issued for Alexandria through 9 p.m.

Published August 13, 2025 at 12:30PM

Flood Watch for Alexandria on Aug. 13, 2025 (via National Weather Service)

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Alexandria and surrounding areas through 9 p.m. Wednesday as thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rainfall are expected to move through the region.

The watch, issued at 11:57 a.m., covers Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Fairfax County and parts of the District of Columbia and Maryland, including Anne Arundel, Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.

Around Town

Poll: Which is the best playground in Alexandria?

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 13, 2025 at 12:00PM

Chinquapin Park (via City of Alexandria)

With summer winding down and students preparing to head back to school, many Alexandria families are making the most of these final weeks with visits to the city’s playgrounds. Now’s your chance to weigh in on which city playground deserves the top spot in our latest ALXnow Readers’ Choice poll.

Alexandria boasts more than 40 city playgrounds scattered across its neighborhoods, from tot lots perfect for toddlers to adventure-filled play areas that challenge older kids. Whether you’re drawn to the sprawling equipment at Ben Brenman Park, the scenic waterfront views at Jones Point Park, or the convenient neighborhood charm of smaller spaces like Mason Avenue Mini Park, each playground offers something unique for Alexandria families.

News

ACPS students return to classrooms Monday for new school year

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 13, 2025 at 11:15AM | Updated August 13, 2025 at 2:26PM

Alexandria City High School (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Alexandria City Public Schools will welcome students back to classrooms on Monday, August 18, marking the start of the 2025-26 academic year for most district schools.

The Aug. 18 start date applies to 17 of the district’s 18 schools following the traditional academic calendar. Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School, which operates on a modified calendar, already began classes on July 21.

News

Alexandria Fire Department featured in short documentary at national conference

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 13, 2025 at 10:15AM

Strong Together | City of Alexandria Fire Department, VA (Screenshot via YouTube)

The Alexandria Fire Department was honored with a featured documentary at Fire-Rescue International 2025, the premier conference for fire and emergency service leaders currently underway in Orlando, Florida.

The department announced Tuesday on social media that WebsEdge IAFC TV produced a five-minute film titled “Stronger Together: The Alexandria Fire Department Story,” highlighting the department’s commitment to service and leadership. The documentary was showcased at the International Association of Fire Chiefs conference, which runs through Thursday at the Orange County Convention Center.

News

19 Alexandria businesses make Inc. 5000 list, led by Artemis ARC at No. 34

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 13, 2025 at 9:00AM

City of Alexandria (Photo credit Hover Solutions for Visit Alexandria)

Alexandria businesses dominated Virginia’s representation on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies, with 19 local firms earning spots on the annual ranking released Tuesday.

Artemis ARC, a service-disabled, veteran-owned consulting firm, led the Alexandria contingent at No. 34 nationally with a staggering 6,648% three-year revenue growth rate. The federal consulting firm became the highest-ranking Virginia company on this year’s Inc. 5000 list and the only business from the commonwealth to crack the top 100.

News

Notes: AlexRenew wins national Tunnel Achievement Award for RiverRenew Project

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 13, 2025 at 8:00AM | Updated August 13, 2025 at 9:05AM

Overhead view of the pumping station (Image: AlexRenew).

Good morning, Alexandria! 👋 Today is Wednesday, Aug. 13, the 225th day of 2025. There are 140 days left in the year.

⛈️ Today’s weather: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 40%.

News

Former Alexandria councilman Seifeldein announces bid for Congress

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 13, 2025 at 5:05AM | Updated August 13, 2025 at 8:16AM

Alexandria City Councilman Mo Seifeldein in Council Chambers, July 6, 2021. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Former Alexandria City Councilman Mohamed “Mo” Seifeldein announced Tuesday to reporters that he will seek the Democratic nomination for Virginia’s 8th Congressional District, challenging five-term incumbent Rep. Don Beyer and positioning himself as a voice for economic change.

Seifeldein, 41, made the announcement during a press call, framing his campaign around what he calls the need for “moral clarity” and leaders who have experienced daily struggles.

News

Alexandria City High School to host 25th anniversary celebration of ‘Remember the Titans’

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 12, 2025 at 4:30PM

Remember The Titans: 25 Years Later (via ACPS)

Alexandria City Public Schools will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the beloved football film “Remember the Titans” with a special celebration at Alexandria City High School on Sept. 19.

The ticketed evening event promises “special guests, fun surprises, and a whole lot of Titan pride,” according to a school district announcement. Activities will include a student pep rally, Titan tailgate, and a tribute to the 1971 Titans team that inspired the Disney film.

News

Alexandria girls get confidence boost at Mayor Gaskins’ Back-to-School Salon

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 12, 2025 at 3:30PM | Updated August 12, 2025 at 5:46PM

Mayor Alyia Gaskins and Iye Bayoh, owner of Iye's Beauty Salon, at Mayor Gaskins' Back To School Salon (Staff photo by Ryan Belmore)

Mayor Alyia Gaskins hosted her third annual back-to-school salon event on Tuesday, Aug. 12, providing free professional hairstyling, backpacks, and food to girls living in Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority properties across the city.

The event, held at Iye’s Beauty Salon, located at 4600 Duke Street, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., served between 15 and 20 girls, ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade, as well as one young man.

News

Tower crane installation set for Monday at The Heritage at Old Town

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 12, 2025 at 9:00AM

The Heritage Old Town. (Illustration via The Heritage at Old Town)

Construction crews will install a tower crane on Monday, Aug. 18, at The Heritage at Old Town redevelopment project, marking another significant milestone in the multiphase apartment complex that broke ground in June.

Jair Lynch Real Estate Partners announced the crane installation will take place Aug. 18 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours possible under permit if needed. The work will affect parking and traffic along the 500-534 block of South Alfred Street.

News

Beyer, Kaine condemn Trump’s DC police takeover

By Ryan Belmore and The Associated Press

Published August 11, 2025 at 5:45PM

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Alexandria’s congressional delegation joined a chorus of regional lawmakers Monday condemning President Donald Trump’s decision to federalize Washington D.C.’s police department and deploy National Guard troops, with U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine calling the move a “waste of taxpayer dollars” designed to distract from other issues.

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), who represents Alexandria, joined eight other members of the National Capital Region delegation in a statement released hours after Trump’s announcement that he would temporarily take control of the Metropolitan Police Department through Attorney General Pam Bondi.