Ryan Belmore | ALXnow

Alexandria extends Duke Street planning poll to Aug. 18

Published August 1, 2025 at 5:30AM | Updated August 1, 2025 at 5:53AM

Duke Street and S. Reynolds Street (image via Google Maps)

The City of Alexandria has extended the deadline for its Duke Street Corridor community poll until Aug. 18, officials announced Thursday.

The poll, which launched as part of an 18-month planning process that began June 9, has already drawn more than 800 participants, according to the city. The planning effort covers the Duke Street Corridor from Alexandria Union Station to Van Dorn Street at the future Landmark/West End development.

News

Senator Warner introduces bill requiring ICE agents to identify themselves, remove masks during routine operations

By Ryan Belmore

Published July 31, 2025 at 3:30PM

Senator Mark Warner during media availability on Thursday, July 31.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced legislation today requiring Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to identify themselves and remove masks during routine immigration enforcement activities, citing concerns about unidentified officers conducting operations across Virginia communities.

The bill, co-sponsored with Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), establishes the same identification standards for ICE agents that currently apply to state troopers, sheriffs and local police officers. Warner says the legislation responds to increased ICE presence in Virginia and repeated instances of masked agents causing panic during arrests.

News

Alexandria A Cappella Collective to embark on Ireland concert tour next week

By Ryan Belmore

Published July 31, 2025 at 12:00PM

The Alexandria Harmonizers (via The Harmonizers)

The Alexandria A Cappella Collective will travel to Ireland Aug. 4-12 for a concert tour featuring performances in Galway, Cork and Dublin alongside Irish choruses.

The internationally acclaimed organization includes two choruses: the Harmonizers, formerly known as the Alexandria Harmonizers, and Metro Voices. Both groups will perform at three venues during the nine-day tour.

News

Adoptable Dog of the Week: Meet Ace, the adventure-ready charmer

By Ryan Belmore

Published July 31, 2025 at 10:00AM

ACE (via AWLA)

Some dogs just have that special something that makes you stop and smile. At the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, that dog is Ace – a stunning 2-year-old black brindle mix who’s looking for his forever adventure buddy.

With his striking coat pattern and soulful brown eyes, Ace is undeniably handsome. But it’s his zest for life that truly sets this 65-pound charmer apart. Despite being two years old, Ace still carries that infectious puppy energy that makes every day feel like a new adventure waiting to happen.

News

Flood Watch issued for Alexandria area as heavy thunderstorms expected Thursday

By Ryan Belmore

Published July 31, 2025 at 6:00AM

Flooding in Old Town Alexandria (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Alexandria and surrounding Northern Virginia communities, warning of potential flash flooding from heavy rainfall expected Thursday afternoon through late evening.

The watch, which remains in effect from Thursday afternoon through late Thursday night, covers Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Fairfax and Prince William counties, along with the District of Columbia and portions of Maryland.

Around Town

Smoking Kow BBQ claims victory in Alexandria’s Readers’ Choice barbecue battle

By Ryan Belmore

Published July 30, 2025 at 12:00PM

Food at Smoking Kow BBQ at 3250 Duke Street (staff photo by James Cullum)

The votes are in, and Alexandria has spoken: Smoking Kow BBQ is the city’s favorite barbecue destination, according to the ALXnow Readers’ Choice Awards.

After two weeks of voting that concluded Tuesday night, Smoking Kow BBQ at 3250 Duke Street secured victory with 31.67% of the vote, earning 711 votes from barbecue lovers across Alexandria. The restaurant maintained its frontrunner status throughout the entire voting period.

Around Town

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By Ryan Belmore

Published July 30, 2025 at 11:00AM

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If you want more local news, join the 8,500+ people who have already signed up for the free daily newsletter.

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Road closures disrupt Alexandria commutes for railroad repairs

By Ryan Belmore

Published July 30, 2025 at 10:00AM | Updated July 31, 2025 at 7:41AM

From 9 a.m. on Wed. through 6 a.m. on Thurs., E and W Abingdon Drives will be closed for roadwork. Traffic will detour on the Parkway. From 9 a.m. on Thurs. through 6 a.m. on Fri. all lanes of the parkway will be closed. Traffic will detour on Abingdon Dr. (via Google Maps)

Commuters traveling through northern Alexandria faced significant disruptions Wednesday morning as a critical infrastructure repair project began, with the National Park Service issuing closure alerts warning of major impacts to evening rush hours on both Wednesday and Thursday.

East and West Abingdon drives closed to all traffic at 9 a.m. Wednesday, forcing drivers onto the George Washington Memorial Parkway as the primary detour route. The closure, scheduled to last until 6 a.m. Thursday, marks the first phase of essential railroad crossing repairs.

News

City of Alexandria services to relocate ahead of major city hall renovation

By Ryan Belmore

Published July 29, 2025 at 5:30PM

Alexandria City Hall sign (staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

The City of Alexandria will begin relocating city services and employee offices in August as part of preparations for major renovations to City Hall and Market Square, officials announced.

The relocations will continue through the end of 2025, with renovations set to begin in January 2026. More than 400 city employees will move from their existing offices to temporary or permanent spaces throughout Alexandria.

News

Construction to begin on Mount Vernon Avenue Bridge, expect two-year delays

By Ryan Belmore

Published July 29, 2025 at 2:33PM | Updated July 30, 2025 at 10:18AM

The pre-construction period is expected to last two months. During this period, bridge traffic will be reduced to the outer lanes for work on the median. (via City of Alexandria)

Arlington County will begin reconstruction of the Mount Vernon Avenue Bridge over Four Mile Run in mid-August, launching a $23.8 million project expected to last two years.

The bridge is in poor condition, with the west side sidewalk already closed due to structural deficiencies. The joint capital improvement project between Alexandria and Arlington County will split costs evenly between the two jurisdictions.

Around Town

Alexandria Restaurant Week returns Aug. 22-31 with $30-$50 prix fixe menus

By Ryan Belmore

Published July 29, 2025 at 11:00AM

Alexandria Restaurant Week (Credit: Visit Alexandria)

Alexandria Restaurant Week will return Aug. 22-31, offering diners 10 days of special menus at dozens of restaurants throughout the city.

Participating restaurants across Alexandria’s neighborhoods will feature prix fixe dinner menus priced at $30, $40, or $50 per person for in-person dining. Fast casual establishments will also offer additional specials and discounts during the event.