Ryan Belmore | ALXnow

What’s on the Docket: Alexandria City Council Public Hearing on May 17

Published May 15, 2025 at 5:00PM

Alexandria City Hall sign (staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

Alexandria’s City Council is gearing up for its City Council Public Hearing on Saturday (May 17).

Among the docket items is a Public Hearing, Second Reading, and Final Passage of an Ordinance that would eventually ban gas-powered leaf blowers within city limits. The proposed change to noise regulations aims to address both quality of life and environmental concerns.

News

Speed, Style, Wellness & Art: Your guide to what’s happening in Alexandria this weekend (May 16-18)

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 15, 2025 at 1:00PM | Updated May 16, 2025 at 5:39AM

The Old Town Festival of Speed and Style on May 22, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Get ready for a jam-packed weekend in Alexandria, with flagship events like the Old Town Festival of Speed & Style, the Well Ray health and wellness festival, and the Tavern Square Art Fair headlining a diverse array of activities.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a wellness seeker, an art lover, or just looking for some local fun, Alexandria has something for everyone this weekend.

Around Town

Reach Thousands of Alexandrians: Promote your event on ALXnow!

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 15, 2025 at 9:15AM | Updated May 15, 2025 at 10:14AM

A paper calendar (Photo by Eric Rothermel on Unsplash)

Looking to attract more people to your upcoming local gathering? Submit it to ALXnow’s event calendar and connect with locals searching for things to do in our community. Thousands of Alexandria residents turn to our calendar when planning their activities.

ALXnow offers options to fit your promotional needs. Free basic listings help spread the word about your event. For those seeking premium visibility, paid promotional options are available, offering featured placement on the ALXnow website, in our email newsletter, and on our social media channels.

News

Alexandria sees 11% drop in homelessness amid regional decline

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 14, 2025 at 7:00PM

Volunteer conducting PIT count. Photo credit: Pathways to Housing DC

Alexandria reported a significant 11% decrease in homelessness in the 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) count, with 166 people experiencing homelessness compared to 187 in 2024. This reduction aligns with a broader regional trend that saw overall homelessness decline by 1% across the Washington metropolitan area.

The annual count, conducted on January 22, 2025, reveals that Alexandria’s progress outpaces the regional average, making it one of four jurisdictions to report decreases in homelessness this year. The city’s reduction of 21 people experiencing homelessness represents meaningful progress in local housing efforts.

News

Alexandria’s top 3 Mexican restaurants, according to ALXnow readers

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 14, 2025 at 3:30PM

Meal at Taqueria Poblano (via Taqueria Poblano)

Alexandria residents have spoken, and Taqueria Poblano is their top pick for Mexican cuisine in the city. The results come from a recent ALXnow reader poll that wrapped up on May 13, 2025, with over 1,800 local food lovers casting their votes.

Taqueria Poblano, located at 2400B Mt. Vernon Avenue, snagged nearly 25% of the votes, beating out Taqueria Picoso and Los Tios Grill for the top spot. The restaurant is a local favorite, known for its Southern California and Yucatan-inspired Mexican dishes. It’s no stranger to recognition, having previously earned praise for its margaritas and ranking among the DC area’s top Mexican eateries.

News

BREAKING: Alexandria Federal Judge orders release of Georgetown scholar from immigration detention

By Ryan Belmore and OLIVIA DIAZ, KENDRIA LaFLEUR and BEN FINLEY Associated Press

Published May 14, 2025 at 1:46PM | Updated May 14, 2025 at 8:33PM

Supporters outside U.S. District Court in Alexandria on May 14 (Staff photo by Ryan Belmore)

ALVARADO, Texas (AP) — A Georgetown University scholar from India who was arrested in the Trump administration’s crackdown on foreign college students was released from immigration detention Wednesday after a federal judge’s ruling.

Badar Khan Suri will go home to his family in Virginia while he awaits the outcome of his petition against the Trump administration for wrongful arrest and detention in violation of the First Amendment and other constitutional rights. He is also facing deportation proceedings in an immigration court in Texas.

News

Alexandria City Council advances ban on gas-powered leaf blowers

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 14, 2025 at 6:00AM | Updated May 14, 2025 at 8:16AM

Leafblower, photo via Philip Myrtorp/Unsplash

The Alexandria City Council has taken the first legislative step toward banning gas-powered leaf blowers, citing significant environmental and noise concerns. On Tuesday, the council voted 5-1 on the First Reading of an ordinance that would prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers throughout the city.

The proposed ban includes an 18-month phase-out period for the community, while city government departments would transition away from gas-powered equipment within one year.

News

Alexandria celebrates 30 graduates from its Spring 2025 City Academy program

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 13, 2025 at 8:30PM

City Council Honors Latest Alexandria Academy Graduates (Staff Photo by Ryan Belmore)

Alexandria City Council celebrated 30 graduates from its Spring 2025 City Academy program at its Legislative Meeting on Tuesday (May 13).

Councilor John Taylor Chapman presented a proclamation honoring the graduates who completed a seven-week course. The program gives participants hands-on experience with city services and staff.

News

City Council recognizes Emergency Medical Services Week, honors Alexandria’s EMS heroes

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 13, 2025 at 8:00PM

City Council Recognizes Alexandria's EMS Heroes with Official Proclamation (Staff photo by Ryan Belmore)

Alexandria City Council honored its emergency medical services (EMS) providers at its Legislative Meeting on Tuesday (May 13) with a special proclamation for Emergency Medical Services Week, which runs from May 18 to 24, 2025.

During the meeting, Mayor Alyia Gaskins and the Alexandria City Council declared the week “Emergency Medical Services Week.”

News

Woodrow Wilson Bridge set for overnight maintenance openings May 15 – 16

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 13, 2025 at 3:30PM

The Woodrow Wilson Bridge at sunset (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Heads up, drivers – expect some overnight delays on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge this week.

The Virginia Department of Transportation says the bridge will have maintenance openings from 10 p.m. on Thursday (May 15) to 5 a.m. on Friday (May 16), weather permitting.

News

City forced to cancel Wednesday’s Community Cookout at The Acclaim due to weather

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 13, 2025 at 2:15PM

City of Alexandria Community Cookout on April 29, 2025 (Staff Photo by Ryan Belmore)

The City of Alexandria has canceled Wednesday’s Community Cookout at The Acclaim due to inclement weather.

This event is part of the 18th Annual Community Cookout Series, which is run by the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities. It was supposed to take place at 346 South Whiting St.