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

Poll: The best ice cream shop in Alexandria

By Ryan Belmore
The best ice cream shop in Alexandria, VA

Did you know that Forbes named Alexandria the Ice Cream Cone Capital of the United States in 2019?

Whether you prefer it in a cone or a cup, ice cream shops across Alexandria offer a variety of handmade, sugary confections. Here are the nominees for “Best Ice Cream Shop in Alexandria” as part of our ALXnow Readers’ Choice Awards!

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News

ACPS Nutrition Director named 2025 Mid-Atlantic Region Director of the Year by School Nutrition Association

By Ryan Belmore
Dr. Eric Coleman, director of school nutrition for Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) (contributed photo)

Dr. Eric Coleman, director of school nutrition for Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), has been named the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Region Director of the Year by the School Nutrition Association (SNA).

The SNA, a national non-profit, recognized Coleman for his work in managing school meal programs that feed students.

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Opinion

Connect with Alexandria: Advertise on ALXnow and reach 250,000+ locals monthly

By Ryan Belmore

Finding the right audience in a vibrant city like Alexandria is key to business growth, and ALXnow provides a direct connection to the community’s heart.

Since launching in 2019, ALXnow has become a trusted news source, rapidly growing to reach over 250,000 engaged monthly visitors (as of our 2024 data). This readership isn’t just passing through; they are the people who live, work, and invest in Alexandria and its surrounding areas, actively seeking local information, making ALXnow the premier digital platform to place your message for maximum local impact.

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News

Residents voice concerns over school redistricting plans at first public hearing

By Ryan Belmore
Public Hearing on Redistricting on May 12, 2025 (via ACPS Zoom)

Alexandria City Public Schools held its first public hearing on proposed redistricting changes on Monday (May 12).

The school board is considering three different plans to address capacity issues across the district.

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News

Weather Alert: Flood Watch issued for Alexandria, surrounding areas

By Ryan Belmore
Flooding in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria and nearby areas are under a Flood Watch from Tuesday morning through late Tuesday night, according to the National Weather Service. The alert, issued Monday afternoon, covers parts of western Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Heavy rain could lead to flooding in creeks, streams, and low-lying areas. Some roads might become impassable as water levels rise.

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News

Alexandria City Council to vote on gas-powered leaf blower ban next week

By Ryan Belmore
Leafblower, photo via Philip Myrtorp/Unsplash

The Alexandria City Council is considering a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, with a proposed two-year phase-out period for the community. The ordinance amendments will be first read during the May 13 legislative meeting, with a public hearing and final passage scheduled for May 17.

The proposed ban addresses noise pollution and environmental concerns associated with gas-powered leaf blowers. If approved, the ordinance would prohibit using gas-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums starting July 1, 2027.

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News

Agenda Alexandria to examine local election history and future during May program

By Ryan Belmore
A voting sign at the Alexandria Registrar of Voters, 132 N. Royal Street, in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

Agenda Alexandria is gearing up for its May program, which will examine Alexandria’s elections past, present, and future.

The event, which will be held at 7 p.m. on May 19 at Virginia Theological Seminary, will be moderated by Michael Pope and feature a panel of experts, including Liz White, executive director of UpVote, Jeff Schapiro, longtime columnist with the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Scott Vierick, historian from the Alexandria Historical Society.

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News

Notes: Explore sustainability and green living today at Alexandria’s Eco-City Festival

By Ryan Belmore
Eco-City Festival site map (via City of Alexandria)

Good Saturday morning, Alexandria!

⛈️ Today’s weather: Sunny, with a high near 75 degrees. Northwest wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Partly cloudy tonight, with a low around 56 degrees. Southwest wind 3 to 5 mph.

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News

What’s on the Docket: Alexandria City Council Legislative Meeting on May 13

By Ryan Belmore
Leafblower, photo via Philip Myrtorp/Unsplash

The Alexandria City Council is set to take the next steps in amending its noise ordinance to ban gas-powered leaf blowers.

The proposed changes will be introduced during the council’s May 13 legislative meeting and will move forward for further consideration.

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News

Mayor Gaskins calls for “bold and creative thinking” as leaders gather at Alexandria Economic Summit

By Ryan Belmore
Alexandria Economic Summit on May 8, 2025 (Staff photo by Ryan Belmore)

Alexandria’s economic leaders and city officials are charting a new course for the city’s economic future at the Alexandria Economic Summit, which began at 3 pm on Thursday (May 8) at the Westin Alexandria.

The summit, described as a continuation of similar efforts from 2007, brings together city leaders, business representatives, and economic development experts to create a comprehensive strategy for Alexandria’s growth.

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