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].

News

VRE ridership surges as Alexandria station upgrades planned

By Ryan Belmore
The Amtrak and VRE station (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Virginia Railway Express (VRE) saw a jump of nearly 100,000 passengers in March 2025 compared to the same month last year, Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley reported at Alexandria City Council’s recent legislative meeting.

Bagley, who sits on the Virginia Railway Express Board of Directors, provided the update during Oral Reports from members of City Council on Boards, Commissions, and Committees.

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News

Alexandria Economic Summit set for May 8 to chart city’s future

By Ryan Belmore
The Alexandria Economic Summit will take place on May 8 (via City of Alexandria)

Alexandria is gearing up for a major economic summit on May 8, focusing on the city’s future growth. Stephanie Landrum, who heads the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP), updated the Alexandria City Council on the event’s preparations during a Legislative Meeting on Tuesday (April 23).

“We’re aiming to engage the community in discussions about economic growth opportunities,” Landrum explained.

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News

City Council reaches consensus on budget add/delete proposals

By Ryan Belmore
Alexandria City Council Legislative Meeting on April 22, 2025 (Staff photo by Ryan Belmore)

Alexandria City Council members reached consensus Tuesday night (April 22) on a series of budget adjustments for fiscal year 2026, including a $1 million transfer to Alexandria City Public Schools and funding for several community initiatives.

Alexandria City Council members submitted numerous budget proposals for consideration. They were first heard and discussed at a FY 2026 Budget Add/Delete Public Hearing on April 8. This add/delete work session allowed council members to propose final changes to City Manager James Parajon’s proposed budget before final adoption on April 30.

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News

City Council moves forward with revisions to police auditor and review board ordinances

By Ryan Belmore
Alexandria police cruiser (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Alexandria City Council voted to advance proposed changes to the city’s police oversight ordinances Tuesday night (April 22), moving forward recommendations from a council subcommittee that address key issues, including investigation authority and subpoena power.

The ordinance amendments, which passed on first reading in a 6-1 vote, will be docketed for a public hearing and final passage on Saturday, April 26.

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News

Alexandria City Council considers Stormwater Fee increase for FY 2026

By Ryan Belmore
Alexandria City Council Legislative Meeting on April 22, 2025 (Staff photo by Ryan Belmore)

The Alexandria City Council is considering increasing stormwater fees. A public hearing was held during its Legislative Meeting on Tuesday (April 22).

Despite the opportunity for public input, no residents came forward to speak, and council members didn’t discuss the matter.

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News

Senator Warner calls for Defense Secretary Hegseth’s resignation over classified information mishandling

By Ryan Belmore
Senator Warner during media availability on April 22, 2025.

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) is calling for the resignation or removal of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following reports that Hegseth shared classified military information with family members on his personal phone.

“Our men and women in uniform deserve better. They deserve a secretary that treats classified information with the appropriate level of secrecy because lives depend upon it,” Warner said during a media availability Tuesday.

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Around Town

Alexandria’s top 3 pizza places, according to ALXnow readers

By Ryan Belmore
ALXnow Reader Choice Poll: Best Pizza in Alexandria

With dozens of restaurants serving up pies across the city, deciding where to grab your next pizza in Alexandria can sometimes feel overwhelming. To help navigate this delicious landscape, ALXnow turned to the experts – our readers – with the first-ever Readers’ Choice poll dedicated to finding Alexandria’s best pizza.

After two weeks of passionate voting between April 7 and April 21, the results are in! More than 2,400 individual votes (2,459 to be exact) were tallied from a competitive field of 30 diverse nominees, highlighting just how seriously Alexandrians take their pizza.

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News

Developments, zoning, police oversight top Alexandria City Council’s Public Hearing agenda on Saturday

By Ryan Belmore
The Alexandria City Council gets an update from the Alexandria Police Department Chief Tarrick McGuire, April 8, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

The Alexandria City Council is set to hold its Public Hearing Meeting on Saturday, April 26, with a diverse agenda that includes development projects, zoning amendments, and special recognitions.

The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chamber at 301 King Street and will also be accessible electronically via Zoom and other platforms.

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News

Traffic Alert: PNC Alexandria Half Marathon brings runners, significant road closures to Old Town this Sunday

By Ryan Belmore
Pacers Running Announces the Evolution of Parkway Classic to PNC Alexandria Half Marathon. Credit: PNC Alexandria Half Marathon

The PNC Alexandria Half Marathon will debut in Old Town on Sunday, April 27. It will feature a half-marathon, a 5K, and a kids’ dash.

This event, produced by Pacers Running and sponsored by PNC Bank, is an evolution of the long-running PNC Parkway Classic. The 13.1-mile course begins at Market Square (301 King St.) and extends through Old Town down the George Washington Parkway. Additional roads surrounding City Hall and Market Square will be closed for race set-up.

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