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

Alexandria choirs unite for inaugural ‘One Voice’ festival

By Ryan Belmore
One Voice Alexandria - Alexandria's First City-Wide Choral Festival (via Alexandria Choral Society)

Eight local choirs are coming together for the first-ever One Voice Alexandria Choir Festival on May 9, 2025. The event, hosted by the Alexandria Choral Society, kicks off at 7 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall.

This festival marks the end of Alexandria Choral Society’s 55th season with a bang, bringing together about 450 singers from across the city.

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Alexandria nonprofits receive $110,000 in Community Foundation grants

By Ryan Belmore
New Cornerstone Craftsman headquarters (photo via Gabriel Elias/Friends of Cornerstone Craftsman)

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is giving $110,000 to five Alexandria organizations through its 2025 Community Investment Funds. These grants, ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 each, support programs in the arts, child and youth development, and education.

Alexandria Symphony Orchestra gets $20,000 for its artistic programs and community outreach. Community Lodgings and Wilderness Kids Alexandria each receive $15,000 for their work with children and youth.

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Public hearings on fees, permits; City Council also eyes police oversight changes, budget add/deletes on April 22

By Ryan Belmore
The Alexandria City Council in session on March 11, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

The Alexandria City Council is preparing for its April 22, 2025, legislative meeting, which has a packed agenda that includes public hearings on stormwater utility fees and residential parking permits, as well as special recognitions and updates on economic development.

The meeting will begin at 6:15 p.m. with an executive session to discuss investment of public funds, followed by two public hearings and the regular meeting agenda.

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532Yoga leaves Washington Street location after 13 years, settles into pop-up studio at Founders Hall

By Ryan Belmore
532Yoga (via 532 Yoga)

532Yoga, a popular yoga studio in Alexandria, is now operating from a temporary location at 106 N. Lee St., also known as Founders Hall. The studio, which previously called 532 N. Washington Street home, started offering classes at its new “pop-up” spot on Tuesday (April 15).

Founder Suzanne Leitner-Wise shared the news with ALXnow, assuring students that they’ll continue to enjoy the same high-quality classes and workshops at the new site.

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City Hall and Market Square renovation plans presented to Board of Architectural Review

By Ryan Belmore
A proposed option for the renovation of Alexandria City Hall and Market Square (via City of Alexandria)

The Alexandria Board of Architectural Review held a concept review Wednesday night for the renovation of City Hall and Market Square Plaza, a project that aims to modernize the facilities while preserving historic elements of the landmark building.

The City of Alexandria presented plans that include a detailed restoration of the 1871 historic portion of City Hall, a redesign of Market Square, and modifications to the 1961 addition, including a new fifth floor.

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Around Town

Some Bunnies To Love? Adorable duo Addison & Carol seek home for Easter

By Ryan Belmore
Addison & Carol (via AWLA)

Just in time for Easter weekend, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) is hoping to find a forever home for Addison and Carol, an inseparable pair of three-year-old bunnies who must be adopted together.

With matching silky white coats and striking black ears, this charming duo has spent their entire lives side by side and are described as incredibly social and affectionate rabbits, ready to hop into a loving family’s life.

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Around Town

From Egg Hunts to Live Bands: What’s happening in Alexandria this weekend (April 17 – 20)

By Ryan Belmore
An Easter egg decorated with the Easter Bunny. This file is made available under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.

Looking to make the most of your time in Alexandria this weekend? From Thursday, April 17, through Sunday, April 20, the city is bustling with activities as Spring Break continues for students and Easter weekend arrives. Whether you’re searching for family fun like egg hunts and Easter Bunny meet-and-greets, planning a night out featuring live music or trivia, seeking unique workshops, or want to browse the local farmers markets, there’s plenty to explore.

Check out our detailed rundown below for times, locations, and more. Reminder – If you attend any of these events or activities, be sure to let someone know that you found out about it on ALXnow!

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Around Town

Unlock More Alexandria: Join the ALXnow Press Club for exclusive content and support local news

By Ryan Belmore

In March, we published 220 stories, the most ever published in a single month on the website, and reached 430,316 visitors, a 38% increase in traffic year over year. Just seventeen days into April, and we’re averaging ten new stories per day.

We’re conducting in-depth investigations into city government and budgets, reporting regularly on Alexandria City Public Schools, and diligently covering beats such as criminal justice and local business. We attend nearly every notable local meeting and provide daily coverage of events happening across the city.

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Alexandria man found guilty of child pornography offenses

By Ryan Belmore
Police car lights (file photo)

A district court judge on Tuesday (April 16) convicted an Alexandria man, who worked for the Department of Commerce, of possessing and receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

In a bench trial, Rafferty Daniel Kelly, 40, was found guilty by Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff of one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

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Notes: Meagan Alderton elected to lead Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation board

By Ryan Belmore
Meagan Alderton. (via Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation Inc.)

Good Thursday morning, Alexandria!

☀️ Today’s weather: Sunny, with a high near 65 degrees. Northwest wind around 7 mph. Increasing clouds tonight, with a low around 46 degrees. South wind 3 to 5 mph. It will be mostly sunny on Friday, with a high near 78 degrees. South wind 7 to 12 mph increasing to 13 to 18 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.

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Around Town

Del Ray’s GardenFest returns on April 27 with free tree seedlings and educational booths

By Ryan Belmore
The 2025 Del Ray GardenFest will take place on April 27. (screenshot via GardenFest)

Del Ray’s GardenFest is set for Sunday, April 27, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m. at Nicholas A. Colasanto Baseball Field, where Mt Vernon Avenue meets Commonwealth Avenue.

The Del Ray Citizens Association is hosting this free, family-friendly event focused on gardening and environmental education. Visitors can explore booths, watch demonstrations, and join activities covering composting, native plants, mushroom foraging, beekeeping, and vermiculture. The festival will give away nearly 500 native tree seedlings and hundreds of vegetable and herb seed packets.

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