Ryan Belmore | ALXnow

Early voting turnout in Alexandria outpaces 2021 ahead of November election

Published October 14, 2025 at 1:00PM | Updated October 14, 2025 at 1:50PM

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

Early voting turnout in Alexandria is running well ahead of the 2021 election cycle, with more than 9,600 ballots cast so far for the November general election.

As of Oct. 13, Alexandria has recorded 9,621 early votes, according to data from the Virginia Public Access Project. At the same point in 2021 — 22 days before Election Day — the city had received just 5,434 early ballots, meaning current turnout is running 77% ahead of the 2021 pace.

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Magpie Reclamations closing Del Ray store, moving to Hollin Hall Shopping Center

By Ryan Belmore

Published October 13, 2025 at 2:01PM

Magpie Reclamations announced on October 8 that beginning December 1 that you will be able to find them at Urban Redeux. (Credit: Magpie Reclamations)

Magpie Reclamations, a sustainable furniture and home décor shop, announced last week that it will close its Del Ray storefront and relocate to Urban Redeux in Fairfax County this winter.

The vintage furniture retailer posted on social media Tuesday that its store at 202 E. Custis Ave. will close after two years in the neighborhood. The last day of regular store hours is scheduled for Nov. 16.

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Alexandria wins state award for budget communications approach

By Ryan Belmore

Published October 13, 2025 at 9:30AM

Alexandria City Hall sign (staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

The City of Alexandria received a 2025 Innovation Award from the Virginia Municipal League on Sunday for its fiscal year 2026 budget outreach efforts.

The award, presented at the VML Annual Conference in Roanoke, honors the city’s efforts to make its budget process more transparent and accessible amid potential federal funding cuts. Alexandria was one of seven Virginia localities to receive awards recognizing excellence in local government.

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Missing 13-year-old Alexandria girl found safe

By Ryan Belmore

Published October 13, 2025 at 8:30AM | Updated October 13, 2025 at 12:59PM

Alexandria police cruiser (staff photo by James Jarvis)

A 13-year-old girl who was reported missing Monday morning has been located safe, the Alexandria Police Department announced.

Tajim Hossain was found safe, according to an update posted on the department’s X account at 12:56 p.m. “Thank you for sharing the message,” the department wrote.

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Morning Notes for October 13, 2025

By Ryan Belmore

Published October 13, 2025 at 8:00AM | Updated October 13, 2025 at 8:35AM

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

Titans Fall to West Potomac — The Alexandria City High School football team couldn’t overcome a second-quarter deficit in a 21-20 home loss to West Potomac on Friday night, ending their perfect start to the season. ALXnow

ACPS Seeks Input on Campus Naming — Alexandria City Public Schools is asking residents to weigh in on proposals to name four campus spaces after individuals who made significant contributions to the community, with a public poll open through Oct. 22. ALXnow

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ACPS seeks community input on naming four campus spaces after local figures

By Ryan Belmore

Published October 13, 2025 at 5:15AM

The Parker-Gray Stadium Field at Alexandria City High School King Street Campus (via ACPS)

Alexandria City Public Schools is asking residents to weigh in on proposals to name four campus spaces after individuals who made significant contributions to the community, with a public poll open through Oct. 22.

The School Board received petitions with at least 100 signatures each for naming opportunities at Alexandria City High School’s two campuses, Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School and the Early Childhood Center. The proposals range from honoring a two-time Super Bowl champion to memorializing a principal’s late son.

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Alexandria firefighters shift to 49-hour work week

By Ryan Belmore

Published October 11, 2025 at 10:00AM

Alexandria Fire Department (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Alexandria firefighters have begun working under a new schedule that reduces their weekly hours from 56 to 49, the culmination of a staffing overhaul that has dramatically improved retention at the fire department.

The shift to a four-shift, 49-hour work week marks a significant change for first responders who have worked under one of the longest schedules in public service for decades, according to a news release provided to ALXnow on Saturday from Alexandria Firefighters Inc. IAFF Local 2141.

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Alexandria Police Department hosts Australian leaders in international exchange

By Ryan Belmore

Published October 11, 2025 at 8:00AM | Updated October 11, 2025 at 11:11AM

Detective Superintendent Matthew Ciantar of the Australian Federal Police, Chief Human Resource Officer Alyssa Williamson of the City of Alexandria, Assistant Chief of Police Tina Laguna of the Alexandria Police Department, Chief Tarrick McGuire of the Alexandria Police Department, and Commander Andrew Donoghoe of the Australian Federal Police, Assistant Commissioner Virginia Nelson of the Queensland Police Service, Acting Assistant Chief of Police Dennis Andreas of the Alexandria Police Department and Communications Director Tracy Walker of the Alexandria Police Department.

The Alexandria Police Department hosted senior leaders from two Australian law enforcement agencies this week for discussions on building public trust and ethical policing practices.

Chief Tarrick McGuire and members of APD’s command staff met Thursday with Assistant Commissioner Virginia Nelson of the Queensland Police Service and two officials from the Australian Federal Police — Commander Andrew Donoghoe and Detective Superintendent Matthew Ciantar.

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West Potomac edges Alexandria City 21-20, ending Titans’ undefeated season

By Ryan Belmore

Published October 11, 2025 at 7:13AM

The Alexandria City High School Titans run onto the field, Sept. 19, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

The Alexandria City High School football team couldn’t overcome a second-quarter deficit in a 21-20 home loss to West Potomac on Friday night, ending their perfect start to the season.

The Titans fell to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in the Virginia High School League Division 6A District 4 after failing to score in a scoreless fourth quarter.

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Coastal flood advisory issued for Alexandria waterfront

By Ryan Belmore

Published October 11, 2025 at 6:00AM

Coastal Flood Advisory for ALX (via National Weather Service)

The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood advisory for Alexandria’s shoreline from midnight Saturday into early Monday morning.

Up to one foot of water above ground level is expected in low-lying areas due to tidal flooding, according to the advisory issued at 5:17 a.m. Saturday.

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One wounded in Eisenhower West shooting

By Ryan Belmore

Published October 11, 2025 at 5:44AM

One wounded in West End shooting (via Google Maps)

One person was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after a shooting on Friday in the city’s Eisenhower West neighborhood, police said.

The Alexandria Police Department responded to the 2800 block of Telek Place late Friday evening to investigate the shooting, according to a social media post issued at 11:49 p.m.