Ryan Belmore | ALXnow

Alexandria Police Chief provides public safety update to City Council

Published April 9, 2025 at 11:30AM

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

Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire presented a comprehensive public safety update to the Alexandria City Council on Tuesday night (April 8), highlighting a 25% reduction in overall crime during the first quarter of 2025.

The Alexandria Police Department is reporting significant strides in reducing crime across the city, with violent crimes down 43% and property crimes down 23% in the first quarter of 2025, Police Chief Tarrick McGuire told Council.

News

Alexandria Police Chief discusses 100-day action plan, crime reduction strategy with ALXnow

By Ryan Belmore and James Cullum

Published April 9, 2025 at 10:00AM

Alexandria Police Department Chief Tarrick McGuire gives an update to City Council, April 8, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire is focusing on six “micro areas” throughout the city as part of a targeted approach to reducing crime.

McGuire, who just finished his first 100 days in office, spoke about his plans with ALXnow in an exclusive interview after his presentation to the City Council on Tuesday (April 8). The specific locations have not been revealed, except he said that they are well-known crime hotspots.

News

Cyclist critically injured on Eisenhower Avenue, prompting road closure

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 9, 2025 at 7:51AM | Updated April 9, 2025 at 8:21PM

Collision took place on Eisenhower Avenue (via Alexandria PD)

A bicyclist is facing life-threating injuries following a vehicle/bicyclist collision on Friday morning on Eisenhower Avenue.

The crash happened on the eastbound side of Eisenhower Avenue, forcing police to close the road between South Van Dorn Street and Metro Road.

Around Town

Meet Omar: This visually impaired senior dog is ready to charm his way into your heart

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 8, 2025 at 10:00AM

Omar (via Animal Welfare League of Alexandria)

Meet your new best friend, Omar – this week’s adoptable dog of the week!

Omar, an 11-year-old male, is available for adoption from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA).

News

Weather Alert – Freeze Warning: Alexandria will experience sub-freezing temperatures tonight

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 8, 2025 at 9:30AM

Freeze Warning for ALX. Radar valid at 913 am EDT, Apr 8th 2025 (via National Weather Service)

The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for early Wednesday morning (April 9), from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m.

The warning covers areas along and east of I-95 in Maryland and northern Virginia, including Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, and parts of Fairfax County.

News

Alexandria legislators to host Post Session Town Hall on April 15

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 7, 2025 at 5:45PM

Post Session Town Hall (via Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker on Bluesky)

Alexandria residents can connect with their state representatives at an upcoming Post Session Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, April 15.

Senator Adam Ebbin and Delegates Charniele Herring, Alfonso Lopez, and Elizabeth Bennett-Park are inviting community members to a Post-Session Town Hall in the Alexandria City Council Chambers from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

News

Alexandria station ranks second busiest in Southeast Amtrak Network

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 7, 2025 at 2:30PM

Alexandria’s Amtrak station (110 Callaham Drive) is now the second busiest in the Southeast, with 358,629 passengers in the fiscal year 2024. It’s just behind Richmond’s Staples Mill Road Station, which saw 464,881 riders in the same period, according to Amtrak’s latest figures released today (April 7).

Amtrak has hit a new high, serving 32.8 million customers in fiscal year 2024 – a record for the rail service.

Around Town

This Week in Alexandria: Free Cone Day, Spring2ACTion, and more (April 7 – 13)

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 7, 2025 at 1:00PM

Cherry blossoms in Del Ray (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria gears up for a bustling week from April 7th to the 13th, offering residents and visitors a diverse mix of civic engagement opportunities, community fun, and live entertainment.

Kicking off the week, residents can weigh in on the proposed I-495 express lanes extension, while later highlights include City Council’s consideration of budget proposals and the sweet return of Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day. Whether you’re looking to participate in local governance, celebrate National Beer Day, support nonprofits during Spring2ACTion, enjoy the burgeoning farmers’ market season, or catch one of the dozens of live music performances scheduled across the city, there’s no shortage of ways to stay active and engaged in Alexandria this week.

Around Town

Alexandria’s ‘Spring Fling: A Vibrant Block Party’ returns on May 3

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 7, 2025 at 10:00AM

Old Town Boutiques Present Alexandria’s Spring Fling: A Vibrant Block Party on May 3. (via Old Town Boutique Community)

Get ready for the annual Spring Fling block party in Old Town Alexandria on May 3, 2025. This neighborhood-wide celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering a mix of shopping, activities, and fun for everyone.

Organized by Old Town Boutique Community, the event features a variety of experiences throughout Old Town. You can get your tarot cards read, try your hand at crafts, join an outdoor yoga class, or cool off with a snow cone.

News

Alexandria City Council members submit budget add/delete proposals for FY 2026

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 6, 2025 at 9:30AM | Updated April 6, 2025 at 10:01AM

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

Alexandria City Council members have submitted numerous budget proposals for consideration at the upcoming FY 2026 Budget Add/Delete Public Hearing scheduled for April 8.

The proposals, which must be balanced with corresponding cuts or revenue increases, range from increasing support for Alexandria City Public Schools to expanding recreational programs and enhancing public transportation services.

News

Notes: Spring2ACTion returns for 15th year to boost Alexandria charities

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 6, 2025 at 8:30AM

Spring2ACTion returns. (via ACT for Alexandria)

Good Saturday morning, Alexandria!

🌧️ Today’s weather: Scattered showers after 10 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 69 degrees. Northwest wind 5 to 14 mph, becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph. The chance of precipitation is 50%. Rain tonight with patchy fog between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. Low around 44 degrees. North wind 7 to 9 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100%—new precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.