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

Lee-Fendall House to commemorate 160th Anniversary of Civil War hospital closure

By Ryan Belmore
160th Commemoration of the Grosvenor Branch Hospital ( via Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden)

The Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden is gearing up for a special event on April 5, 2025. They’re marking 160 years since the Grosvenor Branch Hospital closed its doors, shining a light on the property’s important role during the Civil War.

This historic site wasn’t just any building during the conflict—it was a Union Army hospital where over a thousand soldiers received treatment. Sadly, many didn’t make it out alive. The event coincides with the U.S. Army medicine’s 250th anniversary, giving visitors a chance to learn about medical practices from the Civil War era.

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News

Alexandria seeks public input on 7 high-crash West End intersections

By Ryan Belmore
City of Alexandria Seeks Community Input on High Crash Intersections on the West End (via City of Alexandria)

The City of Alexandria is seeking community input on seven high-crash intersections on the city’s West End to inform future safety improvements at these locations.

“We want to hear from you,” the City says in a press release. “Provide your input by completing a short online feedback form by Monday, April 28. Your input will help the project team identify challenges and needs, as well as opportunities for improvement”.

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News

Senior living community leads toiletry drive for Alexandria Domestic Violence Program

By Ryan Belmore
Residents and families at The Landing, a luxury senior living community in Alexandria, Va., came together last week to collect essential toiletries for the Alexandria City Domestic Violence Program. (photo via The Landing Alexandria)

Residents at The Landing, a senior living community at 2620 Main Line Blvd. in Alexandria, recently came together for a good cause.

Residents and families organized a toiletry drive to help the Alexandria Domestic Violence Program. The drive wrapped up last week and saw participation from all corners of the community. Residents from Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care units pitched in to gather essential hygiene items for individuals and families facing crisis situations.

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News

Alexandria School Board to review draft of 5-year strategic plan

By Ryan Belmore
Alexandria School Board meeting in 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

The Alexandria City Public Schools School Board meets Thursday (April 3) at 6 p.m. for its regular school board meeting, with several important topics on the agenda.

Board members will review the district’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan draft. The Strategic Planning Committee has been working on this plan for the past year, outlining the division’s vision, mission, and core values.

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Around Town

This Week in Alexandria: April Fools Day 5k/10k, ALX Dog Walk, Del Ray Dog Fest, and more

By Ryan Belmore
ALX Dog Walk. Photo courtesy of Visit Alexandria

Alexandria is set to bloom with a vibrant array of events this week, offering something for everyone from the casual observer to the dedicated culture enthusiast. Starting March 31st, residents and visitors can dive into a week filled with live music at local hotspots, engaging community workshops at the libraries, bustling farmers’ markets, and unique experiences like beer yoga and terrarium workshops.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing evening of jazz, participate in a fun run, or explore local art, Alexandria’s calendar is packed with opportunities to connect and celebrate this spring.

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News

Alexandria firefighters extinguish shopping center fire; assist with auto fire in underground parking garage

By Ryan Belmore
Alexandrie firefighters battle fire on Duke Street (via Alexandria Firefighters, Inc. IAFF Local 2141)

Firefighters in Alexandria have had a busy weekend, responding to a variety of incidents.

On Sunday morning, Engine 208 rushed to the 5200 block of Duke Street after an automatic alarm went off. When they arrived, they found smoke coming from a one-story strip mall connected to a high-rise building. More units were called in to help put out the fire.

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Notes: Alexandria youth invited to ‘Speak Up’ at upcoming community forum

By Ryan Belmore

Good Sunday morning, Alexandria!

☀️ Today’s weather: Partly sunny, with a high near 80 degrees. South wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Tonight, we’ll see scattered showers, mainly after 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 65 degrees. South wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%. On Monday, there’s a chance of showers before 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 p.m.. High near 79 degrees. South wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%—new rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

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News

Alexandria City Council holds first Town Hall of 2025, addresses budget concerns and community issues

By Ryan Belmore
Alexandria City Council hosted a Town Hall on Saturday, March 29. (via City of Alexandria)

Alexandria City Council members gathered for their first town hall of 2025, addressing resident concerns ranging from school funding to infrastructure projects and the city’s economic challenges.

The first City Council town hall of 2025 brought together Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley, and all council members to field questions from residents on a wide range of topics affecting Alexandria.

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News

Notes: Delta flight has close call with Air Force jet near DCA

By Ryan Belmore
Stock photo of Delta Airbus A319 (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

Good Saturday morning, Alexandria!

☀️ Today’s weather: Scattered sprinkles between 10 a.m. and noon. Patchy smoke between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84 degrees. Southwest wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Tonight will be mostly cloudy, with a low of around 63 degrees—south wind around eight mph. On Sunday, there’s a slight chance of showers after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78 degrees—south wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.

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