Author: Vernon Miles

Vernon Miles is the ALXnow cofounder and editor. He's covered Alexandria since 2014 and has been with Local News Now since 2018. When he's not reporting, he can usually be found playing video games or Dungeons and Dragons with friends.

News

Pursuit of suspected stolen vehicle in Alexandria ends in crash with injuries

By Vernon Miles
Virginia State Police (photo via Virginia State Police/Facebook)

After the drivers of a suspected stolen vehicle in Alexandria refused to stop late last night, a pursuit followed that ended in a crash and injuries in the Belle Haven area of Fairfax.

Virginia State Police (VSP) were assisting Alexandria Police with the stop of the suspected stolen vehicle, a Hyundai Elantra, near Duke and S. Van Dorn streets around 11 p.m.

Go to Pursuit of suspected stolen vehicle in Alexandria ends in crash with injuries Read more
News

Divided City Council backs roadway changes near Cameron Station

By Vernon Miles
Pickett Project Area Map (image via City of Alexandria)

Last week, Alexandria’s City Council voted to move forward with a plan to convert the four-lane S. Pickett Street near Cameron Station to one lane in each direction for much of the road, adding bike lanes and on-street parking.

The plan created considerable consternation among neighbors who expressed concerns that the changes would create cut-through traffic in the Cameron Station neighborhood. The outrage was reminiscent of the response to Seminary Road bike lane changes.

Go to Divided City Council backs roadway changes near Cameron Station Read more
News

Lanes closed after driver takes out traffic pole on Route 1

By James Cullum and Vernon Miles
Driver of a white truck hit a traffic light on Route 1 (staff photo by James Cullum)

A crash at the intersection of Potomac Avenue and Richmond Highway had knocked over a traffic signal and reduced traffic on the street to one lane in each direction.

The driver of a white truck struck the pole around 1 p.m.

Go to Lanes closed after driver takes out traffic pole on Route 1 Read more
News

Bark Social announces sudden closure, including Potomac Yard location

By Vernon Miles
Bark Social in Alexandria (photo via Bark Social/Facebook)

Bark Social, a small chain of dog-friendly bars that bought Barkhaus (529 E. Howell Avenue) last year, has suddenly closed.

Bark Social announced late yesterday that the end of business on Thursday, Nov. 21, would be the chain’s last day.

Go to Bark Social announces sudden closure, including Potomac Yard location Read more
News

Alexandrians want the city to keep Market Square a real market

By Vernon Miles
The fourth conceptual design for Alexandria's Market Square in front of City Hall (via City of Alexandria)

There’s a lot that people want to see out of the renovations to City Hall and the adjacent Market Square. Fundamentally, though, most respondents to the city’s survey want Market Square to continue operating as a real market.

Market Square regularly hosts activities on the plaza, including the ever popular Old Town Farmers’ Market — the oldest farmers’ market in the country continuously held at the same site.

Go to Alexandrians want the city to keep Market Square a real market Read more
News

Carpenter’s Shelter debuting newly rennovated shelter in Carlyle neighborhood next month

By Vernon Miles
Interior of new Carpenter's Shelter facility (courtesy photo)

Carpenter’s Shelter, a local nonprofit supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, is hosting a ribbon-cutting next month for a newly renovated shelter in the Carlyle neighborhood.

Carpenter’s Shelter assumed operations at building at 2355-B Mill Road back in December, 2023 and converted the former Department of Community and Human Services building into a 64-bed shelter. According to the release:

Go to Carpenter’s Shelter debuting newly rennovated shelter in Carlyle neighborhood next month Read more
Opinion

Poll: Should Alexandria light its Christmas tree before or after Thanksgiving?

By Vernon Miles
Alexandria's holiday tree outside City Hall in Old Town in 2021 (staff photo by James Cullum)

This weekend, Alexandria will light its annual tree lighting in Market Square (301 King Street), but the timing of the lighting has spurred some consternation about Christmas decorations going up before Thanksgiving.

The lighting is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 23, almost a week before Thanksgiving on Nov. 28. The event is free to attend and will include an introduction from town crier Ben Fiore-Walker, caroling,  along with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus to meet families.

Go to Poll: Should Alexandria light its Christmas tree before or after Thanksgiving? Read more
View More Stories