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.

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Old Town Festival of Speed and Style returns this spring with ‘Casino Royale’ gala

By Vernon Miles
Checking out a 2956 Austin-Healey 100 BN2 at the Old Town Festival of Speed and Style on May 22, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

If you’ve ever wanted to see an Aston Martin or Cobra in person, an upcoming Alexandria festival may be your best chance.

According to a release, the Old Town Festival of Speed and Style is scheduled to return to Alexandria on Sunday, May 18, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Old Town and a James Bond-themed soiree the night before.

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Alexandria’s Archaeological Commission, first of its kind in the nation, celebrates 50th anniversary

By Vernon Miles
The Alexandria Archaeological Commission recognized at a City Council meeting earlier this week (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

Alexandria leaders celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC), described in a release as the first city archaeological commission in the country, at a City Council meeting earlier this week

The AAC was founded in 1975. The 15-member Commission is appointed by the City Council and works in historic advocacy and preservation, working closely with City’s archeology staff and other departments.

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Simpsons voice actor performing with Bruce Springsteen cover band at The Birchmere next week

By Vernon Miles
Hank Azaria and The EZ Street Band (photo via Facebook)

If you go to see the EZ Street Band perform the music of Bruce Springsteen next week, you might notice their Springsteen’s voice is suspiciously similar to Simpsons bartender Moe Szyslak, Chief Wiggum and others.

Actor Hank Azaria is headlining with the EZ Street Band performing tributes to artist Bruce Springsteen.

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Plans for Robinson Terminal North headed to City Council review this spring

By Vernon Miles
Plans for Robinson Terminal North (via City of Alexandria)

Plans for Robinson Terminal North — the last major piece of waterfront development in Old Town — should be heading to the City Council for review this spring.

Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley said at the City Council meeting last night (Tuesday) the Waterfront Commission received an update about the project earlier this month at a meeting.

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No tax rate increase in Alexandria’s proposed budget, but plenty of worry for the future

By Vernon Miles
City Manager James Parajon presenting the FY 2026 budget to City Council (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

While the City Manager’s proposed budget included no tax rate increase, the average real estate tax bill in Alexandria will go up by $353 this year and there was a lot of nervous talk about the region’s future.

City Manager James Parajon presented a budget to the City Council last night defined mostly by budget reductions and a wary eye toward the future of the region given the turmoil in the federal government.

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Alexandria budget pushes back against controversial Jefferson-Houston conversion

By Vernon Miles
City Manager James Parajon presenting the FY 2026 budget (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

Alexandria City Manager James Parajon presented the FY 2026 budget to City Council tonight (Tuesday) but one of the major items was something not included in the budget: the conversion of Jefferson-Houston K-8 School to a middle school.

The budget included $21 million to Alexandria City Public Schools in capital funding — funding devoted to major development projects in a capital budget. In a release, the City of Alexandria said the funding was in line with the funding level requested for FY 2026 in the School Board capital funding request.

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Alexandria Police investigating fatal shooting of man at Southern Towers Apartments

By Vernon Miles
The Monticello (image via Google Maps)

The Alexandria Police Department (APD) said it is investigating the fatal shooting of a man inside the Southern Towers apartment complex.

Police said the man was found with an apparent gunshot wound but the cause of death remains under investigation.

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Pizzeria Paradiso making Alexandria comeback with pop-up in a local bar

By Vernon Miles
Pizzeria Paradiso Chefs Jamie Leeds and Ruth Gresser by Ana Isabel Martinez Chamorro (courtesy photo)

Pizzeria Paradiso said ‘arrivederci‘ to Alexandria in 2020 — but that phrase means “until we meet again” and it could be fulfilled starting next month.

Pizzeria Paradiso announced that it will be returning as an “ongoing pizza pop up” in Hank’s Oyster Bar (818 N. St. Asaph Street) in Old Town North every Thursday-Sunday, starting March 13.

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Safety improvements coming to West End street where multiple children have been struck by drivers

By Vernon Miles
Sanger Avenue (image via City of Alexandria)

The City of Alexandria could finally be making safety improvements to the West End’s infamous Sanger Avenue.

At a meeting of the Traffic and Parking Board last night (Monday), the Board unanimously backed a series of changes aimed at improving safety on Sanger Avenue between North Beauregard Street and Van Dorn Street.

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Virginia Tech Innovation Campus holding grand opening celebration in Potomac Yard this Friday

By Vernon Miles
New Virginia Tech Innovation Campus (photo via Virginia Tech News/Instagram)

A month after classes officially started at the new Virginia Tech campus in Potomac Yard, the new school is hosting its grand opening celebration.

The ribbon cutting and opening ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, Feb. 28.

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