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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Anti-Fascist Protest Planned at Holiday Inn This Afternoon

By Vernon Miles

When the Proud Boys and other protestors come to D.C. this week, they might find Alexandrians counter-protesting them in D.C. and at hotels in Virginia.

A protest group called Shut Down DC is planning a rally outside of Holiday Inn (2460 Eisenhower Avenue) in Alexandria, where some of the right-wing protestors coming to D.C. are allegedly staying.

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Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Local Housing Alliance Says Rent Assistance is Underutilized — “It is estimated anywhere between 263,000 and 384,000 households are at risk of eviction in Virginia. NVAHA Executive Director Michelle Krocker said local governments have been so busy aiding that they have not been able to compute proper data, but she predicts thousands of tenants and landlords in Northern Virginia are missing out on funds meant for them.” [WUSA9]

Zebra Profiles Alexandria Gazette GoFundMe — “Ask any group of people in town about the historic Alexandria Gazette Packet, and voices will quickly rise up, volunteering things like “I used to deliver the Gazette”, “My dad delivered the Gazette on his bicycle in Rosemont”, “My birth was announced in the Gazette” or “I remember when they merged with the Port Packet back in the eighties.” [Zebra]

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T.C. Williams Senior Celebrated as PBS ‘Up and Coming Storyteller’

By Vernon Miles

Bridgette Adu-Wadier, editor of T.C. Williams High School’s Theogony student newspaper, has selected by PBS as one of the nation’s top 20-Under-20 up and coming storytellers.

In addition to acting as editor for the school’s paper, Adu-Wadier has written about racial inequalities in the school and other controversies at the school. Adu-Wadier also produces and moderates a series of panels with local journalists called Behind the Headlines.

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Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles
Inside and outside of Vola's in Old Town (staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

Bilbo Baggins Now for Sale — “Longtime Alexandria restaurant and pub Bilbo Baggins has closed its doors for good. The cozy eatery, which opened in 1980, closed in the spring when COVID-19 first struck. Since then, the family-owned restaurant has not reopened and the nearly 4,000-square foot property is now for sale for $2.8 million.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Reminder: Illegal Starting Jan. 1 to Hold Cell Phone While Driving — “Starting January 1st, the ‘Hands-Free’ law will go into effect. The law makes it illegal to hold a cell phone while driving.” [Twitter]

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Healthplex, Housing and More: What’s Next for Oakville Triangle?

By Vernon Miles
Proposed Inova facility in the Oakville Triangle (image via City of Alexandria)

Shortly after the City Council approved overall plans for the new Oakville Triangle, developers are coming back to the city next Tuesday (Dec. 5) with specific development applications for various pieces of the development.

Developers have submitted three applications for sites in the development area, including the creation of development blocks and the medical facility. The first application would lay out a street grid and infrastructure for the new development. In total, four development blocks would be created.

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Alexandria Gazette Packet Launches GoFundMe as Advertising Revenue Dries Up

By Vernon Miles

There’s a room stacked floor-to-ceiling with archives in the headquarters of the Alexandria Gazette Packet overlooking King Street. The back wall of the second-floor conference room, where editorial meetings have been held for years, is lined with volumes ranging from the latest publications to the early 19th century.

It’s a quiet testimony from an award-winning newspaper as it launches a GoFundMe to survive the economic impact of the pandemic.

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COVID-19 Testing for Uninsured Locals Today Near Cameron Run

By Vernon Miles

A drive-through only testing event is planned today at Ben Brenman Park (4800 Brenman Park Drive) from noon to 2 p.m.

The event is intended for those who live and work in the immediate area, including Cameron Station and other nearby neighborhoods. Walk-up testing will not be available at the event and limited parking is available.

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Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Local Nonprofit Launches Sign Campaign — “Community Lodgings, an Alexandria non-profit, has started a campaign to spread messages of hope in the community.” [Local DMV]

Alexandria Deputy Retires — “Congratulations and best wishes to Master Deputy George Wooden! He retires this week following 26 years of outstanding service to ASO and the people of Alexandria. Thank you, Deputy Wooden!” [Twitter]

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