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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New rewards program for shopping and dining local goes live in Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) just debuted a new rewards program that encourages shoppers to buy at Alexandria brick-and-mortar restaurants and shops.

The new program, called ALX Open Rewards, is a downloadable app that lets customers get $5 rewards for every $100 they spend at local restaurants and businesses. The app is sponsored by AEDP and hosted on the Bludot Open Rewards app, downloadable on the Apple App Store or on Google Play.

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Alexandria likely to see heat wave continue this week

By Vernon Miles
(staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Alexandria likely won’t hit the 100 degree high of this past weekend, but the National Weather Service said locals should still expect high temperatures over the next few days.

The forecast today (Monday) puts the high at 89 degrees, but tomorrow (Tuesday) that’s forecast to go up to 92 degrees on Tuesday.

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Fundraiser launched for Del Ray School of Music as owner battles cancer

By Vernon Miles
Steve Attix instructing at Del Ray School of Music (image via GoFundMe)

A new GoFundMe is hoping to help keep the band playing on at Del Ray School of Music as owner Steve Attix battles cancer.

The GoFundMe, launched by his wife Mary Ellen Attix, aims to keep the school going as Steve goes through chemotherapy to battle T3 muscle-invasive bladder cancer. After chemotherapy, Steve will need surgery to remove his bladder, and Mary said the treatment will be difficult.

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Alexandria estimated to receive $124,334 from opioid settlement with Kroger

By Vernon Miles
30mg Oxycodone (image via DEA)

The City of Alexandria is estimated to receive $124,334 over the next 11 years from grocery store chain Kroger as part of an opioid-related settlement.

Kroger will pay approximately $10.5 million to the Commonwealth of Virginia over the next 11 years as part of a $1.4 billion settlement in a lawsuit that alleged the supermarket’s pharmacies helped fuel the opioid epidemic.

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Van Dorn Street Red Lobster on the chopping block in latest bankruptcy filings

By Vernon Miles
S Van Dorn Street Red Lobster (image via Google Maps)

Alexandria Living Magazine reported that the Van Dorn Street Red Lobster may close after all.

While the local franchise survived an earlier round of closures, Alexandria Living Magazine reported that the location at 555 S. Van Dorn Street was on the chopping block according to new bankruptcy court filings.

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‘Happy Place’ novelty gift shop in Old Town expands into neighboring space

By Vernon Miles
Expanded shop location for The Happy Place (courtesy photo)

Old Town gift and apparel shop The Happy Place is getting a little bigger.

Stella Koukides, one of the owners of The Happy Place, said the store at 105 S. Union Street has opened up into neighboring 107 S. Union Street, formerly The Gentlemen’s Quarters, which closed in March.

Koukides said the new expanded area of the shop is currently open and features a new curated collection with a focus on vacation-wear.

“Our expanded haven curates a collection that captures the carefree essence of vacation ready,” Koukides wrote. “From beach cover ups to leisure wear you will be in vacation mode. Get ready to brighten up your day with our curated selection of fun and vibrant jewelry, apparel, gifts, and self-care products!”

The shop offers a wide variety of goods, from sweet treats and self-care items to clothing and party goods.

News

City Council member pushes back against homophobic response to Old Town rainbow crosswalks

By Vernon Miles

At a recent City Council meeting, Council member John Chapman pushed back against critics of the city’s new rainbow crosswalks in Old Town celebrating the LGBTQ community.

The crosswalks, a project City Council member Kirk McPike helped spearhead, debuted this year in time for Pride Month. The crosswalks at the intersection of King and Royal streets are a permanent new addition to the city’s streetscape.

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More electric vehicle charging could come to Alexandria parks and libraries

By Vernon Miles
Electric vehicle charging station (file photo)

More electric vehicle infrastructure could be coming to the city, particularly at public parks and libraries.

Alexandria is applying for a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) grant to deploy more electric vehicle charging stations and alternative fuel infrastructure.

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City of Alexandria hosting celebration of the music and traditions of Juneteenth in Old Town

By Vernon Miles

A gathering at Market Square (300 King Street) — once a center of the slave trade — will be filled with music and stories about emancipation and the fight for equality tomorrow.

The Juneteenth celebration is scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday) at 1:30 p.m. in Market Square.

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