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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Gaza ceasefire resolution ruffles feathers in Alexandria City Hall

By Vernon Miles
Protestors advocating for Palestinians' inclusion to the Human Rights proclamation (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

Within days of the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, Alexandria’s City Hall was lit up with the colors of Israel. But after months of mounting civilian casualties in Gaza, a push for Alexandria to join cities calling for a ceasefire has faced significant opposition in City Hall.

A resolution calling for a ceasefire was raised as a recommendation at a Human Rights Commission (HRC) meeting earlier this month.

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Alexandria Republicans join opposition to Potomac Yard arena

By Vernon Miles
Map of Monumental Arena development (image courtesy of JBG SMITH)

The Potomac Yard arena fight has created a fascinating mix of opponents and supporters who don’t adhere to strict political party lines.

While Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin and Alexandria’s Democratic local leadership took the stage last year in support of the plan, Alexandria Republicans today joined State Sen. Louise Lucas and other Democrats opposed to the arena.

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Thunderstorms forecast for Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday in Alexandria

By Vernon Miles
Cloudy weather outside of ALXnow editor's apartment (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

Anyone heading out this afternoon should remember to bring an umbrella: storms are likely inbound to Alexandria.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said rain is likely this afternoon, mainly after 2 p.m.

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Here’s what to know for this weekend’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Alexandria

By Vernon Miles
St. Patrick's Day Parade route 2024 (photo via Ballyshaners/Facebook)

Alexandria knows how to throw a great parade, and the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 2, should be a good one.

The parade will start at the intersection of King and St. Asaph streets and move east along King Street to Lee Street. From there the parade turns north one block then heads back west along Cameron Street to the Pitt Street intersection.

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City Council and residents battle over Old Town development in court and tense meetings

By Vernon Miles
A rendering for 301 N. Fairfax Street in Old Town (via City of Alexandria)

The City of Alexandria is fighting with residents over a new development in court, but the battle spilled over into a public comment section that ended with a rebuke from the dais.

A lawsuit filed with the Circuit Court of Alexandria calls for a special use permit approved by the City Council in January to be invalidated, alleging the decision is in direct contradiction to the city zoning ordinance.

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Mason and Greens closed in Old Town

By Vernon Miles
Mason and Greens in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

Updated 2/27: Justin Marino, owner of Mason and Greens, reached out to ALXnow. Marino said:

We would like to thank the community, the City and all who have supported our small business over the years. We had a good run, and hope we introduced you to new items that are good for you and the planet, and different ways to live a cleaner and better life. We will miss our customers the most, the Mason & Greens family wishes you the best, and much success in your journey to a more sustainable future!

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JUST IN: Police investigating death of Fairfax man in Alexandria jail

By Vernon Miles
The William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center (via City of Alexandria)

The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office and Alexandria Police Department are investigating an in-custody death at the jail.

Ahntais Lucas, 39, from Fairfax County, was found unresponsive and alone in his cell experiencing a medical emergency. The release said the jail’s medical staff tried to treat Lucas but he was pronounced deceased at 4:42 a.m.

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New parking enforcement pilot nets 4,000 citations in first month patrolling Old Town

By Vernon Miles
Reimagine Parking contractors in parking enforcement pilot (image via City of Alexandria)

A new pilot program to step up parking enforcement in Old Town netted 4,000 citations in its first month.

A staff memo (page 8) to the Traffic and Parking Board said that over half of the 4,000 parking citations issued through the pilot with contractor Reimagine Parking were for parking meter violations.

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Pedestrian bridge at Ben Brenman Park closed for repairs

By Vernon Miles
Pedestrian Bridge at Ben Brenman Park (image via Google Maps)

A pedestrian bridge at Ben Brenman Park will be closed over the next month for repairs.

The closure means anyone going to the Ben Brenman Dog Park or Ben Brenman Park Volleyball Courts will have to take a small detour to another bridge further west.

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