Vernon Miles | ALXnow

Alexandria man charged with first-degree murder in fatal Del Ray church stabbing

Published December 13, 2023 at 5:05PM

Alexandria Police at One God In Christ Apostolic Church in Del Ray (staff photo by James Cullum)

The Alexandria Police Department (APD) has charged Alexandria resident Bisrat Shaga, 35, with first-degree murder after stabbing a man in a fatal Del Ray church stabbing last month.

Shaga reportedly killed Centreville resident Emmanuel Negatu, 38, in the One God In Christ Apostolic Church (2707 Dewitt Avenue) on Nov. 12

News

Alexandria Human Rights proclamation sparks protest over Palestinian omission

By Vernon Miles

Published December 13, 2023 at 4:05PM | Updated December 13, 2023 at 4:54PM

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

While the Proclamation Recognizing December as Human Rights Month isn’t typically a contentious topic, at the City Council meeting last night (Tuesday), some locals expressed frustration that the proclamation didn’t include a reference to Palestinians suffering in the Israel-Hamas war.

Five people sat in the second row of the City Council chambers, silently holding up signs that said “Palestinians have human rights too!”

Opinion

Poll: What do you think of the proposed Capitals and Wizards arena in Potomac Yard?

By Vernon Miles

Published December 13, 2023 at 3:05PM

Rendering of aerial view of Monumental Arena development (image courtesy of JBG SMITH)

Earlier today, officials announced plans to bring the Washington Capitals and the Washington Wizards to a new arena in Alexandria’s Potomac Yard neighborhood.

The new $2 billion arena, leased to Monumental Sports & Entertainment, is scheduled to break ground in 2025 and open sometime in late 2028, a press release from the governor’s office said.

News

Gov. Youngkin and Washington Capitals/Wizards owner expected at event in Potomac Yard tomorrow, WBJ reports

By Vernon Miles

Published December 12, 2023 at 4:05PM | Updated December 13, 2023 at 8:37AM

Tents set up at Potomac Yard for an event on Dec. 13 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Updated at 8:35 a.m. — It’s official.

Earlier: A big announcement about the Potomac Yard sports arena — possibly a new home to the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards — could come tomorrow morning.

News

Alexandria soliciting feedback on plans to add bike lanes and more to Van Dorn-area road

By Vernon Miles

Published December 12, 2023 at 2:50PM

S. Pickett Street (image via Google Maps)

S. Pickett Street runs from Duke Street down past S. Van Dorn Street, and some of that road may soon have new bike lanes.

From Edsall Road up to Duke Street, past the West End Village shopping center and a series of condominiums, the city is considering bike lanes on the four-lane road.

News

Alexandria Italian eatery is Washingtonian readers’ second favorite Virginia restaurant

By Vernon Miles

Published December 12, 2023 at 1:40PM

Bucatini Carbonara at Thompson Italian (image via Thompson Italian/Facebook)

Alexandria restaurant Thompson Italian, which also has a location in Falls Church, was voted as the second-best restaurant in Virginia by Washingtonian readers.

Thompson Italian took over 1024 King Street in 2022, formerly Hank’s Oyster Bar. The restaurant features a variety of dishes, from squid ink bucatini to crispy brussel sprouts.

News

Alexandria reconfiguring elections office to shorten early voting lines

By Vernon Miles

Published December 12, 2023 at 11:10AM

Voters line up to vote early in Old Town (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

The wait for early voting should be a little shorter next year.

The City of Alexandria is working to expand its Office of Voter Registration and Elections in Old Town (421 King Street) to accommodate a surge in early voting.

News

BREAKING: Washington Capitals and Wizards could move to Potomac Yard

By Vernon Miles

Published December 11, 2023 at 2:15PM | Updated December 11, 2023 at 9:38PM

As seen in Potomac Yard (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Virginia lawmakers are meeting today to consider a deal to bring the Washington Capitals and Wizards to Potomac Yard, the Washington Post first reported.

The teams could be moving to a new mixed-use facility in the Potomac Yard neighborhood, multiple officials involved with the proposal told the Post. A Virginia stadium authority would own the complex and lease it to Capitals and Wizards’ owner, Monumental Sports & Entertainment.

News

Alexandria could be expanding ‘no turn on red’ restrictions along Duke Street

By Vernon Miles

Published December 11, 2023 at 1:50PM

Duke Street and S. Reynolds Street (image via Google Maps)

Alexandria has been expanding some of its “no turn on red” restrictions this year and is now eyeing five intersections along Duke Street for new limits.

In a release, the City of Alexandria said the following intersections along Duke Street, between North Ripley Street and Jordan Street, are being considered for turn restrictions.

News

Volunteers collect 100 pounds of trash, and one metal folding chair, from Holmes Run

By Vernon Miles

Published December 8, 2023 at 2:45PM

Volunteers helping to clean Holmes Run (image via Transportation & Environmental Services)

A small but dedicated team of volunteers spent last Saturday clearing trash from Holmes Run near the Charles Beatley Library.

The City of Alexandria celebrated twelve volunteers who helped in the “first annual National Stormwater Day” cleanup.

Opinion

Poll: Should Alexandria City Public Schools keep snow days?

By Vernon Miles

Published December 8, 2023 at 2:00PM

A woman stands in the snow with a shovel in Arlandria, Jan. 3, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

With the advent of virtual learning in public schools during the Covid pandemic, it seemed like snow days would become a thing of the past.

In late 2021, Alexandria said remote learning would replace in-person classes during what, in the past, would have been a day away from school for children.