News | ALXnow - Part 106

Alexandria expands school zone speed camera program to 6 locations

Published September 24, 2025 at 1:30PM

School Zone Speed Camera Program to Expand in 2025-26 School Year (Credit: City of Alexandria)

Alexandria will add three new school zone speed camera locations this fall, bringing the total number of monitored zones to six as the city works toward its Vision Zero goal of eliminating fatal and severe crashes by 2028.

The new cameras were installed at Alexandria City High School’s King Street campus on King Street between Quaker Lane and Scroggins Road, the school’s Minnie Howard campus on Braddock Road between Marlee Way and Marlboro Drive, and William Ramsay Elementary School on North Beauregard Street between North Morgan Street and Roanoke Avenue.

Tammy Mann and Carpenter’s Shelter to be honored at Departmental Progressive Club’s 98th anniversary reception

By James Cullum

Published September 24, 2025 at 1:00PM

Tammy Mann is stepping down as president and CEO of the Campagna Center (via Facebook)

The Departmental Progressive Club (411 Gibbon Street) will celebrate its 98th anniversary on Oct. 3 and present its annual community service awards.

The free event at the historic private club starts at 6 p.m. and includes the presentation of awards to Tammy Mann, former CEO of the Campagna Center, and to Carpenter’s Shelter. Guests are asked to RSVP online.

GOP state Sen. Reeves launches 2026 US Senate bid, aims to unseat Warner

By Markus Schmidt, Virginia Mercury

Published September 24, 2025 at 12:05PM | Updated September 24, 2025 at 1:42PM

Virginia state Sen. Bryce Reeves, R-Spotsylvania, announced Wednesday he will run for U.S. Senate in 2026, challenging incumbent Democratic Sen. Mark Warner. (Photo courtesy of campaign)

Virginia state Sen. Bryce Reeves, R-Spotsylvania, launched his campaign Wednesday for the U.S. Senate, setting up a high-stakes 2026 challenge to three-term Democratic Sen. Mark Warner.

Reeves made his announcement on social media, leaning heavily on his background in the military, law enforcement and the General Assembly.

Alexandria ranks 2nd on ‘Best Places to Live on the East Coast’ list

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 24, 2025 at 12:01PM

Old Town Alexandria - 100 block of King Street - pedestrian zone (Credit Chris Cruz)

Alexandria ranked second on a new list of the best places to live on the East Coast, according to real estate experts surveyed by Travel + Leisure magazine.

The city was praised for its proximity to Washington, D.C., while offering lower costs than the nation’s capital, according to the article published Monday.

Alexandria Chamber announces finalists for 2025 Best in Business Awards

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 24, 2025 at 11:30AM

The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce will present its 2025 Best in Business Awards on Oct. 23, 2025. (Credit: Alexandria Chamber of Commerce)

The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce announced finalists Wednesday for its 2025 Best in Business Awards, describing the Oct. 23 ceremony as “our very own version of the Oscars.”

The awards will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Westin Alexandria Old Town, 400 Courthouse Square, with Burke & Herbert Bank presenting the event. The ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by a reception at 7:30 p.m.

Developer donates Potomac Yard land for 88-unit affordable housing project

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 24, 2025 at 10:15AM | Updated September 24, 2025 at 10:50AM

JBG Potomac Yard rendering (Credit: Wesley Housing)

Wesley Housing will develop 88 affordable rental apartments on land donated by JBG SMITH as part of the large-scale Potomac Yard redevelopment, the organizations announced in a press release provided to ALXnow this morning.

The six-story building planned for a 0.55-acre parcel at 601 E. Glebe Road will feature predominantly two- and three-bedroom family units serving households earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income. Average rents will target families at 60% of AMI.

Alexandria advisory group to discuss former Landmark Mall progress

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 24, 2025 at 9:45AM

Rendering of WestEnd Alexandria (Credit: WestEnd Alexandria)

The Eisenhower West Landmark Van Dorn Implementation Advisory Group will meet Monday, Sept. 29, to discuss progress on the redevelopment of the former Landmark Mall site and other West End projects.

The advisory group will meet at 7 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4653 Taney Ave. The agenda includes progress on the WestEnd development and updates on other key West End projects.

Spooky Mad Science Expo celebrates 10th year in Alexandria

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 24, 2025 at 9:30AM

Annual Spooky Mad Science Expo (Credit: Chrysalis Development Group)

The Spooky Mad Science Expo will celebrate its 10th anniversary Saturday, Oct. 18, transforming the Patrick Henry Recreation Center into what organizers call a “STEAM wonderland.”

The free event, running from 3 to 7 p.m. at 4653 Taney Ave., expects to draw families and students for hands-on science activities with a Halloween theme. A rain date is scheduled for Oct. 25.

Mission BBQ founder’s son killed in military helicopter training crash

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 24, 2025 at 8:34AM

Mission BBQ at 6482 Landsdowne Centre in Alexandria (Fairfax County). (Credit: Mission BBQ)

The daily noon flag salute at Mission BBQ in Alexandria (Fairfax County) carries extra weight this week following the death of Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Kraus, son of the restaurant chain’s co-founder Bill Kraus.

Kraus, 39, was among four elite “Night Stalker” soldiers killed when their MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed during routine training at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state on September 17, according to CBS News.

Notes: LocktoberfestDC biking tour explores Alexandria’s canal heritage Saturday

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 24, 2025 at 7:25AM

LocktoberfestDC: Biking Tour #3 - Alexandria Joins The (Canal) Party (Credit: LocktoberfestDC)

Good morning, Alexandria! Today is Wednesday, Sept. 24, the 267th day of 2025. There are 98 days left in the year.

⛈️ Today’s weather: A chance of showers, mainly after 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82°F. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%. A chance of showers and thunderstorms tonight, mainly after 3 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69°F. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

532 Yoga finds permanent home in Old Town North Arts District after pop-up period

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 23, 2025 at 7:30PM

532Yoga (via 532 Yoga)

A longtime Alexandria yoga studio that has been operating from a temporary location since April has found a permanent new home in the city’s emerging Old Town North Arts & Cultural District, bringing together wellness and contemporary art in what organizers say is a first-of-its-kind collaboration.

532 Yoga, Arts & Culture opened Tuesday at Madison Place, 500 Montgomery Street, Suite 120, marking the next chapter for the studio that left its Washington Street location of 13 years in April and has been operating from a pop-up space at Founders Hall since mid-April, according to a press release and previous ALXnow reporting.