News | ALXnow - Part 162

What happens now that a government shutdown is underway

Published October 1, 2025 at 12:33AM | Updated October 1, 2025 at 5:23AM

The Capitol is seen at dusk as Democrats and Republicans in Congress are angrily blaming each other and refusing to budge from their positions on funding the government, in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington is bracing for what could be a prolonged federal shutdown after lawmakers deadlocked and missed the deadline for funding the government.

Republicans supported a short-term measure to fund the government generally at current levels through Nov. 21, but Democrats blocked it, insisting the measure address their concerns on health care. They want to reverse the Medicaid cuts in President Donald Trump’s mega-bill passed this summer and extend tax credits that make health insurance premiums more affordable for millions of people who purchase through the marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act.

Government shutdown begins as nation faces new period of uncertainty

By The Associated Press

Published October 1, 2025 at 12:01AM | Updated October 1, 2025 at 5:15AM

The sunset is seen from the Capitol before Republican and Democratic news conferences about the government shutdown, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, on Capitol Hill, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

By LISA MASCARO, MARY CLARE JALONICK and STEPHEN GROVES Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Plunged into a government shutdown, the U.S. is confronting a fresh cycle of uncertainty after President Donald Trump and Congress failed to strike an agreement to keep government programs and services running by Wednesday’s deadline.

Alexandria restaurants offering ‘furlough freebies’ to impacted federal employees

By James Cullum

Published September 30, 2025 at 10:10PM

A pulled pork sandwich at Pork Barrel BBQ in Del Ray (via Facebook)

In the event of a government shutdown Wednesday, two Alexandria restaurants are offering impacted federal employees free food.

Pork Barrel BBQ (2312 Mount Vernon Avenue) and Sweet Fire Donna’s (510 John Carlyle Street) are offering a free pulled pork sandwich to federal employees who bring their IDs to the restaurant. The deal is limited to one sandwich per day per federal employee Monday through Friday. Both restaurants are owned by Bill Blackburn and “Mango” Mike Anderson of the Homegrown Restaurant Group.

Alexandria police locate missing 62-year-old man

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 30, 2025 at 5:45PM | Updated October 1, 2025 at 6:42PM

Alexandria police cruiser (staff photo by James Jarvis)

A 62-year-old Alexandria man who had been missing since Tuesday morning has been safely located, police announced Wednesday evening.

Fecre Desta was found safe, according to the Alexandria Police Department, which thanked the community and media for their assistance in the search.

PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans cuts ribbon at new shop on N. Kings Highway

By James Cullum

Published September 30, 2025 at 5:30PM

(Left to right) Sofiya’s mother, Ron’s mother, Sofiya Parker, Ron Parker, Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk, Chamber ALX CEO Joe Haggerty (courtesy photo)

There’s officially a new coffee shop in the Alexandria area.

The ribbon was cut at a new PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans franchise at 6220 N. Kings Highway, Alexandria (Fairfax County) on Saturday, Sept. 27. On hand at the event were owners Ron and Sofiya Parker, the family, Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk, and Chamber ALX CEO Joe Haggerty. The coffee shop officially opened in July.

Alexandria to cut ribbon on RiverRenew Plaza along Potomac River in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published September 30, 2025 at 4:30PM

The ribbon cutting for the RiverRenew Plaza at 501 N. Union Street will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 (via AlexRenew)

AlexRenew will cut the ribbon on the new promenade at RiverRenew Plaza on Oct. 18 at Pendleton and N. Union Streets in Old Town.

The new plaza at 501 N. Union Street sits atop AlexRenew’s RiverRenew project, which will divert millions of gallons of raw sewage from the Potomac River via a 2.2-mile-long underground tunnel that’s been under construction for four years. Speakers at the ribbon-cutting ceremony include Mayor Alyia Gaskins, AlexRenew Board Chair John Hill, AlexRenew CEO Justin Carl, and Waterfront Commission Chair Louise Roseman.

Del Ray restaurant employee suspended after customer reports hidden bathroom camera

By James Cullum

Published September 30, 2025 at 3:00PM | Updated October 2, 2025 at 3:20PM

Gustave Boulangerie and Brasserie at 2213 Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray (via Facebook)

The Alexandria Police Department is investigating a report that an employee at a popular Del Ray bistro recorded customers using the bathroom on Saturday, Sept. 20.

Karim Mashmour, the owner of Gustave Boulangerie & Brasserie (2213 Mount Vernon Avenue), states that the employee has been suspended pending the outcome of the APD’s investigation, while police indicate that it is an ongoing investigation and that no charges have been filed.

Paws in the Park returns to Oronoco Bay Park on Oct. 12

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 30, 2025 at 2:45PM

Pets at Paws in the Park (photo by Martyn Griffen/Animal Welfare League of Alexandria)

Alexandria’s beloved fall festival celebrating animals returns to Oronoco Bay Park on Sunday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering pet adoptions, live music, shopping, and family entertainment — all free to attend.

Paws in the Park, which benefits the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, will feature local artisans, nonprofits, and animal-focused businesses, along with food and beverage vendors including local cideries, breweries, wineries, bakeries, and food trucks.

Alexandria woman loses $7,600 in Wells Fargo impersonation scam

By James Cullum

Published September 30, 2025 at 1:45PM

Alexandria police cruiser (staff photo by James Jarvis)

An Alexandria woman lost nearly $7,600 in a phone scam last month, according to the Alexandria Police Department.

On August 12, the victim received a phone call from multiple suspects claiming to be representatives of Wells Fargo, stating that the victim’s account information had been leaked. The victim was told she needed to transfer her money to a different account, according to a recently released search warrant affidavit.

Swatting call puts Alexandria City High School’s campuses on ‘secure the building’ and ‘hold’ status

By James Cullum

Published September 30, 2025 at 1:16PM

Alexandria City High School (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City High School’s King Street campus was placed on “secure the building” status and the ACHS Minnie Howard Campus was placed on “hold” status briefly this afternoon after an anonymous report was issued that someone was outside of the school with a gun, according to a letter sent to parents.

“Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Safety and Security staff and the Alexandria Police Department (APD) investigated the anonymous external threat reported to the ACPS Anonymous Reporting System that someone was outside of the school with a gun,” ACHS Interim Executive Principal Lance Harrell wrote. “It was determined by APD this was an unsubstantiated threat.”

Old Town Festival of Speed & Style raises $35,000 for Alexandria charities

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 30, 2025 at 1:00PM

ALIVE! representatives join festival organizers to accept a $15,000 donation from the Old Town Festival of Speed & Style at Market Square on Friday. (Courtesy Photo)

The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style has donated more than $35,000 to three local nonprofits, organizers announced Friday.

The funds, raised through the festival’s May 18 event and related activities, will be split among ALIVE!, Community Lodgings, and the National Breast Center Foundation. Burke & Herbert Bank served as the presenting sponsor.