News | ALXnow - Part 199

Man who jumped from King Street balcony was indicted for dating app fraud

Published August 13, 2025 at 4:15PM

Alexandria police cruiser (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The man who died Aug. 8 after jumping from a 15th-floor balcony during an FBI arrest attempt had been indicted on multiple counts of wire fraud for allegedly defrauding women he met on dating apps, according to court documents obtained by ABC 7/WJLA.

Shawn Steven Harris jumped from the Alexander Apartments in the 4300 block of King Street around 6 a.m. as federal agents attempted to serve an arrest warrant for wire fraud and false impersonation of a federal officer, according to an indictment filed in the Eastern District of Virginia.

Alexandria resident creates app to track local crime data

By James Cullum

Published August 13, 2025 at 3:15PM | Updated August 15, 2025 at 3:47PM

Police at the scene of a shooting near the Braddock Road Metro station, Sept. 19, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Want to find out what’s happening with crime in Alexandria? A new app created by a lifelong city resident does just that.

Last year, freelance app developer Trevor Weir launched AVAware on the iOS App Store. After a free week-long trial, a $3.99 monthly fee kicks in, giving users an ad-free opportunity to explore publicly available information on all manner of Part 1 crime events occurring in the city.

King Street ranks 53rd on ‘Top 100 Best Main Streets in US to Walk’ list

By James Cullum

Published August 13, 2025 at 2:45PM

Musician King Street Sax performing on lower King Street in Old Town. Find out more at kingstreetsaxmusic.com. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

With pedestrian-only blocks near the Potomac River to local businesses along picturesque red brick sidewalks, King Street in Old Town was just listed as one of the top 100 main streets to walk in the United States.

The King Street mile from the waterfront to the King St. Metro station was listed as 53rd in the new list, “Top 100 Best Main Streets in U.S. to Walk”, compiled by Assisted Living Magazine, behind W. Washington Street in Marquette, Michigan. Main Street in Lake Placid, New York, topped the list. The ranking, first reported by Secret DC, is the result of a survey taken by more than 3,000 Americans, according to the magazine.

Mount Vernon Trail widening project to close East Abingdon Drive starting Monday

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 13, 2025 at 2:15PM

Construction on East Abingdon Drive North of Slaters Lane to Begin August 18 (via City of Alexandria)

Construction will close East Abingdon Drive north of Slaters Lane starting Monday as part of a long-awaited project to widen the Mount Vernon Trail, the City of Alexandria announced.

The work is scheduled to begin Aug. 18, weather permitting, and continue through early October. Construction crews will work Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Car fire extinguished in Alexandria’s West End, no injuries reported

By James Cullum

Published August 13, 2025 at 1:15PM

Car fire in the 200 block of S. Reynolds Street, Aug. 13, 2025 (via IAFF Local 2141/Facebook)

Alexandria Fire Department extinguished a car fire in the West End on Wednesday, Aug. 13.

The fire was reported at a car parked in the 200 block of S. Reynolds Street at around 5:30 a.m. The 911 caller reported that a black Honda Accord was on fire.

Flash Flood Watch issued for Alexandria through 9 p.m.

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 13, 2025 at 12:30PM

Flood Watch for Alexandria on Aug. 13, 2025 (via National Weather Service)

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Alexandria and surrounding areas through 9 p.m. Wednesday as thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rainfall are expected to move through the region.

The watch, issued at 11:57 a.m., covers Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Fairfax County and parts of the District of Columbia and Maryland, including Anne Arundel, Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.

ACPS students return to classrooms Monday for new school year

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 13, 2025 at 11:15AM | Updated August 13, 2025 at 2:26PM

Alexandria City High School (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Alexandria City Public Schools will welcome students back to classrooms on Monday, August 18, marking the start of the 2025-26 academic year for most district schools.

The Aug. 18 start date applies to 17 of the district’s 18 schools following the traditional academic calendar. Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School, which operates on a modified calendar, already began classes on July 21.

Alexandria Fire Department featured in short documentary at national conference

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 13, 2025 at 10:15AM

Strong Together | City of Alexandria Fire Department, VA (Screenshot via YouTube)

The Alexandria Fire Department was honored with a featured documentary at Fire-Rescue International 2025, the premier conference for fire and emergency service leaders currently underway in Orlando, Florida.

The department announced Tuesday on social media that WebsEdge IAFC TV produced a five-minute film titled “Stronger Together: The Alexandria Fire Department Story,” highlighting the department’s commitment to service and leadership. The documentary was showcased at the International Association of Fire Chiefs conference, which runs through Thursday at the Orange County Convention Center.

19 Alexandria businesses make Inc. 5000 list, led by Artemis ARC at No. 34

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 13, 2025 at 9:00AM

City of Alexandria (Photo credit Hover Solutions for Visit Alexandria)

Alexandria businesses dominated Virginia’s representation on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies, with 19 local firms earning spots on the annual ranking released Tuesday.

Artemis ARC, a service-disabled, veteran-owned consulting firm, led the Alexandria contingent at No. 34 nationally with a staggering 6,648% three-year revenue growth rate. The federal consulting firm became the highest-ranking Virginia company on this year’s Inc. 5000 list and the only business from the commonwealth to crack the top 100.

Notes: AlexRenew wins national Tunnel Achievement Award for RiverRenew Project

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 13, 2025 at 8:00AM | Updated August 13, 2025 at 9:05AM

Overhead view of the pumping station (Image: AlexRenew).

Good morning, Alexandria! 👋 Today is Wednesday, Aug. 13, the 225th day of 2025. There are 140 days left in the year.

⛈️ Today’s weather: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 40%.

Former Alexandria councilman Seifeldein announces bid for Congress

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 13, 2025 at 5:05AM | Updated August 13, 2025 at 8:16AM

Alexandria City Councilman Mo Seifeldein in Council Chambers, July 6, 2021. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Former Alexandria City Councilman Mohamed “Mo” Seifeldein announced Tuesday to reporters that he will seek the Democratic nomination for Virginia’s 8th Congressional District, challenging five-term incumbent Rep. Don Beyer and positioning himself as a voice for economic change.

Seifeldein, 41, made the announcement during a press call, framing his campaign around what he calls the need for “moral clarity” and leaders who have experienced daily struggles.