News | ALXnow - Part 205

ACPS admits ‘internal breakdown’ kept defending debate champs from state title defense

Published April 29, 2025 at 1:30PM | Updated April 30, 2025 at 10:48AM

Alexandria City High School's Harlow Babic and Andrew Bell, the 2024 VHSL Class 6 Policy Debate State Champions, failed to register for this year's state tournament and didn't enter (courtesy image)

Last year’s win was unbelievable. Without coaching, organization, or outside help, Alexandria’s Harlow Babic and Andrew Bell won the Virginia High School League’s debate state championship.

This year, after spending hundreds of hours building arguments, the defending state champs from Alexandria City High School were gearing up for two wins in a row. Their hopes were dashed three days before the April 26 tournament at James Madison University when told that they missed the registration deadline and couldn’t participate.

Community invited to ACHS Friday for screening of Oscar-nominated ‘To Kill a Tiger’ and panel discussion on preventing gender violence

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 29, 2025 at 12:30PM

To Kill A Tiger (via To Kill A Tiger)

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) and Oscar-nominated documentary director Nisha Pahuja are hosting a special screening and Q&A session at Alexandria City High School on Friday (May 2). This event is part of a nationwide campaign to end gender-based violence.

Starting at 7 p.m., the event will show a modified educational version of Pahuja’s film “To Kill a Tiger,” followed by a panel discussion. Dr. Atul Gawande, a surgeon, New York columnist, and author of “Being Mortal,” will moderate the discussion.

Alexandria Chamber of Commerce unveils 2025 Community Champions

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 29, 2025 at 10:30AM

The Chamber ALX Community Champions Honors (via The Chamber ALX)

The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce (The Chamber ALX) is gearing up to honor the city’s workforce at its upcoming Community Champions event.

The ceremony will take place on May 22, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Belle Haven Country Club (6023 Fort Hunt Road).

Notes: Free Lyft rides available to Alexandria revelers on Cinco de Mayo

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 29, 2025 at 8:00AM

Lyft. Credit: Lyft

Good Tuesday morning, Alexandria!

☀️ Today’s weather: Sunny, with a high near 79 degrees. Calm wind becoming south around six mph in the afternoon. Mostly clear tonight, with a low around 54 degrees. South wind around seven mph. It will be sunny on Tuesday, with a high near 84 degrees. South wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

City seeks public input on Seminary West Safety Improvements Project

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 28, 2025 at 7:30PM | Updated April 29, 2025 at 7:57AM

City of Alexandria Invites Community Feedback on Seminary West Safety Improvements Project (via City of Alexandria)

Alexandria is asking residents to weigh in on plans to make Seminary Road safer.

The city is looking at ways to improve safety for everyone using the stretch between George Mason Drive and North Beauregard Street. Alexandria’s Vision Zero Program has flagged this area as a high-crash zone.

Historic Garden Week draws thousands to Old Town

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 28, 2025 at 6:30PM | Updated April 29, 2025 at 7:57AM

Crowds turned out for the 2025 Historic Garden Week (via Mary Elizabeth Duke)

Virginia’s Historic Garden Week drew thousands of visitors to Old Town on Saturday (April 26), according to organizers.

Five private homes and gardens opened their doors for this annual event, hosted by the Garden Club of Alexandria and the Hunting Creek Garden Club.

Eco-City Festival to showcase Alexandria’s environmentally friendly initiatives

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 28, 2025 at 3:00PM

Eco-City Festival site map (via City of Alexandria)

Alexandria’s Eco-City Festival will be held on Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ben Brenman Park. This free event is perfect for families and aims to boost sustainability awareness in a fun, engaging way.

With over 50 booths, the festival offers a mix of games, crafts, and info from city departments, non-profits, and community groups. It’s a great chance to learn about sustainability while having a good time.

Rep. Gerry Connolly steps down as top Oversight Democrat and won’t seek reelection as cancer returns

By LEAH ASKARINAM and OLIVIA DIAZ Associated Press

Published April 28, 2025 at 2:13PM | Updated April 29, 2025 at 7:58AM

FILE - Ranking member Rep. Gerald Connolly, D-Va., speaks, April 19, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia announced on Monday he is stepping down as the top Democrat on the powerful House Oversight Committee and will not be seeking reelection next year due to his cancer returning, ending his long career in public life.

“The sun is setting on my time in public service,” Connolly said in a statement. “With no rancor and a full heart, I move into this final chapter full of pride in what we’ve accomplished together over 30 years.”

Alexandria wants to increase rental fees at these city-owned facilities

By James Cullum

Published April 28, 2025 at 2:00PM

The swimming pool at Alexandria City High School's Minnie Howard Campus, May 29, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

It’s about to get more expensive to have fun at city-owned properties in Alexandria.

On Wednesday, April 30, the City Council will consider approving rental fee increases for several of the city’s Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities programs.

Who will be the Democratic nominees for Lt. Governor and Attorney General? Early voting begins on Friday

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 28, 2025 at 1:00PM | Updated June 18, 2025 at 6:06AM

A voting sign at the Alexandria Registrar of Voters, 132 N. Royal Street, in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

Virginia’s voting season is gearing up, with early voting starting on Friday, May 2, ahead of the June 17 Democratic Primary Election.

Voters will choose nominees for Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General in the upcoming Primary.

Alexandria vies for top spot in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Best Small Cities” list

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 28, 2025 at 12:00PM

Biking on Queen Street (Kristian Summerer for Visit Alexandria)

Alexandria is gunning for its eighth consecutive top ranking in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. The city is up for nomination in the “Cities” category, hoping to keep its place among the “Best Small Cities in the U.S.”

Allison O’Keefe, PR and Communications Manager at Visit Alexandria, is drumming up community support to keep the city’s high standing.