News | ALXnow - Part 229

ALXnow Press Club sees strong early momentum, welcomes 93 members

Published April 25, 2025 at 9:30AM | Updated April 25, 2025 at 12:11PM

Launched just last month, the ALXnow Press Club is already building a strong community, attracting 93 founding members in its inaugural weeks. The exclusive membership program, designed for dedicated readers of ALXnow, offers enhanced access to local news and unique opportunities to connect with the team behind Alexandria’s go-to news source.

The Press Club aims to provide members with tools to “save time, learn more, and support local independent news,” offering a suite of benefits tailored to engaged Alexandrians.

Notes: Water taxi service from Alexandria to Nationals Park resumes this week

By ALXnow.com

Published April 25, 2025 at 8:01AM | Updated April 25, 2025 at 9:47AM

Good Friday morning, Alexandria!

⛈️ Today’s weather: Scattered showers, mainly after 5 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80 degrees. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. The chance of precipitation is 30%. Tonight – Showers are likely, and there’s a possibility of a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 66 degrees. South wind around nine mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms.

Walk through Sudan’s tragedy: Massive floor art installation coming to Alexandria

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 24, 2025 at 8:30PM

Artist Rosemary Feit Convey with her Sudan inspired art work (via American Friends of the Episcopal Church of the Sudans)

A compelling art exhibit is coming to Old Town on May 10, shedding light on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

“Red-Handed – Sudan: Don’t Turn Away” features a massive 40-by-35-foot floor artwork by South African-born artist Rosemary Feit Covey. The mixed-media piece shows stylized bodies of hundreds of victims with red-painted hands.

CareerCon offers career exploration and $4,000 in scholarships for high school and college attendees

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 24, 2025 at 7:45PM

Hosted by The Chamber ALX and presented by Virginia Tech Innovation Campus, Careercon connects students with professionals across industries like Cybersecurity, Healthcare, Finance, Entrepreneurship, and more. (via The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce)

The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its annual CareerCon, a free event designed to help high school and college students explore career options and get valuable tips on college applications, resume writing, and scholarships.

Set for May 3, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., the event will take place at the new Virginia Tech Innovation Campus (3625 Potomac Avenue).

City of Alexandria names Kevin Greenlief its next Director of Finance

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 24, 2025 at 7:00PM

Kevin C. Greenlief, Alexandria's new Director of the Department of Finance (via City of Alexandria)

Kevin C. Greenlief is set to become the new Director of Finance for Alexandria, starting April 28, 2025.

City Manager James F. Parajon made the announcement on Thursday (April 24) following a nationwide search. Greenlief brings over four decades of public service experience to the table.

Alexandria to host panel discussion on Affordable Housing Preservation

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 24, 2025 at 6:00PM

Alexandria will host an Affordable Housing Preservation Panel on April 29 (via City of Alexandria)

The City of Alexandria is gearing up for an important discussion on affordable housing preservation on April 29. The event, part of the Housing 2040 Master Plan process, will bring together local and regional partners to address this crucial issue.

According to the City of Alexandria, affordable housing preservation is “the act of investing in existing housing to enhance its long-term affordability, livability, and financial viability”.

Woodrow Wilson Bridge to open just after midnight on Friday

By James Cullum

Published April 24, 2025 at 5:00PM

The Woodrow Wilson Bridge at sunset (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

If you’re looking to cross the Woodrow Wilson Bridge tonight, be aware that it’s going to be opening just after midnight.

The city announced via Twitter that the bridge along Interstate 495 will close for about 15-to-20 minutes starting at 12:01 a.m. on Friday (April 25).

New cafe proposed for King Street in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published April 24, 2025 at 4:45PM

A new cafe is proposed for 910 King Street in Old Town (via City of Alexandria)

A new cafe has been proposed on King in Old Town.

An administrative special use permit was filed to open Kingsley Cafe on the first floor of 910 King Street. Submitted plans show an extensive interior renovation of the 900-square-foot townhouse built in 1900.

Hope, history, and vigilance emphasized at Alexandria’s 36th Annual Holocaust Remembrance

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 24, 2025 at 2:30PM

Cantor Jason Kaufman leads a Memorial Prayer during Days of Remembrance for Victims of the Holocaust on April 24 (Staff photo by Ryan Belmore)

The City of Alexandria observed its 36th annual Days of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday (April 24) to commemorate victims of the Holocaust at Market Square in front of City Hall.

The ceremony featured a candle lighting, prayers, and reflections on the importance of remembrance and action against hatred.

10 Questions with Alexandria’s outgoing Poet Laureate Zeina Azzam

By James Cullum

Published April 24, 2025 at 2:07PM | Updated April 25, 2025 at 10:44AM

Alexandria Poet Laureate Zeina Azzam at City Hall (staff photo by James Cullum)

For a moment, Zeina Azzam seemed lost for words.

On Tuesday, Alexandria’s outgoing poet laureate was praised by the City Council for her literary impact on the city. For the last three years, Azzam has written and read 23 original poems at the city’s birthday celebration and other significant events with thousands in the audience. She’s led poetry readings and workshops, visited schools, and judged poetry contests.

Alexandria police investigate early morning gunfire at Ben Brenman Park

By James Cullum

Published April 24, 2025 at 12:00PM

Gunfire was reported at Ben Brenman Park in Alexandria's West End on Thursday, April 24, 2025 (via Google Maps)

No injuries after multiple gunshots were reported early this morning in the area of Ben Brenman Park in Alexandria’s West End.

The Alexandria Police Department was alerted of four gunshots in the area of the park at around 2:20 a.m.