News

Mayor Gaskins: Economic development is ‘critical path’ to potential tax relief in Alexandria

By Ryan Belmore
Mayor Alyia Gaskins in conversation with ALXnow on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (via YouTube)

Mayor Alyia Gaskins identified economic development as the critical path to potential future tax relief for Alexandria residents, emphasizing that significant commercial growth is necessary to balance the city’s predominantly residential tax base.

“If we are looking to one day get to a state where we’re able to reduce taxes, then that is directly tied to our big swings around economic development,” Gaskins said during a one-on-one Ask The Mayor conversation with ALXnow Publisher Ryan Belmore on Wednesday (May 21)

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Weather Alert: Coastal Flood Advisory issued for Alexandria

By Ryan Belmore
Flooding in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for Alexandria from 2 p.m. Wednesday (May 21) to 6 a.m. Thursday (May 22). Tides are expected to rise up to two and a half feet above normal levels.

The National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington has issued the advisory, warning that low-lying areas could see water up to one foot above ground level.

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Alexandria calls off Community Cookout at Ruby Tucker Center due to weather

By Ryan Belmore
City of Alexandria Community Cookout on April 29, 2025 (Staff Photo by Ryan Belmore)

Due to inclement weather, the City of Alexandria has canceled Wednesday’s (May 21) Community Cookout at the Ruby Tucker Center.

The event was part of the city’s 18th Annual Community Cookout Series and was supposed to happen in the 300 block of Tancil Court. The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities made the call to cancel, asking residents to stay safe.

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Gerry Connolly, a Democratic congressman and fixture of Virginia politics, dies at 75

By Olivia Diaz | Associated Press/Report For America
FILE - Rep. Gerald Connolly, D-Va. listens during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, April 10, 2014. Connolly, a Democratic congressman and fixture of Virginia politics, has died at age 75. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Gerald “Gerry” Connolly, an outspoken Democrat who sought key reforms in the federal government while bringing transformational development to his populous Virginia district, died Wednesday. He was 75.

Connolly, who most recently held a prominent position as the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, served in Congress for more than 16 years.

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Notes: Seminary Road Project to offer 31 affordable townhomes, with screening form now available for interested applicants

By ALXnow.com
Seminary Road (via Housing Alexandria)

Good Wednesday morning, Alexandria!

⛈️ Today’s weather: Showers, mainly before noon. High near 61 degrees. East wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100%—new precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch are possible. Tonight – Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1 a.m., then isolated showers between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. Patchy fog after 9 p.m. Low around 56 degrees. East wind 5 to 9 mph becoming calm after midnight. The chance of precipitation is 80%—new precipitation amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms.

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No bond for Alexandria man charged with bicycle thefts and burglary

By James Cullum
Alexandria police cruiser (staff photo by James Jarvis)

An Alexandria man is being held without bond after allegedly stealing a number of bicycles, breaking into an apartment in Old Town to steal a purse, and then using a debit card at a nearby convenience store.

The 54-year-old suspect was arrested on May 8 and charged with possession of burglary tools, entering a dwelling with intent to commit larceny, and multiple counts of destruction of property, trespassing, and petit larceny.

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Eugene Simpson Stadium Park set for major renovations, construction begins in July

By Ryan Belmore
Eugene Simpson Stadium Park - Illustrative Rendering

Eugene Simpson Stadium Park (426 E. Monroe Ave.) is gearing up for a significant transformation, with major renovations slated to begin in July 2025, the City of Alexandria announced today (May 20).

The project, which aims to implement long-awaited improvements in functionality and accessibility, will necessitate a park closure starting June 30, 2025, with a phased reopening anticipated by August 2026.

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Dollar Tree ‘temporarily’ closes on Mount Vernon Avenue in Arlandria

By James Cullum
Dollar Tree at 3811 Mount Vernon Avenue has temporarily closed (staff phot by James Cullum)

After being in business for less than two years, Dollar Tree in Arlandria has temporarily closed.

The store opened at 3811 Mount Vernon Avenue in 2023. The former home of CVS was vacant for a decade before Dollar Tree moved in.

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Goodie’s Frozen Custard and Treats is reopening for the season in Old Town on Thursday

By James Cullum
Brandon Byrd outside Goodie's Frozen Custard and Treats at 200 Commerce Street in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

Brandon Byrd wants to refocus your attention, if only for just a few minutes.

As life around the D.C. area intensifies over politics, the economy and the summer, Byrd says his frozen custard provides customers with an escape. Starting Thursday (May 22), Byrd is reopening Goodie’s Frozen Custard and Treats at 200 Commerce Street in Old Town.

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