News | ALXnow - Part 98

Walk to Bust Cancer at Fort Hunt Park postponed due to government shutdown

Published October 15, 2025 at 3:30PM

The Walk to Bust Cancer at Fort Hunt Park in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County has been postponed due to the government shutdown (via Instagram)

The 10th annual Walk to Bust Cancer at Fort Hunt Park in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County on Sunday, Oct. 19, has been postponed due to the government shutdown, organizers said.

“With Fort Hunt Park closed and the National Park Service scheduling system offline, organizers are currently unable to secure a backup date,” organizers said in an email. “After an extensive search to try and find an alternative non-government location, this decision rooted in safety, logistics, and respect for survivors, families, volunteers, and supporters was not taken lightly. The Walk is a deeply meaningful moment to honor loved ones and rally the surrounding community.”

Banned book speakeasy returning to Morrison House in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published October 15, 2025 at 2:30PM

The Study at Morrison House (via The Study at Morrison House on Facebook)

The Study at Morrison House (116 S. Alfred Street) is bringing back a banned book speakeasy next month.

The speakeasy will run from 5 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, to Saturday, Nov. 8, with $1 from every drink sold benefiting the Virginia Library Association. The event, last held in April, will spotlight several books on PEN America’s 2025 List.

Police investigate $5,500 theft from Old Town Lululemon

By James Cullum

Published October 15, 2025 at 1:45PM

Alexandria police cruiser (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The Alexandria Police Department is investigating the theft of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from the Lululemon store (700 King Street) in Old Town.

On Sept. 23 (Tuesday), the store manager reported that two women stole $5,536 in merchandise from the store at around 8:30 p.m. The manager told APD that the suspects “began selecting clothing while appearing to check the sizes of the merchandise,” and then left the store with the clothing, according to a recently released search warrant affidavit.

Transportation board unanimously defers I-495 express lanes project, directs VDOT to report back in 2026

By Ryan Belmore

Published October 15, 2025 at 1:37PM

National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board met on Oct. 15. (Screenshot via YouTube)

The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board unanimously voted Wednesday to defer including Virginia’s controversial I-495 Southside Express Lanes project in its long-range transportation plan, effectively blocking the highway expansion from moving forward until at least 2026.

The TPB adopted Resolution R2-2026, which excludes the 11-mile express toll lanes project from the Visualize 2050 plan and directs the Virginia Department of Transportation to provide a 2026 status report on its work with all relevant jurisdictions.

Judge temporarily blocks the Trump administration from firing workers during the government shutdown

By The Associated Press

Published October 15, 2025 at 1:10PM | Updated October 15, 2025 at 3:25PM

Students from Columbus, Ohio, wait outside a barrier as U.S. Capitol Police watch over the East Plaza where congressional leaders will have a news conferences on the government shutdown at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

By JANIE HAR Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration for now must stop firing workers during the government shutdown, a federal judge ordered on Wednesday.

CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union cuts ribbon at Shoppes at Foxchase

By James Cullum

Published October 15, 2025 at 12:45PM

Ribbon cutting at CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union at 4557 Duke Street (via ChamberALX)

CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union cut the ribbon at its newest location in the Shoppes at Foxchase in Alexandria’s West End on Tuesday.

Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley, credit union CEO Frank Wasson, Board Chairman Rupert J. Jennings, III, and Chamber ALX CEO Joe Haggerty attended the event at 4557 Duke Street.

Swedish company to demo flying electric ferry on Potomac River

By Ryan Belmore

Published October 15, 2025 at 12:00PM

Candela P-12 is the world’s first electric hydrofoiling passenger ship. At high speeds, it produces no damaging wake, allowing exemptions from “no-wake” zones. (credit: Candela)

A Swedish maritime technology company will demonstrate its electric hydrofoiling vessel on the Potomac River next week, showcasing technology that could potentially transform water commuting in the Washington region.

Candela will perform media demonstration rides Oct. 17-23 near the Swedish Embassy using its C-8 flying vessel. The demonstrations coincide with the Swedish Green Transition Summit, a forum focused on sustainable development innovations.

Democrats say they won’t be intimidated by Trump’s threats as the shutdown enters a third week

By The Associated Press

Published October 15, 2025 at 11:54AM

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. speaks to reporters at the Capitol, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and STEPHEN GROVES Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Entering the third week of a government shutdown, Democrats say they are not intimidated or cowed by President Donald Trump’s efforts to fire thousands of federal workers or by his threats of more firings to come.

Alexandria City Manager to participate in virtual town hall meeting next week

By Ryan Belmore

Published October 15, 2025 at 11:45AM

Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria will host a Town Hall Meeting with City Manager James Parajon on Oct. 22 (via CCNA)

Alexandria City Manager Jim Parajon will take questions from residents during a virtual town hall meeting next week hosted by a local civic organization.

The Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria is hosting the event on Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom. The forum is part of the organization’s community engagement series, which aims to keep residents informed about city issues.

Alexandria City Council to hold public hearing Saturday on development projects, zoning changes

By Ryan Belmore

Published October 15, 2025 at 10:15AM

Alexandria City Hall sign (staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

The Alexandria City Council will convene for a public hearing Saturday morning to consider several development projects and zoning ordinances, including two major residential conversion proposals in Old Town.

The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall, 301 King St., and is open to the public in person and virtually via Zoom.

Alexandria’s Minnie Howard campus featured in national design publication

By Ryan Belmore

Published October 15, 2025 at 9:45AM

Inside the new Alexandria City High School's Minnie Howard Campus, May 29, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City High School’s Minnie Howard campus has been featured in i+s (interiors+sources), a national commercial interior design publication, highlighting the facility’s approach to sustainable and inclusive educational environments.

The article, published Tuesday by Chief Content Director Robert Nieminen, showcases the campus redesign by architecture firm Perkins Eastman.