Opinion | ALXnow

Be the Pulse of Alexandria: Why joining the ALXnow Press Club matters more than ever

Published June 4, 2025 at 12:30PM

Since its launch in March, the ALXnow Press Club has been steadily growing, offering readers a unique way to deepen their connection with their community and the news that shapes it. Now, ALXnow is inviting all its readers to consider joining this vital initiative, which bolsters the local journalism that keeps Alexandrians informed and engaged.

At the heart of the ALXnow mission is a core belief: local, independent journalism should be accessible to everyone. That’s why all our daily reporting, from breaking news to in-depth community features, remains free for all to read, without a paywall in sight. The Press Club is designed to uphold and strengthen this commitment.

Letter to the Editor: We encourage our fellow Virginians to learn about Abigail Spanberger

By Roberta Finkelstein

Published May 28, 2025 at 9:45AM | Updated May 28, 2025 at 3:48PM

Abigail Spanberger with Moms Demand Action Executive Director Angela Ferrell-Zabala in Alexandria on April 10, 2025, after the candidate formally received the organization's endorsement (staff photo by James Cullum)

Roberta Finkelstein of Alexandria writes in strong support of Abigail Spanberger for Governor, citing her impressive background and focus on issues critical to Virginians.

This Letter to the Editor is in response to an April 10 ALXnow story on Spanberger’s rally and stance on gun safety.

Unlock Exclusive Access and Support Your Community: Join the ALXnow Press Club today!

By ALXnow.com

Published May 28, 2025 at 9:00AM

In an era where reliable local news is more crucial than ever, ALXnow is thrilled to offer readers an enhanced way to stay informed, save time, and directly contribute to the journalism that serves Alexandria. We invite you to become a founding member of the ALXnow Press Club, an exclusive membership designed to bring you closer to the news you care about while championing independent local reporting.

For those who value being in the know and want to ensure the continued vitality of community-focused news, the ALXnow Press Club offers a suite of benefits designed with you in mind:

Letter to the Editor: ACPS must act and do right by Patrick Henry

By Ruth H. Leiva

Published May 22, 2025 at 1:15PM

Redistricting Update: What We’ve Heard, What’s Changing, and What Comes Next

ALXnow has received the following Letter to the Editor from Ruth H. Leiva, a Landmark area resident and parent at Patrick Henry K-8 School. She writes to express deep concerns, shared by other families, teachers, and staff, regarding the ongoing Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) redistricting process and its potential impact on their West End community.

Disclaimer: The views or opinions expressed within this letter to the editor are those of the author and are not necessarily the views of ALXnow or its advertisers. Have an opinion that you’d like to share? Read more about speaking your mind through ALXnow Letter to the Editor here.

Letter to the Editor: ACPS redistricting adds disruption, not solutions

By ALXnow.com

Published May 14, 2025 at 6:00PM

Redistricting Update: What We’ve Heard, What’s Changing, and What Comes Next

As Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) considers a new middle school redistricting proposal, a local parent has voiced significant concerns regarding its potential impact on students and established neighborhood cohesion.

The following letter to the editor from Kate Hennigan, a mother of two Douglas MacArthur Elementary students and a long-time Alexandria resident, articulates anxieties about the plan’s effects on school communities and student stability, particularly in the wake of recent educational disruptions.

Connect with Alexandria: Advertise on ALXnow and reach 250,000+ locals monthly

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 13, 2025 at 9:00AM

Finding the right audience in a vibrant city like Alexandria is key to business growth, and ALXnow provides a direct connection to the community’s heart.

Since launching in 2019, ALXnow has become a trusted news source, rapidly growing to reach over 250,000 engaged monthly visitors (as of our 2024 data). This readership isn’t just passing through; they are the people who live, work, and invest in Alexandria and its surrounding areas, actively seeking local information, making ALXnow the premier digital platform to place your message for maximum local impact.

ALXnow Press Club: Membership soars, perks expand – join today and support your local news!

By ALXnow.com

Published May 8, 2025 at 9:30AM

The ALXnow Press Club, which kicked off in March, is seeing a surge in membership and offering more ways for people to get involved.

Nearly 100 founding members have already joined, allowing Alexandria residents to back independent journalism while getting special perks and content.

Letter to the Editor: Redistricting – What we’ve heard, what’s changing, and what comes next

By Kelly Carmichael Booz, Christopher Harris, and Ryan Reyna

Published May 8, 2025 at 6:00AM | Updated May 8, 2025 at 6:32AM

Redistricting Update: What We’ve Heard, What’s Changing, and What Comes Next

As the Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) redistricting process nears its final stages, members of the ACPS Strategy and Accountability Committee: Kelly Carmichael Booz (District B), Christopher Harris (District C), and Ryan Reyna (District A), are providing an update on their progress, detailing how community feedback has been instrumental in refining new boundary proposals and shaping key policy decisions.

While acknowledging the complexities and tough trade-offs involved, the update emphasizes a more straightforward path forward to strengthen the school system with students at the center of every decision.

Letter to the Editor: Brenman Park’s public restrooms are an embarrassment to Alexandria – and a wake up call

By Lawrence Stanley

Published May 6, 2025 at 3:15PM | Updated May 6, 2025 at 3:32PM

Ben Brenman Park (via City of Alexandria)

In a letter to the editor, Alexandria resident Lawrence Stanley voices outrage over the “shameful reality” of neglected public restrooms at Brenman Park.

Stanley describes unsanitary conditions, including feces-stained toilets and abandoned clothing, persisting over time, even with a satellite police station operating from the same facility. He calls for accountability from city leadership to restore the park’s restrooms to a dignified and usable state for the families, seniors, and community members who rely on this public space.

Poll: Who should have final say over content in the ACHS student newspaper, Theogony?

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 2, 2025 at 3:54PM

Alexandria City High School (staff photo by James Cullum)

The debate over editorial control at Alexandria City High School’s student newspaper, Theogony, has drawn input from students, city leaders, and school officials after proposed policy changes raised concerns about censorship.

As the School Board committee sends the issue back for more discussion, we’re asking our readers to weigh in: Who should hold the authority to approve or reject student articles?

Poll: Which of these Alexandria-themed horses would you bet on in the Kentucky Derby?

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 2, 2025 at 9:00AM

2024 Kentucky Derby Race (via Kentucky Derby)

The air is thick with anticipation, not just mint julep aromas, as the 151st Kentucky Derby approaches tomorrow (May 3). While Alexandria might not have a horse running for the roses at Churchill Downs this year, the city’s rich history and iconic scenery provide ample inspiration for a dream field of contenders we can cheer for in spirit.

As racing fans nationwide pick their favorites, we decided to have a little hometown fun. What if the Derby contenders drew their names not just from pedigrees, but from the very streets, landmarks, and neighborhoods that make Alexandria unique?