The Alexandria Brief
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Powered by the community. Click to read The Alexandria Brief, by Ryan M. Belmore, a Substack publication. Launched 2 days ago.
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Two parents spoke during a public hearing on Alexandria City Public Schools’ proposed $340.4 million capital improvement program Thursday evening, both urging the school board to remove the Jefferson-Houston and Patrick Henry school conversions from the budget.
School board begins work sessions on $340 million capital improvement budget
Two parents oppose Jefferson-Houston conversion as board questions Cora Kelly alternative
www.alexandriabrief.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:06 AM
Two parents spoke during a public hearing on Alexandria City Public Schools’ proposed $340.4 million capital improvement program Thursday evening, both urging the school board to remove the Jefferson-Houston and Patrick Henry school conversions from the budget.
Alexandria’s DASH bus system is carrying 40% more passengers than in 2019, Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley reported Wednesday, part of a regional transit surge that has pushed ridership well beyond pre-pandemic levels.
DASH ridership soars 40% above pre-pandemic levels
Vice Mayor reports regional transit boom at City Council meeting, on same day that officials break ground on Union Station improvements
open.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Alexandria’s DASH bus system is carrying 40% more passengers than in 2019, Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley reported Wednesday, part of a regional transit surge that has pushed ridership well beyond pre-pandemic levels.
A small group of protesters gathered outside the Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse in Alexandria today during a hearing on interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan’s authority in the James Comey and Letitia James cases.
Protesters gather at Alexandria courthouse as judge questions Trump prosecutor's authority
Constitutional showdown at Albert V. Bryan Courthouse could doom cases against Comey and James
open.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 8:21 PM
A small group of protesters gathered outside the Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse in Alexandria today during a hearing on interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan’s authority in the James Comey and Letitia James cases.
The Alexandria Health Department issued a rabies alert on Thursday after a fox in the Rosemont area tested positive for the deadly virus.
Fox tests positive for rabies in Alexandria's Rosemont area
Health officials warn residents after animal had contact with dog, person on Nov. 9
open.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:39 PM
The Alexandria Health Department issued a rabies alert on Thursday after a fox in the Rosemont area tested positive for the deadly virus.
From live music and entertainment to high school sports and community events, here’s how to make the most of your weekend.
What's happening in Alexandria this weekend: November 14-16
Your guide to events, entertainment, and happenings in Alexandria this weekend
open.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:01 PM
From live music and entertainment to high school sports and community events, here’s how to make the most of your weekend.
A new valet parking operation could soon serve patrons of multiple Old Town restaurants on King Street, according to an administrative special use permit application filed with the city of Alexandria.
New valet parking service proposed for Old Town restaurants
Unipark seeks permit to serve multiple King Street establishments on Friday, Saturday evenings
open.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:01 PM
A new valet parking operation could soon serve patrons of multiple Old Town restaurants on King Street, according to an administrative special use permit application filed with the city of Alexandria.
The Alexandria City Council unanimously approved a proclamation on Wednesday recognizing November 2025 as Epilepsy Awareness Month, marking the first time a young person has both written and presented a proclamation to the current council.
Alexandria City Council adopts youth-written proclamation recognizing November as Epilepsy Awareness Month
Teen with epilepsy writes and presents proclamation to city council, highlighting need for public education and seizure first aid awareness
open.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:27 PM
The Alexandria City Council unanimously approved a proclamation on Wednesday recognizing November 2025 as Epilepsy Awareness Month, marking the first time a young person has both written and presented a proclamation to the current council.
Alexandria City Council unanimously approved fare increases and a vehicle leasing arrangement for the city’s DOT Paratransit program on Wednesday night, implementing key elements of a cost-savings package presented at the previous council meeting.
Alexandria City Council approves paratransit fare increases, vehicle leasing plan
New Zone 4 and peak-hour surcharges will take effect in January as city aims to offset rising costs while maintaining service for residents with disabilities
open.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Alexandria City Council unanimously approved fare increases and a vehicle leasing arrangement for the city’s DOT Paratransit program on Wednesday night, implementing key elements of a cost-savings package presented at the previous council meeting.
Reminder - This is happening tonight.
Alexandria to present early design for Taylor Run infrastructure project
Community meeting set for Nov. 13 to discuss stormwater, sewer stabilization plans
www.alexandriabrief.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Reminder - This is happening tonight.
Reminder - This pubic hearing is happening tonight.
Public hearing set Thursday on ACPS capital budget plan
Community members can weigh in on proposed $340.4 million, 10-year facilities investment
www.alexandriabrief.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Reminder - This pubic hearing is happening tonight.
Good Thursday morning, Alexandria. Here's what you need to know today.
Daily Brief: Thursday, November 13
Alexandria City Council calls on sheriff to stop ICE transfers; Hours before shutdown ends, city manager details the toll it has had on Alexandria; and more.
open.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Good Thursday morning, Alexandria. Here's what you need to know today.
Alexandria City Council issued a collective statement on Wednesday calling on Sheriff Sean Casey to stop transferring inmates to Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in response to administrative detainers and warrants.
Alexandria City Council calls on sheriff to stop ICE transfers
Council reads collective statement opposing Sheriff Casey's practice of transferring inmates to immigration authorities on administrative warrants
open.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:31 AM
Alexandria City Council issued a collective statement on Wednesday calling on Sheriff Sean Casey to stop transferring inmates to Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in response to administrative detainers and warrants.
Just hours before the government shutdown came to an end, City Manager James Parajon told City Council just how big a negative impact the 43-day closure has had on Alexandria, home to at least 13,000 federal employees.
Hours before shutdown ends, city manager details the toll it has had on Alexandria
40% of federal workers dipping into savings, food assistance requests surge as city's 13,000 federal employees weather 43-day closure
open.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Just hours before the government shutdown came to an end, City Manager James Parajon told City Council just how big a negative impact the 43-day closure has had on Alexandria, home to at least 13,000 federal employees.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins announced the ruling at tonight’s City Council legislative meeting. This story has been updated with her comments.
Judge rules in city's favor in zoning lawsuit
Decision on summary judgment motions upholds controversial housing initiative
www.alexandriabrief.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:25 AM
Mayor Alyia Gaskins announced the ruling at tonight’s City Council legislative meeting. This story has been updated with her comments.
This story has been updated with a statement from The Coalition for a Livable Alexandria, which organized opposition to the zoning changes and helped fund the legal challenge, acknowledging the ruling.
Judge appears to rule in city's favor in zoning lawsuit
Housing advocates celebrate decision on controversial housing initiative
open.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:34 PM
This story has been updated with a statement from The Coalition for a Livable Alexandria, which organized opposition to the zoning changes and helped fund the legal challenge, acknowledging the ruling.
An Alexandria Circuit Court judge appeared to rule in the city’s favor Tuesday in a lawsuit challenging the city’s elimination of single-family zoning protections, according to housing advocates.
Judge appears to rule in city's favor in zoning lawsuit
Housing advocates celebrate decision on controversial housing initiative
www.alexandriabrief.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:06 PM
An Alexandria Circuit Court judge appeared to rule in the city’s favor Tuesday in a lawsuit challenging the city’s elimination of single-family zoning protections, according to housing advocates.
Here's a look ahead at what's coming up tomorrow in Alexandria.
What's Happening in Alexandria - Thursday, November 13
Your guide to events, meetings, and entertainment in Alexandria
open.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Here's a look ahead at what's coming up tomorrow in Alexandria.
Virginia officials and rail partners broke ground Wednesday on a suite of Alexandria rail projects designed to eliminate a critical bottleneck where multiple rail lines converge south of Washington, D.C.
Alexandria rail projects break ground to ease East Coast bottleneck
Fourth track, bridge replacements and station upgrades aim to separate freight and passenger trains, boost capacity by 33%
open.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Virginia officials and rail partners broke ground Wednesday on a suite of Alexandria rail projects designed to eliminate a critical bottleneck where multiple rail lines converge south of Washington, D.C.
Fairstead and its development partners broke ground Wednesday on the $120 million redevelopment of Samuel Madden Homes, a project that will replace 66 aging townhomes with a six-story, 207-unit affordable housing community in Old Town.
Fairstead breaks ground on $120M Samuel Madden Homes redevelopment
Developer, city partners transform historic public housing site into 207-unit sustainable community with permanent affordability
open.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Fairstead and its development partners broke ground Wednesday on the $120 million redevelopment of Samuel Madden Homes, a project that will replace 66 aging townhomes with a six-story, 207-unit affordable housing community in Old Town.
Good Wednesday morning, here's a look at what's happening, new, and to do today in Alexandria.
Daily Brief: Wednesday, November 12
Alexandria museums join statewide historic tourism initiative for America's 250th anniversary; Titans earn No. 5 seed, will face Fairfax in Region 6C playoffs; and more.
open.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Good Wednesday morning, here's a look at what's happening, new, and to do today in Alexandria.
Three of the city’s eight historic museums are among 70 destinations featured in a new statewide tourism initiative celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, officials announced Monday.
Alexandria museums join statewide historic tourism initiative for America's 250th anniversary
Virginia 250 Passport program launches today with 70 destinations across commonwealth
open.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Three of the city’s eight historic museums are among 70 destinations featured in a new statewide tourism initiative celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, officials announced Monday.
Alexandria honored its 68 Vietnam War fallen heroes and all veterans during a Veterans Day ceremony Tuesday at Mount Vernon Recreation Center, with city officials and Gold Star families gathering to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Alexandria honors 68 Vietnam War fallen heroes at Veterans Day ceremony
Friends of Rocky Versace hosts annual remembrance at Mount Vernon Recreation Center, recognizing all veterans and Gold Star families
www.alexandriabrief.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Alexandria honored its 68 Vietnam War fallen heroes and all veterans during a Veterans Day ceremony Tuesday at Mount Vernon Recreation Center, with city officials and Gold Star families gathering to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Here’s a look at what’s coming up on Wednesday, November 12, in Alexandria.
What's Happening in Alexandria - Wednesday, Nov. 12
Your guide to events, meetings, and entertainment in Alexandria
open.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Here’s a look at what’s coming up on Wednesday, November 12, in Alexandria.
Alexandria City’s season isn’t over yet.
Titans earn No. 5 seed, will face Fairfax in Region 6C playoffs
Alexandria City to travel Friday for first-round matchup
open.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Alexandria City’s season isn’t over yet.
The Alexandria Turkey Trot is set to celebrate a milestone 50th anniversary this Thanksgiving, continuing a Del Ray tradition that has drawn runners and walkers to the neighborhood for five decades.
Del Ray gears up for historic 50th annual Turkey Trot
Alexandria tradition draws thousands on Thanksgiving morning
open.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:32 PM
The Alexandria Turkey Trot is set to celebrate a milestone 50th anniversary this Thanksgiving, continuing a Del Ray tradition that has drawn runners and walkers to the neighborhood for five decades.