Who are you and why should I trust you?
I'm Ryan Belmore — a journalist, Alexandria resident, and the founder and publisher of The Alexandria Brief. I've spent 15 years in local independent journalism, most recently as owner and publisher of What's Up Newp in Newport, Rhode Island. I moved to Alexandria in 2021 with my wife, Jen. I live here, pay taxes here, and the decisions I cover affect me too.
There is no corporate owner, no parent company, and no outside investors. The Alexandria Brief is owned and operated by one person who lives in the city he covers. I follow the ethical standards of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and the Local Independent Online News Publishers (LION). I correct all known errors promptly and transparently. My only obligation is to Alexandria residents — not advertisers, not a corporate owner, not outside investors. I've been doing this for 15 years and my reputation is the only thing I have.
If you think I've gotten something wrong, email me: ryan@alexandriabrief.com. Read more about my background here.
What is The Alexandria Brief?
The Alexandria Brief is an independent daily community news source covering Alexandria, Virginia. It publishes original reporting, curated regional news, and community information every day — free, with no paywall, no advertising, and no corporate ownership. It launched in November 2025.
How is The Alexandria Brief different from other Alexandria news outlets?
It's the only independent daily community news source in Alexandria. No ads. No corporate owner. No weekday-only publishing schedule. I cover the city seven days a week because Alexandria doesn't stop on weekends. I also live here — the decisions I cover affect me too.
How does The Alexandria Brief make money?
Entirely through reader support — monthly and annual memberships and one-time contributions. There is no advertising, no corporate backing, and no grants. If you're reading this for free, someone else is funding it. Become a supporter here.
Is The Alexandria Brief biased?
Every journalist has a perspective. Mine is this: Alexandria residents deserve accurate, independent journalism that holds power accountable and covers every neighborhood — not just the ones that drive clicks. I follow industry ethical standards, seek multiple perspectives, and give people the opportunity to respond to criticism. I don't endorse political candidates.
If you think something I've published is unfair or inaccurate, email me: ryan@alexandriabrief.com.
How do you choose which stories to cover?
I follow what matters to Alexandria residents — government decisions, public safety, development, schools, local business, community life, and the stories that affect daily life here. I follow reader tips, attend public meetings, monitor city government, and pursue original accountability journalism. I also curate regional and national news that's relevant to Alexandria readers. Reader tips are always welcome at ryan@alexandriabrief.com.
How do you decide who to quote?
I seek out the people most directly affected by a story — not just the officials and spokespersons who are easiest to reach. I value lived experience alongside expertise and authority. Alexandria is a diverse city and its voices should be reflected in coverage of it.
Do you publish press releases?
Press releases are a starting point, never an endpoint. When a press release crosses my desk, I verify the information, contact additional sources, ask questions, and report beyond what was announced. If something I publish reads like a press release, I want to know about it: ryan@alexandriabrief.com.
Do you use artificial intelligence?
Yes, as a tool — not a replacement for reporting. AI assists with transcription, research organization, spell check, and workflow efficiency. All reporting, editorial decisions, and writing are mine. AI does not generate quotes, select stories, or replace original reporting. The Alexandria Brief does not use AI-generated images. Read my full AI policy here.
Does The Alexandria Brief publish fake news?
No. Accuracy is fundamental to everything published here. I correct all known errors promptly and transparently. If you believe something I've published is inaccurate, email me immediately: ryan@alexandriabrief.com. Read my full corrections policy here.
Do you cover all of Alexandria?
I cover the City of Alexandria — the independent city with its own government, schools, and police department. Some addresses carry Alexandria mailing addresses but fall within Fairfax County jurisdiction. When that's the case, I say so clearly. Read more about the difference here.
How do I submit a news tip?
Email ryan@alexandriabrief.com or use the tips and submissions form. I read everything.
How do I subscribe?
The Alexandria Brief is free. Subscribe here to receive the newsletter every weekday morning. If you'd like to support the journalism, become a member here.
Last updated September 1, 2026.