It was a busy week in Alexandria. Here are some of the highlights.
Governor Ralph Northam and U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona visited Alexandria this week. Northam stopped by Pacers Running in Old Town, and afterward met with Cardona, Mayor Justin Wilson, National Education Association of the United States President Becky Pringle and Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane at Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School. Cardona was at the school as part of his “Help is Here” school reopening tour.
On Monday, demolition started at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School, and Alexandria City Public Schools says that the completion date is still on schedule for the new school to reopen the school in Jan. 2023. In the meantime, MacArthur students will continue to use the old Patrick Henry Elementary School as swing space.
There was big news for Alexandria nonprofits this week, as the Spring2ACTion fundraiser raised $2.5 million and broke last year’s online giving record.
There were also 682 votes in this week’s poll on outdoor dining and takeout. We asked whether the city should keep its expanded restaurant offerings after in a post-COVID environment. An overwhelming majority of 84% of votes cast (576 votes) want businesses to enjoy the same level of latitude; 13% (89 votes) said some modifications should be made and just 2% (17 votes) want businesses to go back to pre-pandemic operations.
Election stories
- Incumbent delegate and Alexandria vice mayor square off in unique 45th District race
- Bryan Porter running unopposed for third term as Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney
Important stories
- Police investigate string of commercial burglaries in the West End
- NEW: Alexandria shifts to open scheduling for COVID-19 vaccine
- Scholarship Fund of Alexandria raises $450K in annual gala
- Man robbed at gunpoint in West End
- NEW: Alexandria Courthouse reopening to public on May 3
- New rooftop restaurant could be coming to the waterfront
- Alexandria man arrested for firing gun at 7-Eleven door near Braddock Road Metro station
- D.C. man arrested after 130 mph chase leads to crash on Interstate 495
- Parking issues plague Potomac Yard, city looks to create residential parking district
Top stories
- Update: Four arrested, suspect’s mother among wounded in West End shootout
- NOW: Alexandria preparing new face mask ordinance as CDC says fully vaccinated folks don’t need them
- Alexandria celebrates Earth Day virtually
- COVID-19 Update: City says anyone who registered by April 10 for COVID-19 vaccine should have an appointment
- Police: Falling death of man in Landmark does not appear to be suspicious
- Del Ray restaurant The Garden to bloom into new outdoor area
- Parents and students protest for expanded in-person instruction outside ACPS Central Office
- JUST IN: ‘Open ACPS!’ group to rally in front of Central Office on Monday
- Here’s the order that City Council candidates will appear on the ballot for the June 8 democratic primary
- EXCLUSIVE: Here’s what the inside of the Halal slaughterhouse looks like on Colvin Street
- School Resource Officers at ACPS on chopping block as Police chief proposes alternative program
Have a safe weekend!
Recent Stories

St. Paul’s Episcopal Preschool, a play-based, half-day preschool in the heart of Old Town, Alexandria has limited openings for the ’23-’24 school year.
SPEP offers:
- 18 month old – Kindergarten classes
- Full day Kindergarten option (3 days/week)
- Early Care
- Transportation (ages 3+)
- Weekly Field Trips (ages 3+)
- Financial Aid available
Monarch Montessori School located in the heart of Del Ray is enrolling children 6 weeks to 6 years of age for our half day and full day program.
Our hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday-Friday. Monarch Montessori School is open year round, with intermittent breaks.
Children engage in self-directed, self-initiated activities under the guidance of a trained Montessori teacher. Classroom sizes range from 8-12 students. Our robust curriculum includes botany, sensorial activities, the social graces, culture, math, science, practical life, geography, music appreciation and language arts.
You’ll get half off of the registration fee when you register and begin care with us before April 30, 2023.
2023 Alexandria Scottish Rite Friends & Family Charity Event
On Saturday Evening May 6th, 2023, at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, the Valley of Alexandria Scottish Rite will be holding its annual charity fundraiser for kids with speech and language disabilities. This event is open to the public.
Del Ray Dog Fest & Yappy Hour
The 1st Annual Del Ray Dog Fest is a fun outdoor event that will include dog-centered activities, dog menu items, live music, vendors and food on Sunday, April 2 from 11am- 3pm at the George Washington Middle School parking lot.