What a week in Alexandria.
Our top story this week is on Gregory Elliott, a special education teacher at T.C. Williams High School. Elliot also goes by the name of “Sugar Bear” for the D.C.-based go-go band Experience Unlimited, and their song “Da’ Butt” from the Spike Lee movie “School Daze” was featured at the Oscars, along with actress Glenn Close dancing to it.
This week was full of news.
City Manager Mark Jinks hinted at retiring, there was a chlorine spill at Lake Cook and the Alexandria Fire Department is contending with reports of racism, sexism and favoritism.
Additionally, a cyberattack on a gas pipeline resulted in a state of emergency throughout Virginia. We asked readers about it in our weekly poll, and out of 250 responses only 31% (78 votes) considered making alternate travel plans.
Election stories
- Election: Stark differences as Wilson and Silberberg face off in mayoral debate
- Wilson and Silberberg clash over new challenges, old wounds, and The Golden Girls
- Similar on policies, Bennett-Parker and Levine differ on style in 45th District debate
- Alexandria City Council candidates focus on health care, police and race relations in Arlandria forum
Important stories
- Alexandria approved for $59.6 million in American Rescue Plan funding
- Details released on suspect who threatened to bomb Metro station, police headquarters and government buildings
- Inova Cares Clinic for Women opens in West End
- Photos: Alexandria Police Department and city leaders salute fallen officers
- Alexandria nursing assistant charged with identity theft
- T.C. Williams High School seniors spearhead successful push for in-person graduation
- Alexandria prepares to move into broader vaccination age range
- AHDC’s Seminary Road development headed to public review
Top stories
- Go-go music star-turned Alexandria teacher ‘Sugar Bear’ in the spotlight after Oscars shoutout
- Landmark Mall developers to field public question in forum this week
- UPDATE: Woman arrested for firing gun near Alexandria Courthouse in Old Town
- AHDC proposes nearly 500 units of affordable housing for Arlandria
- ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria
- Here’s which City Council candidates signed the new ‘Alexandria Constituents’ Bill of Rights’ pledge
- Girlfriend of murder suspect arrested for breaking into home and beating up witness
- Election: Stark differences as Wilson and Silberberg face off in mayoral debate
- Racism, sexism and favoritism reported within the Alexandria Fire Department
- Here’s the order that City Council candidates will appear on the ballot for the June 8 democratic primary
- Wilson and Silberberg clash over new challenges, old wounds, and The Golden Girls
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.
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.