ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

What a week in Alexandria.

Public uproar over Sunday’s flooding spilled out throughout this week, which continued to be threatened by near-daily flash flood advisories from the National Weather Service.

Our top story was on Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, who criticized City Manager Mark Jinks on the city’s stormwater infrastructure. Mayor Justin Wilson says that multiple projects are underway and take time, and that the city is now looking into whether spot improvements and any other projects can be accelerated.

The group DrainALX has also gained popularity, as it continues to catalog stormwater issues and complaints. One Del Ray resident even told us that she’s turned to therapy after repeatedly spending thousands on a continually ruined basement.

Our weekly poll also found 55% of respondents (193 people) have experienced flood damage to their homes, 14% (74 people) have experienced other sorts of property damage and 31% (159 votes) have never had any property damaged by a storm in the city.

This weekend’s forecast is partly cloudy with a 50% chance of scattered thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon, followed by a 40% chance of thunderstorms Sunday night.

School issues

The week before school starts, the School Board unanimously approved Thursday night the requirement that ACPS staffers get the coronavirus vaccine.

“We do have authority to require testing and require vaccinations,” Superintendent Gregory Hutchings, Jr. said at the board meeting. “However, there have been no cases where someone has contested that requirement. That has not occurred as of yet, and I’m sure it’s going to begin soon…”

In the meantime, Alexandria is also prepping COVID-19 vaccine mandate for city employees.

Important stories

• Alexandria Fire Department rescued several people Sunday, weekly forecast looks stormy
• New census shows Alexandria not majority-white
• Olympic boxer Troy Isley welcomed back to Alexandria
• Mayor Wilson talks flooding, vaccine requirements, and Arlington gondola with WAMU
• Man arrested for domestic violence, pointing gun at wife’s head in Del Ray
• Alexandria kicks off Restaurant Week
• Evolving COVID-19 decisions loom as Alexandria City Public Schools fully reopen next Tuesday
• With high transmission levels, Alexandria says third COVID vaccine dose is available for severely immunocompromised residents
• Alexandria Tutoring Consortium launches $25K fundraiser to expand virtual reading program for young kids
• Barricade situation in Landmark area ends in arrest

Top stories

1. As Alexandria looks to accelerate stormwater projects, Sheriff gives city manager a D-
2. The Four Mile Run Bridge in Arlandria will not fully reopen until fall 2025
3. Institute for Defense Analyses announces Potomac Yard move-in later this year
4. Woman behind DrainALX campaign shares frustrations and hopes from locals after Sunday flood
5. HUD Secretary Fudge visits Alexandria, says affordable housing is a Biden Administration priority
6. New census shows Alexandria not majority-white
7. Alexandria School Board to discuss mandatory vaccinations for staffers this week
8. After rampant flooding over weekend, another Flash Flood Watch is in effect for Alexandria
9. Poll: Have you gotten the infamous mite bite in Alexandria?
10. Alexandria Fire Department struggling with staffing shortage and forced overtime
11. Stuck in quandary, Del Ray flooding victim seeks therapy

Have a safe weekend!