ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

It was a busy fall week in Alexandria. Here’s the rundown.

Our top story this week was on a plan to completely close off the 100 block of King Street as a pedestrian-only zone. The plan has been in the works since 2019, and was put into action last year. ALXnow’s poll on the subject had very one-sided results, showing 91% (791 votes) in favor of a permanent change.

There was a momentous groundbreaking this week, as city leaders converged for the $454.4 million RiverRenew Tunnel Project. The project is a major overhaul to replace Old Town’s combined sewer system and prevent 120 million gallons of combined sewage from flowing into the Potomac River.

School violence has become a major issue in Alexandria, as videos of fights at schools are surfacing on the internet, there have been arrests at Alexandria City Public Schools, and protests in front of City Hall on Monday and Tuesday this week.

As for the Alexandria juvenile who was shot in the upper body at the McDonald’s in the Bradlee Shopping Center last week, police say that there have been no arrests yet.

Important stories

• AlexRenew breaks ground for massive Old Town RiverRenew project
• BREAKING: A bunch of student fights were recorded at George Washington Middle School and put on Instagram
• Last year’s Alexandria City High School class had the highest graduation rate and the lowest student dropout rate ever
• Union says low staffing within Alexandria Fire Department threatens to shut down a fire station
• Upcoming Alexandria City Council and School Board election forums announced
• School Board Chair Meagan Alderton says ACPS leadership will be challenged by high Board turnover
• First apartment building in massive Carlyle Crossing redevelopment starts pre-leasing
• DASH and city leaders celebrate launch of bus system overhaul
• Alexandria starts distributing COVID-19 booster shots
• City Manager lays out plan to push back on evictions in Alexandria

Top stories

1. City looks to permanently ‘pedestrianize’ a block of King Street
2. UPDATE: Alexandria man charged with homicide after stabbing at BJ’s Wholesale Club in Landmark area
3. Total Wine is taking shape in Potomac Yard
4. ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria
5. Man buys luxury car with fake driver’s license at Lindsay Lexus of Alexandria
6. Protestors rally to return police to Alexandria schools, but officials say behind-the-scenes talks have stalled
7. Man arrested for posting lewd photos of Alexandria stepsister on Twitter
8. Firecracker shuts down Alexandria City High School football game
9. Adoptable Chihuahua Dory only weighs 3.5 pounds
10. Mayor Wilson: Potomac Yard construction delay ‘could have nothing to do with Metro station’
11. Police: Juvenile shot at shopping center near Alexandria City High School

Have a safe weekend!