It’s been quite a week, Alexandria. Here’s a look at our top stories.
Our most-read story this week is on Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley sermonizing against President Trump’s decision to fly flags at half-staff across the country for slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Speaking at the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church, Wesley condemned the Sept. 10 assassination, but said he should not be expected to honor Kirk, who he called an “unapologetic racist who spent all of his life sowing seeds of division and hate into this land.”
Wesley’s sermon went viral after it was reported by journalist Don Lemon on Instagram.
“I am sorry, but there’s nowhere in the Bible where we are taught to honor evil,” Wesley said. “And how you die does not redeem how you lived. You do not become a hero in your death when you are a weapon of the enemy in your life.”
As Wesley delivered his sermon, hundreds of people were gathering just miles away at the Kennedy Center for a prayer vigil honoring Kirk, according to NBC Washington.
Our second most-read story this week is about a teacher at a daycare in Old Town North who was fired after tying a 21-month-old child to a chair for 22 minutes during lunchtime on Wednesday, August 13.
The Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) made an unannounced inspection of the Vinci School Alexandria North (1001 N. Fairfax Street) on Aug. 21, after receiving a self-report on forbidden actions from the daycare’s licensing office. The toddler was tied to a chair with a thin blanket after throwing food on the floor and moving from a table while eating during lunchtime, DSS reported.
The Alexandria Police Department reviewed footage from the incident and deemed that it was a “facility policy violation” and that no criminal activity occurred.
Our third most-read post this week is on the sad news of the Sept. 15 death of Emil LaSida, 21, a record-holding swimmer at Case Western Reserve University and a former captain of the Alexandria City High School swim and dive team.
Case Western Reserve University announced Sept. 17 that LaSida had died. The cause of his death has not been released. A fourth-year student majoring in engineering, LaSida set the school record last year in the men’s 50 freestyle with a time of 19.98 seconds at the NCAA Division III Championships and earned All-American Second Team honors, according to the university.
John Gullickson was LaSida’s coach at Alexandria City High School and said on Facebook that LaSida was a leader in and out of the water. He also asked for people to pray for LaSida’s family.
“With a heavy heart I wanted to share the passing of one our Titan Alum: Emil LaSida c/o (class of) 2022,” Gullickson wrote on Facebook. “He was superb Student-Athlete, Men’s Captain, City Champion, Record (s) Holder, State, All Met, Team leader in and out of the water and college swimmer.”
There’s plenty happening all over Alexandria this weekend.
Alexandria kicks off a memorable weekend as early voting begins for November’s election, while comedy takes center stage with The Second City bringing “Laugh Harder, Not Smarter” to The Birchmere and Friday’s tribute marking the 25th anniversary of “Remembering the Titans.” From Oktoberfest celebrations spanning multiple breweries to the grand opening of Kabul Bazaar Halal Market, the weekend captures Alexandria’s diverse spirit.
Find out the latest goings-on by checking out ALXnow’s comprehensive listing of weekend events.
The most-read stories this week were:
- Alexandria pastor’s Charlie Kirk comments spark national debate (54035 views)
- Teacher at Alexandria daycare fired for tying 21-month-old to chair (16028 views)
- Former Alexandria City High swimmer Emil LaSida, 21, dies; held college records (10743 views)
- Washington Commanders players visit Alexandria school, distribute $5,000 in food, supplies (4021 views)
- Single-vehicle crash closes West Braddock Road, causes power outages (3894 views)
