How Alexandria Pursued Gas Leaf Blower Ban without State Law — “[Former Attorney General Jason] Miyares, a Republican, acknowledged that the General Assembly had voted down legislation giving local governments express authority to regulate leaf blowers, but cited case law in rejecting any inference of legislative intent from those outcomes as speculative. Alexandria, he concluded, was clearly within its rights to ban the equipment. Alexandria used that green light to amend its noise ordinance in May of 2025 and begin an 18-month phaseout of gas leaf blowers. A full prohibition is set to take effect on November 17, 2026.” [Virginia Mercury]
Acting Superintendent on Biggest Challenge of This School Year — “With the reality of maintaining a variety of rising costs, including healthcare premiums and other operating variables, the school division is expecting another challenging budget year. While maintaining our focus on supporting students, staff and our schools, investing in recruitment and retention remains critical to ensuring ACPS can continue to attract and retain the talented educators and staff who serve our students each day.” [WTOP]
School Board Election Reform Committee Meets for First Time Today — The City-ACPS Ad Hoc Committee on School Board Election will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25. The committee includes representatives from City Council and the School Board and will discuss the scope of work, shared goals, timing and next steps. [Alexandria City School Board agenda]
Independent Candidate Challenges Rep. Beyer in General Election — “An independent candidate challenging U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-8) on Nov. 3 knows the odds are stacked against him, but thinks he can break through with voters. ‘I’m running to win,’ Tim Sharman told ARLnow after the Virginia Department of Elections certified his campaign paperwork. The certification puts him on the Nov. 3 ballot against Beyer, who was first elected in 2014, Republican Tony Sabio and likely one other independent.” [ARLnow]
Applications for EV Charging Program Open Through Sept. 21 — “The City of Alexandria’s Office of Climate Action announces the second round of Plug In Alexandria, a program that makes it easier and more affordable for multi-unit residential communities, non-profit organizations, and places of worship to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers.” [City of Alexandria]
Alexandria Myotherapy Cuts Ribbon on New Location — “For 30 years, Alexandria Myotherapy, Inc. (AMI) has been an important part of the Alexandria community, and [Thursday, Aug. 20], the Chamber celebrated AMI with a Ribbon Cutting in honor of its recent move. Founded by Sandy Levy in 1985, AMI has grown from a small practice on Washington Street into a team of 11 experienced, licensed massage therapists dedicated to helping clients on their wellness journeys.” [Chamber ALX]
APD on Traffic Safety During School Release — “Afternoons bring more students walking, biking and crossing busy streets on their way home or to after-school activities. Drivers, slow down and stay alert. Students, use crosswalks, look both ways and keep your eyes up when crossing.” [Alexandria Police Department/Facebook]
Wild Tunes Volunteer Program Makes Difference for Shelter Pets — “Watch the magic happen. 🎶🐾 Sarah brought live music to the animals at Animal Welfare League of Alexandria and little by little, they began to settle.” [Animal Welfare League of Alexandria/Facebook]
It’s Tuesday — There will be increasing clouds with a high of around 86 degrees and a northwest wind blowing at 5 to 8 mph. On Tuesday night, expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures dropping to about 64 degrees, and a light northwest wind. [NWS]
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