Author: Jared Serre

Jared Serre covers local business, public safety and breaking news across Local News Now's websites. Originally from Northeast Ohio, he is a graduate of West Virginia University. He previously worked with Law360 before joining LNN in May 2024.

News

Historic marker honoring integration of Alexandria’s public schools to be installed next month

By Jared Serre
A rendering of the marker honoring the key figures of integrating Alexandria Public Schools (photo via Judy Belk)

Fifty-five years after Black students walked through the doors of the original Minnie Howard School for the first time, a plaque will be installed honoring those whose efforts made it possible.

The historic marker, which will honor the efforts of two families who targeted the Alexandria School Board’s segregationist policies, is set to be unveiled in a ceremony on March 8.

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News

ACPS eyes bringing more AI tools into Alexandria schools

By Jared Serre
Alexandria City High School (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Alexandria City Public Schools has taken a step forward in crafting school policy around artificial intelligence.

The district formed an “AI Impact team” earlier this summer, taking a proactive approach to determine how AI can be used to the benefit of the schools, a report said.

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News

Alexandria fentanyl dealer sentenced to 10 years for sale of laced pills

By Jared Serre
Outside the Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse in Alexandria (staff photo by James Cullum)

An Alexandria man will spend the next decade in federal prison for the sale of more than 4,000 fentanyl-laced pills.

Alhagi Gassim Conteh, 30, was sentenced yesterday (Tuesday) to 10 years behind bars in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia — the mandatory minimum sentence for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, according to federal law.

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News

City to hold open house tonight over proposed S. Pickett Street plans

By Jared Serre
Pickett Project Area Map (image via City of Alexandria)

The fight over the future of S. Pickett Street will rage on tonight (Thursday).

A virtual open house allowing attendees to “ask questions and talk with the project team” has been scheduled for 7 p.m., according to the city’s Department of Transportation and Environmental Services.

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Around Town

Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe + Wine Bar to celebrate four years of re-homing cats next week

By Jared Serre
One cat wakes up from a nap at Mount Purrnon (staff photo by Jared Serre)

When Kristin Cowan comes to work each day she doesn’t have much time to relax.

Her days are full of cleaning, lots of it. Assuring that most of her “employees” have a clean place to go to the bathroom is essential. Making sure they are healthy and that none of them have made a mess of the garbage overnight barely makes a dent in her to-do list.

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Around Town

Work at Omar’s Pitas and Platters in progress ahead of opening later this year

By Jared Serre
The upcoming Omar's Pitas and Platters at 3100 Richmond Hwy (staff photo by Jared Serre)

Renovations are progressing at an upcoming takeout spot for Middle Eastern food in Potomac Yard.

Interior work is underway at Omar’s Pitas and Platters (3100 Richmond Hwy). The restaurant is is expected to open later this year.

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Around Town

Alexandria has no lack of options for battling the heat — here’s a full list of ice cream shops

By Jared Serre
Peanut butter chocolate pretzel ice cream from Pop's in Old Town (staff photo by Jared Serre)

The summer continues to take its toll on Alexandria. Luckily, residents have no lack of options to combat the heat.

Looking for a place to find a cold treat? Here’s a list of every ice cream shop in Alexandria.

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