Author: Vernon Miles

Local leaders weigh in on Russian invasion of Ukraine — “Lawmakers and other local leaders and organizations are weighing in on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.” [ARLnow]

Atrium building renovation finished — “The renovation of the Atrium Building – a five story office building in the heart of Old Town, has been completed” [Zebra]

Police identify Alexandria man killed trying to cross road in Fairfax County — “An Alexandria man has been identified as the pedestrian killed Saturday when he was struck by a car in the Lorton area near the former Lorton prison.” [Washington Post]

Alexandria first responders win historic vote; first VA public employees granted bargaining rights in four decades — “In a historic landslide victory, IAFF Local 2141 – the union representing firefighters, fire marshals and medics in Alexandria – has won an election to represent workers at the collective bargaining negotiating table.” [Zebra]

Some of the biggest stories this week in Alexandria concerned the question: how quickly should governments move regulations to pre-pandemic levels, if at all?

The biggest example this week was Gov. Glenn Youngkin signing a bill ending mask mandates in schools. Like with Youngkin’s opposition to the grocery tax, it’s not a fully partisan issue, with three Democrats in the state senate backing the plan. The bill is effective immediately, but schools have until March 1 to comply. Alexandria’s School Board has already scheduled a meeting to discuss compliance with the new rule.