News | ALXnow - Part 114

Teacher at Alexandria daycare fired for tying 21-month-old to chair

Published September 15, 2025 at 1:00PM | Updated September 16, 2025 at 2:12PM

A teacher at Vinci School Alexandria North was fired after allegedly tying a 21-month-old child to a chair during lunchtime on Aug. 13, 2025 (via Google Maps)

A teacher at a daycare in Old Town North has been fired, and her aide was reprimanded after a 21-month-old child was tied 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.

Ex-Fort Belvoir soldier sentenced to 15 years for assaulting infant, raping wife

By James Cullum

Published September 15, 2025 at 11:30AM

The Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse in Alexandria (staff photo by James Cullum)

A former U.S. Army private stationed at Fort Belvoir has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for two counts of assaulting his infant daughter in 2012, as well as one count of sexual abuse.

Austin Blair Johnson pleaded guilty in June to permanently injuring his child and raping his wife, the U.S. Department of Justice announced. Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton also ordered that Johnson must pay $1.1 million in restitution. The former U.S. Army private was living on base with his family at the time of the incidents. The sentence will be served consecutively with a 15-year sentence for assault of an infant in violation of Montana law, according to the DOJ.

Oktoberfest events planned across Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published September 15, 2025 at 10:45AM

Oktoberfest at John Carlyle Square, Sept. 27, 2025 (via Eventbrite)

Get your Bavarian hats ready, because Oktoberfest is coming to Alexandria this month.

The annual folk festival celebrating German culture, food and beer, starts at 5:30 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 20) with a 5K and 10K run at Port City Brewing Company (3950 Wheeler Avenue). The event wraps up at 8:30 p.m., and proceeds benefit NoVA Rugby.

Alexandria pastor’s Charlie Kirk comments spark national debate

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 15, 2025 at 9:41AM | Updated September 15, 2025 at 11:51AM

The Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley delivers his Sunday sermon at Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Va., on Sept. 15, 2025. During the sermon, Wesley criticized the decision to fly flags at half-staff for slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling Kirk "an unapologetic racist." (Screenshot via YouTube)

A video of the Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley condemning the decision to fly flags at half-staff for slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk has ignited a firestorm on social media, drawing both support and fierce criticism for the Alexandria pastor.

Speaking to his congregation at Alfred Street Baptist Church on Sunday, Wesley didn’t mince words about Kirk, who was shot and killed last Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University.

Notes: Alexandria traffic board to review Jordan Street safety changes, new taxicab company

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 15, 2025 at 7:40AM

Traffic moves along Duke Street near N. Jordan St. (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Good morning, Alexandria! Today is Monday, Sept. 15, the 258th day of 2025. There are 107 days left in the year.

🌤️ Today’s weather: Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Light northeast wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. Mostly cloudy tonight, with a low around 63. Northeast wind around 8 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Alexandria seeks input on Braddock Road safety improvements

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 14, 2025 at 7:38AM | Updated September 14, 2025 at 9:01AM

Braddock Road Trail Access and Corridor Improvements (Credit: City of Alexandria)

The City of Alexandria is asking residents to weigh in on proposed safety and accessibility improvements along a stretch of Braddock Road that community members have identified as one of the most dangerous corridors in the city.

The project focuses on Braddock Road between Russell Road and North West Street, connecting residential neighborhoods to the Braddock Road Metrorail Station and popular walking and biking trails. The Virginia Department of Transportation has designated the section between Mount Vernon Avenue and North West Street as a top priority for pedestrian and bicycle safety upgrades statewide.

Beyer to host financial guidance event for federal workers amid agency layoffs

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 14, 2025 at 6:45AM

Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) invites constituents to a financial guidance workshop for federal workers in a video posted to YouTube. The free event will be held Sept. 20 in Falls Church. (Screenshot)

Rep. Don Beyer will host a financial guidance workshop for current and former federal workers on Sept. 20, as his Northern Virginia district grapples with reported mass layoffs across federal agencies under the Trump administration.

The free event, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Paragon Theaters on Founders Avenue in Falls Church, is part of Beyer’s “Rising to Meet the Challenge” series aimed at supporting constituents affected by current federal policies.

Alexandria unveils historic marker honoring Colored Rosemont community

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 13, 2025 at 8:08PM | Updated September 13, 2025 at 9:36PM

Officials and community descendants unveil the new Virginia State Historic marker commemorating the Colored Rosemont neighborhood Saturday near the intersection of Wythe and West streets. Photo by Ryan Belmore/ALXnow

The City of Alexandria unveiled a Virginia State Historic marker Saturday commemorating Colored Rosemont, a thriving African American neighborhood that existed from 1926 until it was dismantled in the mid-20th century through discriminatory housing policies.

The ceremony took place at the intersection of Wythe and West streets, near where the community once stood, bounded by Pendleton, Fayette, Madison, and N. West streets. Mayor Alyia Gaskins, descendants of former residents, and representatives from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources gathered for the dedication.

Adoptable dog of the week: Social senior Shyla seeks her permanent retirement home

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 13, 2025 at 2:27PM

Shyla (Credit: AWLA)

Some dogs are puppies at heart, no matter their age, but Shyla embraces her senior status with the grace and social charm of someone who knows exactly what she wants out of life. At 12 years old, this 62-pound beauty is proof that the golden years can be the best years.

Shyla is what you might call the social butterfly of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. If dogs had retirement communities, she’d be the resident who never misses bingo night and always has the best stories to share over dinner. This tan and white sweetheart thrives on companionship and social interaction, lighting up whenever someone tells her how pretty she is—which, let’s be honest, probably happens quite often.

21 residents address Alexandria City Council on housing conditions, divestment, and waterfront development during public hearing

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 13, 2025 at 11:19AM | Updated September 14, 2025 at 4:33PM

Alexandria City Council hosted a Public Hearing on Saturday, Sept. 13. (Screenshot via City of Alexandria)

Twenty-one Alexandria residents signed up to speak during the public discussion period at Saturday’s City Council meeting, addressing issues ranging from housing authority conditions to international divestment and waterfront development.

The large turnout required the council to extend its usual public comment format, with 15 speakers addressing the council at the beginning of the meeting and six additional speakers heard after regular business concluded.

Alexandria City Council approves permanent closure of 200 block of King Street

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 13, 2025 at 10:53AM | Updated September 13, 2025 at 11:11AM

200 block of King Street (staff photo by James Cullum)

The Alexandria City Council unanimously voted Saturday to permanently close the 200 block of King Street to vehicular traffic, extending the city’s pedestrian zone after a successful pilot program.

The 7-0 vote on second reading makes the closure effective immediately, eliminating 16 metered parking spaces and one short-term visitor space in front of the Alexandria Visitor Center.