News | ALXnow - Part 145

New poll shows Spanberger ahead, but Earle-Sears closes gap

Published August 19, 2025 at 7:55AM | Updated August 19, 2025 at 12:50PM

Democrat Abigail Spanberger (left) and Republican Winsome Earle-Sears are competing in Virginia’s 2025 governor’s race. A new Roanoke College Poll shows Spanberger leading by 7 points. (Photos by Parker Michels-Boyce and Mechelle Hankerson for the Virginia Mercury)

Democrat Abigail Spanberger holds a 7-point lead over Republican Winsome Earle-Sears in the race for Virginia governor, according to a new Roanoke College Poll that shows the contest tightening since the spring.

The survey, released by the college’s Institute for Policy and Opinion Research Tuesday morning, found Spanberger supported by 46% of likely voters compared with 39% for Earle-Sears. Fourteen percent remain undecided, and 1% said they would back someone else. The numbers mark a closer race than in May, when Roanoke’s poll showed Spanberger ahead 43%-26%.

Community leaders condemn ICE arrests of construction workers in Alexandria’s Chirilagua neighborhood

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 18, 2025 at 6:35PM | Updated August 19, 2025 at 2:54PM

Mayor Alyia Gaskins speaks at community gathering (Staff photo by Ryan Belmore)

Federal immigration agents arrested 15 construction workers at an Alexandria apartment complex Monday afternoon, sparking an evening community rally where city officials and residents denounced the enforcement action.

The arrests occurred at Eaton Square Apartments on Florence Drive in the Chirilagua neighborhood while the men were working on a roofing project, according to Evelin Urrutia, executive director of Tenants and Workers United. The timing coincided with the first day of school in Alexandria, heightening community concerns about children’s safety.

Alexandria seeks public input on school crosswalk upgrades by Aug. 29

By James Cullum

Published August 18, 2025 at 6:30PM

Proposed pedestrian improvements outside Charles Barrett Elementary School and George Washington Middle School (via City of Alexandria)

Alexandria is asking for public feedback on plans to upgrade crosswalks near schools in Arlandria and Del Ray.

The city’s Crossing Improvements Phase II would transform the sidewalks around Charles Barrett Elementary School (1115 Martha Custis Drive) and George Washington Middle School (1005 Mount Vernon Avenue). The deadline to submit feedback on the plans is Friday, Aug. 29.

Family member launches GoFundMe for man who died in Alexandria police custody

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 18, 2025 at 4:30PM

Standing For Allan: Farewell With Dignity & Fight 4 Justice (via GoFundMe)

The family of Alan Tucker II, who died Friday while in Alexandria police custody, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral and legal expenses as they seek answers about his death.

The fundraiser, titled “Standing For Allan: Farewell With Dignity & Fight 4 Justice,” was organized by Brittany Tucker, who identified herself as Tucker’s younger sister. As of Monday afternoon, the campaign had raised $2,850 toward a $16,000 goal from 22 donations.

Debating the debates: Spanberger, Earle-Sears to face off Oct. 9

By Charlotte Rene Woods, Virginia Mercury

Published August 18, 2025 at 4:28PM | Updated August 19, 2025 at 6:25AM

Virginia gubernatorial candidates Abigail Spanberger (left) and Winsome Earle-Sears (right). (Photos by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury)

In Virginia’s governor’s race, the candidates aren’t just preparing to debate — they’ve been debating whether to debate.

Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger announced Monday that she has accepted a debate set for Oct. 9, hosted by Norfolk State University and WAVY-TV.

Alexandria Library to host third annual Black Family Reunion Sept. 6

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 18, 2025 at 3:30PM | Updated August 19, 2025 at 7:07AM

Alexandria Library Hosts Third Annual Black Family Reunion (via Alexandria Library)

The Alexandria Library will host its third annual Black Family Reunion on Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in Old Town, continuing an award-winning event designed to preserve African American history in the city.

The free event, running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 717 Queen Street, encourages African American families to bring documents and images to be scanned and added to the library’s Local History/Special Collections archive.

Lost Boy Cider launches speaker series, seeks community experts

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 18, 2025 at 3:00PM

Lost Boy Cider (Image via Lost Boy Cider/Facebook)

Lost Boy Cider is launching a Monday night speaker series called “Lectures on Tap” and seeking professors, subject matter experts, and passionate speakers to present to the community.

The Alexandria cidery at 317 Hooffs Run Drive plans to host the educational series Monday evenings, providing a platform for knowledgeable speakers to share their expertise with local audiences.

Alexandria Planning Commission holding annual retreat Friday at police headquarters

By James Cullum

Published August 18, 2025 at 2:30PM

Alexandria Police Department headquarters at 3600 Wheeler Avenue (via City of Alexandria)

With Alexandria’s legislative bodies set to go back in session next month, the city’s Planning Commission will hold its annual retreat on Friday, August 22.

The meeting agenda hasn’t been released, but in previous years, the commission has used the retreat to “discuss topics of interest for land use, development, and long-range initiatives.”

Alexandria seeks volunteers to deliver donated food by bicycle through farmers market program

By James Cullum

Published August 18, 2025 at 2:00PM

Bike for Good at the Old Town Farmers' Market (via YouTube)

Alexandria and the Old Town Farmers’ Market are looking for volunteers to deliver food to residents in need as part of the Bike for Good program.

The groceries are collected as the market outside City Hall (301 King Street) in Old Town winds down, and volunteers can expect to make deliveries from between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., according to the city.

Warner, Kaine slam Trump administration for threat of federal funding cuts to Alexandria schools

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 18, 2025 at 1:30PM

Alexandria City High School (staff photo by James Jarvis)

U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine condemned the Trump administration Monday for beginning the process to cut federal funding from Alexandria City Public Schools and four other Northern Virginia districts over their refusal to change transgender student policies.

The senators released a joint statement Monday as the U.S. Department of Education began suspending federal aid to the districts after they rejected demands to rescind policies allowing transgender students to use facilities matching their gender identity.

Concrete Rose Foundation to host back-to-school fundraiser at Slaters Market

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 18, 2025 at 12:30PM

Slaters Market (Credit: Slaters Market)

The Concrete Rose Scholarship Foundation will host a back-to-school fundraiser and supply drive on Thursday, Aug. 21, at Slaters Market, located at 1552 Potomac Greens Drive in Alexandria.

The event, scheduled for 5 p.m. at 1552 Potomac Greens Drive, aims to raise funds for scholarships and educational resources for underserved girls while collecting school supplies for local students in need.