News | ALXnow - Part 157

State Department Federal Credit Union unveils renovated Alexandria branch in 90th anniversary celebration

Published July 11, 2025 at 2:30PM

State Department Federal Credit Union Leadership Celebrates 90 Years (Photo: Daryll Morgan Studios)

State Department Federal Credit Union marked a significant milestone this week, celebrating 90 years of service while debuting its newly renovated Alexandria branch as a centerpiece of the commemorative festivities.

The credit union held its anniversary celebration on Tuesday, July 8, bringing together members, community leaders, and employees at its headquarters location at 1630 King Street. The branch renovation represents SDFCU’s continued investment in Alexandria, where the institution is also headquartered.

10 Questions: Alexandria alt-rockers The MAYSUNS on their musical journey

By James Cullum

Published July 11, 2025 at 1:30PM

The MAYSUNS (Left to right - Gabriel Harr, Max Powell, Beck Moniz and Nathan Argust) relaxing at a mural of musical legends outside St. Elmo's Coffee Pub in Del Ray, July 9, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Talking to the MAYSUNS outside at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray feels like you’re sitting in their living room.

Sitting at a table in front of a mural of iconic musicians (Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison), just around the corner from the music school they attended for years, four out of the six bandmates sat with ALXnow to discuss the latest.

Adoptable Dog of the Week: Meet Connie, the playful pup still looking for her forever home

By Ryan Belmore

Published July 11, 2025 at 12:30PM

Connie (via AWLA)

Despite being “cute as a button” and possessing all the charm of a young puppy, Connie has been waiting at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) for her forever family to find her. The 37-pound black and white pup, who came to the shelter as a local stray, is ready to bring joy and energy to the right household.

At just 10 months old, Connie embodies everything people love about puppies—she’s playful, affectionate, and eager to please. Her favorite pastimes include chasing squeaky toys (which “hate to see this playful pup coming,” according to AWLA), going on walks and runs, and being the center of attention with new people she meets.

WWII hero who escaped Nazi captivity dies at home in Alexandria at 103

By James Cullum

Published July 11, 2025 at 10:45AM

J. David Bailey, a WWII veteran and longtime Alexandria City resident, died on July 5, 2025. He's seen here at a Battle of the Bulge event at Arlington National Cemetery in January (Courtesy image)

James ‘David” Bailey, one of the last surviving veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, died at home in Alexandria on July 5. He was 103 years old.

Bailey was awarded two Bronze Stars, the French Legion of Honor, and the Order of St. Maurice for his service in World War II. During the Battle of the Bulge in late 1944, Bailey and his unit were taken prisoner by German soldiers. Bailey escaped and later appeared on the cover of Stars and Stripes.

Alexandria Sheriff’s Office opens applications for fall community academy

By Ryan Belmore

Published July 11, 2025 at 9:00AM

Sergeant Mauck supervises a PepperBall® launcher training activity with members of the Alexandria Sheriff’s Community Academy. (via Alexandria Sheriff’s Office)

The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for its fall Community Academy, providing residents and city workers with a free opportunity to learn about local law enforcement operations.

Sheriff Sean Casey announced Thursday (July 10) that the program will run for four consecutive Saturday mornings, from September 6 to September 27, with sessions held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Applications are due by Friday, August 29; however, officials warn that space is limited.

Notes: Alexandria museums bring history to life with imaginative July tours

By ALXnow.com

Published July 11, 2025 at 8:00AM

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum at 105-107 S. Fairfax Street in Old Town (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Good morning, Alexandria! Today is Friday, July 11, the 192nd day of 2025. There are 173 days left in the year.

⛈️ Today’s weather: Patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Light and variable wind.

JUST IN: Alexandria School Board re-elects Michelle Rief as Chair for third term, names Christopher Harris Vice Chair

By James Cullum

Published July 10, 2025 at 7:00PM

The Alexandria School Board selected Michelle Rief as chair and Chris Harris as vice chair for the 2025-2026 school year on July 10, 2025 (via ACPS)

Veteran School Board Members Michelle Rief and Christopher Harris were unanimously chosen Thursday night (July 10) to lead the Alexandria School Board for the 2025-2026 school year.

The unanimous vote at the Board’s organizational meeting means a third one-year term for Rief as chair, and a first term in leadership for Harris. Rief and Harris thanked their colleagues for their support and said that the upcoming year will be challenging.

Senator Warner slams ‘worst legislation’ of career, says GOP bill will strip healthcare coverage from 300k Virginians

By Ryan Belmore

Published July 10, 2025 at 6:30PM

Senator Warner held media availability on July 10 (screenshot from media availability)

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner held a media availability Thursday afternoon (July 10) to condemn what he called “one of the worst pieces of legislation” he has seen in his career, referring to a recently passed Republican bill that he says will devastate healthcare access and veteran services across Virginia.

The Virginia Democrat told reporters the legislation will strip healthcare coverage from 17 million Americans, including at least 300,000 Virginians, while providing tax cuts for wealthy Americans and adding $3.5 trillion to the national debt.

First Look: New renderings show Alexandria’s proposed tallest building

By James Cullum

Published July 10, 2025 at 5:30PM

A rendering of the proposed 700,000-square-foot, 350-foot-tall residential-over-retail building at 2425 Mill Road, as seen from the intersection of Mill Road and Stovall Street (via City of Alexandria)

New renderings for the proposed 31-story tower in Alexandria’s Carlyle neighborhood are in, and the developer will soon present them to a local review board for discussion.

So far, the mixed-use development at 2425 Mill Road includes 767 residential units and 40,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. The Aldie-based Red Fox Development Co. project could result in the tallest at-grade building in the city, and new development plans will be discussed next Thursday, July 17, at a public hearing with the Carlyle/Eisenhower East Design Review Board (DRB).

Boxing legend Tony ‘Da Beast’ Suggs to be inducted Into ACPS Hall of Fame after student nomination

By James Cullum

Published July 10, 2025 at 3:30PM | Updated July 11, 2025 at 12:16AM

Tony 'Da Beast' Suggs (on right) teaches at Charles Houston Recreation Center, July 9, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

For the last several years, Tony Suggs has helped others in Alexandria unleash “Da Beast” within. In a good way.

The 59-year-old doesn’t make it easy. In a recent boxercise class at the Charles Houston Recreation Center, more than a dozen students, ranging from their mid-20s to late 70s, got an intense hour-long workout. It started with pushups, leg lifts, scissor kicks, jumping jacks, and then moved to jump rope, followed by a half hour of throwing gloved hands against pads and heavy bags.

St. Lucy Food Project targets 25,000 pounds monthly as food insecurity rises in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published July 10, 2025 at 2:45PM | Updated July 10, 2025 at 7:51PM

Summer campers at Bishop Ireton High School fill up a truck with donated food for the Catholic Charities St. Lucy Food Project, July 10, 2025 (courtesy photo)

With the need for food assistance on the rise, a local charity is aiming to collect 25,000 pounds of food every month this summer.

The Catholic Charities St. Lucy Food Project gathers food year-round from many of the diocesan schools in the area. On Thursday (July 10), kids participating in summer camp at Bishop Ireton High School filled a box truck with canned fruit, vegetables, rice, and more. More than 1,200 pounds of food were collected at Bishop Ireton.