News | ALXnow - Part 185

Virginia Theological Seminary welcomes 45 new students from 26 dioceses

Published September 2, 2025 at 7:43PM

Virginia Theological Seminary (Photo via Virginia Theological Seminary/Facebook)

Virginia Theological Seminary, the largest of the accredited seminaries of the Episcopal Church, welcomed 45 new students on Monday for the 2025-26 academic year, bringing total enrollment to 216 students from around the world.

The Alexandria seminary’s entering class includes students from 26 dioceses across the United States, as well as from Burundi and South Korea. The new students include 21 Master of Divinity candidates, seven Master of Arts students, seven Anglican Studies students, eight Pathway to Ministry students and two Diploma in Theology students.

Emergency water main repairs in Alexandria could disrupt service overnight

By James Cullum

Published September 2, 2025 at 5:30PM

ALXnow reporter's sink (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

Emergency repairs will be made on a leaking valve replacement today in Alexandria’s Parkfairfax neighborhood, and it could result in some discolored water or no water at all for a short period.

The utility advised residents in the areas of Preston Road, Coryell Lane, and Martha Custis Drive might see “discolored or cloudy water, low water pressure, or no water” from the time that the project starts Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 9 p.m. until it concludes at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Fatal single-vehicle crash claims life of Maryland woman on I-495

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 2, 2025 at 4:15PM

Alexandria police cruiser (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that killed a 34-year-old Maryland woman early Sunday morning on Interstate 495 in Alexandria.

Tyneeka L. Strickland of Capitol Heights, Maryland, died at the scene after her 2017 Cadillac XTS went off the left side of I-495 westbound at the 177-mile marker around 5:15 a.m. Aug. 31, according to a Virginia State Police news release.

Tiki speakeasy Bar 86 to open in Alexandria next month

By James Cullum

Published September 2, 2025 at 2:45PM

(Left to right) Jacob Sunny, owner Chef Samuel Darlo, and Kelvin Sone at Bar 86, a speakeasy, is opening in October at Café du Soleil at 215 S. Union Street in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

A new speakeasy is opening next month in Alexandria.

After a year in development, Bar 86 will open next month at Café du Soleil. The Tiki bar is the work of owner Chef Samuel Darlo and consultants Jacob Sunny and Kelvin Sone, the latter two having recently finished work at the new Madam Coco Emporium at 115 S. Royal Street.

Alexandria Mayor discusses federal funding risks, infrastructure projects during monthly ALXnow chat

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 2, 2025 at 1:45PM

Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins during a conversation with ALXnow on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins outlined the city’s preparations for potential federal funding cuts and addressed numerous infrastructure concerns during her monthly community conversation Tuesday, emphasizing the need for proactive planning as the City Council prepares to resume meetings Sept. 9.

The mayor detailed ongoing “scenario planning” efforts to assess the city’s vulnerability to federal funding reductions, noting that Alexandria receives more than $50 million in direct federal funding, with most supporting the Department of Community and Human Services.

Bradlee Shopping Center hosting Fall Fest & Safety Fair on Sept. 13

By James Cullum

Published September 2, 2025 at 12:45PM

Fall Fest and Safety Fair at the Bradlee Shopping Center, Sept. 13, 2025 (via Eventbrite)

The Bradlee Shopping Center is hosting a free fall festival and safety fair on Saturday, Sept. 13.

Fire trucks and firefighters, police cruisers, face painting, a balloon artist, craft tables, and games are just a few of the offerings at the outdoor event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the shopping center (3660-3690 King Street). More on the event is below.

275-unit workforce housing project at former Landmark Mall site goes to Planning Commission

By James Cullum

Published September 2, 2025 at 11:45AM

A rendering of the 275-unit, seven-story work force housing multifamily building on Block D of the former Landmark Mall property, as seen from the northeast (via City of Alexandria)

A proposal to build a 275-unit workforce housing multifamily apartment building on the southwest portion of the sprawling WestEnd development is heading to the Alexandria Planning Commission.

Plans for the seven-story development from landowner Foulger Pratt and its partner Landmark Holdings LLC call for a seven-story structure with 210 parking spaces (a reduction from the 327 required spaces), with 80% of the units available for between 80% and 120% area median income. The proposal heads to the Planning Commission on Thursday, Oct. 9.

Notes: Alexandria jazz pop-up series returns Sept. 7 at Southern Towers market

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 2, 2025 at 8:00AM | Updated September 2, 2025 at 9:13AM

ALX Jazz Fest Pop Up Series at the Market at Southern Towers (via City of Alexandria)

Good morning, Alexandria! 👋 Today is Tuesday, Sept. 2, the 245th day of 2025. There are 120 days left in the year.

☀️ Today’s weather: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78 degrees. East wind 3 to 6 mph. Mostly clear tonight, with a low around 57 degrees. Light and variable wind.

PHOTOS: Alexandria Democrats criticize Trump administration at annual Labor Day Picnic

By James Cullum

Published September 1, 2025 at 4:41PM | Updated September 1, 2025 at 10:00PM

The Alexandria Democratic Committee's 2025 Labor Day Picnic at The Garden Alexandria, 5380 Eisenhower Avenue, Sept. 1, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

The Alexandria Democratic Committee held its annual Labor Day Picnic this afternoon, and special guest speakers called on a fierce resistance against the Republican administration of President Donald Trump.

SUV driver charged with reckless driving after moped rider suffers life-threatening injuries in Labor Day crash

By James Cullum

Published September 1, 2025 at 3:09PM

A moped driver suffered life-threatening injuries in a crash at around 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 1, 2025 (via Google Maps)

An adult male driving a moped suffered life-threatening injuries in a crash with an SUV this morning (Monday, Sept. 1) near Potomac Yard. The driver of the SUV, a silver Honda, stayed at the scene and was charged with reckless driving, according to the Alexandria Police Department.

The crash was reported to APD at around 9:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes of Richmond Highway near Fannon Street. The moped driver was thrown from his bike, according to the police scanner. APD dispatch reported that the victim was unconscious but breathing, and he was later transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Scooter rider suffers life-threatening injuries in West End crash

By James Cullum

Published August 30, 2025 at 3:31PM | Updated September 3, 2025 at 12:52PM

Alexandria police cruiser (staff photo by James Jarvis)

A young adult male suffered life-threatening injuries in a scooter crash Saturday morning in Alexandria’s West End, according to the Alexandria Police Department.

While the incident is under investigation, APD told ALXnow that there was no crash with another vehicle and that the scooter rider likely was injured after falling in the 600 block of N. Jordan Street.

The incident was called in to 911 at around 10:15 a.m., and police notified the public three hours later on social media. Emergency dispatchers told first responders that the victim was lying on the ground and slightly moving.

The victim was transported to the GW Hospital Trauma Center, according to dispatch.

On Wednesday (Sept. 3), APD said that the scooter rider was in stable condition.

Anyone with information on this incident can contact the APD non-emergency number at 703-746-4444. Callers can remain anonymous.