News | ALXnow - Part 203

Primary season begins as early voting kicks off Friday and Virginians start shaping the 2025 ballot

Published May 2, 2025 at 5:23AM | Updated May 2, 2025 at 10:42AM

Early voting in the June 17 primaries starts May 2. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury)

Virginia voters can begin casting ballots Friday, May 2, as early voting opens for the June 17 primary elections. These primaries will determine party nominees for key statewide offices and legislative seats ahead of the November general election, which could reshape the state’s political landscape.

While Virginia’s gubernatorial race between Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger is set, Democrats still have to settle their tickets for lieutenant governor and attorney general.

US wants to move Georgetown scholar’s deportation lawsuit from Alexandria to Texas. Judge appears skeptical

By Olivia Diaz and Ben Finley | Associated Press/Report for America

Published May 1, 2025 at 6:12PM | Updated May 2, 2025 at 3:32PM

Anita Martineau, of Arlington, Va., left, and her daughter Marisa Martineau, center, rally in support of Georgetown University scholar Badar Khan Suri, in opposition to his arrest and detention, before a news conference following his hearing outside of the courthouse, at the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, in Alexandria, Va., Thursday, May 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — The Trump administration told a federal judge Thursday that a Georgetown University scholar’s lawsuit against deportation should be moved from Virginia, where it was filed, to Texas, where he’s jailed over allegations of “spreading Hamas propaganda.”

U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles seemed skeptical of the government’s request, which would involve her dismissing the case in Virginia. She raised concerns that a dismissal in her court would void her order in March to keep Badar Khan Suri in the U.S. while his First Amendment case plays out.

Uber and Lyft drivers boycott for higher wages in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published May 1, 2025 at 3:30PM | Updated May 1, 2025 at 4:00PM

Uber driver Nupur Chowdhury participated in a boycott of the rideshare service at the New Virginia Majority office in Arlandria (staff photo by James Cullum)

Dozens of Uber and Lyft drivers from around the region boycotted both companies today by turning off their apps in Alexandria.

The boycott was part of an international May Day effort calling on Uber and Lyft to be more transparent in regard to fees, fares, and more. Over four hours today, the drivers gathered at the New Virginia Majority office (3801 Mt Vernon Ave) and made speeches, ate lunch, held a poetry reading and talked to each other.

Supporters rally in Alexandria for Georgetown professor detained by ICE

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 1, 2025 at 3:00PM | Updated May 1, 2025 at 6:13PM

Supporters Rally for Dr. Badar Kham Suri, a Georgetown Professor who was recently detained by ICE (Staff photo by Ryan Belmore)

Dozens of supporters are currently gathered outside the U.S. District Court in Alexandria to support Georgetown University professor Dr. Badar Khan Suri during his immigration hearing. The rally, which began at 1 p.m. on May 1, continues as supporters await the results of the proceedings.

Dr. Khan Suri, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on March 17 after his J-1 visa was revoked. According to rally organizers, he was “abducted by masked ICE agents” as part of what they describe as a campaign against visa and green card holders connected to pro-Palestine activism.

New owners announced for ‘She’s Unique’ jewelry store on King Street

By James Cullum

Published May 1, 2025 at 1:00PM

Sibila (on left) and Katya Ananieva, have sold She's Unique at 205 King Street (Courtesy photo)

A popular jewelry store in Old Town has a new owner.

Katya and Sibila Ananieva, the mother-daughter owners of She’s Unique (205 King Street), recently announced that they’ve sold the business to their “longtime customers, best friends and business partners” Bridget Nistico and Rosio Garcia.

Shape the News: ALXnow Press Club launches member feedback hours with Publisher

By ALXnow.com

Published May 1, 2025 at 9:30AM

Less than two months after its debut, the ALXnow Press Club is rapidly building a dedicated following, attracting nearly 100 founding members and now adding even more exclusive engagement opportunities.

The membership program, created for loyal readers of ALXnow, is designed to provide enhanced access to local news and foster a closer connection between Alexandrians and the team delivering their daily updates.

Notes: Dual actions in Alexandria today – rally planned for detained professor as rideshare drivers demand fair treatment

By ALXnow.com

Published May 1, 2025 at 8:10AM

Lyft. Credit: Lyft

Good Thursday morning, Alexandria!

🌥️ Today’s weather: Expect partly sunny skies with a high around 81 degrees and a southeast wind of 6 to 9 mph. Moving into Thursday night, there is a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with mostly cloudy conditions and a low of around 67 degrees. The southeast wind will continue at 6 to 8 mph.

For Black men, fashion has been a tool of self-expression — and a way they’ve been judged

By DEEPTI HAJELA Associated Press

Published May 1, 2025 at 12:06AM | Updated May 1, 2025 at 7:43PM

This combination photo shows various fashion worn by rapper A$AP Rocky. (AP Photo)

NEW YORK (AP) — Growing up on the south side of Chicago, the Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley was given the message early on: What one wore as a Black man mattered.

Wesley’s pastor father, who migrated from Louisiana after World War II in search of more opportunities than those readily available to Black people in the Deep South, “always had an impeccable sense of shirt and tie and suit.”

Alexandria City Council passes $956.5 million FY 2026 Budget amid ‘time of great uncertainty’

By James Cullum

Published April 30, 2025 at 9:05PM

Alexandria City Council approves the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, April 30, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Against a backdrop of political and economic uncertainty, Alexandria’s City Council unanimously adopted its $956.5 million operating budget.

City Manager Jim Parajon said it was challenging crafting a budget that keeps city services without increasing real estate or property taxes. The city’s budget grew 3.2% over the current fiscal year, with its largest line item being a fully-funded Alexandria City Public Schools, as well as significant stormwater management funding for the city’s $2.1 billion FY 2026 – 2035 Capital Improvement Program.

City of Alexandria teams up with Congressman Beyer for Federal Worker Job Fair on May 3

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 30, 2025 at 7:00PM

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer called out Elon Musk at his office in Old Town on March 7, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria is joining forces with Congressman Don Beyer and nearby communities to hold a job fair this Saturday (May 3) for federal workers and contractors affected by recent government workforce cuts.

The event aims to connect job seekers with more than 40 companies and organizations looking to hire. Recruiters and hiring managers from various fields, including healthcare, IT, local government, military, consumer electronics, accounting and finance, and federal government professional services, will be there.

Upcoming blood drives in Alexandria seek donors this Thursday and Saturday

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 30, 2025 at 6:30PM

(via Inova)

Amid a critical nationwide blood shortage – the worst in two decades – Alexandria residents have two opportunities this week to donate blood and help save lives at upcoming community drives.

The World Mission Society Church of God is hosting a community blood drive on Thursday (May 1). It will run from 5 to 9 p.m. at 1501 Duke Street.