News | ALXnow - Part 248

Concerns over student privacy raised at Alexandria Schools-Police MOU hearing, School Board review tonight

Published May 29, 2025 at 9:45AM | Updated May 29, 2025 at 11:24AM

Alexandria police cruiser (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The Alexandria City School Board held a public hearing on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) and the Alexandria Police Department (APD) on Tuesday (May 27). The hearing focused on proposed revisions to the agreement that governs the relationship between schools and law enforcement, including the role of School Resource Officers (SROs).

Four speakers addressed the board during the sixteen-minute hearing, expressing concerns about specific provisions in the proposed MOU. The primary issues raised include student privacy, access to educational records, and procedures for questioning students.

Notes: Old Town Books owner Ally Kirkpatrick launches Fabled Ice Cream

By ALXnow.com

Published May 29, 2025 at 8:00AM | Updated May 29, 2025 at 4:05PM

Allyson Kirkpatrick of Old Town Books has launched Fabled Ice Cream (Photo via Fabled Ice Cream on Honeycomb Credit)

Good Thursday morning, Alexandria!

🌤️ Today’s weather: Patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 79 degrees. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Scattered showers and thunderstorms tonight before 2 a.m., then isolated showers after 5 a.m. Patchy fog after 3 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 65 degrees. Light south wind. The chance of precipitation is 40%.

Virginia Tech rebrands Alexandria campus, unveils Institute for Advanced Computing

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 29, 2025 at 6:00AM

Virginia Tech Innovation Campus (staff photo by James Cullum)

Virginia Tech is setting up a new Institute for Advanced Computing in Alexandria. The university-wide institute will be based in Academic Building One, focusing on cutting-edge research and education in computing and technology.

Graduate programs in computer science and computer engineering will be offered at the institute. It’s also aiming to build strong partnerships with industry leaders and government organizations.

Weather Alert: Coastal Flood Advisory in effect for Alexandria

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 28, 2025 at 6:17PM

Flooding in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect until midnight tonight (May 28) for the shoreline of Alexandria and Arlington County.

The National Weather Service issued the Coastal Flood Advisory at 6:08 p.m.

Michael & Son owner wants to open an Asian fusion restaurant across from Potomac Yard

By James Cullum

Published May 28, 2025 at 4:45PM

A rendering of Flavor Hive at 3314 Richmond Highway, as envisioned by owner Basim Mansour (via City of Alexandria)

The owner of a popular local home improvement business is getting into the restaurant game.

PHOTOS: Alexandria City High School’s largest-ever class graduates at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena

By James Cullum

Published May 28, 2025 at 2:30PM | Updated May 29, 2025 at 1:38AM

Alexandria City High School's graduation at George Mason University's EagleBank Arena, May 28, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

It wasn’t just raining outside today. Tears of happiness streamed from students, parents, educators, and city leaders as 984 Alexandria City High School seniors graduated at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena. That’s the largest graduating class in ACHS history.

Alexandria City Public Schools Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt told the students that now is the time for them to harness their potential, creativity, brilliance, and resilience.

Alexandria calls off Community Cookout at Mason at Van Dorn due to weather

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 28, 2025 at 1:15PM

City of Alexandria Community Cookout on April 29, 2025 (Staff Photo by Ryan Belmore)

For the third consecutive week, the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities has been forced to cancel a community cookout due to inclement weather.

The city announced on Wednesday (May 28) that their next cookout, scheduled for Thursday (May 29) at Mason at Van Dorn (140 South Van Dorn Street) has been cancelled.

Notes: Celebrate Pride in the West End on June 20

By ALXnow.com

Published May 28, 2025 at 8:00AM

ALXWEBA - West End Business Association will Celebrate Pride In The West End on June 20 (via ALXWEBA)

Good Wednesday morning, Alexandria!

⛈️ Today’s weather: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 64 degrees. East wind 7 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches are possible. Scattered showers tonight, mainly before 11 p.m. Patchy fog after 9 p.m. Otherwise, it is cloudy, with a low of around 59 degrees. East wind 6 to 11 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph. The chance of precipitation is 40%.

Alexandria City Council discusses strategic priorities, extends Torpedo Factory leases

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 27, 2025 at 9:00PM | Updated May 28, 2025 at 5:19AM

Alexandria City Council presented a proclamation recognizing May as Sex Education Month (screenshot)

The Alexandria City Council met Tuesday evening (May 27) for a Legislative Meeting, where they discussed and voted on several key initiatives, including lease extensions for Torpedo Factory artists, funding for Inova Alexandria Hospital, and updates to the city’s strategic priorities framework.

The meeting began with proclamations recognizing Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Sex Education Month.

Alexandria woman pleads guilty to murder in Ohio national park

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 27, 2025 at 4:45PM

Police car lights (file photo)

An Alexandria woman has admitted to murder at an Ohio national park after driving hundreds of miles to meet her victim.

Chelsea Perkins, 35, from Alexandria, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and using a firearm during a violent crime on federal property. She entered her plea on May 27 in a federal court in Cleveland, Ohio.

Alexandria City Council’s second Town Hall set for June 12

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 27, 2025 at 3:30PM

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

Mark your calendars for June 12, as the Alexandria City Council gears up for its second town hall of the year. The event takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Charles Houston Recreation Center Gymnasium (901 Wythe St).

Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley, and all council members will be on hand to chat about issues affecting residents and share updates on upcoming projects and initiatives.