News

Alexandria and Arlington Fire Department unions say understaffing put people and buildings at risk after Crystal City blaze

By James Cullum

Understaffing within the Alexandria Fire Department put people and buildings at risk during a fire at Crystal City’s restaurant row on 23rd Street earlier this month, according to two unions representing more than 500 Alexandria and Arlington firefighters, medics and fire marshals.

In a sharply worded press release on Friday, Dec. 10, officials from the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2141 and IAFF Local 2800 wrote that AFD’s inability to fully staff their department led to “multiple close calls” at a fire on Saturday, Dec. 4, in the 500 block of 23rd Street. No one was injured in the blaze, which caused $1.8 million in damages.

Go to Alexandria and Arlington Fire Department unions say understaffing put people and buildings at risk after Crystal City blaze Read more

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles
A flock of geese in flight near Cameron Run (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Arrest made in murder of Alexandria student — “A Virginia State University student turned himself in to law enforcement Friday night following a Dec. 5 shooting that killed Daniel Wharton, a fellow VSU student from Alexandria.” [WTOP]

11-year-old Alexandria ice skater has eyes set on Olympics — “A local ice skater who recently won a national championship has her eyes set on the Olympics.” [Fox 5]

Go to Morning Notes Read more

ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

It’s been a rough couple of days for Alexandria City High School.

The school lost its varsity boys basketball coach yesterday when he resigned. He was suspended earlier in the week after a brawl during a game with Wakefield. Threats against the school were investigated earlier this week, and today the Minnie Howard campus was locked down following a bomb threat.

Go to ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria Read more

JUST IN: Minnie Howard campus evacuated after bomb threat

By Vernon Miles
Alexandria City High School's Minnie Howard Campus at 3801 W. Braddock Road was evacuated on Friday, Dec. 10, after a bomb threat. Here, Alexandria Police and a Bomb Dog look for anything suspicious outside the school. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Updated 1:15 p.m. — ACHS King Street Campus has returned to normal operating status and Alexandria Police have finished their sweep of the Minnie Howard campus.

12/10/21, 12:50 p.m. APD threat assessment completed & ACHS King St campus back to normal operating status & normal student schedule

Go to JUST IN: Minnie Howard campus evacuated after bomb threat Read more

The Alexandria detention center population has been declining since 2011, here’s why

By Vernon Miles
The William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center (via City of Alexandria)

Over the last decade, Alexandria’s jail has been getting a little less crowded.

Since 2011, the average population at the William Truesdale Adult Detention has generally trended downward. Even pre-COVID there was an 18% population decrease since 2011, which only became more pronounced during the pandemic. In 2011, the average daily population in the Alexandria jail was 430. In 2019 it was 352. This year it’s 277.

Go to The Alexandria detention center population has been declining since 2011, here’s why Read more

BREAKING: Alexandria City High School on lockdown after social media threats

By Vernon Miles
The Alexandria City High School marquee (staff photo by James Cullum)

Update at 12:20 p.m. — The Minnie Howard campus is being evacuated as police investigate a bomb threat against the school.

Both Alexandria City High School’s main campus and the Minnie Howard campus are on lockdown after threats made on social media.

Go to BREAKING: Alexandria City High School on lockdown after social media threats Read more

Florence King, City Council candidate and Alexandria Living Legend, dies

By James Cullum

(Updated on Dec. 23) Florence King, a 2018 Alexandria Living Legend and 2021 City Council candidate, has died.

King, who was in her early 70s, died at her Alexandria home on Thursday morning, Dec. 9, after a brief illness, according to friends. The news was a surprise to many city leaders, activists and friends.

Go to Florence King, City Council candidate and Alexandria Living Legend, dies Read more

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles
A runner makes their way down a trail near Cameron Run (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

ACHS basketball coach resigns — “Alexandria City varsity boys’ basketball coach Darryl Prue said he resigned from his position Thursday morning following an in-game incident Tuesday night in which he went into the crowd to confront heckling fans at Wakefield High in Arlington.” [Washington Post]

French bakery ‘Fresh Baguette’ crossing the river into Old Town Alexandria — “Fresh Baguette bakery will be opening its fourth location — and first in Alexandria — at 1101 King St. in early 2022. The French bakery has stores in Bethesda, Rockville and Georgetown.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Go to Morning Notes Read more
View More Stories