News | ALXnow - Part 703

ACPS receives 88,000 KN95 masks after ignoring Governor Youngkin executive order

Published January 21, 2022 at 9:30AM | Updated January 21, 2022 at 2:50PM

Alexandria City Public Schools received 88,000 KN95 face masks for all students and staff last week, not long after newly installed Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order removing face mask mandates in public schools.

Alexandria, along with Arlington and Fairfax County, defied that order and are still requiring students, staff and visitors wear masks indoors. The Alexandria City High School athletic department has also reinstituted mask wearing during practices and competition.

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published January 21, 2022 at 5:00AM

Horse outside Hard Times Cafe, staff photo by Vernon Miles

Jones Point Park live-action roleplayers fight with foam swords, create community — “It is Sunday at Jones Point Park, and today is the day Marcus finds glory on the battlefield.” [Alexandria Times]

Yunnan by Potomac Noodle House honored on 2022 Yelp 100 list — “The Alexandria restaurant is one of the top 100 restaurants in the country, according to Yelp.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Police investigating a smash-and-grab at West End eyewear store

By ALXnow.com

Published January 20, 2022 at 5:35PM | Updated January 20, 2022 at 6:44PM

Police are investigating a grand larceny from a local glasses business in the city’s West End.

The incident took place at the Bauer’s Optical (4680 King Street) in Shoppes at Summit Centre, a shopping center in the northwest corner of Alexandria.

Minnie Howard campus overhaul headed to City Council review this weekend

By Vernon Miles

Published January 20, 2022 at 3:45PM

Minnie Howard design renderings, photo via Perkins-Eastman/Alexandria City Public Schools

Three years after Alexandria’s School Board voted to stick with one high school, plans are headed to Alexandria’s City Council that could help shed light on what that one high school system looks like.

As a quick refresher: the Minnie Howard campus currently hosts 9th-grade classes but will be expanded to act as a larger satellite campus for Alexandria City High School with a total of 1,600 students.

Former Alexandria City Council Republican candidate Monique Miles gets state-level attorney position

By Vernon Miles

Published January 20, 2022 at 2:45PM | Updated January 21, 2022 at 10:02AM

Monique Miles, photo via Monique Miles for City Council

Among the slate of new officials being picked for statewide positions under Governor Glenn Youngkin is a familiar face among Alexandria Republicans: former City Council candidate Monique Miles.

Miles was tapped to serve as deputy attorney general for Government Operations and Transactions, a division that represents executive agencies, state boards, authorities and commissions in all legal matters.

JUST IN: Sheriff says deputy was wrong in interaction with YouTuber filming outside city jail

By James Cullum

Published January 20, 2022 at 1:00PM

Alexandria Sheriff Sean Casey says the recent actions of a deputy against a YouTuber outside the city jail are “inconsistent” with its policies and procedures.

In a video that posted today (Jan. 20), an Alexandria Sheriff’s Deputy asked that “Constitutional activist” Sean Paul Reyes of Long Island Audit not film outside the city jail. Reyes tells the deputy that he is an independent journalist exercising his First Amendment rights, and then refuses to provide the deputy with his full name.

Alexandria listed among 70 “better’ cities for pets by Mars Petcare

By James Cullum

Published January 20, 2022 at 10:45AM

Onyx, an eight-week-old American bull dog mix, getting water in Del Ray (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria went to the dogs long ago, and has been listed as one of 70 cities in the country as a Better City for Pets by Mars Petcare.

The certification takes a number of factors into account, including the number of dog parks, veterinarians, and pet-related businesses. There are an estimated 80,000 pets in the city with a population of 160,000.

Senior living facility in Potomac Yard scheduled to open next month-ish

By Vernon Miles

Published January 20, 2022 at 9:50AM

The Landing in Potomac Yard, photo via The Landing/Facebook

Senior living facility The Landing (2620 Main Line Blvd.) in Potomac Yard is scheduled to open sometime within the next month or two, and with it comes a handful of the rare affordable assisted living units.

Last week, the city announced that seven affordable one-bedroom assisted living units will be available in The Landing.

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published January 20, 2022 at 5:00AM | Updated January 20, 2022 at 1:43PM

White House to distribute free N95 masks: where to get them in VA — “Virginia residents will be able to pick up free N95 masks at the same places they got vaccinated against COVID-19.” [Patch]

Suspect in ‘brutal’ Alexandria slaying claims innocence, says victim was friend — “The man accused of killing a 23-year-old woman in Alexandria, Va., last month denies his involvement in the crime, saying he was a friend of the victim.” [Washington Post]

JUST IN: Alexandria City Public Schools will be virtual Thursday due to snow in forecast

By Brandi Bottalico

Published January 19, 2022 at 5:35PM

A snow plow drives down Mount Vernon Avenue in Arlandria, Jan. 3, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City Public Schools will provide synchronous, virtual learning Thursday after a Winter Weather Advisory warned there may be 2 to 3 inches of snow in the morning.

Class times will include live instruction through Zoom and independent work. All essential personnel must still report to schools, if it is safe to do so.

Winter Weather Advisory issued for region ahead of Thursday snow

By Vernon Miles

Published January 19, 2022 at 3:30PM

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Alexandria and its neighbors ahead of snow expected tomorrow (Thursday) morning.

The advisory is set for 6 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursday morning, with the city expected to get two-three inches of snow in the morning with a chance for more in the afternoon.