News | ALXnow - Part 796

Morning Notes

Published June 30, 2021 at 5:00AM

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria turns 75 — “Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson and several City Council members were among the attendees milling about, chatting with friends, reviewing the dozens of items up for auction, and touring the facility as well as the AWLA’s new surgical and event vehicle, Waggin’ Wheels.” [Zebra]

Former Steak & Ale building demolished — “Long-time residents of Alexandria may remember the old Steak and Ale restaurant at the intersection of Kenmore Avenue and Seminary Road. The 6,800 square foot Tudor-style building has been abandoned for more than a decade, since the restaurant chain declared bankruptcy.” [Alexandria Living]

Alexandria using Teen Wellness Center at T.C. Williams High School for COVID-19 testing and vaccine pilot

By James Cullum

Published June 29, 2021 at 4:45PM

The Alexandria Health Department has launched a COVID-19 testing and vaccine clinic at the Teen Wellness Center in an effort to get more 12-to-19-year-olds vaccinated.

The pilot will help the department figure out how to incorporate it into the school system, acting AHD Director Dr. Anne Gaddy told City Council and School Board members in a meeting Monday night.

Military spouses ask Sen. Tim Kaine to help with childcare in Alexandria roundtable

By James Cullum

Published June 29, 2021 at 3:30PM | Updated June 30, 2021 at 10:11AM

Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine listens to military families at the National Military Family Association in Alexandria on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Virginia Senator Tim Kaine got an earful on military family needs at a roundtable he hosted Tuesday morning at the National Military Family Association in Alexandria.

Facing few childcare options, one military spouse had to take three years off of work as a physician’s assistant to take care of her young children.

Alexandria urges caution with upcoming hazardous heat conditions

By Vernon Miles

Published June 29, 2021 at 2:30PM

Playing at the sprayground at Potomac Yard Park (staff photo by James Cullum)

It’s not Pacific Northwest-bad, but the National Weather Service is warning that that Alexandria could reach a heat index of 105 or higher over the next few days.

The NWS has issued a hazardous weather outlook for the next few days, with high temperatures estimated for Wednesday afternoon.

Woman shot in Landmark Area Monday night

By James Cullum

Published June 29, 2021 at 1:00PM | Updated June 30, 2021 at 9:54AM

An adult woman suffered non-life threatening injuries after being shot in the 400 block of S. Reynolds Street in the West End on Monday night.

Alexandria Police tweeted that the incident occurred at around 11 p.m., and that there is no known threat in the area.

King Street Trolley service to return next Monday

By Vernon Miles

Published June 29, 2021 at 11:30AM

King Street Trolley in Alexandria (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The long-awaited return of Old Town’s King Street Trolley is scheduled for next Monday, July 5.

According to a press release from the City of Alexandria, the trolley will resume daily operation on Monday, with a few modifications.

Alexandria Reggae band FeelFree gets political in latest single

By James Cullum

Published June 29, 2021 at 10:45AM | Updated June 30, 2021 at 1:09AM

Alexandria’s Reggae band FeelFree is back on the road, and their latest single “Big Shot Man” is a political statement that took years to write.

What system are they rebelling against? The presidency of Donald Trump, which inspired musical creations that garner millions of listens.

Alexandria’s Noah Lyles wins 200 meters, fulfills dream to compete in the Olympics

By James Cullum

Published June 29, 2021 at 9:30AM

Alexandria’s Noah Lyles is officially on the U.S. Olympic Team after winning the 200 meter race in the Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, on Sunday night.

Lyles ran the race in 19.74 seconds – the fastest time clocked this year in the world — speeding to Tokyo as the second Alexandrian to join the team behind boxer Troy Isley.

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published June 29, 2021 at 5:00AM

Virginia extends ‘cocktails-to-go’ laws for another year — “During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many restaurants were shuttered, the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) created a safe and secure way for restaurants to offer cocktails to go with a meal. The General Assembly has now continued this practice in statute for one year.” [Zebra]

Republican mayoral candidate Catchings announces she won’t get education endorsement — “I will not be receiving the endorsement from APACE – Alexandria Political Action Committee for Education. What matters most is that I receive the support from Alexandria parents and citizens for School Choice !!” [Twitter]

Alexandria teaching racial and social equity with 30 day challenge

By James Cullum

Published June 28, 2021 at 3:45PM | Updated June 28, 2021 at 4:22PM

It’s a different world than when Jacqueline Tucker started work in Alexandria.

Tucker started her job as the city’s first-ever racial and social equity officer in February 2020, and in the months that followed the pandemic and social unrest shook the city to its core.

Landmark Mall plan approved as Planning Commission demands better environmental considerations

By Vernon Miles

Published June 28, 2021 at 2:35PM

Landmark Mall rendering (image via City of Alexandria)

The plans to redevelop Landmark Mall are moving forward — but with a corollary added at the Planning Commission last week that requires the developer to step up their green energy policies and caused some tension on the Commission.

Dissatisfaction with the developer’s green energy plans were first expressed by Commissioner Stephen Koenig. He acknowledged that the developers hit the bare minimums required, but suggested the city should wield its power of approval for greater density to push for more.