News | ALXnow - Part 818

Details released on suspect who threatened to bomb Metro station, police headquarters and government buildings

Published May 11, 2021 at 10:45AM

Alexandria Police cruiser (staff photo by James Cullum)

Details have been released on the 27-year-old man who was arrested for allegedly making bomb threats against Metro, unspecified government buildings and the Alexandria Police Department.

Henock Seyoum Pastoor was arrested by Metro Transit Police last month and charged with threats to bomb or damage buildings or means of transportation. Pastoor allegedly told police that he was “upset with the government of the United States of America and planned to blow up” the Spring Hill Metro station in Fairfax County. He also allegedly told police that he was planning a “terrorist attack on unspecified government buildings and the local Alexandria Police Department Headquarters,” according to a search warrant affidavit.

Alexandria’s Initial unemployment claims drop, continued claims remain steady

By James Cullum

Published May 11, 2021 at 9:45AM

Alexandria’s initial (first time) unemployment claims fell significantly, and continued claims remained steady for the week ending May 1.

There were just 310 initial claims for the week ending Mat 1, according to the Virginia Employment Commission. That’s a 78% dip in the number of claims from the previous week, which saw 1,498 initial claims.

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 11, 2021 at 5:00AM

ACPS enrollment goes down — “In September 2020 — the start of this school year — enrollment was at just 15,588, a decrease of 3 percent. Since September, ACPS has gained about 300 students, but had ACPS enrollment continued at its average growth rate of 2.86 percent per year (since 2014), enrollment would have been 16,521 students this academic year.” [Alexandria Living]

Goodwin House and George Mason University partner for memory study — “The study will involve Goodwin House Alexandria and Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads residents, as well as seniors who participate in Goodwin House at Home.” [Zebra]

Photos: Alexandria Police Department and city leaders salute fallen officers

By James Cullum

Published May 10, 2021 at 4:30PM | Updated May 10, 2021 at 6:20PM

Police Chief Michael Brown salutes at the annual APD wreath laying ceremony for fallen officers, May 10, 2021. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

The Alexandria Police Department honored its fallen officers in an annual wreath laying ceremony on Monday, May 10.

“These individuals who we just recognized did make the ultimate sacrifice,” Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown said at the city’s Fallen Officers Memorial outside APD headquarters. “In tough times they were there.”

Alexandria City Council to consider adjusting face mask ordinance for everyone

By James Cullum

Published May 10, 2021 at 3:30PM | Updated May 10, 2021 at 10:02PM

Walking along the waterfront in Old Town. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

(Updated at 4:30 p.m.) The Alexandria City Council will consider adjusting the city’s face mask ordinance to evolve with Governor Ralph Northam’s executive order, which is continually being amended to loosen statewide coronavirus restrictions.

The ordinance states that all city residents under the age of five years old are required to wear face masks except while exercising, eating and drinking or if they have a verified health condition. The ordinance was approved last September and expires this September.

Alexandria senior living facility joins memory improvement study

By Vernon Miles

Published May 10, 2021 at 2:40PM

Alexandria and Bailey’s Crossroads-based Goodwin House Incorporated has partnered with George Mason University (GMU) to help improve memory retrieval and other cognitive abilities for seniors.

According to a press release, GMU is initiating a study of Goodwin House’s StrongerMemory program, which specializes in delaying or slowing the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and/or dementia.

Landmark Mall developers to field public question in forum this week

By Vernon Miles

Published May 10, 2021 at 1:15PM

Landmark Mall rendering (image via City of Alexandria)

Representatives of the new Landmark Mall development are planning to host a public meeting later this week for folks hoping to hear the latest on the concept plan and answer some questions.

A virtual community meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 13, at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

Inova Cares Clinic for Women opens in West End

By James Cullum

Published May 10, 2021 at 11:05AM

Officials cut the ribbon for the new Inova Cares Clinic for Women at 4700 King Street. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

The ribbon was cut at the Inova Cares Clinic for Women on Saturday, providing the West End with obstetrics and gynecological services.

The ribbon cutting was attended by a number of local politicians, including members of the General Assembly and Mayor Justin Wilson. Also unveiled was a new Inova Ewing Forensic Assessment and Consultation Teams department (FACT) to support domestic violence and assault victims.

Election: Stark differences as Wilson and Silberberg face off in mayoral debate

By James Cullum

Published May 10, 2021 at 10:15AM | Updated May 10, 2021 at 12:07PM

A voter leaves City Hall after casting a callot (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Stark differences were on full display Saturday night, as Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson and former Mayor Allison Silberberg sparred in a contentious debate on local issues.

Wilson defended his record since taking the mayorship from Silberberg in 2018. Silberberg, however, said she wants to restore the public trust, and that the city is at an inflection point.

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 10, 2021 at 5:00AM

The sky over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Old Hat Bar to open soon in Old Town — “Gastropub opening May 21 in Old Town may teach some new dogs in the hospitality industry some old tricks.” [Alexandria Living]

ACPS opens summer/fall learning choice form on Tuesday — “The decision you make now is important to our comprehensive planning. The Learning Choice Form will be sent to families by email on May 11, 2021. May 24, 2021 is the last day for families to inform ACPS of your selection for the 2021-22 school year. If a family does not make a selection before the deadline, then their child will automatically be enrolled in in-person learning for the first quarter of the school year.” [ACPS]

ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published May 7, 2021 at 3:30PM

What a week in Alexandria. Here are some of the highlights.

The Alexandria City Council on Wednesday approved its Fiscal Year 2022 $770.7 million budget on Wednesday, and it includes a 2 cent real estate tax reduction. It’s the first time that’s happened in 15 years, and the budget also fully funds Alexandria City Public Schools’ request and includes a 1% raise for city and state employees.