News | ALXnow - Part 870

Morning Notes

Published January 12, 2021 at 9:00AM | Updated January 12, 2021 at 9:37AM

Governor Recommends Staying Away From D.C. on Inauguration Day — “This afternoon, I spoke with @MayorBowser and @GovLarryHogan as we prepare for the upcoming inauguration. Virginia currently has 2,000 @VaNationalGuard members in Washington, D.C. to help protect the U.S. Capitol and keep the peace–and we will be there as long as we are needed.” [Twitter]

Beyer Calls for House Minority Leader McCarthy to Resign over Capitol Siege — “After terrorists shed blood in our Capitol, Kevin McCarthy went to the House Floor and led the renewed attack on our democracy. He echoed Trump’s incendiary lies and dehumanizing attacks on political opponents, and now claims to oppose ‘division?’ No. Kevin McCarthy must resign.” [Beyer.house.gov]

BREAKING: ACPS Delays Jan. 19 Reopening as COVID-19 Cases Rise

By James Cullum

Published January 11, 2021 at 4:30PM | Updated January 11, 2021 at 4:53PM

Alexandria City Public Schools has pushed back its planned partial reopening for young disabled students from Jan. 19 to Jan. 26.

Citing the increase in positive cases of COVID-19, the school system announced Monday (Jan. 11) that the students in kindergarten to second grade with disabilities instead go back to school on the date that is currently designated for special education students in grades 3-5, disabled students in grades K-5 and English learners in grades PreK-5.

City Restarts Search for Expanded Broadband Opportunities

By Vernon Miles

Published January 11, 2021 at 3:30PM | Updated January 11, 2021 at 10:48PM

With the pandemic forcing more daily activities like work and school to go virtual, Mayor Justin Wilson said the city is doubling down on efforts to provide broadband options for Alexandria residents.

Expanding internet options beyond Comcast has been a several-year project for the city that’s hit a few bumps in the road.

Alexandria Police Ask ATF to Help Stem 49% Surge in Gunfire Incidents

By James Cullum

Published January 11, 2021 at 2:30PM

Alexandria Police are working with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on investigating the steep uptick in gunfire incidents that have wounded city residents and terrorized communities.

There was a 49% increase in shots fired calls for service in 2020 over 2019. Over the weekend, APD released figures showing 57 incidents in 2020 versus the 37 incidents the previous year.

Three More COVID-19 Deaths in Alexandria, Cases Surpass 8,000

By James Cullum

Published January 11, 2021 at 1:30PM

Three more Alexandria residents have died from COVID-19, and the death toll from the virus now stands at 91. The city has reached 8,156 cases, an increase of 618 cases since this time last week.

The victims were two men and a woman, and one was in their 80s, another in their 70s and another in their 60s.

ACPS Announces ‘Decision Days’ for Reopening on Mondays

By Vernon Miles

Published January 11, 2021 at 12:45PM

Facing a consistent barrage of concerned parents asking about reopening plans, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) said it will begin posting a weekly update on when the schools will reopen.

In a newsletter, ACPS said it will be holding a weekly review of the COVID-19 data to adjust the timeline for reopening.

Police Investigating Carjacking and Shooting

By Vernon Miles

Published January 11, 2021 at 11:30AM | Updated January 11, 2021 at 4:11PM

1100 Quaker Hill Drive (image via Google Maps)

(Updated 4 p.m.) Police are investigating a pair of violent crimes that occurred this [Monday] morning.

The first was a felonious assault around 6 a.m. on the 1100 block of Quaker Hill Drive, right behind the Alexandria Commons shopping center near Taylor Run.

Mayor: New Phase of Vaccine Opens to 1/4 of Virginians

By Vernon Miles

Published January 11, 2021 at 10:50AM

After receiving approval from the state, Mayor Justin Wilson announced on Twitter than Alexandria is moving into the next phase of vaccine distribution.

The new wave of distribution, listed as 1B, opens up the vaccine to several new essential professions. Healthcare workers were able to recieve the vaccine under phase 1A.

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published January 11, 2021 at 9:00AM

A man walks on a crane above construction in North Old Town Alexandria (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

Black History Museum Asks for Help in Conservation Effort — “The Alexandria Black History Museum (BHM) is asking for help from the community. The museum hopes to apply for a conservation grant from the Virginia Association of Museums (VAM)… From Jan. 11 through 20, people can vote for their favorite artifact on the top ten list. The artifact with the most votes will win the People’s Choice Award and $1,000 toward conservation work on the artifact.” [Zebra]

Nothing Bundt Cakes to Open on Duke Street — “Nothing Bundt Cakes is opening its first Alexandria location. The bakery will open at 4553 Duke St., replacing a Subway sandwich shop in the Shoppes at Foxchase in Alexandria’s West End.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Another Shots Fired Call Last Night as Police Prepare City Council Report on Shootings

By Vernon Miles

Published January 8, 2021 at 3:30PM

Police are investigating another shots fired call at 5700 Eliot Court — barely a block away from a shooting last week — even as the police department prepares for a presentation at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

Police said on social media that the police responded to a shots fired call at Eliot Court in the West End at around 11 p.m. last night (Thursday). Senior Public Information Officer Amanda Paga told ALXnow that multiple shell casings were found at the scene but there was no property damage.

Superintendent Says Reopening Plan Uncertain, School Board Member Lorber Takes Fire for Comments

By James Cullum

Published January 8, 2021 at 2:30PM | Updated January 8, 2021 at 4:17PM

Students learning at home during the COVID-19 shutdown (Photo via ACPS/Facebook)

It’s uncertain whether Alexandria City Public Schools will open for in-person schooling on Jan. 19, despite a phased reentry plan that will be sent out to parents on Monday.

Superintendent Gregory Hutchings, Jr. told the School Board Thursday night that it is difficult to say with certainty that schools will reopen on Jan. 19 for young students with disabilities.