News | ALXnow - Part 884

Morning Notes

Published October 30, 2020 at 9:00AM

Beyer Calls Trump ‘Super Spreader in Chief’ — “The Super-Spreader-In-Chief strikes again. From coast to coast he visits American communities spreading dangerous aversion to science and public health precautions. He brings large groups of people together under unsafe conditions in state after state, and this is what results.” [Twitter]

Halloween Weekend Events in Alexandria — “While Alexandria police are not planning to close down Lee Street for the annual Halloween party, there are lots of activities Halloween weekend.” [Alexandria Living]

Did You Know: The Tall Ship Providence Encountered a Ghost Ship in 1777

By James Cullum

Published October 29, 2020 at 5:00PM | Updated October 29, 2020 at 10:02PM

In 1777, the original Tall Ship Providence found something eerie off the coast of New York — an abandoned, rudderless ghost ship full of rich clothing, bread and even a dog.

“We came within pistol shot and hailed her, but received no answer,” noted Marine Captain John Trevette in his diary.

Owner says SUV Abandoned After West End Crash was Stolen

By James Cullum

Published October 29, 2020 at 3:45PM

The owner of an SUV that crashed into a truck in the West End in August reported that his vehicle was stolen before a hit-and-run.

On the evening of August 13, a passerby reported to police that an unattended silver-colored GMC Acadia crashed into a parked Ford F-150 in the 5700 block of Reading Avenue in the West End.

Jasmine is Up for Adoption with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published October 29, 2020 at 2:30PM

Even at 15 years old, Jasmine the Chihuahua is spry and can smell treats from the other end of the room.

A native of Florida, Jasmine she spent some quality time with the True and Faithful Pet Rescue Mission before making Alexandria her home.

Identity Released of Old Town North Suspect Killed in Shootout

By James Cullum

Published October 29, 2020 at 1:15PM | Updated October 29, 2020 at 1:37PM

Alexandria Police lights (staff photo by James Cullum)

Virginia State Police have identified the 27-year-old suspect who died in a shootout with Alexandria police in Old Town North on Monday, October 26.

Michael K. Nelson of Fairfax County was found dead with a stolen firearm near the intersection of Montgomery Street and North Fairfax Street, according to Virginia State Police. His alleged accomplice, 26-year-old Mitchell Thompson, later turned himself in and was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

National Weather Service Issues Flood Watch for Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published October 29, 2020 at 11:35AM | Updated October 29, 2020 at 1:22PM

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Alexandria until Thursday night (October 29) as the remnants of Tropical Storm Zeta move through the region.

“Heavy rainfall from Zeta could lead to some flooding of small streams, creeks, and urban areas,” warned NWS. “Rain amounts of two- to-three inches are expected with locally higher amounts possible, especially in the metro areas.”

New Torpedo Factory Plan Calls for Greater Public Engagement

By Vernon Miles

Published October 29, 2020 at 10:30AM

The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

The Torpedo Factory Art Center is one of Alexandria’s cultural landmarks of the waterfront. But as the city moves forward with other modernizing changes to the waterfront, it is also turning an eye towards overhauling the Torpedo Factory to be more of a “hands-on” public attraction.

A series of recommendations in a recently released action plan include plans the city hopes will turn parts of the Torpedo Factory into a more engaging artistic space.

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published October 29, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated October 29, 2020 at 11:24PM

Halloween Beer Pong in front of a Del Ray home. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Beyer Says Trump is Suppressing Votes — “Donald Trump wants to illegally stop Americans – including members of our military serving overseas – from voting. The counter to this is simple: vote.” [Twitter]

Mayor Defends Kamala Harris’ Dancing After Criticism — “I am a ‘younger’ elected official and I frequently dance (and sing) to Mary J. songs (more ‘Just Fine’ than ‘Work That’) and I cannot wait until next year when we have a Vice President who does too.” [Twitter]

Continued Unemployment Claims Down 19% in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published October 28, 2020 at 5:00PM | Updated October 28, 2020 at 6:53PM

The number of continued claims for unemployment in Alexandria took a large dip for the week ending October 17, with 538 fewer continued claims than the previous week.

For the week ending October 17, the city had 2,353 continued claims, which was down 19% from the previous week’s 2,891 continued claims. There were also 2,885 continued claims for the week ending October 3; 3,282 continued claims for the week ending Sept. 26; 3,053 claims for the week ending Sept. 19 and 4,036 continued claims for the week ending Sept. 12.

Free Sandbags Available as Residents Urged to Prepare for Incoming Hurricane

By Vernon Miles

Published October 28, 2020 at 3:30PM

There’s a chance Hurricane Zeta won’t have much of an impact by the time it reaches Alexandria, but the city is nonetheless offering free sandbags to residents hoping to protect their homes.

Currently, the National Weather Service has predicted a 100% chance of rain on Thursday with potential to reach three inches of rainfall.

School Board to Vote on Amended Memorandum of Understanding with Alexandria Police Department

By James Cullum

Published October 28, 2020 at 2:30PM | Updated November 2, 2020 at 12:31PM

George Washington Middle School (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The Alexandria School Board is set to vote on Thursday (October 29) on a revised memorandum of understanding with the Alexandria Police Department to provide school resource officers in the city’s public schools.

Among the changes are definitions of student “contact” with a police officer, since any contact with a student must be reported to ACPS. That includes: