News | ALXnow - Part 958

Morning Notes

Published June 15, 2020 at 9:00AM

Alfred Street Baptist Church Leaders March on Washington — “Reverend Dr. Howard-John Wesley, pastor of the Alfred Street Baptist Church, welcomed hundreds of marchers, including regional and local ecumenical believers and leaders, along with national faith leaders.” [WTOP]

Nonprofit Used Book Store Planned for Del Ray — “Don Alexander, a resident, posted on the web platform Nextdoor that he is collecting used books and plans to open a used bookstore at 1712 Mt Vernon Ave., which is near Alexandria Hyundai and R&B Plumbing.” [Alexandria Living]

Alexandria Weekend Discussion

By James Cullum

Published June 12, 2020 at 5:15PM

A Black Lives Matter demonstration at the George Washington National Masonic Memorial in Old Town, June 4, 2020. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria had quite a week, and it’s time to look back as it comes to a close.

In addition to moving into the second phase of its economic recovery, there were a number of important events of interest, including the city council’s passage of an ordinance prohibiting firearms on city property, approved the creation of a police review board, continued expressions of support for the black community in the wake of the George Floyd Murder, and a renewed effort to rename T.C. Williams High School.

Local Seniors Rally From Retirement Home to Support Protests Against Police Violence

By Vernon Miles

Published June 12, 2020 at 4:30PM

Local seniors who once marched for Civil Rights rallied over the last week to show their support for a new generation they see as carrying on the torch in an ongoing fight against racism and injustice.

Seniors at both Goodwin House communities — in Alexandria (4800 Fillmore Avenue) and Bailey’s Crossroads (3440 S Jefferson Street) — that couldn’t attend local vigils and rallies decided to host some of their own in their facilities.

Mayor and Health Department Urge Caution as Alexandria Moves into Phase 2 of Reopening

By James Cullum

Published June 12, 2020 at 3:25PM | Updated June 12, 2020 at 4:28PM

Enjoying the weather and outside seating on lower King Street in Old Town. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria formally moved into the second phase of its economic recovery today (Friday), and while some businesses are embracing the easing of restrictions, others are taking a slower approach.

Even though there was only one new reported case of coronavirus in the city today, Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson said that phase 2 does not mean that the city is out of the woods just yet.

Family of Man Killed on I-495 Starts GoFundMe Campaign for Funeral Expenses

By James Cullum

Published June 12, 2020 at 2:00PM

The family of an Alexandria man killed Monday night on Interstate 495 have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral expenses.

The fund to help the family of Derrick A. Marbury was launched three days ago and has so far raised more than $3,100 out of a $10,000 goal.

New Unemployment Claims in Alexandria Fall Under 500

By Vernon Miles

Published June 12, 2020 at 11:30AM

After reaching a high of 2,578 unemployment claims in Alexandria on April 4, the number of new unemployment claims has been gradually dwindling over the last few weeks and reached 454 new claims for the week of June 6 — the lowest since the pandemic started.

New claims are still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. For comparison, there were 33 new unemployment claims the week before the pandemic hit.

Gun Activists Plan Protest Against New City Ordinance Tomorrow in Old Town

By Vernon Miles

Published June 12, 2020 at 10:30AM

A large gun activism group in Virginia is planning a protest this weekend against new ordinances proposed by the City of Alexandria to limit the carrying of guns on city property.

The Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL) announced on its website that a protest will be held in Market Square outside of City Hall (301 King Street) from 2-6 p.m. with speakers scheduled to address the group at 3 p.m.

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published June 12, 2020 at 9:00AM

Alexandria Enters Phase 2 of Reopening Economy — “Under phase two, the maximum number of people allowed to gather increases from 10 to 50. Restaurants can open indoor dining at 50 percent capacity, and fitness centers can open at 30 percent capacity.” [Alex Times]

Del. Herring Supports Criminal Justice Reform — “As legislators there is a lot of work ahead of ahead of us. This piece was originally published in 2018 & updated. From policing to solitary confinement this is worth reading & then acting.” [Twitter]

Alexandria Cat Cafe Eyes a Mid-Summer Pounce Into Old Town

By Vernon Miles

Published June 11, 2020 at 4:45PM

In a rare bright spot of 2020, the highly-anticipated Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe and Wine Bar (109 S. Alfred Street) announced on social media that progress is continuing slowly but surely.

“Construction at Mount Purrnon is currently ongoing and it’s starting to look great,” owners Kristin and Adam said in a Facebook post. “The work crew is small (but very talented) and all available health precautions are being taken.”

Noah Lyles to Give T.C. Williams Graduation Keynote Address on Saturday

By James Cullum

Published June 11, 2020 at 3:15PM

World champion sprinter Noah Lyles will give the keynote address at the T.C. Williams class of 2020 graduation on Saturday, June 13.

Lyles, a 2016 T.C. graduate and Olympic hopeful, will congratulate his fellow Titans in a virtual ceremony that will be featured on ACPS-TV Channel 71, Facebook Live and on its website.

Another COVID-19 Death in Alexandria, Only Two New Cases

By James Cullum

Published June 11, 2020 at 2:00PM

There has been another COVID-19 fatality in Alexandria, as the death toll from the virus now stands at 48. There were also two new reported cases, which is the smallest daily increase since March, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

The latest fatality was a woman in her 60s. The death is the first since June 9, when two coronavirus-related fatalities were reported.