News

Virginia voters will get to cast ballots on a congressional redistricting plan benefiting Democrats while a court battle plays out over the legality of the effort.

The Virginia Supreme Court said Friday that a statewide referendum can be held April 21 on whether to authorize mid-decade redistricting, and the court will decide sometime later whether the plan is legal.


Around Town

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, preschoolers from Hopkins House brought joy and laughter to The Senior Center at Charles Houston during an annual celebration last week.

The k-prep class from Helen Day Preschool Academy joined Alexandria seniors for a lively morning of crafts and dancing on Friday, Feb. 6. About a dozen students made handmade valentines for seniors, many of whom are regular visitors to the center.


Around Town

A new high-end fitness boutique plans to open early next month in Alexandria’s Carlyle neighborhood.

Owner Kenyatta Kavo is opening MuVe Studios on March 1 at 2050-B Ballenger Avenue, according to the fitness boutique’s Instagram page.


News

Update: Agenda Alexandria has rescheduled this event to 7 p.m. March 23, due to inclement weather. 

Housing development and affordability will be the subject of Agenda: Alexandria’s next program, now expected to take place in March.


Event

Join us for a delightful Sunday afternoon at the BlackRock Center for the Arts as Cruise Planners Beth & Rod present a special travel-inspired matinee featuring the beloved film Under the Tuscan Sun.

Date & Time: Sunday, May 31 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM


News

Ten weekends of Metro closures between Pentagon City and Reagan National Airport start tomorrow (Saturday), affecting Blue and Yellow Line trains departing and entering Alexandria.

Metrorail service will be suspended between those stations for a three-day weekend between Feb. 14-16, with free shuttle buses connecting the stations. During impacted weekends, both lines are expected to operate in “two segments” outside the closed stations every 12 minutes.


News

Former Alexandria City Councilman Frank Fannon is hosting his 18th annual Alexandrians Have Heart food and clothes drive in Old Town on Saturday, Feb. 14.

Fannon started the drive after getting elected to City Council in 2008, and says that he’s hoping this year to deliver a record six Ford F-150-sized truck beds full of food and clothes to ALIVE!, Carpenter’s Shelter and Christ House.


News

Alexandria government offices, libraries and public schools are closing Monday to observe Presidents Day, otherwise known in Virginia as George Washington Day.

Across the city, some services will close or operate on modified schedules in observance of the first president’s birthday. Trash, recycling and yard waste collection will be delayed one day next week, but curbside food waste collection will remain on-schedule.


Around Town

Meet Leo, a sweet dog who’s been spending his days at an area foster home through the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

At one year and seven months old, Leo carries the personality of a “polite young gentleman,” an AWLA volunteer wrote. He enjoys going on walks and playing with squeaky toys, and has a good time socializing with other furry friends.


News

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On the morning of February 13, 1855, Alexandrians awoke to find the Potomac River frozen solid for miles up and down the river. Although all navigation ceased, townspeople that were brave enough were able to walk to the Maryland shore and back again.” [Historic Alexandria]

‘Innovation District’ Launches in Nat’l Landing — “A new ‘innovation district’ seeking to promote public-private partnerships has launched in Crystal City, Pentagon City and Potomac Yard. The National Innovation Quarter, or ‘National IQ,’ promises ‘to solve the most pressing challenges at the intersection of national competitiveness and technology,’ according to a press release.” [ARLnow]