News

Alexandria-area man pleads guilty to stealing $1.5 million in PPP loans and unemployment benefits

By James Cullum
The Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse in Alexandria's Carlyle neighborhood (via Google Maps)

A 32-year-old man from the Groveton area of Fairfax County, just south of Alexandria, pleaded guilty yesterday to defrauding the government of more than $1.4 million in fraudulent pandemic-related PPP loans and unemployment benefits.

George Mensah, Jr., 32, admitted in federal court to wire and mail fraud by collecting fees with two unnamed conspirators through CashApp, Zelle and bank transfers, according to court records. The scheme ran from Oct. 2020 to Sept. 2021, during which time Mensah admitted to preparing dozens of fake PPP loans and unemployment insurance claims under the CARES Act.

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News

George Mason Elementary School modernization takes center stage in new ACPS budget

By Vernon Miles
The first day at school at George Mason Elementary School, Aug. 21, 2023 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) says school modernization and upgrades are the big focal point of the upcoming Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget, particularly at George Mason Elementary School.

In a release, Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt said the priority of the FY 2025 CIP Budget is modernization projects to meet projected capacity needs.

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News

Alexandria locations swept up in regional property management lawsuit over artificially inflated rent

By Vernon Miles
The Blake apartments (via The Blake/Facebook)

A lawsuit filed by D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb over alleged artificial rent inflation will hit some of the region’s biggest landlords, including companies with properties in Alexandria, DCist first reported.

Schwalb’s lawsuit alleges the landlords of acting as a rent-setting cartel that use Texas-based property management software company RealPage to artificially drive up rent prices around the region.

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Announcement

Real stories. Real people. Real connection. A community conversation on mental health.

By Rock Recovery

Mental health shapes how we lead, love, work, parent, communicate, and show up in the world—yet too often, these conversations stay hidden.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, join local nonprofit Rock Recovery for Strength Not Stigma—an unforgettable evening of honest conversation, community, and impact.

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News

Notes: Rep. Don Beyer introduces bill to save donkey hides

By ALXnow.com
Donkeys and Rep. Don Beyer (via Jacques Bopp/Unsplash and Wikipedia)

Good Friday morning, Alexandria!

☀️ Today’s weather: Expect sunshine and a high of around 59 degrees, accompanied by a south wind between 5 and 8 mph. Friday night will be clear, with a low temperature near 39 degrees and a south wind at around 6 mph.

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News

Alexandria’s polarizing Zoning For Housing plan unanimously endorsed by Planning Commission

By James Cullum
A packed house in Alexandria Council Chambers for the Planning Commission's vote on the controversial Zoning for Housing proposal, Nov. 1, 2023 (staff photo by James Cullum)

The Alexandria Planning Commission unanimously endorsed a sweeping overhaul of the city’s zoning ordinances on Wednesday night, giving City Council the green light to vote on it later this month.

There were more than 100 attendees and 51 speakers at the Planning Commission’s five hour public hearing, which ran after midnight. The speakers were a mixed bunch, with about half supporting the legislation and the other half opposing it.

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News

What’s Up in Alexandria This Weekend: November 3 – 5

By Ryan Belmore
Young Frankenstein at Little Theatre of Alexandria (photo via Little Theatre of Alexandria/Facebook)

On tap this weekend – Alexandria Fall Festival at River Farm, Pups on the Patio, Old Town North Public Art Installation Celebration, and much more.

Get your full rundown of all that’s happening for events, live music, and entertainment this weekend in Alexandria below, enjoy! 

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News

Alexandria sees third highest rent increase in the region for ‘Class A’ apartments

By Vernon Miles
Rendering of Reese, an apartment building in the Carlyle Crossing development, courtesy Stonebridge

Alexandria renting units in Class A apartments — newer, high-rise buildings — have seen their rent increase by an average of 4.7% over the last year, real estate website UrbanTurf reported.

Those Class A units comprise the majority of new construction around the region and are generally developments built after 1991 and featuring amenities. The effective rent per month in one of those units in Alexandria, which includes a mix of studios, one and two-bedroom rentals, is $2,475 per month.

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