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Virginia Theological Seminary defends alumna Bishop for asking President Trump for mercy at Washington National Cathedral

Published January 24, 2025 at 1:15PM

Bishop Marianne Budde speaks at Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 22, 2025 (via Facebook)

Virginia Theological Seminary is defending one of its former students, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington Marianne Budde, for recently confronting President Donald Trump at Washington National Cathedral.

In a sermon on Tuesday, Budde asked Trump to have mercy on “gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and Independent families, some who fear for their lives.” She also called on Trump to have mercy on communities “whose children fear that their parents will be taken away, and that you help those who are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands to find compassion and welcome here.”

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‘The President’s Own’ United States Marine Band preps for presidential inauguration in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published January 16, 2025 at 11:20AM

Alexandria resident Gunnery Sergeant Kristin Bowers, assistant principal clarinetist with the "President's Own" United States Marine Band, practices for the day of the inauguration of President Donald Trump on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band has a full schedule for inauguration day on Monday (Jan. 20), and they’re getting ready for the big day in Alexandria.

The band spent two days rehearsing for their 57th inauguration day at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Their schedule includes the swearing in of President-elect Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol, the parade on Pennsylvania Avenue and the inaugural balls.

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Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins and City Council sworn into office amid ‘backdrop of deep uncertainty’

By James Cullum

Published January 3, 2025 at 11:20AM

Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins, with her family, takes the oath of office, Jan. 2, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins and the new City Council were sworn into office on Thursday (Jan. 2), ushering in a new era of city governance with the new year.

Gaskins is the first Black woman to be elected mayor of the city. She stood alongside her husband and two children and took the oath of office from Clerk of the Court Greg Parks onstage at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center (4915 E. Campus Drive) at Northern Virginia Community College’s Alexandria campus.

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With hotels selling out, Alexandria Airbnb prices skyrocket on Inauguration weekend

By James Cullum

Published December 4, 2024 at 8:30AM

Bnb Bedroom (photo via Clay Banks/Unsplash)

Need a room? Prices at Alexandria Airbnbs are skyrocketing during inauguration weekend.

The inauguration of Donald Trump as president will take place at the U.S. Capitol — just a few miles down the Potomac River from Alexandria.

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GMU Professor spells out Trump presidency’s possible impact on Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Published November 6, 2024 at 3:10PM

Donald Trump (from campaign website)

Alexandria’s economy could see a significant hit if President-elect Donald Trump follows through on plans to privatize federal jobs, a local policy expert said, though there’s precedent for this happening before in Alexandria.

Terry Clower, Director for the Center for Regional Analysis and a Professor of Public Policy at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government, said Trump winning another term could signal a major push towards privatizing jobs what are currently government jobs.

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Mayor-elect says Alexandria will not alter progressive values under Trump presidency

By James Cullum

Published November 6, 2024 at 1:45PM

'I voted' stickers on Election Day in Alexandria, Nov. 5, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria Mayor-elect Alyia Gaskins says voters made the right decision in electing Democrats to City Council on Election Day, and that the city is committed to promoting its progressive values under the shadow of a Republican Trump administration in the White House.

“I can’t predict what the next four years will look like under such unpredictable leadership,” Gaskins told ALXnow. “What I can say is that I’m confident Alexandria elected the right people to lead us through.”

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80% voter turnout expected on Election Day in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published November 5, 2024 at 10:02AM

Voting line at 6 a.m. at Cameron Station, Nov. 5, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

About 80% of Alexandria voters are expected to turn out this Election Day, according to the city’s General Registrar and Director of Elections.

Registrar Angie Turner said that 80% of the city’s 99,369 registered voters are expected to vote.

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More than 15,000 Alexandrians have voted early so far in the 2024 general election

By James Cullum

Published October 17, 2024 at 3:35PM | Updated October 17, 2024 at 9:31PM

A voting sign at the Alexandria Registrar of Voters, 132 N. Royal Street, in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

With less than three weeks until election day on Nov. 5, more than 15,000 Alexandria residents have cast early and by-mail ballots, according to the city’s Office of Voter Registration and Elections.

On the ballot this year are nominees for president and vice president, U.S. Senate, Congress, Alexandria’s mayor, City Council and School Board.

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Here’s where to watch the presidential debate tonight in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published September 10, 2024 at 3:30PM | Updated September 10, 2024 at 4:47PM

1799 Prince Steak and Seafood at 110 S. Pitt Street in Old Town (via Facebook)

Debate night has arrived.

The presidential debate between Vice President Kamalah Harris and former President Donald Trump is tonight, and we’ve found a number of Alexandria local businesses that will be viewing the event on televisions behind the bar.

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Jersey barriers near JD Vance’s Alexandria home become chalk graffiti shrine

By James Cullum

Published September 9, 2024 at 3:45PM

Chalk messages adorn concrete barriers outside Judy Lowe Park, which is near the home of Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance in Del Ray (staff photo by James Cullum)

“NOT GOING BACK” and “CHILDLESS CAT LADIES VOTE” are among a flurry of chalk messages adorning the concrete barriers at a closed-off Alexandria park near the home of Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance.

Pieces of chalk have been left near the Jersey barriers at Judy Lowe Park (7 E. Del Ray Avenue), which is near Vance’s home in Del Ray. The messages have been made recently, as the city announced late last month that the park would be closed when Vance returned home from the campaign.

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Alexandria needs political diversity on City Council, says lone Republican candidate

By James Cullum

Published May 20, 2024 at 3:30PM | Updated May 22, 2024 at 1:29AM

Republican City Council candidate Celianna Gunderson (courtesy photo)

Can Republican Celianna Gunderson shake up the Alexandria City Council with a win this November?

While she’s still learning the issues, Gunderson says that she would not have voted to approve a recent 2.5-cent tax increase.