Ralph Northam | ALXnow

Morning Notes

Published May 12, 2020 at 9:00AM

Northam Says Northern Virginia Will Ease Restrictions More Slowly — “Northam said that more information about ‘how this will work’ for Northern Virginia localities will be released on Wednesday.” [Reston Now]

Metro Phased Reopening Plan Includes Face Mask Requirement for Riders — “In the first phase, trains will run every 20 minutes and buses will operate on a Sunday schedule. Service will ramp up slowly from there. All riders will need to wear masks to board a bus or train in the WMATA system. (Right now, that’s just a recommendation and request, according to Metro’s website.)” [Alexandria Living]

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 11, 2020 at 9:00AM

Governor Asked Northern Virginia Leaders for Letter on Stalling Reopening — “He asked for this formal communication to demonstrate unity across the diverse Northern Virginia region, which is critical to a continued successful mitigation strategy… He appreciates their willingness to work with him on this responsible, data-driven and health-based approach.” [Washington Post]

City Sets Up Frozen Meal Delivery System For Residents Aged 60+ — “Spouses of individuals over age 60 and disabled adults living with someone aged 60 and older also may be eligible. Meals are prepared by Jeffery’s Catering and delivered twice a week by Senior Services of Alexandria. A total of 14 meals are delivered each week. For more information call 703-746-5999.” [Facebook]

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Mayor, Regional Leaders Ask Governor to Stall Reopening Plan for Northern Virginia

By James Cullum

Published May 10, 2020 at 5:00PM

A Neighborhood Health COVID-19 testing facility outside Casa Chirilagua in Arlandria (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson joined Northern Virginia elected leaders Sunday in asking Governor Ralph Northam to carry out his phased reopening plan for the state by regions until the rate of infections meets an acceptable threshold.

The May 10 letter penned by Wilson, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay, Arlington County Chair Libby Garvey, Loudoun County Chair Phyllis Randall and Prince William County Chair Ann Wheeler asks the governor to adjust his reopening in the region.

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Poll: Should Virginia Start Reopening the Economy Next Week?

By Vernon Miles

Published May 5, 2020 at 11:30AM

Gov. Ralph Northam announced yesterday that he expects to start reopening businesses in Virginia by next Friday, May 15.

Northam said the eased restrictions would still include changes, like restaurants reopening for dine-in but seating patrons further apart and limiting occupancy.

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 13, 2020 at 9:00AM

Hermitage Northern Virginia Resident Tests Positive for COVID-19 — “Because of the precautions already in place, we are hopeful that the potential spread of the virus is limited, but we must continue to practice self-isolation, good hand washing, and the use of appropriate PPE. We are requesting additional PPE from the Virginia Healthcare Coalition and hope to receive those additional supplies in the next few days.” [Hermitage]

Northam Signs Bills Allowing for Removal of Confederate Monument — “Finally. July 1st marks the beginning of the end for Confederate statue at the intersection of Washington Street and Prince Street.” [Facebook]

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Alexandrians Celebrate New Cocktail-To-Go Directive

By Vernon Miles

Published April 9, 2020 at 11:30AM

Starting at midnight, local restaurants will have the option to serve cocktails to go.

Gov. Ralph Northam directed the Virginia ABC on Wednesday to allow businesses with mixed beverage licenses — like restaurants and distilleries — to sell mixed drinks through take out or delivery.

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 1, 2020 at 9:00AM

A trail near the Braddock Road Metro Station in Alexandria. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Noah Lyles Relieved Olympics Postponed — “It was a little relief to see that it’s been decided to postpone the Olympics because my first concern was that everybody would be healthy and everybody would have a fair place to compete.” [Running Magazine]

Former Medical Employees Plead Guilty to Running ‘Pill Mill’ — “Two women pleaded guilty yesterday [March 30] for their respective roles in helping run a “pill mill,” which led to the fraudulent dispensing of thousands of prescription opioid pills.” [DOJ]

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COVID-19 Pandemic Closes ACPS for the Rest of the Year

By James Cullum

Published March 23, 2020 at 4:30PM | Updated March 23, 2020 at 7:51PM

George Washington Middle School (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Alexandria City Public Schools are closed for the remainder of the school year.

Governor Ralph Northam made the announcement on Monday, effectively closing all public schools in Virginia.

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Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published January 13, 2020 at 6:00AM

APD Investigates Friday Night Robbery — “The Alexandria Police Department is investigating a commercial robbery in the 3100 block of Duke Street. Merchandise was taken and one minor Injury. Expect police activity in the area.” [Twitter]

Appointment for Former Fire Chief — “Former Alexandria, Va Fire Chief Robert Dubé has been appointed Deputy Director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, according to a press release issued Friday, January 10, 2020 from Governor Ralph Northam’s office.” [Zebra]

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Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published December 18, 2019 at 6:30AM

More on Alexandria’s New Fire Chief — Newly-appointed Alexandria Fire Chief Corey Smedley “is now working with the city manager’s office on a number of budget issues. He recently submitted a budget proposal to the city manager, and said that he is working to improve the pay for Alexandria’s first responders, which is among the lowest in the region.” [Zebra]

City Ready for Winter Weather — “Responding to winter weather events is a top priority for the City of Alexandria. City crews clear snow from more than 560 lane miles of roadway, 20 miles of City-owned walkways and trails, and 44 acres of municipal parking lots or City-owned squares.” [City of Alexandria]