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Council Notebook
It's official. The Alexandria City Council is against expanding operations at a hazardous materials facility on the West End of the city near the Van Dorn Metro station and just a few hundred feet from Tucker Elementary School.
Week in Alexandria
What happens when you mix raw emotions and firearms? Sometimes people get injured.
Arlington County to Reconsider Financial Commitment to Artisphere
A new sphere of influence at the government-owned arts center.
The future of Artisphere will be either a masterpiece or a dud — opening up the Rosslyn space to an uncertain future.
In Session
The hidden camera footage is shaky and brief. But state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-30) and Del. Patrick Hope (D-47) believe it will change the momentum of the gun debate.
Concerned Parents Win, For Now
School Board members restore one-time funding for autism program.
When parents of special-education students learned about Superintendent Patrick Murphy's proposal to cut a program for autistic students, they jumped into action. They organized a press conference and began lobbying School Board members to save the program, which allows middle and high school students with autism to learn in regular education classrooms. They wrote emails and spoke out at public hearings.
Arlington School Board Member Sally Baird Prepares to Exit Public Stage
Elected official recalls the ups and downs of two terms on the board.
When Sally Baird was first elected to the Arlington School Board in 2006, the county's public school system was still shrinking and Baird was a first-time candidate.
Alexandria School Board Selects Interim Leader to Head Division
Alvin Crawley to take control of city schools at critical time.
Turns out, the national search for a new superintended wasn't able to find a candidate as good as the guy who is already sitting in the chair.
Pay to Play or Legitimate Representation in Virginia?
Senator’s consulting business takes center stage in primary campaign.
Is two-term Sen. Barbara Favola (D-31) a rising star, poised to become chairwoman of a Senate committee if Democrats seize control of the Senate? Or is she an opportunist capitalizing on insider influence for personal gain? That’s a question for voters this June in a primary that pits Favola against challenger Nicole Merlene, who says Favola’s consulting business is the embodiment of everything that’s wrong about Virginia politics.
Protecting Paychecks
Restaurants, lawyers and consultants in Alexandria receive millions in forgivable loans.
Restaurants in Alexandria received the biggest chunk of federal cash from the Paycheck Protection Program, landing more than 200 forgivable loans and saving about 4,000 jobs, according to new data released from the Small Business Administration. Lawyers, consultants and home health care workers also scored big, landing hundreds of loans and saving thousands of jobs. Ultimately, businesses in Alexandria received more than 3,000 loans and preserved more than 35,000 jobs.
Living the Dream
Living the Dream
By the time 15-year-old Justin Cox was finished reciting the “I Have A Dream” speech from memory Monday afternoon, Jan. 15, at City Hall, several in the audience were holding back tears
$8 Million Shortfall in Arlington
Budget official says the forecast is difficult but manageable.
Arlington County is facing a $8 million shortfall heading into the next budget season, which will unfold over the next few months as County Board members consider the county manager's proposed budget early next year.
Rob Krupicka Wins Special Election In Landslide Victory
Councilman wins every precinct in special election for 45th District of House of Delegates.
Back in 2003, a former AOL executive named Rob Krupicka launched his campaign for Alexandria City Council at Fireflies — a popular Del Ray restaurant a stone’s throw from the Krupicka house on East Nelson Avenue.
More Clang Coming to Del Ray
New free service along Mount Vernon Avenue to cost $1 million a year.
Del Ray is sometimes called the “little neighborhood that could,” a reference to its history as a home for railroad workers at Potomac Yard.
Alexandria to Purchase Storied Waterfront Properties for $5 Million
Sale expected to seal Boat Club deal and open key part of waterfront.
City officials are on the verge of finalizing the sale of two slices of waterfront property, a $5 million purchase years in the making that will help seal a deal with the Old Dominion Boat Club and open up a key part of the waterfront to the public.
Following the Money
Alexandria delegation pulls in almost $3 million despite lack of competition.
“The amount of money is fascinating, although I’m not sure what it says about our current state of democracy.” — Brian Moran, former Alexandria delegate who served as chairman of the House Democratic Caucus
Virginia Laws Help Local Governments Conceal 911 Calls from Public
Police agencies refuse to release audio from 911 calls, prompting questions about transparency.
When city officials in Alexandria released the audio of a 911 call in a high-profile murder case, many people interpreted the move as a step forward for transparency in a commonwealth known for opaque government.
Nickel and Dimed Behind Bars
Lawmakers take a look at fines and fees charged to inmates at jails across Virginia.
People who were locked up in the Alexandria jail are not staying there for free, and taxpayers are paying only part of the bill.
Budgeting for Crisis
Community service boards push legislators to create five crisis centers.
Johnny is a 13-year-old student at school in Northern Virginia. He’s been acting out lately, running away and confronting other children on the playground.
Newly Elected School Board Members Clash Over Raises for Teachers
Now budget heads to City Hall, where council members will determine appropriation.
School Board members traditionally try to present a unified front to City Hall, where members of the Alexandria City Council have the final say over how much money is transferred to the Beauregard Street headquarters of Alexandria City Public Schools.
Decline in Sales Tax Threatens Ability of Local Governments to Balance Books
Sequester looms large over revenues across Northern Virginia.
Sales tax revenues are down across Northern Virginia, leading to concerns that balancing the books for the coming fiscal year could be even more of a challenge for budget officials and elected officials in the coming months.