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Poverty in the Classroom: Low-Income Students Scattered Through Northern Virginia

Where are the region's highest poverty schools?

When Carla Castro-Claure was approaching the age when she would soon attend Kindergarten, her mother became increasingly concerned about Hybla Valley Elementary School.

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The Fixer: Mame Reiley Remembered as Political Force of Nature

Democratic insider was mastermind behind Jim Moran's 1990 campaign for Congress.

When Mame Reiley decided a young guy by the name of Jim Moran could knock off an incumbent congressman, people thought she was crazy. U.S. Rep. Stanford Parris (R-8) had been in Congress more than a decade, and he had the kind of financial support that the mayor of Alexandria could only hope to assemble. But Reiley knew it could be done, and she put together a dream team to make it happen.

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Commission Buries Proposal

Plan to transform French-Lawler House into boutique funeral home rejected.

When the French-Lawler House was constructed on South Washington Street in 1893, the Victorian standard for funerary called for elaborate processions featuring pall bearers who carried batons and mutes dressed in gowns. These days, people have a more modest approach to death. Gone are the black ostrich feathers covering a hearse bearing a polished coffin bearing inscribed plates. Increasingly, people are being cremated. And Kingstowne-based Jefferson Funeral Home hopes to expand its operation into Old Town by transforming the French-Lawler House into what it calls a "boutique funeral home."

Letter: Walked the Walk

To the Editor: As an Alexandria resident since 1988, I am proud to be voting for Patrick Hope in the Democratic Primary on June 10. While there are many able candidates, Patrick is the candidate who speaks out on behalf of those with no voice.

Deadline for First Half Real Estate Taxes Nears

The City of Alexandria reminds property owners that first half 2014 real estate tax and refuse fee payments are due Monday, June 16.

Dube Named Fire Chief

Robert C. Dubé has been appointed as fire chief for the City of Alexandria, effective June 9. Dubé replaces Adam K. Thiel, who resigned from the position earlier this year to accept a position in state government.

Two Million Dollar Primary

Former lieutenant governor raises $1.1 million; his competitors combined raise $1.4 million.

Campaign finance documents released in the final days before the June 10 primary show the seven candidates in the primary to replace longtime U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) have raised almost $2.5 million. Former Lt. Gov. Don Beyer leads the pack with $1.1 million, three times as much as his closest competitor. "Don Beyer is clearly the favorite," said Geoff Skelley, analyst with the University of Virginia Center for Politics. "He may not win it with a particularly large plurality, but he's the favorite to win."

Letter: A Candidate for Progress

To the Editor: I am supporting Don Beyer for Congress because I believe you vote for someone who you know shares your core beliefs and concerns. I also admire someone who can change, and wonder about politicians who say they have never made any mistakes, or boastfully take all the credit.

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CFNC Thanks Supporters

The Child & Family Network Centers held its annual spring benefit at the home of Alex and Caulley Deringer on May 3.

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Stamp Out Hunger

According to Alexandria organizer Brian McCormick, this year's drive collected more than 70,500 pounds of food to be distributed locally.

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A Hero's Welcome

Quadruple amputee defies the odds.

In the weeks leading up to the 2014 GI Film Festival, the buzz was all about actor and veterans advocate Gary Sinise appearing at the May 23 Salute to Hollywood Patriots night at the Old Town Theatre. But by the end of the evening, it was Army Staff Sergeant and quadruple amputee Travis Mills that left everyone starstruck.

390 Campaign Yields Full-Time Jobs

Thanks to a partnership with Verizon Fios through Troy Bly, Verizon contractor and owner of 3 Light Marketing, Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s social services department has placed 12 ARHA residents into full-time jobs.

An Alexandria Monument

Highly visible, mostly forgotten.

Ninety-nine years ago, almost to the day, a ladies’ patriotic organization made a gift to the City of Alexandria with the permission of the City Council. Its centerpiece is a cannon abandoned by Major General Edward Braddock at the start of his march against the French and their Native American allies in 1755. Braddock’s aide-de-camp was a colonial officer named George Washington. The artillery piece sits upon a pedestal of cobble stones taken from the streets of Old Town. Drivers rushing through the busy intersection of Russell and Braddock roads hardly notice the structure. For pedestrians, access to the small plot can be a challenge.

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Sheriff's Deputy Charged with Raping Inmate

Prosecutor says he forcibly raped inmate using an ink pen as a weapon.

Deputies at the Alexandria Sheriff's Office say Bryant Duane Pegues was a quiet man, someone who got his work done and did not draw much attention to himself since he was hired in 2007.

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Seven in the Eighth: Epic Democratic Primary Heads Toward Final Days

Hotly contested race to replace longtime U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8)

Ten names will be on the ballot June 10, although only seven candidates are still in the Democratic primary to replace longtime U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8).